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.”

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

Earthquakes are shaking Red River Parish. The US Geological Survey is reporting three to possibly four quakes ranging in magnitude 3.1 to 4.0 occurring around 4:40 to 5:10 this morning. They occurred near Edgefield which is north of Coushatta where last week a 4.9 magnitude earthquake shook residents and last night after 9:00 a 2.5 magnitude quake occurred.

A state senator is looking to make fortified roofs mandatory for new construction homes in the coastal parishes. River Ridge Republican Kirk Talbot’s bill would update the building code statewide. However, Talbot says he rushed the drafting of his bill to file it before the pre-filing deadline, and he will offer an amendment to narrow it down to the parts of the state where fortified roofs are needed the most.

Cut 12 (05) “…for new construction.”

Louisiana voters are most concerned about their wallets, says a recent survey by the Pelican Institute for Public Policy. Pelican Vice President Erin Bendily says two-thirds of Louisiana voters report their electric and gas utility bills have increased over the past year.

Cut 5 (11) “…policymakers.”

And lawmakers are in Baton Rouge as the legislative session begins today, They will consider more than 13-hundred bills including the budget. La Politics dot com publisher Jeremy Alford says legislators must figure out how to make up for a loss of some federal funding….

Cut 8 (06) “…Medicaid.”

The legislative session must end by June 1^st.

A recent survey says Louisiana voters’ biggest concern is rising costs including recent spikes in utility bills. The survey was conducted by the Pelican Institute for Public Policy and their vice president, Erin Bendily says nearly eight in ten people say state government or the Public Service Commission policies bear at least some responsibility for higher utility bills

Cut 6 (10) “…agenda.”

Lawmakers are gathered in Baton Rouge today for the beginning of the 2026 legislative session. They will of course tackle the budget, they will also discuss giving more local control in carbon capture projects, legalizing guns on college campuses, making it a felony to drive over 30 miles over the speed limit, and more on insurance reform. LaPolictics dot com publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 9 (09)  “…auto insurance.”

A state senator is looking to make fortified roofs mandatory for all new construction homes along the coastal parishes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

McNeese is hosting the Southland Conference men’s and women’s basketball tournaments for the fourth straight year this week. The Cowboys have been crowned Southland champs at home the last two years, but this year could be the first time the league leading Cowgirls get to join the celebration. McNeese Sports Information director Matthew Bonnette says it’s a big week for the school and Lake Charles area.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to the area.”

A new statewide poll of Louisiana voters finds that their biggest concern is what’s in their pocketbook. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Two feet of water in the streets and water was getting into some homes in Uptown New Orleans this morning. It came from a major water main break on Panola. It’s the second recent break on Panola. Residents in the area dealt with the last one last month. Water has been turned off in the area, and water is receding from the street, but motorists are being asked to avoid the area.

The 2026 legislative session begins today as lawmakers have more than 13-hundred bills to consider. The biggest one of them all is the state’s spending plan for next fiscal year. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the biggest budget fight could involve the L-A Gator Program. Governor Landry wants to double the funding for the voucher program that helps eligible families pay for private school tuition and other education expenses…

Cut 7 (11)“…big of a jump.”

A state senator is looking to make fortified roofs mandatory for new construction homes in the coastal parishes. River Ridge Republican Kirk Talbot filed the bill and says fortified roofs would practically pay for themselves.

Cut 11 (09) “…to get it.”

More earthquakes are being reported in Northwest Louisiana. The strongest was in Caddo Parish and was almost certainly felt. It happened this morning around 4:40. According to preliminary reports it was 3.9 magnitude. Just after 9:00 Sunday night the US Geological Survey reported a 2.5 magnitude quake near the same area as a 4.9 magnitude quake was felt near Coushatta last week.  Both this morning’s and Sunday’s earthquakes were at a depth of about 3 miles which is considered shallow and likely to be felt more strongly.

A state senator is looking to make fortified roofs mandatory for new construction homes in the coastal parishes. River Ridge Republican Kirk Talbot’s bill would update the building code along the coastal parishes to make fortified roofs mandatory on all new residential builds. He says current code is almost there.

Cut 10 (09) “…to that level.”

Talbot says on new builds, fortified roofs would practically pay for themselves.

The 2026 legislative session begins today. Jeanne Burns has a look at some of the big issues that will be discussed.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Louisiana voters say their biggest concern is rising costs. According to a survey conducted by the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, 40 percent of the respondents listed the cost of living and inflation as their top concern. Erin Bendily is the vice president of the Pelican Institute

Cut 4 (04) “…and inflation.”

Meta signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the White House this week. Diana Doukas (DOO-kis), with Meta, says they will ensure that those in communities where data centers are located, including Richland Parish, are not impacted by rate hikes and she says as part of its pledge, Meta is launching the Community Action Grant Program.

Cut 12 (09) “…building sustainable communities.”

The LSU baseball team suffered its third consecutive midweek loss Wednesday. Coach Jay Johnson says he plans to spend more time in the batting cages.

Cut 17 (12)  “…than they are.”

The Tigers begin a three-game series against Sacramento State tonight.

Yesterday morning’s magnitude 4.9 tremor in Red River Parish was unusual and Cynthia Ebinger (uh-BING-er) with the Tulane University School of Science and Engineering says there’s an uptick in earthquakes in neighboring states but saying yesterday’s quake is a precursor to the so-called “big one,” she says that’s completely unpredictable.

Cut 6 (13) “…and sharing information.”

Governor Landry says the state is close to settling lawsuits against ConocoPhillips that allege the energy company is responsible for damaging the state’s coastal marshes, leading to land loss. He says the settlement calls for ConocoPhillips to give the state access to 150-thousand acres of land it owns and unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in coastal investment.

Cut 8 (12) “…of federal funding.”

The ConocoPhillips settlement follows others with Freeport-McMoRan, BP, Shell and Hilcorp. Chevron and Exxon have yet to settle.

Yesterday morning’s magnitude 4.9 tremor in Red River Parish was unusual for Louisiana. Cynthia Ebinger (uh-BING-er) with the Tulane University School of Science and Engineering says there’s an uptick in earthquakes in neighboring states.

Cut 5 (13) “…separate wastewater wells.”

Louisiana is close to a settlement with ConocoPhillips over damage to the state’s coastal marshes for which the state says the energy company is responsible. Governor made the announcement saying Conoco will pay into the state’s coastal trust fund allowing the state to move forward with a 94-mile coastal land project across Plaquemines and Terrebonne parishes, which would protect the Houma-Thibodaux area.

Cut 9 (08)  “…they’re actually actions.”

Meta pledges not to pass the costs of its data centers onto the communities, including in Richland Parish. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The Saints and veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan have not reached an agreement and Jordan will test the free agency market. Ross Jackson, the host of the Locked On Saints podcast, says no matter what happens with Jordan’s future, the Saints will need to look for potential defensive ends to pair with rising star Chase Young.

Cut 15 (10) “…that’s Chase Young.”

Meta has signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the White House in a pledge to not pass the costs of operating their data centers onto the people in the communities where they operate including Richland Parish. Diana Doukas (DOO-kis), with Meta says  while protecting residents from utility rate hikes, they’re also bringing economic opportunities to the area.

Cut 11 (10) “…the data centers.”

Governor Jeff Landry says the state is close to settling lawsuits against ConocoPhillips that allege they’re responsible for damaging coastal marshes, leading to land loss. 42 lawsuits are pending, and ConocoPhillips is named in 13 of them. Landry says coastal litigation has held up progress that the coast desperately needs.

Cut 7 (08) “…far too long.”

Yesterday’s magnitude 4.9 tremor in Red River Parish was highly unusual for the state. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

After putting together his most productive season in New Orleans since 2021, Saints veteran defensive end, Cam Jordan, will be an unrestricted free agent next week. Last season he recorded 10-and-a-half sacks, however, the host of Locked on Saints Podcast, Ross Jackson, says, at 36 years old, he doesn’t expect NFL teams to sign Jordan to a long-term contract.

Cut 14 (12) “…agency opens up.”

Meta is pledging not to pass the costs of operating its data centers onto the people in their respective communities by signing the Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the White House. Diana Doukas (DOO-kis), the director for economic opportunity and advocacy at Meta, says Meta will ensure that those in communities where data centers are located, including Richland Parish, are not impacted by rate hikes.

Cut 10 (12) “…we are covering.”

For the first time in his 15-year NFL career, Saints veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan will test the free agency market. Ross Jackson, the host of the Locked On Saints podcast, says even though Jordan didn’t reach an agreement with the Saints yet, the team can still bring him back.

Cut 13 (10)  “…that 2011 draft.”

Governor Landry announces the state is very close to reaching a settlement with ConocoPhillips over lawsuits that allege the oil and gas producer is financially responsible for damaging the coast. Jeff Palermo the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The oil and gas industry may play at least a partial role in Louisiana’s earthquakes. That’s according to Cynthia Ebinger (uh-BING-er) with the Tulane University School of Science and Engineering.

Cut 4 (11) “…correlated seems likely.”