A bill that would have fined pedestrians for walking in crosswalks while looking at their phones was rejected in the House Transportation Committee. Representative Michael Bayham says his bill is an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians. Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says the legislation is government overreach.

Cut 9 (06)  “…their own body.”

56-hundred families benefit from the LA Gator Scholarship program and Governor Landry wants to double that. Currently funded at 44 million dollars, Senate President Cameron Henry is concerned the program could get too big to afford. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon came out in support of the program. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says her endorsement is a big deal.

Cut 4 (07) “…this incredibly serious.”

Last year, Louisiana completed 94 projects using federal tax incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings. Andrea (AHN-dree-uh) McCarthy, with the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development says the money can be used for projects small and large, or extra-large like the massive project happening in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood.

Cut 12 (11) “…of the country.”

The McNeese Cowboys are preparing to play in their third straight NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Athletic Director Heath Schroyer says with the three appearances, the men’s basketball team needs to keep it going, and it takes the support of the Lake Charles community to accomplish that.

Cut 15 (10) “…do it again.”

Last year, McNeese won its first-ever NCAA Tournament game when they upset Clemson in the First Round as a 12 seed.

The Louisiana House Transportation Committee says not to a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham authored the legislation and says he did not create the legislation as a way to generate revenue;  it’s an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.

Cut 8 (12) “…expensive accidents happening.”

Governor Jeff Landry wants to double the state funding of the L-A GATOR scholarship Program. He believes families should be able to choose a school that best fits their child’s needs, and U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon supports his effort but Senate President Cameron Henry is concerned about how the state can pay for it if you add another 56-hundred families to the program. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a debate to watch during this legislative session.

Cut 6 (09) “…wait and see.”

McNeese is in uncharted territory with its third straight NCAA men’s basketball tournament berth. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Last year, Louisiana completed 94 projects using federal tax incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings. That’s the second most in the country, ranking only behind New York. Andrea (AHN-dree-uh) McCarthy, the tax credit program director of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development says in order to qualify for the tax incentive, the rehabilitated building must produce income, like a hotel, and it has to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cut 11 (06) “…Register Historic District.”

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has come out in support of Governor Jeff Landry’s effort to double the state funding of the L-A GATOR scholarship Program. The state is spending 44-million dollars on the program this school year helping 56-hundred families with education expenses like private school tuition with many on a waiting list. Senate President Cameron Henry is concerned that the program could get too big to afford. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says L-A GATOR also has public backing.

Cut 5 (08) “…of the compromise.”

The Louisiana House Transportation Committee rejects a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Representative Michael Bayham says his bill is an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizen Advocacy Group testified against the legislation.

Cut 7 (07) “…this state make.”

When it comes to turning old buildings into new buildings, few states do it better than Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Filmed in Louisiana, the movie Sinners received 16 Oscar nominations and took home four Academy Awards Sunday night including Michael B Jordan’s Best Actor award. Many Louisianans in the industry are encouraged because not only was the movie filmed in Louisiana across multiple locations including Donaldsonville, Bogalusa, Thibodaux, and St. Bernard but Louisiana artists and craftspeople including design, costume, and makeup teams were a significant part of the crew.

When it comes to turning old buildings into new buildings, Louisiana sets the standard. Andrea (AHN-dree-uh) McCarthy, the tax credit program director of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, says since 2021, Louisiana has rehabilitated more than 400 historic buildings, including several in New Orleans.

Cut 10 (07) “…couple years ago.”

The McNeese Cowboys are preparing to play in their third straight NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The South Region’s 12 seed takes on Vanderbilt Thursday afternoon in Oklahoma City. McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer says McNeese is setting the standard for programs of its stature.

Cut 13 (13)  “…in the country.”

The House Transportation Committee put the brakes on a bill that would have allowed law enforcement to fine pedestrians 25 dollars if they’re caught looking at their phones while walking in a crosswalk. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon supports Governor Jeff Landry’s effort to double the state funding of the L-A GATOR Program. The program provides low-income families with state dollars that can be used to pay for private school tuition. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says McMahon’s endorsement is a big deal.

Cut 4 (07) “…this incredibly serious.”

A federal case known as the House Settlement now allows universities to pay their student-athletes directly. Each university athletic department can spend up to 20.5-million dollars in direct payments to student athletes. After LSU rejected Tiger Rag, the Louisiana Illuminator and WAFB-TV’s Freedom of Information requests on those payments to players, a lawsuit was filed. LSU says the payments are protected under federal student privacy laws. Every year, Tiger Rag Magazine publishes a money issue that lists the salaries of all of the employees of the LSU athletic department, including the janitors who work in the football office. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says the lawsuit speaks to a bigger issue. He says that with college athletics moving to a professional sports model, it is conflicting with current state laws.

Cut 9 (12)  “…hybrid professional model.”

Tiger Rag is owned by Kingfish Communications, which also owns Louisiana Radio Network.

Under a proposed bill by Monroe Senator, Jay Morris, the governor would have the power to suspend a judge or D-A for up to six months, then the Senate could vote to remove that person. As an example of why the law is needed Morris cited the murder of tourist Jacob Carter in the French Quarter by a teenager whose ankle monitoring contract expired without the judge of D-A realizing it. Jesse Manley with Court Watch NOLA says Morris’ bill is an unnecessary step in holding judges accountable.

Cut 6 (09) “…to be misconduct.”

The LSU Tigers are hosting the first and second rounds of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. LSU will face Jacksonville Friday at 5 p-m. If the Lady Tigers beat the Dolphins, Coach Kim Mulkey’s squad will play the winner of Texas Tech-Villanova. In Mulkey’s first four seasons, LSU was a three-seed, this year they are a two-seed.

Cut 14 (12) “…to be written.”

A bill that would allow the governor to suspend judges and D.A.s for six months then the Senate could remove them has caught the attention of Court Watch NOLA. Jesse Manley, with Court Watch NOLA, says it’s the people who put the judges and D.A.s in their positions who should remove them if necessary.

Cut 5 (08) “…choice from them.”

After LSU rejected Tiger Rag, the Louisiana Illuminator and WAFB-TV’s Freedom of Information requests on payments to players, a lawsuit was filed. LSU says the payments are protected under federal student privacy laws. But Tiger Rag argues that the state’s public records law requires the university to make public compensation paid to the player. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says the main objective of the suit is clarity.

Cut 8 (09) “…to be clarified.”

Tiger Rag is owned by Kingfish Communications, which also owns Louisiana Radio Network.

Louisiana Tech’s 2026 football schedule includes two days when they’re playing two opponents on the road simultaneously! Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A windy Monday morning is bringing cooler temperatures, and an expected light freeze Tuesday morning to areas north of I-10. The winds have also prompted a red flag warning between 1:00 this afternoon and 7:00 this evening.

One of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against LSU over the use of public dollars to pay student athletes through revenue sharing explains the reasoning for the suit. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says the lawsuit is attempting to get clarity on whether public funds that LSU’s athletic department pays to student-athletes, as part of revenue sharing, are subject to the public records law.

Cut 7 (09) “…no other recourse.”

Tiger Rag is owned by Kingfish Communications, which also owns Louisiana Radio Network.

Saints legend, former quarterback Drew Brees and current quarterback Tyler Shough took up baseball over the weekend, but Brees didn’t leave his famous energetic pre-game huddle behind. He led the Savanah Bananas in his pregame hype before taking an at bat during the exhibition game in the Superdome Sunday. Tyler Shough took off his black Saint’s jersey to reveal a yellow Savanah Bananas baseball shirt in Saturday’s exhibition before he huddled the baseball players for a football play, throwing a pass.

A court watchdog group opposes a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the Senate to remove judges and district attorneys at the recommendation of the governor. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Louisiana Tech’s 2026 football schedule consists of 20 games over 13 weeks, including two days when they’re playing two opponents on the road simultaneously! That’s because Conference USA and the Sun Belt BOTH included the Bulldogs in their just-released schedules. Dave Schultz, the host of the Locked On Sun Belt podcast, says it all started when Tech missed a deadline to depart C-USA.

Cut 10 (07) “…over their head.”

Three people including a six-year-old boy were found shot to death yesterday outside of Youngsville in Lafayette Parish. The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office says the bodies were found after receiving reports of gunshots in Braxton Guillot Village. An adult male, an adult female, and the little boy were pronounced dead on scene.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office or Lafayette Crime Stoppers.

A court watchdog group in New Orleans is speaking out against a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a mechanism to allow the Senate to remove a judge or a district attorney upon the recommendation of the governor. Jesse Manley, the interim executive director of Court Watch NOLA, says the problem he has with that is that since judges and district attorneys are elected, it would allow the governor and the Senate to disregard the will of the voters.

Cut 4 (13) “…in that system.”

Under Senate Bill 123 by Monroe Republican Jay Morris, the governor would have the power to suspend a judge or D-A for up to six months, during which time the Senate can remove that person with a two-thirds majority.

Tiger Rag Magazine explains its involvement in a lawsuit against LSU over whether the athletic department’s direct payments to student athletes should be public. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tiger Rag is owned by Kingfish Communications, which also owns Louisiana Radio Network.

The LSU Tigers are hosting the first and second rounds of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. LSU will face Jacksonville Friday at 5 p-m. If the Lady Tigers beat the Dolphins, Coach Kim Mulkey’s squad will play the winner of Texas Tech-Villanova.

Cut 13 (11)  “…the right time.”

LSU is not the only Baton Rouge team in the women’s tournament. The Southern Jaguars take on Samford in the First Four play-in round in Columbia, South Carolina, Thursday evening at six. The winner becomes the 16 seed in the Sacramento Four Region.

A confirmed case of chronic wasting disease, the first in Ouachita Parish has prompted the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to issue a Declaration of Emergency for Ouachita Parish and portions of all six surrounding parishes. Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says during the Declaration, baiting and feeding is restricted within the affected area, and the export of certain deer parts outside the affected area is prohibited to prevent the spread of the devastating deer disease.

Cut 7 (05) “…fatal in deer.”

Gas Prices might be going up but crawfish prices are coming down. Crawfish App founder, Laney King says over the last two weeks, the price has dropped 35 cents for live and 50 cents for boiled mudbugs.

Cut 10 (13) “…is great news.”

Election security is the theme of the Secretary of State’s office’s legislative package for 2026. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Lincoln Prep boys basketball team are the 2026 state champions. They beat Southern Lab 69-42 to win the Division IV Select title. Panthers sophomore Jabari Levingston scored 28 points and was named MVP. The Ruston Boys Basketball will try to take down the defending Division I Non Select champion  Zachary Bronco’s at 8:00 PM.

Among the Louisiana Secretary of State’s trio of bills for its 2026 legislative package, House Bill 547 by Metairie Republican Polly Thomas would prohibit taking pictures of voter registration information in precinct registers. Secretary Nancy Landry says this is to protect those who haven’t voted yet from intimidation.

Cut 4 (11) “…who had voted.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues a Declaration of Emergency for Ouachita Parish and portions of all six surrounding parishes. Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says it comes after a deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Cut 6 (07) “…Deer Area Two.”

Jennings native and former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan) is back in his home state to play for the Saints. Etienne grew up a Saints fan and remembers watching the Saints win Super Bowl 44. He says he’s excited about the opportunity to help bring New Orleans back to its winning ways.

Cut 13 (12) “…limit for us.”

As the first day of spring approaches, crawfish prices are starting to come down. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, has the latest statewide averages. ($4.15/lb. live; $6.83/lb. boiled)

Cut 9 (07)  “…for boiled crawfish.”

King says that’s down 35 cents and 50 cents, from the last two weeks.