The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until eight tonight. It covers the Alexandria area and nearly all of south Louisiana, including Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Houma, Slidell and New Orleans. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says be prepared.

Cut 10 (10) “…severe weather.”

Locally heavy rain and flooding are possible this afternoon for north and central Louisiana.

A high school girls’ basketball game turns ugly. Last week, the mother of a Red River High School player left the stands and verbally assaulted a referee after her daughter was ejected for committing a flagrant foul. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says when things get out of control everyone loses.

Cut 8 (12) “…hard for.”

Congressman Clay Higgins is urging the Trump administration to impose antidumping and countervailing duties on imported shrimp, as well as enforcing stricter testing protocols.. It comes amid concerns about banned antibiotics contained in imported shrimp. Deborah Long with the Southern Shrimp Alliance says Higgins is leading the call for stricter standards.

Cut 13 (07)  “…our health standards.”

Northwestern State is not only attracting new students, but it is keeping the students it currently has. Among first-time freshmen, the school says 89-percent return for their second semester. Enrollment Management Director Van Erikson says one driver of that is small student-to-faculty ratios.

Cut 4 (09) “…choose not to.”

As for overall enrollment, Northwestern State is at just over 77-hundred students.

Locally heavy rain and flooding are possible this afternoon for north and central Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Monroe, Jena and Winnsboro could see the some of the highest rainfall totals…

Cut 9 (06)  “…even more.”

The National Weather Service has also issued a tornado watch until 8 tonight. It covers the Alexandria area and nearly all of south Louisiana.

The LHSAA is investigating an ugly incident at a girls’ basketball game in northwest Louisiana last week. A mother of a Red River High School girls basketball player left the stands and verbally assaulted a referee after her daughter was ejected for committing a flagrant foul. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says our student-athletes deserve better…

Cut 7 (07) “…it’s done.”

Red River Coach Dadrian Harris is concerned the incident could result in a postseason ban.

Congressman Clay Higgins is asking President Trump to levy tariffs up to 100-percent on seafood imports. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is urging parents to keep their cool in the stands after an ugly incident at a girls’ basketball game last week. A mother of a Red River High School player left the stands and verbally assaulted a referee after her daughter was ejected for committing a flagrant foul. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says kids look to adults to set the tone…

Cut 6 (12) “…lasting impression.”

Northwestern State is not only attracting new students, but it is keeping the students it currently has.

Cut 3 (09) “…we do get.” 

Van Erikson, the director of enrollment management at Northwestern State, says among first-time freshmen, 89-percent return for their second semester. Erikson says one driver of that is small student-to-faculty ratios.

Louisiana students are recovering very nicely from the pandemic. According to the Education Recovery Scorecard, Louisiana students since 2019 led the country in growth in reading and are second in math. State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says it’s a testament to the hard work that teachers are putting in, but the job’s not done..

Cut 9 (10)  “…work to do.”

In cooperation with Childhelp, Meta is launching a free, expert-backed curriculum to educate middle schoolers about online safety. Ravi Sinha, the head of Meta’s Child Safety Policy, says the curriculum provides detailed lesson plans, interactive activities and videos to help young people navigate digital spaces safely.

Cut 14 (16) “…ask for help.”

DOTD is updating its Statewide Transportation Plan as it does every ten years, and it’s launching a survey to get your input. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the survey is seven questions long and should take a very short time to fill out.

Cut 6 (14) “…consider the environment.”

DOTD posted a link to its survey on its social media channels.

Meta partners with Childhelp to launch a free, expert-backed curriculum to educate middle schoolers about online safety. Ravi Sinha, the head of Meta’s Child Safety Policy, says Meta remains committed to protecting young users and equipping them with knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

Cut 16 (08) “…online and offline.”

Another encouraging report about the state of Louisiana education. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The woman charged in connection with the death of a Kansas City TV reporter in New Orleans for the Super Bowl is also tied to a death in the French Quarter in December. All we know about that December death is that it’s similar in nature to the death of Adan Manzano, who was found dead in his Kenner hotel room. His wallet and cell phone were later found at the home of 48-year-old Danette Colbert, who’s being held without bond.

DOTD is updating its Statewide Transportation Plan as it does every ten years, and it’s launching a survey to get your input. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Another encouraging report about the state of Louisiana education. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Landry announced that state executions will resume and can use nitrogen gas after the corrections agency updated the protocol. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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DOTD is updating its Statewide Transportation Plan as it does every ten years, and it’s launching a survey to get your input.

Cut 4 (11) “…motorized or otherwise.”

Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the survey will go a long way in helping DOTD develop its plan to address all forms of transportation – not just motor vehicles.

Cut 5 (14) “…need to go.”

Buchanan says the survey is seven questions long and should take a very short time to fill out.

Cut 6 (14) “…consider the environment.”

DOTD posted a link to its survey on its social media channels.

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On the heels of encouraging news from the Nations’ Report Card, Louisiana students are doing quite well in the Education Recovery Scorecard.

Cut 7 (08) “…second in math.”

State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says the Recovery Scorecard measures student achievement since the end of the pandemic.

Cut 8 (10) “…in several areas.”

Dr. Brumley says it’s a testament to the hard work that teachers are putting in, but the job’s not done..

Cut 9 (10)  “…work to do.”

The Recovery Scorecard is a prominent national study by both Harvard and Stanford.

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Governor Landry announced the state will resume executions using nitrogen gas suffocation after the corrections agency updated its protocol. State Representative Nicholas Muscarello, who crafted the legislation, says use of the nitrogen gas is not unconstitutional.

Cut 10 (11) “…people arguing that.”

The director of the Loyola Center for Social Justice, Cecilla Kappel (CAP-ill), called it a reckless misuse of state resources and a step backwards for the state.

Cut 11 (09) “…death penalty system.”

Muscarello says Landry is honoring his commitment to the victims of these crimes.

Cut 12 (13) “…was going to do.”

Kappel says Landry bringing back the death penalty is only political, and it’s a practice that is not needed in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (11)  “…days of executions.”

Rapids Parish District Attorney is obtaining Death Warrants for Larry Roy, known as the “Cheneyville Slasher.” He killed two people in 1993, and he will be the first to be put to death under the new protocol on March 19th if courts don’t step in.

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Meta has partnered with Childhelp to launch a free, expert-backed curriculum to educate middle schoolers about online safety. The curriculum includes recognizing grooming and exploitation. Ravi Sinha, the head of Meta’s Child Safety Policy,  says the curriculum provides detailed lesson plans, interactive activities and videos to help young people navigate digital spaces safely.

Cut 14 (16) “…ask for help.”

Sinha says the curriculum is part of Childhelp’s “Speak Up Be Safe” program and is available to educators, parents, and community organizations. It is completely free.

Cut 15 (12) “…to middle schoolers.”

Sinha says Meta remains committed to protecting young users and equipping them with knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

Cut 16 (08) “…online and offline.”

Visit Childhelp-dot-org to download the curriculum.

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The Saints lengthy coaching search is over as Kellen Moore is new the new head coach in New Orleans. New Orleans-dot-football reporter Mike Triplett says the Saints were the last team to fill its head coaching vacancy, but their patience paid off in landing an up-and-coming coach who just won a Super Bowl…

Cut 17 (13)  “…successfully.”

Moore was a record setting quarterback at Boise State. He spent six seasons as a quarterback in the NFL and he’s been an offensive coordinator the last six years of his life, with three different teams, the Cowboys, Chargers and Eagles. Triplett says Moore arrives in New Orleans with a good resume…

Cut 18 (14)  “…different teams.”

Triplett had a chance to get to know Moore during Super Bowl Week in New Orleans and came away learning that Moore loves talking offensive football…

Cut 19 (21) “…really cool.”

The Saints have their man. Jeff Palermo has more on the hiring of Kellen Moore as their new head coach…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Landry must produce text messages he sent to LSU Board Chair Scott Ballard about law professor Ken Levy. Levy was suspended after he made critical remarks about Landry to his students. Levy testified Monday that he was told and believes a student reported his comments to Landry who then reached out to Balland.

A Flood Watch is in effect for northern Louisiana due to heavy rainfall expected through tomorrow afternoon. The National Weather Service says there will be up to a 75% chance that rainfall totals will be greater than three inches for the area. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s also the chance for severe weather…

Cut 11 (10) “…flash floding.”

The Port of Iberia will soon host a major development, bringing nearly 600 jobs to the region. Baton Rouge-based Cajun Industries has chosen the port for its new 60-acre assembly yard, where heavy industrial modules will be built. Port of Iberia Executive Director Craig Romero says Cajun Industries isn’t wasting any time.

Cut 3 (08) “…for their customers.”

The Saints have their guy. Kellen Moore has agreed to be the team’s next head coach. The 36-year-old will have his challenges as a first-time head coach as he takes over a team where the better players are older, and it’s unclear who the long term quarterback will be. Luke Johnson, who covers the Saints for NOLA.com, expects the Saints to be patient with Moore…

Cut 13 (11)  “…they are.”

A Flood Watch is in effect for northern Louisiana. The National Weather Service says Monroe, Jonesboro and Natchitoches could see as much as six inches of rain. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says heavy rain may lead to flooding of low-lying areas, rivers, creeks and roads…

Cut 10 (09) “…risks out there.”

The Port of Iberia will soon host a major development, bringing nearly 600 jobs to the region. Baton Rouge-based Cajun Industries has chosen the port for its new 60-acre assembly yard, where heavy industrial modules will be built. Port of Iberia Executive Director Craig Romero says Cajun Industries isn’t wasting any time.

Cut 3 (08) “…for their customers.” 

We’re getting local reaction to President Trump’s executive order halting new development of wind energy. LaRose Republican Representative Joseph Orgeron says there are many benefits of wind energy, saying it helps provide an alternative revenue stream and stability, including in the boating industry.

Cut 8 (13) “…the bad times.”

This just in to the LRN Newsroom – we’re getting reports that the Saints are hiring Kellen Moore as their new head coach. Moore just helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl championship as the team’s offensive coordinator, winning the title on the very same field where he will be coaching his home games next season. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for NOLA.com says it appears to be a solid hire for the Black and Gold…

Cut 12 (14) “…charismatic guy.”

A Flood Watch is in effect for northern Louisiana due to heavy rainfall expected through Wednesday afternoon. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says much of the watch area will see two to four inches of rain.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the whole area.”

We’re getting local reaction to President Trump’s executive order halting new development of wind energy. LaRose Republican Representative Joseph Orgeron says Trump is a longtime critic of wind farms, and it may be personal.

Cut 7 (15) “…along the coast.”

Orgeron says there are many benefits of wind energy, saying it helps provide an alternative revenue stream and stability, including in the boating industry.

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

Registration for the next round of grants through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program opens at eight tomorrow morning. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says homeowners can apply for a chance to receive up to 10-thousand dollars in grants to upgrade their roofs.

Cut 4 (12) “…grants to award.”

We’re getting local reaction to President Trump’s executive order halting new development of wind energy. LaRose Republican Representative Joseph Orgeron says Trump’s order does not affect any current wind farms.

Cut 6 (12) “…their construction plans.”

Orgeron says Trump is a longtime critic of wind farms, possibly because a wind farm was put up near a golf course in Scotland that he had purchased.

Baton Rouge-based Cajun Industries is bringing 600 jobs to the Port of Iberia with a new assembly yard. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A sheriff’s deputy in Evangeline Parish finds himself on the other side of the law. The sheriff’s office there says 36-year-old Joshua Uhlman is charged with several counts of indecent behavior with juveniles. Investigators say he would provide them money and alcohol if they allowed him to take indecent photos. Uhlman is being held on 150-thousand dollars bond.

Registration for the next round of Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants opens at eight tomorrow morning. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says homeowners living in the coastal areas including the Lake Charles area are eligible.

Cut 5 (08) “…have to re-register.”

Homeowners selected will receive a ten-thousand-dollar grant for a fortified roof. The application window closes at five Sunday night.

The Department of Health is launching a pilot program aimed at reducing the unnecessary use of an emergency room by Medicaid recipients. Brigadier General Cindy Haygood says Acadian Health will launch an urgent mobile care unit to patients’ homes for treatment of non-life-threatening medical conditions.  

Cut 10 (13) “…our Medicaid members.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Commission is looking at extending the alligator hunting season amid an explosion in the population. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Life on the run for a New Orleans celebrity of sorts is over. A terrier mix named Scrim escaped months ago after being adopted from Zeus’ Rescues, leading to a massive city-wide effort to find him. Sightings were reported in several neighborhoods, including Mid-City and the Lower Garden District. Zeus’ Rescues announced Scrim’s capture on social media, thanking an organization called Trap Dat Cat.