The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of Attorney General Liz Murrill, allowing the execution of Louisiana death row inmate Jessie Hoffman.  The ruling comes after a federal judge halted Hoffman’s execution earlier this week. Jessie Hoffman is scheduled to be executed at Angola on Tuesday, March 18.

The wife of legendary LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman has passed away. Sandy Bertman died Thursday night in Baton Rouge at the age of 87. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Sandy was the rock of the family.

Cut 6 (13) “…in Baton Rouge.”

The Bertmans were married for 63 years

——————————

Early voting began today…a day after The Louisiana Federation of Teachers officially endorsed Amendment 2, a measure on the March 29 ballot that seeks to make a one-time stipend a permanent salary increase for teachers and support staff. LFT President Larry Carter says it’s not a pay raise.

Cut 3 (06) “…all support staff.”

It’s set to be an ugly weather day in Louisiana today as South Louisiana, remains at Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms. The Alexandria and Lafayette areas are also at risk, but it’s slightly lower there at a 3 out of 5 level.  LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says when those levels get to that point, they should be taken seriously.

Cut 9 (09)  “…out of five.”

Keim says once the severe weather passes, Sunday in Louisiana should be beautiful.

The wife of legendary LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman has passed away. Sandy Bertman died Thursday night in Baton Rouge at the age of 87. The Bertmans were married for 63 years, and Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Sandy was the rock of the family.

Cut 8 (10) “…to be around.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Early voting began today and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers has officially endorsed Amendment 2. Two years ago, teachers received a two-thousand dollar pay raise, but it’s considered a stipend and not permanent. Legislators did not want to make it permanent because of future funding concerns. LFT President Larry Carter says the passage of Amendment Two would protect that funding against future budget deficits…

Cut 4 (14) “…their salaries.”

—————————-

Louisiana is bracing for severe weather this weekend causing the cancelation and rescheduling of several weekend events. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says be prepared for the chance of tornados, hail, and high winds on Saturday but come Sunday…

Cut 11 (15) “…to be spectacular.”

The LSU women’s basketball team will find out its spot in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday night. ESPN women’s college basketball bracketologist Charlie Crème (“cream”) has LSU as a three-seed, which means LSU will host the first two rounds in Baton Rouge. They were a three-seed when they won the national championship two years ago. Crème says LSU’s top three players are as good as anyone’s in the country…

Cut 14 (11) “…rest of the roster.”

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers endorses Amendment 2, which among other things would transform a stipend for teachers into a permanent pay raise. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
Early voting in that election began this morning

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of Attorney General Liz Murrill, allowing the execution of Louisiana death row inmate Jessie Hoffman.  The ruling comes after a federal judge halted Hoffman’s execution earlier this week. Jessie Hoffman is scheduled to be executed at Angola on Tuesday, March 18.

——————-

The wife of legendary LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman has passed away. Sandy Bertman was 87. The Bertmans were married 63 years. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Glenn Guilbeau…

Cut 7 (18) “…they were married.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

While LSU women’s basketball team awaits the announcement of its spot in the NCAA Tournament Sunday evening some question the health of the team. Flau’Jae Johnson missed the SEC Tournament with a shin injury and Aneesah Morrow re-aggravated a foot injury during the SEC Tournament. ESPN women’s college basketball bracketologist Charlie Crème (“cream”)…

Cut 13 (13)  “…the other three.”

The women’s bracket will be released at 7 tomorrow night.

Much of South Louisiana is at a moderate risk for severe weather throughout much of Saturday.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says areas along the I-12 corridor from Baton Rouge to Hammond and over to Slidell will be under a level 4 out of 5 threat, with a slightly lower risk for Alexandria and Lafayette. Grymes says primary threats include high winds and an increased tornado risk.

Cut 8 (15) “…serious damage.”

Senator Bill Cassidy;s  HALT Fentanyl Act could see a vote in the Senate as early as today. In 2023, more than 74-thousand people died from fentanyl use, accounting for almost 70-percent of all drug overdose deaths that year. Senator Cassidy says time is of the essence.

Cut 12 (10) “…exploit our communities.”

————————

Of the four amendments on the constitutional amendment ballot, Amendment 2 is easily the most complex. Andrew Greenstein breaks it down.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Schools and students nationwide are celebrating Pi Day today, celebrating the mathematical constant.  St. Thomas More Math Teacher Karen Dartez says many schools mark the occasion with pi recitation contests, math games, and…

Cut 14 (08) “…pi day.”

The most complex amendment on the constitutional amendment election is Amendment number 2, which basically rewrites Article 7 of the state Constitution. One of the most talked-about provisions is a permanent pay raise for teachers. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the amendment would make a stipend that’s been renewed every year permanent.

Cut 5 (14) “…three-billion dollars.”
Early voting in that constitutional amendment election begins tomorrow.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging his colleagues to pass his HALT Fentanyl Act. On the Senate floor yesterday, Cassidy said among other things, the act closes a loophole that people use to slightly alter the fentanyl to the point that it’s no longer fentanyl – something that’s called a “fentanyl analog.”

Cut 10 (15) “…the actual thing.”

———————

Severe weather is on the way in South Louisiana this weekend, causing St. Patrick’s Day Parades to be moved to Sunday with possible tornadoes tomorrow.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Today is Pi Day and schools across the country will be celebrating the day dedicated to the mathematical constant with students.  St. Thomas More Math Teacher Karen Dartez says this Pi Day continues to inspire young …

Cut 15 (07) “…share with the kids.”

Its Pi Day in schools across the country celebrating the most famous irrational number. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Much of South Louisiana is at a moderate risk — level 4 out of 5 — for severe weather this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes:

Cut 7 (10) “…evening hours.”

The weather event has forced organizers to reschedule many St. Patrick’s Day parades and events to Sunday.

——————————-

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging his colleagues to pass his HALT Fentanyl Act. It would  permanently make Fentanyl a Schedule One drug, meaning it has no legitimate medical use, making it illegal to use or possess. Cassidy said in 2023, almost 70-percent of all drug overdose deaths that year were due to fentanyl…That’s 74 thousand people.

Cut 11 (13) “…New Orleans Superdome.”

With early voting in the constitutional amendment election opening tomorrow, the most complex amendment on the ballot is Amendment 2. PAR President Steven Procopio says there’s a lot to unpack – but one of the the things it does is put a government growth limit in place.

Cut 4 (11) “…colleges and universities.”

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is counting down to a major milestone. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The line up has been announced for one of Louisiana’s biggest music festivals. More than 60 bands from all around the world will be in Lafayette next month for Festival International de Louisiane. Marketing Director Carly Viator (VEE-uh-tore) Courville…

Cut 10 (10) “…regionally as well.”

————————
Amid financial difficulties at the University of New Orleans, the board of regents is looking at possibly transferring the university back to the LSU system from the University of Louisiana system. New Orleans Democratic State Representative Matthew Willard says he’s glad that the regents are undertaking this effort.

Cut 4 (13) “…for the university.”

Jimmy Davis State Park in North Louisiana will soon be an even better place for RV enthusiasts to enjoy.  State Parks Director Brandon Burris (BYOOR-iss) says they’re installing complete sewage hook ups for the entire park and upgraded 50 amp electrical service which will be a huge benefit.

Cut 14 (06) “…have to move.”

Amid financial difficulties at UNO, the board of regents is considering moving the unitersity back to the LSU system from the University of Louisiana System. New Orleans Democratic State Representative Matthew Willard says the regents will take their time in fully studying the situation.

Cut 5 (08) “…another this session.”

One of Louisiana’s biggest music festivals announces its lineup for 2025. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

———————–

A major milestone is coming up for Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. They’re counting down to the delivery of their 400-thousandth baby. Chief Nursing Officer Cheri (shuh-REE) Johnson says what sets Woman’s Hospital apart is its ability to execute high-risk deliveries.

Cut 8 (09) “…to our state.”

Spring football got underway this week for the LSU Tigers and it’s a chance for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to start working with his new skill position players on offense. The Tigers have 16 transfers who have joined the program, including several new wide receivers and a tight end. Coach Brian Kelly…

Cut 16 (20) “…last year.”

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is approaching a major milestone. It’s counting down to the delivery of its 400-thousandth baby. Chief Nursing Officer Cheri (shuh-REE) Johnson says Woman’s has delivered babies who now live all over the world.

Cut 7 (18) “…in Australia.”

For the second year in a row and the fourth time ever, McNeese is going to the Big Dance. The Cowboys beat Lamar on their home court, 63-54, to win the Southland Conference championship and earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. Coach Will Wade…

Cut 18 (17)  “…last couple months.”

———————–

The University of New Orleans has run into financial trouble, so would moving the school back under the management of the LSU system help? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

RV enthusiasts will soon have an easier time enjoying Jimmy Davis State Park in North Louisiana. State Parks Director Brandon Burris says work is underway to enhance all 72 RV sites in the park.

Cut 13 (11)  “…system right now.”

Natchitoches Parish is bracing for the upcoming closure of the International Paper mill in Campti. Colleen Crain has an update

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The suspect in a mass shooting in Mamou has been found in Montgomery county, Texas.  Officials arrested 19 year old Trea’land Castille following an intensive manhunt.  Castille allegedly opened fire during a Mardi Gras celebration in Evangeline Parish March 4^th.  He’s facing two counts of first degree murder, ten counts of attempted second-degree murder, along with several other charges.

——————————-

Early voting starts this Saturday in the state constitutional amendment election. You’ll be voting on four amendments, including Amendment 2, which for all intents and purposes rewrites Article 7 of the state constitution. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says it codifies some changes in the tax laws that the legislature passed in the special session last November and gives teachers a permanent pay raise of at least two-thousand dollars.

Cut 8 (14) “…permanent pay raise.”

The Louisiana Department of Health unveils the new Central Louisiana State Hospital in Pineville, a modern facility designed for up to 116 patients with severe mental illnesses. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the facility includes two new patient care buildings, a utility plant, and renovated therapy and medical staff structures.

Cut 11 (13) “…or one connected building”