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”

The Louisiana Department of Health unveiled the new Central Louisiana State Hospital in Pineville, a modern facility designed for up to 116 patients with severe mental illnesses. The 33-million-dollar project focuses on rehabilitation, patient-centered care, and recovery. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the facility is needed, but far fewer beds are available.

Cut 10 (15) “…two-thousand patients.”

More than 400 workers at the International Paper mill in Campti will soon be out of work when the plant closes next month. However, Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says most won’t be unemployed for very long but says Governor Landry is focused on the ripple effect the closure could have.

Cut 5 (11) “…International Paper jobs.”

————————————
Lake Charles is a basketball mecca this week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It looks like Derek Carr will remain with the Saints. The quarterback and the team have agreed to restructure his contract, converting most of his 2025 salary to a signing bonus. It’s biggest indicator that new head coach Kellen Moore will keep Carr as his starting quarterback.

Soon, more than 400 workers at the International Paper mill in Campti will be out of work when the plant closes next month. However, Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says most won’t be unemployed for very long, if at all.

Cut 4 (17) “…pulp service work.”

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.

Cut 7 (14) “…make every year.”

————-

There’s a new Central Louisiana State Hospital in Pineville, a modern facility designed for up to 116 patients with severe mental illnesses. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Lake Charles is a basketball mecca this week, with two tournaments being held in the city. Eric Zartler, executive director of the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority, says it’s it’s an event that the Lake Charles community gets behind.

Cut 15 (05) “…miles per hour.”

Crawfish are plentiful as it’s crawfish season out in full force – but so are crawfish thieves. Thus, farmers are working diligently to protect their hauls. Paul Zaunbrecher, a crawfish farmer in Acadia Parish, says some sophisticated thieves will steal the crawfish from the traps during overnight hours. He says drastic situations call for drastic measures.

Cut 11 (07) “…running the trap.”

At least one suspect is charged, with more to follow, in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Police say 23-year-old Caleb McCray was among a group which repeatedly punched Wilson in the chest, killing him. Wilson was pledging to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards implored the school – and the city – to do better.

Cut 8 (09) “…make better decisions.”

——————————————-

A Doyline couple is facing 72 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after finding a dozen dogs abandoned on a rural road and many more living in rough conditions at the home.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The LSU women’s basketball team defeated Florida 101 to 87 in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament. The 101 points are the most by an LSU team in the SEC Tournament Aneesah Morrow had 36 points and 14 rebounds. LSU will play Texas in the semifinals.