The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. It’s called Project MOM – Maternal Overdose Mortality. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says while the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative increased screening rates, not nearly enough mothers have been getting treated for substance abuse. 

Cut 9 (11)  “…that they deserve.”

For the first time in LSU baseball history, the seventh ranked Tigers were run-ruled by a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium. They lost to Northwestern State, 13-3. Demons head coach Chris Bertrand says it was a great win…

Cut 5 (14) “…unbelievable team.”

With a 140-thousand-dollar grant from the State, Jefferson Parish is launching a “Grand Isle Jewels” premium oyster campaign to promote off-bottom oysters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (00) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Last year, 12 children in Louisiana died from accidental shootings. That’s according to one nonprofit that tracks gun violence. But a bill by State Representative Matthew Willard looks to change that by holding gun owners more accountable.  If passed, the bill will make improper storage of a firearm a crime.

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advances a bill intended to do away with speed cameras in Louisiana. The bill’s author, Monroe Republican Stewart Cathey, told the committee that the speed cameras are nothing but a money grab.

Cut 11 (13) “…premium taxes combined.”

The House Commerce Committee will soon consider a bill by Mandeville Republican Kim Carver to tighten rules on personal injury attorney advertising, including prohibiting the use of slogans. Critics, including LSU media law professor Will Mari, say it would be like restricting restaurants from using catchphrases.

Cut 6 (08) “…hard to justify.”

Supporters, including Governor Landry, say it will reduce frivolous lawsuits and lower auto insurance costs.

The new secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health addresses the legal issues that dogged his previous time in office. Bruce Greenstein (GREEN-steen) was indicted for lying to a grand jury under oath about the awarding of a cancelled Medicaid contract with his previous employer. It also led to a civil suit that was settled after three years. Greenstein says he had nothing to do with the civil suit.

Cut 16 (05) “…from either side.”

For the first time in LSU baseball history, the seventh ranked Tigers were run-ruled by a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium last night. LSU played a sloppy game in a 13-3 loss to Northwestern State. Demons head coach Chris Bertrand says they got some breaks, but took advantage of them…

Cut 3 (14) “…applying.”

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee approves legislation that would result in homeowners receiving an individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof. The author, River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot, says the Legislative Auditor’s Office found that homeowners who had a fortified roof installed saw a decline in their insurance premiums.

Cut 11 (12) “…their premium.”

The House Ways and Means Committee approves an increase to the state tax on vapes and e-cigarettes, but it voted down a bill to increase Louisiana’s tax on cigarettes. Vacherie Representative Ken Brass, who wrote the vape and e-cig tax bill, says a higher tax will result in a drop in usage for these harmful products…

Cut 7 (06) “…health care costs.”

Democrats on the committee voted for Brass’s bill, while Republicans were split.

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advances a bill that would do away with speed cameras in Louisiana. The author, Monroe Republican Stewart Cathey, says the speed cameras are nothing but a money grab.

Cut 23 (13) “…premium taxes combined.”

Cathey says an unscientific study found that speed cameras were less popular than herpes. The bill now advances to the full Senate.

The House Commerce Committee will consider a bill by Mandeville Republican Kim Carver to tighten rules on personal injury attorney advertising. Critics, including LSU media law professor Will Mari, argue that the U-S Supreme Court has already weighed in on previous efforts.

Cut 4 (11) “…First Amendment protection.”

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee approves legislation that would result in homeowners receiving an individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof on their home. Author Kirk Talbot says a fortified roof can reduce storm damage in a high wind event and that means fewer claims for insurance companies…

Cut 10 (10) “…know that.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a new task force to fight waste, fraud and abuse. Undersecretary Drew Maranto says the department will collaborate with several departments in this effort.

Cut 6 (10) “…gaps in oversight.”

One initiative involves LDH collaborating with the Office of Motor Vehicles to ensure that no Medicaid recipient in Louisiana has an active driver’s license in another state. 

Meta’s Teen Accounts look to safeguard minors and notify parents of what their kids are doing on Instagram. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (00) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two measles cases in the New Orleans area. The second case was identified through contact tracing. Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan says take extra precautions if you believe you or a loved one is infected.

Cut 9 (08)  “…can expose others.”

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America hosts a free educational conference tomorrow at the Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center. CEO Charles Fuschillo says the focus is on Alzheimer’s education, brain health, wellness, and updates on new therapies and trials.

Cut 5 (10) “…can give them.”

It’s part of the Educating America Tour, which provides critical information for families and individuals affected by memory concerns.

The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The legislature is also considering several bills to create revenue streams and tax breaks for collegiate athletic programs. Among them are one to create a fund to give tax dollars to NCAA Division One athletics programs and one to exempt college athletes from income taxes on NIL money.

The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill today that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. Critics say the tax hike will burden low-income smokers and could hurt small businesses. Still, bill author Nancy Landry of New Orleans remains resolute, seeing it as a bold step toward a healthier Louisiana.

Cut 12 (12) “…do go down.”

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host a free educational conference tomorrow at the Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center. CEO Charles Fuschillo says they’ll discuss the science of brain aging, transitioning from home to long-term nursing care after dementia diagnosis, and other topics.

Cut 6 (09) “…to register.”

The event is part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation’s Educating America Tour.

The Public Service Commission voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. The 3-to-2 vote will end all energy efficiency programs outside of the PSC’s jurisdiction at the end of the year. Commission Chairman Mike Francis says the third-party program for private entities is not cost-efficient.

Cut 13 (10)  “…of operating costs.”

The Alliance for Affordable Energy is not happy with the decision. Executive Director Logan Burke says removing the energy efficiency program will make it harder for people to reduce their utility bills.  

Cut 15 (08) “…have gone up.”

The commission will discuss the issue again at its meeting next month.

A Metairie couple is under arrest after a young child with special needs is found dead in their home. The 49-year-old man and and his 22-year-old girlfriend are each charged with negligent homicide. No word on how the child died.

The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill today that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider a bill to outlaw speed cameras in the state. SB99 was filed by Monroe Republican Senator Stewart Cathey, who says speed cameras are unconstitutional.

Cut (06) “…allow for that.”

Cities have maintained that speed cameras are a tool to improve public safety by getting drivers to slow down. Senator Cathey and other critics say they’re nothing but a money grab; he says Mangham, in Richland Parish, collected more money from speed camera fines than property taxes, local sales taxes and franchise fees combined.

If you’re cited for a moving violation within a work zone, your fine could go up significantly, depending on which parish you’re in. DOTD secretary Joe Donahue says the legislature is considering making work zone fines more uniform statewide.

Cut 11 (11) “…fines for traffic.”

In 2023, the latest year in which statistics are available, 14 people were killed in Louisiana work zones, with 898 killed nationwide.

There are now two confirmed cases of measles in the New Orleans area. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Public Service Commission has voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host a free educational conference tomorrow at the Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center, featuring top local experts in medicine, dementia, and caregiving. CEO Charles Fuschillo says the event, part of the Educating America Tour, aims to inform attendees about healthy aging, early detection, long-term care planning, and local support resources.

Cut 4 (12) “…residents of Louisiana.”

The tour provides critical information for families and individuals affected by memory concerns. Fuschillo says the focus is on Alzheimer’s education, brain health, wellness, and updates on new therapies and trials.

Cut 5 (10) “…can give them.”

Fuschillo says they will discuss the science of brain aging, transitioning from home to long-term nursing care after dementia diagnosis, and other topics.

Cut 6 (09) “…to register.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has now confirmed two measles cases in the New Orleans area. The second case was identified through contact tracing. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham said in a news conference that this was an older case and is not infectious at all.

Cut 7 (15) “…for 21 days.”

Dr. Abraham says like the first patient, the second patient likely contracted measles while traveling abroad. He says while the two cases are related, it’s unclear how they’re related. Abraham says the first patient was unvaccinated; and while it’s likely the second patient was also unvaccinated, he isn’t entirely sure. Abraham is urging those who have not already done so to get vaccinated against measles.

Cut 8 (10) “…to get it.”

Measles first popped up in Texas earlier this year. In that state, more than 600 people have been infected, and two unvaccinated children have died. In all, there are more than 800 cases across the country. Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says take extra precautions if you believe you or a loved one is infected.

Cut 9 (08)  “…can expose others.”

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Today, the House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry is the author of the legislation. As it stands, Louisiana ranks among the states with the lowest tobacco taxes, and Landry believes it’s time for change.

Cut 10 (10) “…almost a decade.”

Landry, known for her progressive stance on health policy, argues that higher tobacco taxes have consistently led to lower smoking rates in other states.

Cut 11 (12) “…whole is healthier”

However, opposition is already forming. Critics claim the tax hike will burden low-income smokers and could hurt small businesses. Still, Landry remains resolute, seeing the bill as a bold step toward a healthier Louisiana.

Cut 12 (12) “…do go down.”

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The Public Service Commission voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. The 3-to-2 vote will end all energy efficiency programs outside of the PSC’s jurisdiction at the end of the year. Commission Chairman Mike Francis says the third-party program for private entities is not cost-efficient.

Cut 13 (10)  “…of operating costs.”

The program looks to save people money on their utility bills by doing things like adding insulation or installing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems in their homes. Francis says the costs to run this program do not make it worthwhile to continue.

Cut 14 (08) “…to the public.”

The Alliance for Affordable Energy is not happy with the decision. Executive Director Logan Burke says removing the energy efficiency program will make it harder for people to reduce their utility bills.

Cut 15 (08) “…have gone up.”

Burke says this is definitely not the time to hinder people’s ability to lower their utility bills.

Cut 16 (09) “…on the ropes.”

The commission will discuss the issue again at its meeting next month.

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With two weeks to go in the regular season, the ULM softball team is in first place in the Sun Belt after sweeping Georgia Southern. The Warhawks have won five in a row and are 13-5 in league play. Coach Molly Fichtner says the key to this team is that they are even-keeled…

Cut 17 (16)  “…been here.”

The Brown twin sisters lead the Warhawks. They are both hitting around .400 on the season. Fichtner says they push each other, and it makes the whole team better…

Cut 18 (25)  “…for this program.”

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The Ragin Cajuns begin a five-game week tonight by taking on Grambling, who has won seven in a row. U-L Lafayette is coming off a series win over Old Dominion. The Cajuns won the series with a 10 to nothing victory on Saturday. Maddox Mandino from Minden led off the game and had three hits. Deggs plans to put Mandino in the lead off spot tonight…

Cut 19 (19) “..job of that.”

The Cajuns enter tonight’s game with a 19-23 record and Deggs wants to see his team go on a hot streak…

Cut 20 (13) “…of it.”

With peak road construction season upon us, DOTD is urging you to please pay extra attention and use extra caution when going through work zones. This is National Work Zone Awareness Week; and this year’s theme is, “Respect the zone so we all go home.” Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says construction workers are putting their lives on the line for the safety of the rest of us.

Cut 9 (10)  “…roads more navigable.”

A 16-year-old girl is shot and killed in Caddo Parish. It happened last night inside a home in Vivian. 17-year-old Wyatt Sanders and another 16-year-old girl are each facing charges, including negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Breck Scott says the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation.

Cut 14 (03) “…to the juvenile.”

People of all religions, not just Catholics, are mourning the death of Pope Francis this Easter Monday.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The pontiff was 88 years old.

It was 15 years ago yesterday when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off Louisiana’s coast sending 134 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the worst offshore oil spill in the nation’s history. Eleven workers were killed, five of the victims were from Louisiana.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says tariffs on Canada could harm tourism in Louisiana.

Cu 4 (11) “…reach that record.” 

Nungesser says he’s seeing cancellations all over the state from Canada and has talked with Canadian mayors. He says Canada still loves Louisiana, but they can’t convince them to visit the U.S. this year.

If ever there was a weekend to enjoy some tasty tiny crustaceans, this is it. This is the biggest weekend of the year for crawfish – and The Crawfish App says you can get live crawfish for about $3.10 a pound this weekend. App founder Laney King says crawfish is so popular this weekend that some stores are sold out, so you’d better get a move on it.

Cut 7 (09) “…do that now.”

LSU’s quest to repeat as national champions in gymnastics ended Thursday night as they failed to get past the semifinals. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Six men are under arrest in connection with the shooting at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival last weekend. The suspects range in age from 18 to 21. None of the victims’ injuries are life-threatening, and all are expected to make a full recovery. Police say it stemmed from an altercation and was not a random attack.