The U-S Supreme Court hears arguments today about a lawsuit that claims Louisiana’s Congressional district lines are unconstitutional. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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If your driver’s license is set to expire, go ahead and wait a few days before renewing it. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Senate Bill 11 aims to impose stricter penalties on drivers who block the left lane by driving under the speed limit.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The U-S Supreme Court hears arguments today over whether Louisiana’s Congressional map with two majority-minority districts violates the Constitution. The plaintiffs 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 agrees with the plaintiffs…

Cut 4 (12) “…of the constitution.”

The Louisiana Legislature approved a new Congressional map in January 2024, after the first map they approved following the 2020 census did not have two majority-minority districts.

Civil rights groups believe Louisiana’s current Congressional map is legal, because a third of the state’s black voting population is black, so two of the state’s six Congressional districts should be represented by minorities. Louisiana ACLU executive director Alanah Odoms…

Cut 5 (12) “…itself.”

Odoms says a second Black majority district is required for Black voters in Louisiana to have an opportunity for fair and equal representation…

Cut 6 (12) “…Louisiana.”

For years the state had one majority minority district, covering the New Orleans area. To create a second Black majority district, the Legislature approved a district that stretches from Baton Rouge to Shreveport and Seabaugh says its racial gerrymandering

Cut 7 (10) “…its not legal.”

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If you need to renew your driver’s license, wait a little bit before doing so, even if it’s about to expire. Due to computer outage issues at the Office of Motor Vehicles, Governor Landry has declared a state of emergency. OMV Commissioner Dan Casey says late fees for renewals are currently put on hold.

Cut 8 (10) “…with the mainframe.”

In Louisiana, a Class C driver’s license is your typical non-commercial driver’s license. Casey says the goal is not to overload the computer system so that other people who need timely OMV services can get them with no trouble.

Cut 9 (13)  “…expired license.”

Casey says by telling people who need driver’s license services to stay away for the time being, they can serve everyone else.

Cut 10 (09) “…vehicle renewals.”

Casey says if you have plans to drive out of state and your license is about to expire, then go ahead and stop by the OMV, your field office or your local public tag agent and get your renewal, since Landry’s order does not carry over into other states.

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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 says his proposal promotes highway safety and reduces driver frustration.

Cut 11 (12) “…can’t miss it.”

The bill eliminates the requirement that drivers must be at least 10 miles an hour under the speed limit to be in violation, applying instead to any vehicle traveling below the posted limit in the left lane. Luneau says it’s a common sense approach.

Cut 12 (07) “…that’s legal.”

Luneau proposed the bill after consulting with state troopers, who found the current law difficult to enforce. He argues that left-lane hogging increases accidents and congestion.

Cut 13 (06)  “…way to do it.”

Luneau says fines would range from 150 dollars for a first-time offense to 350 dollars or 30 days in jail for a third offense.

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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 (18) “…lot of shots.”

On Saturday night, LSU beat San Diego State, 103-48, while Florida State pulled away at the end to beat George Mason, 94-59. LSU junior guard Flau’Jae Johnson scored 22 points in 22 minutes in her first game action in more than three weeks Saturday night. She knows that all future opponents from here on out will be tougher, starting with the Seminoles this evening.

Cut 15 (15) “…that scouting report.”

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LSU football worked a lot on its running game during Saturday’s spring practice. The Tigers ranked 107th in the country in rushing offense in 2024. Coach Brian Kelly says they will be more committed to the ground game in 2025…

Cut 16 (19) “…in January.”

LSU’s first-team offensive line on Saturday was Tyree Adams, Paul Mubenga, DJ Chester at center, Coen Echols and Weston Davis. Transfers Braelin Moore and Josh Thompson are working with the second team. Kelly says the competition to be starting offensive lineman is fierce…

Cut 17 (14)  “…every week.”

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The Will Wade era is over at McNeese State, and it was a ride. Wade led the Cowboys to back-to-back Southland Conference championships and two trips to the NCAA Tournament. He 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 (14)  “…unforgettable.”

Following Saturday’s NCAA Tournament loss to Purdue, 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”

Wade led McNeese to its first-ever NCAA Tournament win on Saturday, but they were no match for Purdue on Saturday as the Boilermakers beat the Cowboys 76 to 62…

Cut 20 (21) “…applauding us.”

Governor Landry announces a major restructuring of GOHSEP, placing the office under the Louisiana National Guard. Landry says he’s doing this to save the state money. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry is fulfilling a campaign promise that’s become a major part of the Republican playbook lately.

Cut 9 (10)  “…save taxpayers money.”

The NTSB identifies 68 bridges across the country, including eight in Louisiana, as being at an “unknown level of risk of collapse.” It asked DOTD to let it know of the probability of collapse should a vessel hit any one of them. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says the department will begin reviewing the bridges right away.

Cut 4 (11) “…have to do.”

An alligator at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is the first in the U.S. to undergo cataract surgery. Victor, a rare blue-eyed white alligator, struggled to see his food, often missing meals or following shadows instead. Concerned zookeepers sought help from LSU’s Veterinary School, where ophthalmologist Dr. Renee Carter diagnosed Victor with an advanced cataract in his left eye.

Cut 6 (09) “…he had a cataract.”

The 50th annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival in Chalmette continues through Sunday. Chairman Cisco Gonzales says they’re expecting thousands of visitors over the weekend.

Cut 12 (08) “…in four days.”

Meanwhile, one vendor has been caught selling crawfish from China without displaying the required signage. Gonzales says they’re tightening enforcement of the state’s new seafood labeling law as a result.

The NTSB identifies 68 bridges across the country, including eight in Louisiana, as being at an “unknown level of risk of collapse.” It asked DOTD to let it know of the probability of collapse should a vessel hit any one of them. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says the department will begin reviewing the bridges right away.

Cut 4 (11) “…have to do.”

Governor Landry announces a major restructuring of GOHSEP, placing the office under the National Guard in an effort to save money. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry already has a couple emergencies under his belt in the early stages of his governorship, so he has a good idea of the level of staffing needed – and not needed.

Cut 10 (11) “…this will work.”

An alligator at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is the first in the U.S. to undergo cataract surgery. Victor, a rare blue-eyed white alligator, struggled to see his food, often missing meals or following shadows instead. Concerned zookeepers sought help from LSU’s Veterinary School, where ophthalmologist Dr. Renee Carter diagnosed Victor with an advanced cataract in his left eye.

Cut 6 (09) “…he had a cataract.”

The 50th annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival is happening in Chalmette through Sunday. Chairman Cisco Gonzales says there will be crawfish in as many ways as you can think of as well as 26 rides to enjoy all weekend.

Cut 13 (11)  “…how much fun is that?”

Hosted by the Louisiana Crawfish Fest Foundation, the festival continues its mission to support those in need.

Governor Landry announces a major restructuring of GOHSEP, placing the office under the Louisiana National Guard. Landry says he’s doing this to save the state money. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry is fulfilling a campaign promise that’s become a major part of the Republican playbook lately.

Cut 9 (10)  “…save taxpayers money.”

Eight bridges in Louisiana are among 68 across the country that the NTSB identified as being at an “unknown level of risk of collapse.” It’s part of a report that the NTSB released on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. It asked DOTD to let it know of the probability of collapse should a vessel hit any one of them. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says there are warning systems in place.

Cut 3 (09) “…on our bridges.” 

The 50th annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival returns to Chalmette through Sunday, offering food, fun, and live entertainment. Chairman Cisco Gonzales says festivalgoers can enjoy delicious crawfish dishes, carnival rides and games. They’re expecting thousands of visitors over the weekend.

Cut 12 (08) “…in four days.”

Gonzales says there will be crawfish in as many ways as you can think of as well as 26 rides to enjoy all weekend. Hosted by the Louisiana Crawfish Fest Foundation, the festival continues its mission to support those in need.

Governor Landry and Congressman Steve Scalise met with NHL executives this week to urge them to award New Orleans an expansion franchise. Skeptics may point to the fact that New Orleans is not a big media market. Scalise points out that a city very similar to New Orleans in both size and stature has made the NHL a must-see attraction there.

Cut 6 (12) “…in the desert.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana and the Mississippi Animal Project are hosting a supply drive to help those affected by the tornadoes in Tylertown, Mississippi. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says you can donate pet food of all types during its Easter Bunny Spring Market and Bake Sale.

Cut 11 (12) “…can’t miss it.”

Congressman Clay Higgins says in an open letter that he will not challenge Bill Cassidy for his Senate seat. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A teacher in Rapides Parish is charged with child abuse. 43-year-old Angela Hoosier of Deville is charged with three counts of cruelty to juveniles. The sheriff’s office did not provide any details of the abuse or the age or gender of the victim. It did say the incidents likely did not occur on school property, and the victim was not one of her students.

Congressman Clay Higgins will not run for Senator Bill Cassidy’s seat in 2026. In an open letter posted on his Facebook page, Higgins said he feels best suited to remain in the House to advance President Trump’s agenda. Pearson Cross, who teaches American politics at ULM, says one hurdle for Higgins was his ability to fundraise at the level needed to win a seat in the Senate.

Cut 9 (09) “…price was too high.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana and the Mississippi Animal Project are hosting a supply drive to aid those impacted by the recent tornadoes in Tylertown, Mississippi. The HSLA is collecting donations during its Easter Bunny Spring Market and Bake Sale tomorrow. Director Jeff Dorson says if you don’t live near Gretna, you can also make a monetary donation.

Cut 12 (07) “…on your behalf.”

The McNeese Cowboys have made history! For the first time in men’s basketball program history, the Cowboys have won an NCAA Tournament game. The Midwest Region’s 12th seed held on at the end for a 69-67 win over the region’s fifth seed, Clemson. Senior forward Christian Shumate says it’s surreal.

Cut 13 (07)  “…really did happen.”

McNeese faces Purdue tomorrow in the second round.

Another pitch on behalf of New Orleans to the NHL – this time, it’s Governor Landry and Congressman Steve Scalise meeting with league officials about a potential expansion team to the Big Easy. The Metairie Congressman says having the NHL in New Orleans would boost tourism.

Cut 5 (09) “…more as well.”

At this time, it’s unclear when – or if – the NHL will expand beyond its current 32 teams.

The McNeese men’s basketball team has made history. The 12th-seeded Cowboys have won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game, holding on at the end to beat fifth-seeded Clemson, 69-67. Head Coach Will Wade says it’s a good thing that McNeese jumped out to a big first half lead.

Cut 25 (07) “…just phenomenal.”

It doesn’t get any easier for McNeese – they face Purdue in the second round.

A red flag warning is in effect for most of South Louisiana, along with Alexandria. High winds and low humidity are increasing the chances of fires spreading out of control. Thus, you should refrain from all outdoor burning, and LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there are other things you should not be doing.

Cut 5 (12) “…into the grass.”

Baton Rouge Police arrested the man they say fatally shot an employee of Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in the hospital’s parking lot yesterday. Officers arrested 60-year-old Roland Domino on the Mississippi River Bridge as he was contemplating suicide. The victim, 58-year-old Patricia Jackson, was brought back into the hospital, but she did not survive. Chuck Spicer is the president of Our Lady of the Lake.

Cut 11 (11) “…for being here”

A St. Tammany Parish school teacher is arrested for allegedly paying students to send him sexually explicit photos. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says some of the students in the photos that Jarvis Harry allegedly had in his possession have been identified…

Cut 8 (10) “…contact us.”

The McNeese men’s basketball team has made history. The 12th-seeded Cowboys have won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game, holding on at the end to beat fifth-seeded Clemson, 69-67. Brandon Murray led the way for McNeese off the bench with 21 points in the win. McNeese becomes the latest in a long list of 12-seeds in NCAA history to beat a five-seed. It doesn’t get any easier for McNeese – they face Purdue in the second round.

The LSU football team has received a verbal commitment from a five-star recruit from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 24-7 sports ranks Tristen Keys as the top wide receiver in the country for the Class of 2026. Keys also had offers from Tennessee, Alabama and Texas A-and-M.

Former five-star running back John Emery says he will play college football again next season. It would be Emery’s seventh season after spending the last six years at LSU. He suffered season-ending injuries the last two years. It’s unknown if Emery will return to LSU or play somewhere else next season.

Former Troy head coach Phil Cunningham has been introduced as the new head coach at ULM. Cunningham says the Warhawks will need to bring in talented players to compete in the Sun Belt, and the 56-year-old says he’s learned from the best when it comes to recruiting…

Cut 17 (20)  “…as anybody”.”

Cunningham was an assistant coach for Lefty Driesell at James Madison and Georgia State. He spent 12 seasons as an assistant coach at Mississippi State

The second-ranked LSU baseball team takes its 16-game winning streak to Texas where they’ll begin a three-game series against the eighth-ranked Longhorns. Texas had its 17-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with a 12-inning loss to U-T-S-A.

Those of you in South Louisiana planning on starting a bonfire today, meteorologists have one word of advice for you – don’t. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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A Mandeville-area teacher was arrested for allegedly receiving sexually explicit photos from his students. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Today is a very bad day to be lighting bonfires. A red flag warning is in effect for central and south Louisiana, as the region deals with low humidity and high winds. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says dewpoint temperatures are what areas like Phoenix would expect, not Louisiana.

Cut 3 (10) “…year in Louisiana.”

The dewpoint temperatures are leading to relative humidity levels of between 20 and 30 percent.

Cut 4 (14) “…the temperatures rise.”

With the red flag warning in effect, you should refrain from all outdoor burning, and Keim says there are other things you should not be doing.

Cut 5 (12) “…into the grass.”

Keim says the relative humidity should start getting back to normal tomorrow.

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A St. Tammany Parish school teacher was arrested for allegedly paying students to send him sexually explicit photos. STPSO Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says the investigation began last October.

Cut 6 (10) “…of their feet”

Jarvis Harry was on leave from his teaching position at the time detectives received the report. He was located last week in Tangipahoa Parish where he was taken into custody. Carboni says detectives found even more sexually disturbing images in Harry’s possession.

Cut 7 (12) “…pictures of students”

Harry was arrested last week on 142 counts of pornography including juvenile, 60 counts of computer-aided solicitation involving a minor, and 120 counts of prohibited sexual contact of an educator with a student.  Carboni says the detective has identified some students in the photos, but there are other photos that they have not been able to identify the students..

Cut 8 (12) “…898-2338 number.”

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Baton Rouge Police have made an arrest in the fatal shooting of a hospital worker who was gunned down after leaving work. Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says 60-year-old Roland Domino shot 58-year-old Patricia Jackson in the parking lot outside of Our Lady of the Lake Hospital yesterday afternoon. McKneely says this is a domestic violence incident…

Cut 9 (11)  “…shot Jackson”

McKneely says officers arrested Domino on the Mississippi River Bridge as he was contemplating suicide….

Cut 10 (12) “…Mr. Domino.”

Domino has a criminal arrest history of forgery, simple burglary, aggravated assault, simple batter and aggravated assault. Jackson died at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital despite the best efforts emergency room doctors. President of Our Lady of the Lake, Chuck Spicer, is heartbroken by this terrible act of violence…

Cut 11 (11) “…for being here”

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Today, President Trump signed an executive order that starts the process of dissolving the U.S. Department of Education. Ultimately, doing so will require Congressional approval. The move has the support of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. The Metairie representative says he favors moving control of education to the states.

Cut 12 (11) “…a better product.”

Scalise says the federal government has not gotten a good return on the money that it’s spent on education since 1979, when the Department of Education was established.

Cut 13 (07)  “…has gotten worse.”

Scalise says as a result, he sees no need for education to be governed at the federal level.

Cut 14 (08) “…the local level?”

A red flag warning is in effect for most of South Louisiana, along with Alexandria. High winds and low humidity are increasing the chances of fires spreading out of control. Thus, you should refrain from all outdoor burning, and LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there are other things you should not be doing.

Cut 5 (12) “…into the grass.”

Today, President Trump has started the process of dissolving the Department of Education with an executive order. Actually doing so will require an act of Congress, and it has the support of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. The Metairie representative says the federal government has not gotten a good return on the money that it’s spent on education since 1979, when the department was established. 

Cut 13 (07)  “…has gotten worse.”

A Mandeville-area teacher was arrested for allegedly receiving sexually explicit photos from his students.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”