Governor Jeff Landry signs the tax reform bill in a ceremony at the Capitol this afternoon. Standing before lawmakers, he said passing the complex package was a true team effort.

Cut 12 (15) “…our job creators.”

Republican Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming announced his 2026 U.S. Senate candidacy, challenging incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy. Fleming, a former naval officer and senior Trump advisor, emphasized his dedication to America First principles, highlighting his service in Trump’s administration. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Pearson Cross says it will be an interesting race.

Cut 6 (12) “…come after him.”

Two of the four amendments on Saturday’s ballot have to do with passing budgets in the legislature. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Tigers signed 23 players to start the early signing period but lost out on a few elite prospects in the final two weeks leading up to it. LSU can make up for those losses by signing players out of the transfer portal, but head coach Brian Kelly says it takes money

Cut 11 (12) “…live in.”

In a ceremony at the Capitol today, Governor Landry signs the tax reform bill into law. The package that Landry signed includes an across-the-board tax cut to a flat three-percent and the elimination of the corporate franchise tax. Landry says this tax reform package is the dawn of a new era.

Cut 13 (11)  “…pro-business environment.”

Four Constitutional amendments are on Saturday’s ballot. Amendment 3 would allow a legislative session to be extended by two days to finish work on the budget if necessary, and it would permit up to three such extensions. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala (BAH-ka-lah) who authored amendments 2 and 3 says under the current law, failing to pass a budget bill on time would trigger a lengthy – and costly – special session.

Cut 4 (10) “…as we could.”

Sen. Bill Cassidy will have a least one Republican challenger for Senate in 2026. Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming announced his 2026 U.S. Senate candidacy and Congressman Clay Higgins may be another challenger. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Pearson Cross suggests Trump’s endorsement will likely determine the race’s outcome among Republican contenders.

Cut 8 (05) “…Clay Higgins.”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says recruiting used about relationships, now it’s about the dollars. The Tigers signed 23 players to start the early signing period. Recruiting services rank LSU’s class anywhere between sixth and eighth. Head Coach Brian Kelly is pleased with the class he brought in, but says it will take more financial support from Tiger fans to remain competitive…

Cut 10 (08) “…one or two guys.”

Governor Landry and Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, Susan Bourgeois announced what is expected to be the largest private capital investment in Louisiana history today. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is building a $10 billion AI data center in Richland Parish.

Cut 12 (10) “…and innovation.”

The the project will bring over 500 direct jobs, 1,000 indirect jobs and 5,000 construction jobs at its peak.

It’s not the job he wants but outgoing Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves’ name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Graves believes for FEMA to be effective in responding to disasters, it needs to be cabinet level agency.

Cut 4 (08) “…of community.”

Despite a couple big names defecting from LSU before the first day of the early signing period today, LSU has inked a few big names in the freshman class of 2025, including the top two running backs in the state. Zach Nagy, the publisher of LSU Tigers on S-I, says the top one is Harlem Berry from St. Martin High School in Metairie, whom he calls the best running back LSU has signed since Leonard Fournette.

Cut 6 (10) “…down the field.”

Nagy says LSU also signed the number two running back in the state – J.T. Lindsey of Alexandria High School

Ashley Davis, a fourth-grade math teacher at Central Intermediate School, has been awarded the 3,000th Milken Educator Award. Beyond her classroom success, Davis mentors fellow teachers, leads professional learning communities, and serves on the Instructional Leadership Team.

Cut 11 (13) “…form of teaching.”

Governor Jeff Landry is in Rayville along with Louisiana Economic Development Secretary,  to make a major economic development announcement. Meta is building a 5 billion dollar AI facility in Richland Parish The Facility will bring hundre5-billion-dollare state. Entergy will need to build 3 new power plant plants to provide energy for the project expected to bring in even more jobs. The project is projected to provide a significant boost to Louisiana’s economy.

Garret Graves is in his final days as a U-S Representative for Louisiana’s Sixth Congressional District. The Baton Rouge Republican’s name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but Graves says he’s not a fan of FEMA’s structure and wanted to see Trump implement reforms to it in his first term

Cut 5 (12) “…Homeland Security.”

It’s Official. McNeese welcomes Matt Viator (VEE-uh-tore) back as its new head football coach. Viator previously coached the team from 2006 to 2015, racking up 78 wins, four Southland Conference titles and five playoff appearances. Jim Gazzolo with the American Press in Lake Charles says this is a great rehire for the school but says the second time around might not be a carbon copy of Viator’s first stint.

Cut 17 (14) “…of recreate it.” 

Central Intermediate School’s assembly transformed into a milestone celebration as Ashley Davis, a fourth-grade math teacher, was awarded the 3,000th Milken Educator Award. Founder Lowell Milken presented Davis with the prestigious honor and an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize, praising her dedication to raising academic achievement and fostering a love for learning.

Cut 9 (08)  “…wait what?”

Outgoing Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves’ name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Graves says he has spoken to Donald Trump’s transition team about various positions with the new administration, but FEMA director is not one he’s excited about…

Cut 3 (08) “…that position.”

He says he’s not a fan of FEMA’s structure and wanted to see Trump implement reforms in his first term. Graves believes for FEMA to be effective in responding to disasters, it needs to be cabinet level agency and not tucked inside the U-S Department of Homeland Security

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring the Social Security Fairness Act up for a vote.

Cut 13 (15)  “…it weeks ago.”

The legislation would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, which lawmakers from both parties say unfairly cuts Social Security benefits for those who work in the public sector.

This year many Louisiana students are missing out on financial aid for college due to incomplete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (27)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators were baffled when an Opelousas mother turned herself in to authorities telling them that she physically and sexually abused her children, both under the age of 4 years citing extreme stress stemming from a divorce. There were no outstanding arrest warrants for 31-year-old Kiersten White who is now charged with indecent behavior with juveniles, first degree rape, sexual battery, and cruelty to juveniles.

Cut 9 (10)  “…to have happened.”

Major Mark LeBlanc (le-BLAH) says the kids’ injuries are minor, and that they should make a full recovery.

Some aspects of the recently passed comprehensive tax reform package will require voter approval, in March. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 27 (33)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former Catholic priest and admitted serial child molester, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping a boy in the 1970s.  93-year-old Lawrence Hecker’s plea is a rare conviction linked to the Catholic Church’s long-standing abuse scandal. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says Hecker plead guilty to every count…

Cut 9 (05)  “…to a life sentence.”

The Maurepas Swamp Project in St. John the Baptist Parish breaks ground on a freshwater divergence that will reconnect the Mississippi River to Maurepas Swamp.  Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Communication Director James Karst says River reintroduction involves redirecting fresh water and sediments from the Mississippi River into the swamp via engineered channels aiming to counteract decades of wetland loss and create a healthier environment for native species.

Cut 7 (11) “…very long time.”

Four years ago, in the wake of an explosive investigative report by USA Today, LSU promised to make improvements to its Title Nine office. However, a new report by the Louisiana Illuminator says there’s been little to no progress. Piper Hutchinson is conducting the investigation for the Illuminator in conjunction with Tiger Rag Magazine. She says employees within the office are alleging a hostile work environment, which is causing a slowdown in Title Nine complaints.

Cut 3 (11) “…office right now.”

Former Catholic priest and admitted serial child molester, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping a boy in the 1970s.  93-year-old Lawrence Hecker’s plea was welcomed by survivors prepared to testify about decades of abuse. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams described the plea as significant for survivors seeking justice.

Cut 11 (13) “…hurt other people.”

The state breaks ground on the Maurepas Swamp Project in St. John the Baptist Parish.  A freshwater divergence that will reconnect the Mississippi River to Maurepas Swamp.   Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Communication Director James Karst says CRCL is also working in conjunction with the state…

Cut 6 (09) “…in the swamp.”

LSU football has lost a five-star commitment on the eve of national signing day. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Four years ago, LSU promised to make improvements to its Title Nine office after the release of an investigative report by USA Today. However, a new report by the Louisiana Illuminator says there’s been little to no progress. Piper Hutchinson is conducting the investigation for the Illuminator in conjunction with Tiger Rag Magazine. She says some of the Title Nine complaints involved the Title Nine office itself.

Cut 5 (11) “…Department of Education.”

A 93-year-old former Catholic priest and admitted serial child molester, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping a boy in the 1970s.  Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says Lawrence Hecker’s victim, who was assaulted in a church bell tower converted into a weightlifting room, had reported the attack to his school principal, who failed to inform authorities.

Cut 10 (14) “…predator to run.”

In Opelousas, a mother turned herself into St. Landry Parish authorities Monday, telling deputies at the parish jail that she physically and sexually abused her children, both under the age of 4 years, citing extreme stress stemming from a divorce. There were no outstanding arrest warrants for 31-year-old Keirsten White but with her cooperation, detectives determined the extent of the criminal activity. White has been charged with indecent behavior with juveniles, first degree rape, sexual battery, and cruelty to juveniles.

Four years after an investigative report uncovered serious allegations against LSU’s Title Nine office, a new report suggests that little has been done about it. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Maurepas Swamp Project in St. John the Baptist Parish, a freshwater divergence that will reconnect the Mississippi River to Maurepas Swamp, breaks ground today. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Communication Director James Karst says volunteers and environmental groups will plant bald cypress and water tupelo trees to stabilize the ecosystem and provide resilience from hurricanes and flooding.

Cut 8 (11) “…swamp land again.”

Some aspects of Louisiana’s newly passed tax reform package will need voter approval on March 29th. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says citizens will vote on what is essentially a complete rewrite of Article 7, the tax and spending section of the state constitution.

Cut 4 (10) “…rainy day fund.”

Procopio says the rewritten article also includes options for local governments.

Monroe-area Congressman Julia Letlow has landed a spot on the Republican’s Steering Committee. Letlow says this powerful committee will have a major say on what the 119^th Congress will look like…

Cut 7 (11) “…selections.”

New Orleans endured a weekend of intense gun violence, with eight shootings in less than 12 hours, leaving three adults and a 3-year-old child dead, and nine others injured. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says group fights on Canal and Bourbon Streets led to three shootings on Saturday night and into early Sunday, wounding six people…

Cut 3 (14) “…settling their beefs.”

McNeese Football legend and Hall of Fame Coach Matt Viator is returning to McNeese. Athletic Director Heath Schroyer made the announcement today that the former head football coach will be the next Cowboys coach. Schroyer said he wanted a coach who embraced the expectations and standards of McNeese, and he said, they got the man who set them. Viator’s record at McNeese from 2006 to 2015 was 78 and 33 with two undefeated regular seasons and he was named SLC Coach of the Year in 2006,2007, and 2015 and was inducted into the McNeese Hall of Fame in 2021.

New Orleans endured a weekend of intense gun violence, with eight shootings in less than 12 hours, leaving three adults and a child dead. 3-year-old Rudy Ratliff died from a gunshot wound at a Willow Street home in Central City.  NOPD Sgt. Ron Howard says the child found a gun inside Tatisha Refuge’s home and accidentally killed himself.  Howard says Refuge is facing criminal charges…

Cut 5 (13) “…investigation on Ms. Refuge.”

Refuge turned herself into police custody today

There were 18 named storms in the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season that ended Sunday. Louisiana saw damage from two hurricanes, Beryl made landfall in Texas and Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish. LSU Public Health Climatologist, Barry Keim…

Cut 14 (11) “…pretty good year.”

Another Louisiana representative is added to a powerful GOP committee. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Despite three consecutive losing seasons, Louisiana Tech is bringing back football coach Sonny Cumbie for a fourth season. The Bulldogs went 5-and-7 this season and there are Bulldog fans who say athletics director Ryan Ivey kept Cumbie, because the buyout to fire him was too expensive but 97.7 Sports talk host, Sean Fox doesn’t see it that way

Cut 11 (13) “…a chance.”