Two weekend festivals; two shootings. In New Orleans, shots rang out as crowds were leaving the French Quarter Festival.

Cut 3 (12) “…this subject.” 

NOPD Captain Samuel Palumbo says four people were injured. Police have not identified the person arrested. The shooting victims were transported to the hospital and they are expected to be okay.

Meanwhile in Ponchatoula, two people were hurt in a shooting at the Strawberry Festival Saturday night. Neither of those injuries are life-threatening. Police in Ponchatoula say they hope to make arrests soon.

LSU football and Thibodaux High School are mourning the death of Kyren Lacy. Houston authorities say the 24-year-old wide receiver took his own life on Saturday night during a police pursuit. Lacy was expected to be taken in this month’s NFL Draft.

The deadline to file your federal taxes is midnight tomorrow night. If you’re among those waiting until the last minute to get your taxes done, CPA Jerry Schreiber with the accounting firm Schreiber and Schreiber says, get organized.

Cut 5 (11) “…the return.”

Schreiber says there are several options to file online, like free file on the IRS website and other commercial filing software.

The fallout from the Pelicans’ awful season is underway. Less than 24 hours after wrapping up a 21-and-61 campaign, the Pelicans have fired David Griffin as executive director of basketball operations. Griffin had served in that role for six years, almost to the day. Jake Madison, the host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast, says this move was not unexpected.

Cut 8 (17) “…sort of thing.”

The 2025 legislative session begins today, and insurance reform will be a big topic for the next two months. That issue, however, will be far from the only one that lawmakers will deal with. Ben Riggs, the executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, says two other bills stand out to him that he and his organization are getting behind.

Cut 6 (15) “…in our state.”

Lawmakers will also have to approve a budget, and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says money will be tight, especially with a reduction in federal dollars

Cut 8 (11) “…these dollars.”

The session gavels in at noon; and again, it lasts two months.

Four people were shot last night in New Orleans’ French Quarter. NOPD Captain Samuel Palumbo says there was plenty of law enforcement in the area when the shooting took place…

Cut 4 (12) “…chooses to do this” 

Police have not identified the person arrested. The victims were taken to a hospital and are expected to be okay.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr’s 2025 season may end before it begins. Ian Rappoport with NFL Network is reporting Carr has a shoulder injury and could miss the entire season. Carr’s injury raises speculation the Saints will select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the ninth overall pick in this month’s NFL Draft, but WWL’s Bobby Hebert says he’s not sure he’d go that route.

Cut 15 (09) “…number nine pick.”

Today is the start of the legislative session, and auto insurance reform will be the dominant issue. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

A two-month-long legislative session starts today. Colleen Crain looks at the big issues that lawmakers will tackle…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

Covington Senator Patrick McMath is leading the Make America Healthy Agenda in this session. Sean Richardson reports he has a comprehensive bill that would ban ultra-processed foods in school lunches and prohibit SNAP recipients from using their assistance to buy sodas.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________________________

There are numerous bills filed for the legislative session that aim to lower auto insurance rates. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is supporting a package of legal reform bills including a bill to cap damage awards in a lawsuit. But Ben Riggs, executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, says tort reform hasn’t worked in the past…

Cut 4 (11) “…was skyrocketing rates.”

Riggs says the only thing Temple’s approach would accomplish is to regulate the policyholders and not the insurance companies.

Cut 5 (10) “…pay our claim.”

While auto insurance reform will be the biggest issue facing lawmakers in this session, it will be far from the only one. Riggs says two other bills stand out to him that he and his organization are getting behind.

Cut 6 (15) “…in our state.”

The guaranteed rate reduction for a fortified roof in Senator Royce Duplessis’ bill would be 20-percent.

______________________________________________________

The 2025 legislative session begins today, and insurance reform will be a big topic for the next two months. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat conducted a poll two weeks ago and found that 76 percent of the respondents have experienced a premium increase of ten percent or more in the past year

Cut 7 (07) “…for insurance.”

Lawmakers will also have to approve a budget and Pinsonat says money will be tight, especially with a reduction in federal dollars

Cut 8 (11) “…these dollars.”

Pinsonat says MAHA legislation will also be prominent in this session. U-S Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy is leading the Make America Healthy Again movement as he would like to see fluoride removed from the drinking water and synthetic food dyes in school lunches banned. Pinsonat says this is a Trump state so the legislature likes to mimic what you’re seeing in Washington…

Cut 9 (10)  “…by the legislature.”

______________________________________________________

In the 2025 Louisiana legislative session, Covington Senator Patrick McMath is championing the Make America Healthy Again agenda.  McMath says given the state’s persistent health challenges, there needs to be more of an effort to prioritize health.

Cut 10 (09) “…the world.”

McMath has a comprehensive bill that attempts to ban ultra-processed foods in schools and requiring restaurants to inform customers of unhealthy seed oils in the foods they serve…

Cut 11 (09) “…first developed.”

McMath on what will define ultra-processed foods…

Cut 12 (12) “…found to be harmful.”

______________________________________________________

Saints quarterback Derek Carr’s 2025 season may end before it begins. Ian Rappoport with NFL Network is reporting Carr has a shoulder injury and could miss the entire season. Carr failed to lead the Saints to the playoffs the last two years and Ross Jackson, host of the Locked on Saints podcast, says Carr’s injury allows New Orleans to rebuild…

Cut 13 (14)  “…few years.”

Ross Jackson says the new coaching staff is high on Spencer Rattler, despite his inability to lead the Saints to a victory in six starts during his rookie season…

Cut 14 (14) “…with him.”

Carr’s injury raises speculation the Saints with select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the ninth overall pick, but WWL’s Bobby Hebert says he’s not sure he’d go that route.

Cut 15 (09) “…number nine pick.”

The Saints begin offseason workouts today.

______________________________________________________

The Pelicans’ 2024-25 season has mercifully come to an end. The Pelicans lost yesterday at home to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 115-100, to finish the season with a record of 21-and-61. It’s a deep nosedive for the team that went into the season looking to build on a 49-and-33 campaign and a playoff berth the previous year. Head Coach Willie Green said after the game that he kept a positive attitude throughout the season.

Cut 16 (14) “…we can improve.”

Injuries doomed the Pelicans right out of the starting gate. The team lost a staggering 369 man games to injury. 25 different players suited up for the team this season, and Green started 46 different starting lineups. Green says this was a season unlike any that he had been a part of, both as a player and as a coach.

Cut 17 (13) “…faced all year.”

With the season over, there’s widespread speculation over Green’s job status in light of the 28-win drop from a season earlier. Point guard Jose Alvarado said it would be grossly unfair to pin the Pelicans’ troubles this season on Green.

Cut 18 (18) “…in yourself too.”

_________________________________________________

LSU football had an open practice in Tiger Stadium on Saturday and the offense had trouble moving the football. The strength of LSU’s defense appears to be its defensive ends, as Jimari Butler, Gabriel Reliford and Jack Pyburn all made plays. Butler and Pyburn are transfers and Coach Brian Kelly says they’ve been good additions…

Cut 19 (17) “..since January.” 

Starting running back Caden Durham did not play in the open practice, because of a sprained ankle. Freshman Harlem Berry had a nice day, including a 22-yard run. Kelly says the five-star prospect has a long way to go, but he’s electric with the ball in his hands…

Cut 20 (16) “…running back.”

This just in – Saints quarterback Derek Carr’s 2025 season may be over before it begins. Ian Rappoport with NFL Network is reporting that Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury, and Carr is weighing surgery that could sideline him for the entire season. The news comes just three days before the Saints begin their offseason conditioning program.

Last month, the Port of New Orleans set a new monthly record with 165-thousand cruise passenger movements. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The gloves are off between Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple over exactly how to rein in out-of-control auto insurance premiums. In announcing his own insurance reform plan earlier this week, Landry said he wanted to limit the ability of trial lawyers to advertise. Temple says, good luck with that. He says Florida passed a regulation limiting attorney advertising, and that was overturned by the courts.

Cut 4 (08) “…of that conversation.”

Visit Lake Charles launches the “Always Here” campaign to highlight tourism’s vital role in Southwest Louisiana’s economy. Chief Marketing Officer Timothy Bush says the region welcomed over seven million visitors in 2023, but tourism is more than just numbers.

Cut 8 (12) “…really important.”

Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple launch a war of words over their competing plans to address soaring auto insurance rates. Temple says nothing will be accomplished through bickering.

Cut 5 (11) “…of Louisiana benefit.”

Temple says Governor Landry’s proposal to limit injury lawyer advertising is easier said than done, saying a similar law in Florida was struck down in the courts.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is this weekend. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, who’s from nearby Abita Springs, says if you love strawberries and music this is the festival for you…

Cut 12 (12) “…incredible.”

Tangipahoa Parish has hosted this festival to celebrate the strawberry industry since 1972, and it generates an estimated 12-million dollars to the economy. 

Last month, the Port of New Orleans set a new monthly record with 165-thousand cruise passenger movements. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Visit Lake Charles has launched the “Always Here” campaign to highlight tourism’s vital role in Southwest Louisiana’s economy. Visit Lake Charles Chief Marketing Officer Timothy Bush says in 2023, the region welcomed over seven million visitors, generating $800 million in spending.

Cut 6 (06) “…to our local economy.”

The gloves are off between Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple over exactly how to rein in out-of-control auto insurance premiums. In announcing his own insurance reform plan earlier this week, Landry said he wanted to limit the ability of trial lawyers to advertise. Temple says, good luck with that. He says Florida passed a regulation limiting attorney advertising, and that was overturned by the courts.

Cut 4 (08) “…of that conversation.”

Crawfish prices are dropping as Easter approaches. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King live crawfish average $3.14 per pound, and boiled crawfish about $5.55. Some live crawfish sacks are now under three dollars a pound.

Cut 14 (12) “…anticipation of Easter.”

The Port of New Orleans sets a new record for passenger movements. Last month, Port NOLA recorded over 165-thousand movements, surpassing the previous high of 155-thousand in March 2023. Kimberly Curth with Port NOLA says this milestone follows a record-breaking 2024 with more than 1.2 million cruise passenger movements.

Cut 9 (11)  “…prime cruise destination”

Curth noted as the 6th largest U.S. cruise port and the only one offering both ocean and river cruises, Port NOLA benefits from its prime location near the French Quarter.

When it comes to the high price of auto insurance, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are pointing their fingers – not at the insurance companies or trial lawyers, but at one another. When he announced the 20 insurance reform bills he’s supporting, Temple noted that he has not had a conversation with Landry about the issue in a long time. 

Cut 3 (11) “…for property reform.” 

Amid the bickering, trucking companies are urging the legislature to take aim at frivolous lawsuits that they say are driving up the cost of insurance. Jake Minner, the director at Bengal Transportation Services in Ascension Parish, says his company has been hit with very costly frivolous lawsuits.

Cut 25 (10) “…that they’re injured.”

When the legislative session opens Monday, the legislature will be considering at least seven bills designed to strengthen elections in the state. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says one of them, Senate Bill 109, is a constitutional amendment that would prohibit foreign funding of a political campaign, whether for or against a candidate or a ballot measure.

Cut 7 (14) “…against a candidate.”

Spring has arrived, and so has prime fishing season! To celebrate, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries invites you to a free Get Out & Fish! event tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Turner’s Pond in Minden. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says no boat, no experience — no problem.

Cut 14 (12) “…that for you.”

Trucking companies are pleading with the legislature to do something about soaring vehicle insurance rates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

The legislature will be considering several bills to strengthen elections in the state. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

LDWF is hosting the free Get out and Fish event this Saturday. at Turner’s Pond in Minden.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________________________

Trucking companies are urging the legislature to do something about commercial vehicle insurance rates that are spiraling out of control. Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple say one big driver of the soaring insurance rates is frivolous lawsuits. Jake Minner, the director at Bengal Transportation Services in Ascension Parish, says his company has been hit with very costly frivolous lawsuits.

Cut 4 (10) “…that they’re injured.”

Minner says his company’s insurance rates have soared from six-thousand dollars per truck per year to 23-thousand – increasing almost nine times the rate of inflation.

Cut 5 (08) “…ever seen it.”

Jared Varnado, the owner of Varnado and Sons Towing in Denham Springs, says his insurance premium increased 30-percent this year, which amounts to a lot of money.

Cut 6 (07) “…truck per year.”

Varnado is the third generation owner of the company and says he’d like to pass it down to the fourth generation; but if insurance rates continue in the direction they’re going, that will be, in his words, only a fantasy.

______________________________________________________

The legislature will be considering at least seven bills designed to strengthen elections in the state. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says one of them, Senate Bill 109, is a constitutional amendment that would prohibit foreign funding of a political campaign, whether for or against a candidate or a ballot measure.

Cut 7 (14) “…against a candidate.”

Landry says ten states have enacted such a ban. Senate Bill 90 would prohibit wagering on the outcome of an election, which Landry says is already banned in 30 states.

Cut 8 (09) “…of an election.”

Landry says House Bill 223 would boost election commissioner pay.

Cut 9 (16)  “…little bit more.”

Landry says commissioners generally earn 200 dollars per day, which could last up to 16 hours. House Bill 223 would boost commissioners pay by 50 dollars across the board.

______________________________________________________

State Representative Larry Bagley from DeSoto Parish has officially announced his candidacy for Public Service Commissioner in the 2026 race. Known for his pragmatic leadership and commitment to fiscal responsibility, Bagley brings over a decade of legislative experience to the table. Bagley says he’s been a server all his life.

Cut 10 (11) “…life in Louisiana.”

Bagley is a Republican and says he’s running to ensure public utilities serve the people, not special interests. His campaign promises a focus on accountability, sustainable energy planning, and protecting consumers from rising costs.

Cut 11 (07) “…here in the state.”

Bagley says he won’t ramp up his campaign until after the 2025 legislative session because he wants to give all his attention to what the voters elected him to do.

Cut 12 (10) “…representative seat.”

Bagley is seeking to replace Fifth District Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, who is term limited.

______________________________________________________

Spring has arrived, and so has prime fishing season! The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is stocking adult channel catfish at 17 sites statewide, all to be stocked by next Tuesday. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says “Get out and Fish” is for everyone to enjoy.

Cut 13 (07)  “…nice big catfish.”

To celebrate, LDWF invites families to a free Get Out & Fish! event tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Turner’s Pond in Minden. Williams says no boat, no experience — no problem.

Cut 14 (12) “…that for you.”

Anglers 18 and up need a Louisiana fishing license.  Every license helps fund fishing access, education, and conservation through the Sport Fish Restoration Program. Williams says the ponds will be stocked with catfish big enough to fill you up.

Cut 15 (07) “…cooking and eating.”

______________________________________________________

LSU football will hold an open practice tomorrow in Tiger Stadium as spring practice is winding down. The Tigers return only one starter on the offensive line, and that’s center DJ Chester. Chester has been the first team center throughout spring practice despite competition from former Virginia Tech center Braelin Moore. Chester says he feels much more comfortable at center this season…

Cut 16 (13) “…again.”

On the defensive line, former Alexandria Senior High star Jacobian Guillory is back practicing in full pads after  suffering a season ending Achilles injury seven months ago. Guillory says the rehab has been difficult, but he’s feeling good now…

Cut 17 (19) “…feet are.”

________________________________________________________________

The third ranked LSU baseball team goes after its tenth straight win tonight when they visit Auburn. The Tigers rank sixth in the country in batting average and they are doing it with a line-up that looks a little different every night. Jake Brown, Ethan Frey, and Josh Pearson are sharing playing time in right field and designated hitter. Coach Jay Johnson credits how they were raised for their selfless attitude…

Cut 18 (20) “…shook.”

LSU enters the game with a 31-3 record, 10-2 in the SEC. Auburn is ranked 9^th in the country. They are 23-10 overall, 6-6 in the SEC. Auburn’s Friday night starter is former LSU pitcher Sam Dutton, who has emerged as the War Eagles ace. He’ll start tonight opposite of LSU’s Kade Anderson. Dutton transferred after last season and Johnson says there are no hard feelings that he left LSU.

Cut 19 (17) “..by that.” 

Former Auburn Tiger Chris Stanfield has found success at LSU batting in the nine-hole and playing terrific center field. Stanfield is looking forward to seeing his old teammates…

Cut 20 (15) “…for LSU.”

First pitch is at 6 p.m.

Insurance reform will be the overwhelming biggest issue in the legislative session that begins Monday. In a news conference in Ascension Parish, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announced his support for 20 bills, all filed by Republicans, designed to address the soaring cost of auto insurance.

Cut 12 (14) “…families and businesses.”

Governor Landry says since Amendment 2 did not pass, it’s back to the drawing board for preserving teacher pay at its current level. Senate President Cameron Henry says he’s hopeful that as the budget makes its way through the legislative process, dollars will emerge to keep teacher pay where it is.

Cut 8 (08) “…to do.”

Amendment 2 would have transformed a stipend into a permanent pay increase.

A New Orleans Democrat files a bill that would require all college freshmen and college students joining a Greek organization to complete a one-hour anti-hazing course. Delisha Boyd dubs her bill the Caleb Wilson Act, after the Southern University student who died in a hazing incident in February. Three men are facing charges.

Cut 4 (12) “…join those organizations.”

St. Tammany Parish’s no-kill animal shelter is in “mayday” mode due to extreme overcrowding. Animal Shelter Director Rob Bremer says overcrowding could lead to dog fights, disease, and compromised animal welfare.

Cut 10 (09) “…stressed out.”

Bremer says the shelter is waiving adoption fees for dogs that have been there over six months.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved a Declaration of Emergency and Notice of Intent to expand the Chronic Wasting Disease Control Area in northeast Louisiana, effective May 1st. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

A big name is added to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

A pair of Republican lawmakers file a bill taking aim at frivolous lawsuits. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved a Declaration of Emergency and Notice of Intent to expand the Chronic Wasting Disease Control Area in northeast Louisiana, effective May 1st. LDWF Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says this follows the detection of a CWD-positive wild deer in Catahoula Parish.

Cut 4 (07) “…Catahoula positive.”

The Declaration of Emergency extends the control area to include a 25-mile radius around the detection site, adding parts of Caldwell, Richland, La Salle, and expanding areas in Franklin and Concordia parishes. Bordelon says the DE prohibits baiting, supplemental feeding…

Cut 5 (08) “…spread of the disease.”

The Notice Of Intent proposes a 15-mile core area within the control zone where baiting and supplemental feeding are banned, with limited allowances beyond it. Bordelon says the NOI is subject to public comment and possible changes before final adoption, expected by August.

Cut 6 (12) “…NOI process.”

CWD is a fatal, untreatable disease affecting deer, and hunters are urged to have harvested deer tested. LDWF offers free testing services.

______________________________________________________

Another name is added to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 – Nick Saban. Before he became LSU’s nemesis while coaching Alabama, Saban led the Tigers to the national championship in 2003. Saban was originally a part of the class of 2020, but that ceremony was postponed to 2021 and Saban could not attend. Chairman Doug Ireland says a schedule change with the NCAA recruiting schedule prevented Saban from taking part in any subsequent inductions until now.

Cut 7 (11) “…have our inductions.”

Ireland says the real Nick Saban is a very different person than what people who may only know him through his intense nature on the sidelines may be led to believe.

Cut 8 (12) “…the induction festivities.”

Ireland says Saban is one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, and his induction elevates the brand of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Nick Saban is.”

Saban has close connections with four other members of the class of 2025 – Andrew Whitworth, Herb Vincent, Glenn Guilbeau and the late Ed Daniels. Whitworth played for Saban on the 2003 championship team, Vincent oversaw communications for the LSU athletic department while Saban coached there, and Guilbeau and Daniels covered his tenure intensely. The class of 2025 will be inducted in a ceremony in Natchitoches on June 28th.

______________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry announced a key development regarding ongoing issues at the state’s Office of Motor Vehicles. A technical change was implemented last Thursday night to strengthen the office’s aging mainframe, which has prevented some residents from renewing or obtaining driver’s licenses for weeks because constant computer crashes..

Cut 10 (07) “…handle this situation.”

Landry reported that since the update on Thursday, the system has run smoothly. He praised interim OMV Commissioner Bryan Adams for identifying temporary solutions and researching new technology to modernize the outdated system.

Cut 11 (11) “…built in 1970.”

Landry also noted that the system had not been purged since 2008, potentially contributing to the widespread issues. The governor says he’s glad they have come up with a temporary fix.

Cut 12 (09) “…down the road.”

While improvements are underway, no specific timeline was provided for when the OMV’s system will be fully replaced.

______________________________________________________

A pair of Republicans are proposing legislation that would make the plaintiff pay the defendant’s attorney fees and court costs if the lawsuit is deemed to be frivolous. Along with Pineville Representative Mike Johnson, New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez is proposing the legislation as a way to help rein in insurance rates.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to other states.”

Miguez says if his bill becomes law, perhaps that will get rogue attorneys to think twice about the cases they take up.

Cut 14 (06) “…frivolous in nature.”

Miguez says his bill is not intended to dissuade people from filing lawsuits for legitimate claims, since the bar would be set high for this provision to kick in.

Cut 15 (10) “…not take effect.”

______________________________________________________

LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon told Tiger Rag Radio he’s thrilled with his transfer class haul. Thanks to a substantial increase in NIL dollars to build a better roster, McMahon signed five players out of the portal. The coach says he loves all of the new additions but he’s really excited former UNLV point guard Dedan Thomas Junior chose the Tigers over Kentucky and Florida…

Cut 16 (16) “…him into the fold.”

Thomas is ranked as the fifth best point guard in the portal and 12th best player overall according to 247sports.com. He averaged 15 points and four assists a game last season at UNLV.

LSU currently has 11 players on its roster and five of them are six-foot-nine or bigger. McMahon says that was the goal, get bigger, which is why they signed out of the portal six-foot-nine Marquel Sutton from Omaha and former Mississippi State starting center Michael Nwoko…

Cut 17 (24) “…per minute”

LSU’s NIL budget was reportedly increased from two million dollars last season to eight million dollars, which puts the Tigers more in line with other SEC schools. McMahon says they still might add one more player.

Cut 18 (18) “…Dedan Thomas.”

LSU is reportedly interested in adding Kansas State shooting guard Brendan Hausen. He led the Wildcats in three point shooting last season at 38-percent and averaged 11 points a game in 33 starts.