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.

The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office announces a trio of bills for its 2026 legislative package, and they focus on election security. House Bill 691 by New Iberia Republican Beau Beaullieu would check the state’s voter rolls against the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program to identify potential non-citizens. Secretary Nancy Landry says a recent check of the state’s voter rolls turned up non-citizens who had cast ballots.

Cut 3 (10) “…an eligible voter.”

Crawfish prices are starting to come down. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App,

says the drop in retail prices comes in spite of challenges for crawfish farmers.

Cut 11 (08) “…prices industry-wide.”

Live crawfish are averaging $4.15/lb. live; and boiled, $6.83/lb.

New Saints running back Travis Etienne (AY-Chan) spoke on his decision to come back to his home state on Friday. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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. He says while there’s no evidence that humans can contract any illness from a deer infected with CWD, they should still take extra precautions – including keeping the meat of an infected deer out of your kitchen.

Cut 8 (09) “…abundance of caution.”

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.”

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

Cut 10 (13) “…is great news.”

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.”

While there’s no evidence humans can contract the illness from deer, but Bordelon says you should keep meat from infected deer out of your kitchen.

Jennings native and former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (AY-Chan) grew up a Saints fan and now he is one. Last season, the Saints’ rushing offense ranked 28th in the NFL. Etienne says he’s looking forward to helping change that in Kellen Moore’s offensive system, which features a wide variety of running plays.

Cut 14 (10) “…that’s what you want.”

Yet another water main has broken in Uptown New Orleans. Just days after a water main break at Panola Street and Carrolton Avenue flooded streets, a break is reported at Audubon and Willow streets. Officials have not said what the cause was, but water is flowing into the street. Over a third of the pipes in New Orleans’ water system are over 100 years old and officials say to expect repairs and upgrades to take years.

The International Energy Agency is releasing 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves as gas prices for regular gasoline in Louisiana is around $3.25 a gallon and diesel has surpassed $4.50 a gallon. But LSU Center for Energy Studies director Greg Upton says opening strategic reserves will have a small impact on the global oil price…

Cut 7 (12) “…these disruptions”

Upton says motorists should be prepared for elevated gas prices through the summer driving season.

Louisiana’s Agriculture Commissioner is sounding the alarm over the lack of crawfish peelers. Andrew Greenstein has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

McNeese men’s basketball is headed to the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row. This, after beating Stephen F. Austin, 76-59, to win the Southland Conference title. Senior guard Javohn Garcia, who erupted for a career-high 31 points in the win, says the Cowboys were not going to let the Lumberjacks end their 27-game winning streak at home.

Cut 4 (10) “…came out victors.”

A couple was trapped in their home overnight after a dead tree fell on their home in the Hammond area during the severe storms Wednesday night. The tree shifted the house making it impossible for the residents to get out. Fortunately, no one was injured and the next morning, neighbors and relatives were able to clear a path so the couple could get out of the house through a window. Earlier reports out of Tangipahoa Parish showed no major damage to homes.

Crude oil prices have surpassed 90-dollars a barrel and the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has reached $3.23, according to Triple-A. The International Energy Agency is releasing 400-million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, but LSU Center for Energy Studies director Greg Upton says that will not help with gas prices, instead it will ease short-term supply disruption…

Cut 6 (11) “…short run.”

The McNeese men’s basketball team is going dancing for a third straight year. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The commissioner of agriculture and forestry is sounding the alarm over the lack of crawfish peelers in the state. Mike Strain says this is because the Department of Homeland Security has stopped processing H-2B applications for skilled guest workers, preventing them from coming back.

Cut 9 (07)  “…skilled guest workers.”

Strain says these guest workers are doing the work for upwards of 18 dollars an hour; and it’s work that Americans will not do.

Crude oil prices have surpassed 90-dollars a barrel and, as a result of the war with Iran, gas prices are up 70-cents per gallon over the last month. The International Energy Agency is releasing 400-million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, but LSU Center for Energy Studies director Greg Upton says that will ease short-term supply but will not help with gas prices.

Cut 8 (08) “..down in the fall.”

Thousands are without power across much of the Florida Parishes after last night’s storms spawned six tornados taking down trees and power lines. Some houses and businesses were damaged in Washington and East Feliciana Parish. Tangipahoa Parish customers suffered the most power outages with over six thousand still waiting for the lights to come on. Fortunately, Parish President Robby Miller says they had no major property damage or deaths in Tangipahoa.

Cut 12 (08) “…were damaged.”

The commissioner of agriculture and forestry Mike Strain says the Department of Homeland Security has stopped processing H-2B applications for skilled guest workers to peel crawfish. Strain says of the 20 major crawfish processors, 15 of them have not received any guest workers, and the federal government’s inaction is on the verge of doing irreparable financial harm.

Cut 11 (15) “…to come in.”

The McNeese Men’s basketball team is headed back to the NCAA Tournament for a third consecutive season after beating Stephen F Austin 76-59 in the Southland Tournament Championship game. Senior guard DJ Richards says earning their way into the big dance is an accomplishment no one can take away from them.

Cut 5 (09) “…really hard to do”

Northwest Louisiana has been dealing with a series of earthquakes since a 4.9 quake rattled Red River Parish last Thursday.  Doctor Justin Rubenstein says he’s not expecting another quake greater than 4.9 and the aftershocks following last Thursday’s earthquake is common. He says if the ground does start moving again, here are some things you can do to protect yourself…

Cut 14 (10) “…the shaking stops.”

Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama is more successful than expected. They projected about 71-thousand riders for the first year but exceeded 80 thousand in half the time. And Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says furthermore, riders give the line rave reviews.

Cut 10 (10) “…and customer experience.”

Governor Landry wants to double the funding for the L-A Gator voucher program. Current funding is 44 million dollars and there is a waiting list for the program that serves 56-hundred children, mostly from low-income families who use the dollars to pay for private school tuition. A recent poll from the Pelican Institute found 61-percent support for expanding the program. Vice President of the Pelican Institute Erin Bendiily…

Cut 5 (11) “…government-run school.”

Landry is also pushing for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th ballot. The measure would pay down teacher retirement debt; to make permanent a 22-hundred dollar pay raise that teachers already receive but as a stipend.  Landry says passage of the Amendment would show our public-school teachers that the public has their back…

Cut 7 (12) “…to leave.”

Governor Landry used his State of the State address to push for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th ballot. Landry says the amendment would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana which would free up money for teacher pay raises…

Cut 6 (10) “…responsibly funded.”

The legislature is taking up Governor Landry’s request to double the current 44 million dollars in funding for the LA Gator Scholarship program.  Vice president of the Pelican Institute, Erin Bendily says it’s a popular program. Their first quarter Pelican Pulse Poll shows that 61-percent support the program.

Cut 3 (08) “…LA GATOR program.”

Amtrak’s new service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, has been far more successful than everyone had expected. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Last Thursday’s magnitude 4.9 earthquake in Red River Parish was followed by several other quakes in the following days, ranging in magnitude from 3.1 to 4.4. Dr. Justin Rubenstein with the U.S. Geological Survey says a magnitude 4.9 is at the upper edge of the light earthquake category with minimal damage. He says there may be additional aftershocks, but chances of another earthquake of that same magnitude…

Cut 13 (08) “…one in six.”

Amtrak’s new service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, has been far more successful than everyone had expected. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Northwest Louisiana has been experiencing a series of earthquakes over the past several days. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

As debate over funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program gets underway in the legislature, one poll indicates that the program is popular among Louisiana voters. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, says its first quarter Pelican Pulse Poll shows that 61-percent support the program.

Cut 3 (08) “…LA GATOR program.”

The LA Scholarship program provides state dollars to an eligible family to pay for nonpublic school tuition, or it can go towards tutoring, textbooks, dual enrollment courses and uniforms.

Bendily says the biggest benefit to the LA GATOR program is that it puts parents squarely in control of their children’s education.

Cut 4 (08) “…child’s unique needs.”

Currently, the LA GATOR program is funded at 44-million dollars and serves about 56-hundred students, mostly low-income families that were involved in the state’s previous voucher program.

Governor Landry wants to double the program’s funding to 88-million, but legislative leaders are concern about growing a program they might not be able to fully fund in the future. But Bendily says interest in the program is high as families want more choices on how to educate their children.

Cut 5 (11) “…government-run school.”

____________________________________________

Governor Landry used his State of the State address to push for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th ballot. Landry says the amendment would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana which would free up money for teacher pay raises…

Cut 6 (10) “…responsibly funded.”

If Amendment 3 passes, the permanent pay raise would be 22-hundred dollars for teachers 11-hundred dollars for support staff. These educators are receiving this money, but it’s considered a stipend and could go away.

Landry says passage of Amendment 3 would show our public school teachers that we support them…

Cut 7 (12) “…to leave.”

Landry is encouraging lawmakers to educate the public about the importance of this legislation…

Cut 8 (09) “…raising taxes.”

________________________________________________

People knew that Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, would be successful, but they probably underestimated how successful. Amtrak projected about 71-thousand riders on that line in its first year; it’s now exceeded 80-thousand – and it needed only half that time to do so! Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says there are many reasons why people are riding the Mardi Gras line in droves.

Cut 9 (09)  “…day of it.”

Ross says furthermore, riders give Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line rave reviews.

Cut 10 (10) “…and customer experience.”

Ross says the success of the Mardi Gras line can lead to further enhancements.

Cut 11 (07) “…on that line.”

And plans are still in the works to extend the Mardi Gras line to Baton Rouge.

_______________________________________________

As if last Thursday’s magnitude 4.9 earthquake in Red River Parish wasn’t enough, that was followed by several other earthquakes in the following days, including four within a ten-minute span early yesterday morning near Coushatta, ranging in magnitude from 3.1 to 4.4. Dr. Justin Rubenstein with the U.S. Geological Survey says these additional earthquakes following an initial earthquake, sometimes referred to as aftershocks, are very common.

Cut 12 (08) “…change in stress.”

A magnitude 4.9 is at the upper edge of what is considered to be a light earthquake with minimal damage. Dr. Rubenstein says while there may be additional aftershocks, the chances of another earthquake of that same magnitude in the near term is fairly low.

Cut 13 (08) “…one in six.”

Rubenstein says if you do find yourself in the middle of an earthquake, there are things you can do to protect yourself.

Cut 14 (10) “…the shaking stops.”

Nicholas Alexander is facing the death penalty for shooting and killing 25-year-old Vivian Police Officer, Marc Brock, last November. Caddo D.A. James Stewart Sr. made the announcement today. Alexander allegedly shot Brock through a closed door when Brock and another officer announced themselves and attempted entry to Alexander’s residence to serve him an arrest warrant for cyberstalking.

As debate over granting Governor Landry’s wish to double the funding of the LA GATOR scholarship program gets underway in the legislature, one poll indicates that the program is popular among Louisiana voters. Erin Bendily, with the Pelican Institute, says the biggest benefit of the LA GATOR program is that it gives parents control.

Cut 4 (08) “…child’s unique needs.”

Currently, the LA GATOR program is funded at 44-million dollars and serves about 56-hundred students

Northwest Louisiana has been experiencing a series of earthquakes over the past several days. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, has exceeded expectations with more than 80 thousand riders to become the number one Amtrak train among all of their trains in customer satisfaction and experience. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says the success of the Mardi Gras line can lead to further enhancements.

Cut 11 (07) “…on that line.”

Plans are still in the works to extend the Mardi Gras line to Baton Rouge.