Julia Letlow agrees to participate in a debate — on Moon Griffon’s statewide radio show. Jeff Palermo reports Bill Cassidy may not appear.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

We’re getting new information on a drone sighting that temporarily raised alarms at Barksdale Air Force Base. Andrew Greenstein has the update.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has agreed to participate in a debate with Bill Cassidy, but Cassidy does not like the setting. Letlow says she will participate in a debate on the Moon Griffon radio show on April 28th.  Tyler Bridges, a political reporter for the Advocate and Nola.com, says Griffon is an outspoken critic of Cassidy.

Cut 3 (09) “…Julia Letlow.”

Cassidy has asked Letlow to participate in three televised debates before the May 16th primary, but Letlow has not agreed to participate in any one of them. Bridges says debates have become tactical.

Cut 4 (14) “…TV debates.”

In a post on X, Letlow says Griffon reaches the heart of Louisiana’s conservative grassroots, and that is exactly the audience that should hear this debate. But Cassidy says the debates should be on TV for all of Louisiana to see. Bridges says it remains to be seen if Cassidy will participate in Griffon’s debate.

Cut 5 (09) “…candidates together.”

The third major Republican in the race, John Fleming, says he will take part in the Griffon debate.

____________________________________________

Old Man Winter has officially been sent packing. The Vernal Equinox arrived at 9:46 Friday morning, marking the official start of spring. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s going to get off to a warm, dry start.

Cut 6 (07) “…of the spring.”

Keim says the overall spring forecast will be favorable to farmers throughout the state.

Cut 7 (10) “…these moisture deficits.”

As for this weekend, Keim says statewide, this will be the perfect weekend to get outside and do your favorite outdoor activity.

Cut 8 (14) “…the upper 80s.”

________________________________________________

Mudbug lovers will be pleased to hear that crawfish prices dropped this week, with supply continuing to rise across South Louisiana. Lacey King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says the decrease in price was a significant one.

Cut 9 (07)  “…Easter weekend approaching.”

King says recent rain in South Louisiana has boosted the crawfish supply, leading to the price drop.

Cut 10 (12) “…of the season.”

In a typical season, crawfish prices around Easter range from $2.50 to $2.75 per pound. King says this year’s prices are about a dollar higher than usual for this time of year.

Cut 11 (08) “…to last year.”

_____________________________________________________________

There’s yet another offender registry being proposed this legislative session. This time, Shreveport Representative Joy Walters is proposing the Domestic Abuse Offender Registry for those convicted of any one of seven crimes related to domestic violence. Walters says there would be two tiers of registration.

Cut 12 (12) “…there for lifetime.”

Walters says implementation of this registry would be a little different than that of the sex offender registry, and she’s working with State Police and advocacy groups on that.

Cut 13 (10) “…well as children.”

Those required to register would pay a 250-dollar registration fee, with 100 dollars of that going to the governor’s office on women’s policy for domestic abuse intervention programming and services. Walters says that money would help fulfill the ultimate goal of this registry.

Cut 14 (08) “…home with them.”

There’s yet another offender registry being proposed this legislative session. This time, Shreveport Representative Joy Walters is proposing the Domestic Abuse Offender Registry for those convicted of any one of seven crimes related to domestic violence. Walters says there would be two tiers of registration.

Cut 12 (12) “…there for lifetime.”

Mudbug lovers will be pleased to hear that crawfish prices dropped this week, with supply continuing to rise across South Louisiana. Lacey King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says the decrease in price was a significant one.

Cut 9 (07)  “…Easter weekend approaching.”

Still, you’re paying more than normal for this time of year. A pound of live crawfish is currently averaging $3.71 for live crawfish and about $6.37 for boiled crawfish, both of which are about a dollar higher than usual at this point in the season.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow agrees to participate in a Senate Republican primary debate on Moon Griffon’s statewide radio show. Jeff Palermo reports incumbent Bill Cassidy may not appear….

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The drone sighting over Barksdale Air Force Base that led to a shelter-in-place order on March 9th was more extensive and possibly more dangerous than first reported. ABC News reports the unauthorized drone flights continued over the Air Force Base that houses long-range B-52 bombers for almost a week.

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. Lawmakers heard from Joseph Daniels, whose 13-year-old daughter’s likeness was used for a pornographic deepfake, causing her emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony.

Cut 15 (11) “…you for that.”

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. It does not include the Mid-Barataria or Mid-Breton sediment diversions, which were cancelled last July. Governor Landry and CPRA Chairman Gordon Dove said the diversion projects were too expensive, and Dove says they’re moving forward with projects that are more cost effective.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the diversion.”

McNeese’s run comes to an end after losing to Vanderbilt, 78-68, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Senior guard D.J. Richards says while the loss stings, getting to the Big Dance three years in a row is something to be incredibly proud of.

Cut 11 (07) “…that we accomplished.”

McNeese couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history.

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. It would boost the budget from 30-million to 45-million dollars, and the program would be extended to eighth grade. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath notes that when it first launched, the legislature limited it to kindergarten through fifth grade.

Cut 5 (07) “…done this before.”

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on 143 active coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove believes once construction is completed on these projects, the tide will have turned in the state’s battle against coastal land loss.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on hurricane protection.”

Among those projects is a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that if you possess, produce or distribute deep fake images of nude minors, it could result in a one to five year prison sentence. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A former state trooper with a history of domestic violence will spend the next ten years behind bars. 40-year-old Michael Satcher the Second of Alexandria was convicted of four felony charges stemming from a 2023 incident in which he took a woman from her home and assaulted her. It happened less than 90 days into a probation period stemming from a prior domestic violence incident.

A bill to significantly expand high-dosage tutoring advances in the Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is backing a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on 143 projects across the state’s coast. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that if you possess, produce or distribute deepfake images of nude minors, it could result in a one to five year prison sentence. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

______________________________________________

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

Furthermore, it expands high-dosage tutoring to eighth grade. McMath notes that when the program first launched, they limited it to kindergarten through fifth grade.

Cut 5 (07) “…done this before.”

To say that the program is now proven is an understatement – McMath notes that Louisiana’s high-dosage tutoring program has helped the state lead the nation in learning loss recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cut 6 (05) “…what we’re doing.”

Some expressed concern to lawmakers that high-dosage tutoring could pull students from courses that are linked to increased attendance, such as art, band or choir.

____________________________________________________

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove says the money will cover 143 active projects, including a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 7 (12) “…ten years ago.”

The plan does not include Mid-Barataria or Mid-Breton sediment diversions, which were cancelled last July. Coastal advocates had said those two projects were critical in the state’s fight against coastal restoration. Governor Landry and Dove said the diversion projects were too expensive, and they are moving forward with projects that are more cost effective.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the diversion”

Dove believes once construction is completed on these projects that will receive funding, the tide will have turned in the state’s battle against coastal land loss.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on hurricane protection.”

The state legislature must also approve the plan, and it will be a straight up or down vote — no changes can be made.

________________________________________________________

McNeese’s incredible season has come to an end. The South Region’s 12th seed led Vanderbilt by as much as 11 points in the first half, but they couldn’t hold on, as the fifth-seeded Commodores beat the Cowboys, 78-68. The loss marks the end of the road for fifth year guard Javohn Garcia, who spent the last three years in Lake Charles.

Cut 10 (05) “…last three years.”

It’s also the end for senior guard D.J. Richards Jr., who says while the loss stings, getting to the NCAA Tournament three years in a row is something to be incredibly proud of.

Cut 11 (07) “…that we accomplished.”

The first two years of this three-year run were done with Will Wade at the helm. This year, Bill Armstrong led the team after Wade took over as head coach at NC State. Armstrong says for McNeese, the best is yet to come.

Cut 12 (13) “…our fourth straight”

McNeese couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history. McNeese ends the season with an overall record of 28-and-6.

___________________________________________________________

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. The measure increases the penalty for doing so from a misdemeanor to a felony. Joseph Daniels says when his daughter was 13, she was the victim of a pornographic deepfake.

Cut 13 (11)  “…next be targeted.”

The measure received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee. Daniels told the panel his daughter’s likeness was used for pornographic deep fake, and the damage from it cannot be repaired.

Cut 14 (11) “…it seriously enough.”

Daniels said what happened to his daughter caused emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony.

Cut 15 (11) “…you for that.”

If the legislation becomes law, it will be known as the Ivy Daniels Act.

_____________________________________________________________

The second-seeded LSU women’s basketball team begins its national title run tonight as the Lady Tigers face 15th-seeded Jacksonville at 5 p.m. Tonight marks the first NCAA Tournament appearance for four LSU freshmen. Senior Flau’jae Johnson, who is competing in her fourth and final NCAA Tournament, says she’s offering as much advice as possible to the younger players.

Cut 16 (10) “…task at hand.”

In each of LSU’s last four deep NCAA Tournament runs, the Tigers received consistent production from their post players. While this year’s team may not have an Angel Reese or an Aneesah Morrow, Johnson says the bigs are embracing the challenge of elevating their play in the postseason.

Cut 17 (15)  “…can do this.”

If LSU beats Jacksonville tonight, it will face the winner of Texas Tech and Villanova on Sunday. The game would also mark the final time Flau’jae Johnson plays in Baton Rouge. Head coach Kim Mulkey says it will be an emotional night and is encouraging LSU fans to show their appreciation for everything Johnson has meant to the program.

Cut 18 (14)  “…be just packed.”

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. The measure increases the penalty for doing so from a misdemeanor to a felony. Joseph Daniels says when his daughter was 13, she was the victim of a pornographic deepfake.

Cut 13 (11)  “..be targeted.”

Daniels said what happened to his daughter caused emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony…

Cut 15 (12) “…for that.”

The measure received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee.

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

Furthermore, it expands high-dosage tutoring to eighth grade.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend one-point-five billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove says the money will cover 143 active projects, including a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 7 (13) “…ten years ago.”

Some tense moments for about 250 people in Winn Parish yesterday, as they had to be evacuated due to a wildfire. Fire District Three Chief Dustin Parker says the fire started along Highway 34 in Dodson shortly after noon yesterday and spread from there.

Cut 6 (08) “…some evacuations there.”

Last month’s oil spill from a terminal operated by the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port is threatening the state’s oyster industry. A leak in a cargo transfer hose sent 31-thousand gallons into Terrebonne Bay. Mitch Jurisich, the chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, says this has the potential to be evocative of a certain devastating oil spill from 16 years ago.

Cut 11 (11) “…BP oil spill.”

Three Ochsner hospitals are listed among the 250 top hospitals in the country by “Newsweek” magazine. Regional Medical Director Dr. Quentin Alleva says Ochsner’s success is based on the fact that it’s a one-stop shop for all of a patient’s medical needs.

Cut 4 (07) “…they may need.”

The three are Ochsner Medical Center New Orleans, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge.

McNeese’s incredible season has come to an end. The South Region’s 12th seed led Vanderbilt by as much as 11 points in the first half, but they couldn’t hold on, as the fifth-seeded Commodores beat the Cowboys, 78-68. McNeese couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history. McNeese ends the season with an overall record of 28-and-6.

Last month’s oil spill from a terminal operated by the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, or LOOP, is threatening the state’s oyster industry. Last month, a cargo transfer hose at the terminal located 18 miles offshore in Terrebonne Bay sprang a leak, spewing more than 31-thousand gallons of Venezuelan crude into the bay. Mitch Jurisich, the chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, says the oil has now made contact with the coast, which can spell disaster.

Cut 9 (09)  “…reopen anytime soon.”

About 250 people in Winn Parish were forced to evacuate as a wildfire threatened their homes. Fire District Three Chief Dustin Parker says the dry weather allowed the fire to grow to about two-thousand acres.

Cut 8 (05) “…very quickly.”

The fire is fully contained, and everyone who had been evacuated is now back home.

Three Ochsner hospitals are listed among the 250 top hospitals in the country by “Newsweek” magazine. They are Ochsner Medical Center New Orleans, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge. Regional Medical Director Dr. Quentin Alleva says it’s a tremendous honor.

Cut 3 (11) “…for the patients.”

Cut 23 (03) (fade and use as bed)

It’s that time of year again – the time when workers everywhere focus on their brackets instead of focusing on work. I would say that includes us here at LRN, but following the action on the court is kind of our job – especially when it comes to the 12th seed in the South Region. McNeese is taking on Vanderbilt at this hour, as it looks to pull off a first-round upset for a second year in a row. Tonight in the women’s tournament, Southern takes on Samford in the First Four play-in round.

The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana, or A+PEL (“AY-pel”), is working to clear up what it says are misconceptions about Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. A+PEL Executive Director Dr. Keith Courville says Amendment 3 would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana to fund permanent pay raises for teachers of at least 2,250 dollars.

Cut 7 (08) “…to teacher pay.”

A political action committee that supports Republican Rick Edmonds in the fifth congressional district race says it’s produced the first-ever A-I political ad in state history. Lionel Rainey with The Louisiana First Victory Fund says because it’s so unique, it will get the voters’ attention.

Cut 11 (11) “…in the ad.”

Louisiana’s film industry is celebrating one of its own. “Sinners,” which was filmed in and around New Orleans, took home four Oscars last weekend, including Best Actor. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says winning Oscars is nothing new for Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12) “…State of Louisiana.”

The McNeese men’s basketball team aims for an upset in the NCAA Tournament as it faces fifth-seeded Vanderbilt today at 2:15 p.m. The Cowboys rank second in the nation in turnovers forced, averaging nearly 17 per game, and coach Bill Armstrong says his team will look to frustrate the Commodores on defense.

Cut 13 (13)  “…teams as well.”

Louisiana’s film industry is celebrating the four Oscars won by “Sinners.” Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana is clearing up what it says are misconceptions about Amendment 3, which would give teachers in Louisiana a permanent pay raise. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Coming soon to a television in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District — the state’s first 100-percent A-I generated political advertisement. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

Louisiana’s film industry is celebrating after “Sinners,” which was filmed in and around New Orleans, won four Oscars, including Michael B. Jordan for Best Actor. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says it reinforces the fact that Louisiana is a great place to shoot a major feature film.

Cut 4 (09) “…best caterers here.”

“Sinners” was nominated for 16 Oscars, which is a new record for a single film. Waggenspack says that kind of haul is going to be a major boost to what’s already a very robust film industry in the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…the same thing.”

Waggenspack says winning Oscars is nothing new for Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12) “…State of Louisiana.”

____________________________________________________

The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana, or A+PEL (“AY-pel”), is working to clear up what it says are misconceptions about Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. A+PEL Executive Director Dr. Keith Courville says Amendment 3 would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana to fund permanent pay raises for teachers of at least 2,250 dollars.

Cut 7 (08) “…to teacher pay.”

There’s been some chatter that some money in the funds that would be retired under this amendment is intended for things like early childhood programs and classroom initiatives. Dr. Courville says that’s not what the money is being used for – in fact, he says that money is currently not being used for anything.

Cut 8 (06) “…teachers a raise.”

Courville says passing this amendment will not cost taxpayers a dime.

Cut 9 (05)  “…raising any taxes.”

________________________________________________________

A political action committee that supports fifth district Republican congressional candidate Rick Edmonds says it’s produced what it claims is the first-ever A-I political ad in the state’s history. Lionel Rainey with The Louisiana First Victory Fund says the commercial features four A-I generated characters that are worried about Edmonds’ conservative platform.

Cut 10 (05) “…where he stands.”

Edmonds is one of four well-known Republicans competing in the May 16th Republican primary election. Rainey says this 100-percent A-I-generated political advertisement is one of only a handful of such ads to run in a congressional race nationwide; and because it’s so unique, it will get the voters’ attention.

Cut 11 (11) “…in the ad.”

Rainey says A-I-generated political advertisements on television are the wave of the future, because they can cost less than your traditional commercial, and they can be produced faster.

Cut 12 (08) “…or four days.”

Rainey says while candidates and political action committees are not allowed to misrepresent their opponent using A-I, a regular citizen can, so be aware of that when seeing A-I productions on social media.

___________________________________________________________

The McNeese men’s basketball team aims for an upset in the NCAA Tournament as it faces fifth-seeded Vanderbilt today at 2:15 p-m. The Cowboys rank second in the nation in turnovers forced, averaging nearly 17 per game, and coach Bill Armstrong says his team will look to frustrate the Commodores on defense.

Cut 13 (13)  “…teams as well.”

McNeese is looking to shock the college basketball world this season with a deep run. Senior guard D.J. Richards says the Cowboys are solely focused on surviving and advancing.

Cut 14 (13) “…care of itself.”

For a Cinderella run, McNeese must take down one of the SEC’s hottest teams in Vanderbilt. History favors the Cowboys, as at least one 12-seed has won a game in 34 of the last 40 tournaments. Senior guard Javohn Garcia says it will be critical for McNeese to start the tournament off hot.

Cut 15 (11) “…of the tournament.”

_____________________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team looks to win its first SEC series of the season this weekend as the Tigers host eighth-ranked Oklahoma, starting tonight at 7 p-m. Coach Jay Johnson says LSU’s pitching staff will need to limit long innings against the Sooners’ talented offense.

Cut 16 (08) “…momentum on offense.”

LSU’s defense ranks 14th in the SEC out of 16 teams with a .964 fielding percentage. Coach Johnson says the Tigers need to be much more solid on defense, especially this weekend.

Cut 17 (16)  “…with this team.”

LSU will face a familiar opponent on Thursday, when former Tiger Cam Johnson takes the mound for Oklahoma. Johnson played at LSU as a freshman in 2022 before transferring after the season. Jay Johnson says he’s looking forward to seeing Cam this weekend.

Cut 18 (12)  “…found some success.”

____________________________________________________________

The Southern women’s basketball team faces Samford tonight at 6 in the First Four in the NCAA Tournament. It marks the Lady Jags’ second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Coach Carlos Funchess attributes the program’s continued success to recruiting the right players.

Cut 19 (12) “…support each other.”

If the Lady Jags win, they will be slotted in as the 16th seed in the Sacramento 4 Region and will face top-seeded South Carolina in the First Round Saturday.

Samford sophomore guard Briana Rivera leads the nation with 109 three-pointers this season. Coach Funchess says his squad will need to contest shots from beyond the arc.

Cut 20 (09) “…tough for them.”