While some people are ramping up their outrage over the inadvertent inclusion of a reporter for The Atlantic in a group text in which U.S. officials were plotting military action against Yemen, Senator Bill Cassidy appears to be downplaying the controversy. 

Cut 3 (07) “…from the mistake.”

The Atlantic published the texts that its reporter received after the White House said there was no classified information contained. However, some sources are now saying that some of the information in those texts were indeed classified.

State officials were in Alexandria to announce a 39-million dollar investment for the Renaissance Juvenile Facility. Governor Landry says these types of facilities give juveniles an opportunity to rehabilitate

Cut 9 (07)  “…never fill.”

The money will result in the construction of a modern, secure facility on Renaissance’s campus, increasing the number of beds from 12 to more than 50.

Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment (QUINT-maw) says the upcoming arrival of a Hyundai steel plant is a huge win for the parish. Cointment points out that the plant will be producing green steel – that is, steel produced without using fossil fuels.

Cut 5 (07) “…attractive to us.”

But not everyone in the parish is convinced.  Ashley Gaignard (GAN-yard) is the president of the group Rural Roots Louisiana. She says she would like the plant to be put up somewhere else.

Cut 6 (09) “…about the people.”

The 5.8-billion-dollar steel plant will anchor the RiverPlex MegaPark, which at 17-thousand acres is the largest undeveloped tract along the deep-water Mississippi River. The plant would occupy one-tenth of that area. The plant is expected to result in the creation of more than five-thousand direct and indirect jobs.

When it comes to honesty in seafood labeling, Louisiana restaurants are actually doing much better than neighboring states. Studies by SEED Consulting show that two-thirds of Louisiana restaurants are being honest about whether their seafood is imported or not. President David Williams says there are reasons some restaurants in Louisiana serve imported shrimp.

Cut 10 (09) “…for the product.”

Some mega changes for Mega Millions. Starting April 5th, Mega Millions will cost five dollars per ticket and will have a higher starting jackpot and improved odds. Kimberly Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says if the five-dollar ticket is out of your price range, you still have other options for playing a multi-state lottery…

Cut 12 (12) “…and Saturdays.”

Former four-term Louisiana U.S. Senator J. Bennett Johnson has passed away at age of 92. Jeff Palermo looks back at his 24 years in the U-S Senate…

Cut 3 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

An 81-year-old woman in New Orleans is mauled to death by three dogs who broke through a fence. All three dogs were impounded; one of them has been euthanized.

Four-term Louisiana U-S Senator J Bennett Johnston has passed away at the age of 92. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat was Johnston’s executive assistant in charge of Louisiana political operations and says the Democrat worked with Democrats and Republicans to bring back federal dollars to Louisiana…

Cut 14 (09) “…priority.”

Johnston served in the U-S Army in the 1950s. Served in both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature from 1964 to 1972.

The president of Ascension Parish is hailing the upcoming construction of Hyundai’s new steel mill. President Clint Cointment (QUINT-maw) says the new 5.8-billion-dollar steel mill will have a huge impact on the entire region.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the surrounding parishes.”

Former LSU football coach Les Miles’ effort to get 37 wins restored to his coaching record is not going well. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Last weekend, a vendor at the Louisiana Crawfish Festival was caught selling crawfish imported from China without a sign at the booth indicating so. Organizer Cisco Gonzales says the issue was rectified quickly, and he’s going to push for the festival to require that only Louisiana-harvested crawfish can be sold from now on.

Cut 4 (05) “…Louisiana crawfish only.”

The president of Ascension Parish is hailing the upcoming construction of Hyundai’s new steel mill. President Clint Cointment (QUINT-maw) says the new steel mill will create 14-hundred direct jobs and more than four-thousand indirect jobs, benefitting many other companies in the region as well.

Cut 10 (09) “…throughout our parish.”

An Abbeville man is cited for allegedly killing a black bear in Vermilion Parish. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 50-year-old Shannon Parker admitted to shooting at a dark silhouette, thinking it was a wild hog and not the ten-year-old 200-pound female bear that she actually was. Corporal Derek Logan says Parker also lacked written permission to hunt at night and failed to notify the Sheriff’s Office.

Cut 7 (09) “…failed to do so.”

Former LSU football coach Les Miles’ effort to get 37 wins restored to his coaching record is not going well. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Last weekend, a vendor at the Louisiana Crawfish Festival was caught selling crawfish imported from China without a sign at the booth indicating so. Organizer Cisco Gonzales says the issue was rectified quickly, and he’s going to push for the festival to require that only Louisiana-harvested crawfish can be sold from now on.

Cut 4 (05) “…Louisiana crawfish only.”

Hyundai makes a major investment in Louisiana. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

LSU Health Shreveport celebrates Match Day with its medical students. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

The LSU Lady Tigers leave Florida State in their dust as they advance to the Sweet 16. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

A major announcement by Hyundai – the first steel plant it’s building in North America will be going up in Ascension Parish. President Trump made the announcement at the White House yesterday.

Cut 4 (13) “…expansion after that.”

The 5.8-billion-dollar steel plant will be built in Donaldsonville and will anchor the RiverPlex MegaPark on the Westbank of the Mississippi River, and construction is slated to begin in the third quarter next year. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Chung Eui-sun says the company is making a commitment to American manufacturing with this plant.

Cut 5 (10) “…parts to automobiles.”

The announcement of the plant is the latest in a string of economic development projects coming to the state, including a Meta artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish. Governor Landry says this is just the start.

Cut 6 (06) “…on in Louisiana.”

The direct jobs created by the new steel plant are expected to have an average annual salary of 95-thousand dollars a year.

______________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Transportation has completed a 2.5-million-dollar project, installing 28 new closed-circuit television cameras along I-10 from Lake Charles to Scott. John Guidroz with DOTD says these cameras are connected to the state agency’s main fiber network, expanding public access to live-stream traffic coverage along that stretch.

Cut 7 (08) “…Interstate 10.”

Guidroz says the additional cameras enhance traffic monitoring, operations, and safety along the corridor.

Cut 8 (12) “…along Interstate 10.”

The public can view the cameras on 511la.org or through the 511 mobile app for real-time traffic updates.

Cut 9 (11)  “…these new cameras.”

______________________________________________________

Match Day is a pivotal event when medical students across the U.S. learn where they will complete their residencies. Last Friday, nearly 36-thousand students from coast to coast received their matches. Lisa Babin with LSU Health Shreveport says the school celebrated as students discovered their placements.

Cut 10 (13) “…will continue .”

Babin says 96-percent of med students at LSU Health Shreveport got matched in the program.

Cut 11 (13) “…in the nation.”

Babin says this year 46-percent of students will remain in state for their residency which while help combat the projected physician shortage in 2030.

Cut 12 (13) “…expected by 2030.”

______________________________________________________

For the third year in a row, the Lady Tigers are headed to the Sweet 16. LSU used a very strong third quarter to blow by LSU, 101-71, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Florida State kept it close throughout the first half – in fact, the Seminoles led at halftime, 50 to 49. Head Coach Kim Mulkey was forced to sit Flau’Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams for a good portion of the second quarter due to foul trouble. Mulkey said her bench players did their job.

Cut 13 (15)  “…big for us.”

Mulkey was referring to freshman guard Jada Richard (REE-shard), who said after the game she had no fear of the moment.

Cut 14 (09) “…ball went in.”

With Johnson and Williams rested, LSU blew past Florida State 31 to 6 in the third quarter. In fact, LSU held Florida State scoreless for the last six and a half minutes in that quarter. The third-seeded Lady Tigers move on to face second-seeded N-C State in the regional semifinals in Spokane, Washington, on Friday. Mulkey says they don’t take Sweet 16s for granted anymore at LSU.

Cut 15 (13) “…we could do.”

______________________________________________________________

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks is back with the Saints and has no regrets on how his first stint in New Orleans ended. The Saints drafted Cooks, who is now 31-years-old, in 2014 and he became a one-thousand yard receiver for the Black and Gold. But after three seasons, New Orleans traded Cooks to New England as there were reports Cooks was unhappy with his role as he was seeking a big contract. Cooks says he was not interested in burning bridges when he left New Orleans…

Cut 16 (17) “…from one another.”

Cooks says he’s looking forward to playing with Derek Carr…

Cut 17 (17)  “…highest level.”

________________________________________________________

Two players out of the transfer portal are making an impact on LSU’s offense during spring practice. Tight end Bauer Sharp was Oklahoma’s leading receiver last season, and Coach Brian Kelly says Sharp is a good fit in the locker room and on the field…

Cut 18 (18)  “…win a championship.”

Florida State transfer Destyn Hill from Edna Karr High School in New Orleans has been impressive to watch at practice. Hill is coming off a knee injury and Kelly likes his physicality…

Cut 19 (15) “…SEC player”

Three teens are now facing charges in connection with the line-of-duty death of St. Tammany Parish Sergeant Grant Candies. All three are 17 years old, including the driver Adrian Waughtal, and are charged with first degree murder and other charges. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says Sergeant Candies was the 2023 deputy of the year at the Sheriff’s Office for saving two lives, including one victim of a hit and run.

Cut 4 (11) “…saving his life.”

Four people were shot during a trail ride event in Clarence last Saturday, in which more than one-thousand people attended. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Captain Tony Moran says upon arrival, deputies faced heavy traffic and located four victims with gunshot wounds.

Cut 9 (10)  “…gunshot wounds.”

The Supreme Court heard arguments today on whether Louisiana’s Congressional map is legal. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Hyundai announces that it’s building a new steel manufacturing plant in Ascension Parish. The 5.8-billion-dollar plant in Donaldsonville will be Hyundai’s first steel facility in North America. The new plant will anchor the RiverPlex MegaPark on the Westbank of the Mississippi River, and construction is slated to begin in the third quarter next year.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its own. 37-year-old Sergeant Grant Candies was killed early Sunday morning while deploying a spike strip on Interstate 10 – a 17-year-old driver hit him while swerving to avoid hitting the spike strip. Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAHN) Carboni says Sergeant Candies was the 2023 deputy of the year at the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office for saving two lives, including one victim of a hit and run.

Cut 4 (11) “…saving his life.”

Sergeant Candies also saved the life of a woman who had overdosed on opioids. Candies leaves behind a wife and two children.

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is filing legislation to crack down on people driving slow in the left-lane and causing a rolling roadblock. Luneau says the current law is hard to enforce…

Cut 13 (06) “…to do it”

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments today over the state’s congressional map. Plaintiffs are taking exception to the newly drawn sixth Congressional district, which stretches from Baton Rouge to Shreveport in order to satisfy a court order that a second Black district is needed in Louisiana. Plaintiffs’ attorney Edward Greim says the Constitution says you can’t draw up a district with race as the primary factor.

Cut 7 (07) “…population ”

Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ah-gheen-YAH-gah) says the state was told by federal judges that it needed to establish a second majority Black district in the state and that it was following court orders in redrawing the map. The new map resulted in the sixth district changing hands from Republican to Democrat in the last election.

Oral arguments have wrapped up at the U.S. Supreme Court in a challenge to the state’s new congressional map. The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office defended the map approved in 2024 that features two Black majority districts for the first time in decades. Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ah-gheen-YAH-gah) says they were told by federal judges a second majority Black district is needed in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (10) “…going to do that.”

The plaintiffs, however, say the map violates the Equal Protection Clause, which says you cannot use race as the primary factor on how the boundaries are drawn. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the new sixth district stretches from Baton Rouge to Shreveport in a configuration that amounts to racial gerrymandering.

Cut 7 (10) “…its not legal.”

Hearts are heavy in St. Tammany Parish as a sheriff’s deputy was killed in the line of duty over the weekend. 37-year-old Sergeant Grant Candies was killed early Sunday morning while deploying a spike strip on Interstate 10. Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAHN) Carboni says it was supposed to be a routine traffic stop.

Cut 3 (06) “…want to stop.” 

As Sergeant Candies was deploying the spike strip, the 17-year-old driver swerved and hit him instead, killing him. The pursuit eventually ended when the vehicle crashed into a New Orleans Police Department’s vehicle on the Southshore. The 17-year-old faces numerous charges, including first-degree murder.

Will Wade is taking his talents to Raleigh, North Carolina. Following McNeese’s loss to Purdue Saturday, Wade signed a six-year contract to be the new head coach at North Carolina State. But Wade still expects McNeese to keep winning at a high level…

Cut 19 (13) “…just getting started”

If you have an expiring driver’s license, go ahead and wait a few weeks before renewing it. Governor Landry has ordered late fees to be waived for 30 days due to ongoing computer issues at the OMV. Commissioner Dan Casey says by those people staying away from the OMV for now, the OMV can serve everyone else.

Cut 10 (09) “…vehicle renewals.”

If you drive slow in the left lane, please stop it. A state senator is filing a bill in the upcoming regular session that seeks to impose stricter penalties for drivers who do so. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau’s bill eliminates the requirement that drivers must be at least 10 miles an hour under the speed limit to be in violation, instead applying to vehicles traveling at any speed below the posted limit in the left lane.

Cut 12 (07) “…that’s legal.”

The LSU Lady Tigers continue their march to the national championship this evening when they host Florida State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Tigers trounced San Diego State Saturday night, 103-48. LSU junior guard Flau’Jae Johnson knows that all future opponents from here on out will be tougher, starting with the Seminoles this evening.

Cut 15 (11) “…look past anybody.”

The Will Wade era is over at McNeese, and it was a ride. Wade led the Cowboys to two trips to the NCAA Tournament and last Thursday, their first Tournament win in program history. Wade was out of coaching after being fired by LSU in 2022 because of recruiting violations. He sat out the 2022-23 season and was hired by McNeese in March of 2023…

Cut 18 (05)  “…it just worked.”

Oral arguments are underway at the U.S. Supreme Court on whether Louisiana’s congressional map violates the constitution. Civil rights groups and the state argue that the map is legal. ACLU Executive Director Alanah Odoms points out that one-third of Louisiana’s voting population is black – and so is Louisiana’s congressional delegation.

Cut 5 (12) “…itself.”

The plaintiffs, however, say the map violates the Equal Protection Clause, which says you cannot use race as the primary factor on how the boundaries are drawn. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the new sixth district stretches from Baton Rouge to Shreveport in a configuration that amounts to racial gerrymandering.

Cut 7 (10) “…its not legal.”

A bill filed for the upcoming regular session aims to impose stricter penalties on drivers who block the left lane by driving under the speed limit. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau argues that left-lane hogging increases accidents and congestion.

Cut 13 (06)  “…way to do it.”

Luneau proposed the bill after consulting with state troopers, who found the current law difficult to enforce.

The Lady Tigers had an easy time with San Diego State Saturday night. Tonight’s opponent in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament will be much tougher. Third-seeded LSU takes on sixth-seeded Florida State at the P-MAC at five this evening. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says both teams’ defenses will have their hands full.

Cut 14 (07) “…of defense wins.”

On Saturday night, LSU beat San Diego State, 103-48, while Florida State pulled away at the end to beat George Mason, 94-59.