Oak Grove basketball star Caroline Bradley has committed to play for Kim Mulkey and the LSU Lady Tigers. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A St. Landry Parish community is getting a long-overdue upgrade to its water system. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Five-star prospect and Oak Grove girls basketball star Caroline Bradley is staying home as the six-foot-five center commits to LSU. All of the elite programs were recruiting her, including UCLA and South Carolina. Bradley says the relationship she’s built with LSU coach Kim Mulkey played a major factor in her decision…

Cut 3 (12) “…it worked.”

Bradley made her announcement at a crawfish boil in front of hundreds of fans, family members, and teammates…

Cut 4 (14) “…is exciting.”

Bradley still has one more season at Oak Grove and will join the Lady Tigers for the 2027-28 season. According to ESPN, she’s ranked 3rd among the country’s Class of 2027 players.

The two-time All-State selection has scored 24-hundred points and grabbed 16-hundred rebounds during her high school career. She averaged 27 points and 17 rebounds a game this past season.

Bradley says she’s ecstatic to play for her home state, one of the biggest brands in college athletics…

Cut 5 (11) “…like Oak Grove.”

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It’s a new day in Melville as the St. Landry Parish community is overhauling its 60-year-old water system. The city’s outgoing water system was built on deteriorating pipes and a single overworked well, and Mayor Caretta Robertson says it was costing the town lots of money to keep it suitable for consumption.

Cut 6 (10) “…a long time.”

Mayor Robertson says in addition to more reliable water service, the overhaul will yield a much more fair billing system for residents and will prevent unauthorized usage.

Cut 7 (10) “…people would be.”

The project is being supported by a grant of more than four-million dollars from the USDA’s Rural Development Program. Robertson says she’s excited that the town will finally be getting a modern, safe water system.

Cut 8 (10) “…my words out.” (laughs)

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is once again advocating for the return of open primaries for all races in Louisiana. This year, races for U.S. House, U.S. Senate, state supreme court, public service commission and BESE went to closed primaries. Nungesser says closed primaries do not yield a representative government.

Cut 9 (12)  “…the general election.”

Nungesser says closed primaries generally have low turnouts, and those who do vote are usually the most hyper-partisan voters in either party, and that usually leaves general election voters with a choice of two extremists.

Nungesser points out that the member of Congress who will likely represent New Orleans in Washington starting next year will be someone who Republicans will not have an opportunity to vote for or against, thanks to the closed primary.

Cut 10 (06) “…happened to that?”

Troy Carter has drawn one primary challenger in the Democratic primary in Renada Collins, and no Republicans sought the seat. So thanks to the closed primary, only Democrats in the second district will decide who represents the district as a whole, while Republicans are completely shut out.

Nungesser says the vast majority of voters in Louisiana across all parties prefer the open primaries.

Cut 11 (07) “…want open primary.”

Nungesser says after this year’s closed primaries, he will work to return Louisiana to the open primary.

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt will miss the remainder of spring football. But Coach Lane Kiffin says it was expected. Kiffin says Leavitt had pins removed from his surgically repaired right foot and they knew that procedure would take place during spring football…

Cut 12 (07) “…opportunities.”

Elon transfer Landen Clark has been taking the snaps with the first team, while former UCS QB Husan Longstreet has been working mostly with the second team.

Leavitt only played in six games for Arizona State last season because of a Lisfranc ligament injury that required season ending surgery. He participated in the first six practices of spring practice and Kiffin is not worried about Leavitt missing the rest of the spring…

Cut 13 (12) “…summer.”

Ole Miss won most of its games last season with Trinidad Chambliss as their quarterback. He was a late addition to the roster after transferring in from Ferris State.

Leavitt is now on crutches following Monday’s minor procedure. Kiffin is encouraged by the work Leavitt has been able to get in…

Cut 14 (06) “…procedure.”

LSU’s Cade Arrambide makes history, becoming the first player in school history to hit four home runs in a game. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A 17-year-old lost his life swimming in waters near Grand Isle beach. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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History was made in LSU’s wild come from behind win over Tennessee on Sunday. Sophomore Cade Arrambide became first player in school history to hit four home runs in one game as the Tigers defeated the Volunteers 16 to 6 in 12 innings. LSU Baseball Sports Information Director Bill Franques says it’s a rare accomplishment….

Cut 3 (10) “…in a game.”

Arrambide’s fourth home run of the day was a grand slam that ignited a ten-run, 12th inning.

LSU trailed 5 to nothing in the fifth inning. Arrambide hit solo home runs in the fifth and seventh innings to draw the Tigers closer. Arrrambide’s solo blast in the 11^th inning gave LSU a brief lead and then his grand slam in the 12^th inning put the game away. Franques says it was fun to see in person…

Cut 4 (05) “…for the Tigers.”

LSU has won five of its last six and in four of those victories the Tigers had to come back from huge deficits to win. Franques says it’s been exciting to watch this LSU team never give up…

Cut 5 (06) “…okay too.”

LSU hosts the top team in the SWAC tomorrow night, the Bethune Cookman Wildcats, and then it’s back on the road to take on Ole Miss.

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New episodes of the travel series LA 64 premiere on Louisiana Public Broadcasting tonight at eight. Executive Producer Linda Midgett says tonight’s episode takes us to St. Martin Parish, where viewers will be in for a musical treat.

Cut 6 (12) “…viewers will recognize.”

As the name of the series suggests, LA64 will spotlight all 64 parishes over the course of five seasons, focusing on places less traveled. Midgett says every parish has its own personality.

Cut 7 (10) “…personalities come out.”

Midgett says the show will go to seven additional parishes between now and the end of May, when the current season wraps up.

Cut 8 (07) “…Beauregard and DeSoto.”

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A manhunt is on for a man who investigators say shot and killed his mother and grandmother during an argument last night. St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann says 22-year-old Lee Collins the Third shot 75-year-old Mary Major and 55-year-old Trenelle Collins. 

Cut 9 (08)  “…like this happens.”

The two women died of their injuries at a hospital. Sheriff Pohlmann says Lee Collins also shot at someone else inside the home.

Cut 10 (08) “…but he missed.”

Pohlmann says what’s especially baffling is that Collins has never been in trouble with the law before.

Cut 11 (10) “…at this level.”

Investigators say Collins drove off in a flatbed truck, and he likely fled into Mississippi last night.

Those of you heading into or out of Lafayette on I-49, give yourself a little more time to get through starting today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Three weeks into the legislative session and there have not been any substantive pieces of legislation making its way through capitol. Jeanne Burns has an explanation…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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An alleged drunk driver crashed into more than a dozen people watching a parade in Iberia Parish on Saturday. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Those of you headed into or out of Lafayette on I-49, be prepared for potential construction delays starting today. That’s because DOTD is beginning a major preservation project along a nearly nine-mile stretch from I-10 to the St. Landry Parish line. Deidra Druilhet (drool-YET) with DOTD says the work will entail pavement patching and concrete overlays – not only on the mainlanes, but also on the ramps.

Cut 4 (09) “…their particular destination.”

Druilhet says most of the work will be done during the overnight hours.

Cut 5 (12) “…be at night.”

Druilhet says the parts of the project that would present the biggest disruptions would be reserved for the weekends, when volume won’t be nearly as heavy.

Cut 6 (13) “…the entire weekend.”

The 43-million-dollar project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

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A Denham Springs representative is asking the LHSAA to make dance, cheer and lacrosse sanctioned high school sports under its authority. Republican Roger Wilder’s resolution passed in the House Education Committee unanimously and heads to the full House for further discussion. Wilder told the committee he was alerted to the issue by a constituent.

Cut 7 (11) “…concerns for me.”

Wilder says he especially noted how hazardous cheerleading can be, given the routines they do on hard surfaces.

Cut 8 (07) “…that right now.”

Wilder says by placing cheerleading under LHSAA authority, along with dance and lacrosse, there could be safety protocols in place to protect the participants.

Cut 9 (07)  “…and safety requirements.”

Unlike a bill, a resolution is non-binding. This one is a concurrent resolution, which means if it passes in the House, it will move to the Senate for its approval.

____________________________________________________________

Three weeks into the legislative session and it’s quiet when it comes to debate on significant legislation and that might be design. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Landry administration is not pushing any significant legislation after doing a lot of heavy lifting in his first two years in office…

Cut 10 (12) “…reform legislation”

Pinsonat says the Landry Administration is not interested in rocking the boat with the governor set to run for re-election next year…

Cut 11 (12) “…we are delivering.”

Pinsonat says the most emotional debate of the legislative session so far was over a bill to prohibit the use of eminent domain for carbon capture and sequestration projects. Pinsonat says legislative leaders have made sure that and other controversial bills make it out of committee…

Cut 12 (11) “…insurance reform.”

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A new AARP report finds that 900-thousand Louisianans are caregivers for adults, including older parents, spouses, neighbors and other loved ones. Director of Advocacy at AARP Louisiana, Andrew Muhl, says the Louisiana Legislature should do more to help these adults provide long-term care…

Cut 13 (11)  “..cost effective.”

Muhl says 20-percent of long-term Medicaid dollars goes towards services so an individual can live at home, while 80-percent goes to nursing homes. He says AARP is advocating for that ratio to be more like 40-60 so more family caregivers can receive state assistance to keep their loved ones at home…

Cut 14 (10) “…could appropriate.”

AARP is advocating that the state provides an additional 750 waivers so families can take advantage of home and community-based services. Muhl says there are 12-thousand individuals on a waiting list seeking this state assistance…

Cut 15 (11) “…living at home.”

It costs 85-thousand dollars for an individual to live in a nursing home, while home care is 40-thousand dollars.

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LSU senior safety Ty Benefield was one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the transfer portal as he was rated as the No. 2 safety. Benefield says his decision to choose the Tigers ultimately came down to a gut feeling.

Cut 16 (17) “…feeling in my heart.”

Before visiting Baton Rouge, Benefield had never stepped foot in Louisiana. The Irvine, California, native says the move to the South has been a drastic but rewarding change.

Cut 17 (18)  “…it’s amazing, it’s cool.”

Through two weeks of spring practice, Benefield says the intensity of his new defensive coordinator, Blake Baker, has stood out.

Cut 18 (16)  “…all the coaches are.” 

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ULM football is two weeks into spring practice, and an ongoing quarterback battle is taking shape. Aidan Armenta, Landon Graves and Houston transfer Austin Carlisle are just a few players competing for the starting job. Head coach Bryant Vincent says it’s one of the best quarterback rooms he’s had during his time in Monroe.

Cut 19 (21) “…great days, too, also.”

Vincent says this year’s team has been a very competitive one so far.

Cut 20 (20) “…that it’s going.”

As we move into the second quarter of 2026, the vast majority of the state is excessively dry. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The U-S Attorney’s office has charged two young men from Columbia with arson after they burned down the only Catholic church in Caldwell Parish. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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As the calendar has flipped to April, Louisiana is very dry – too dry, in fact. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows that more than 80-percent of Louisiana is in a drought, with one-fourth of the state in Extreme Drought. Much of the state is expecting one to two inches of rain over the next seven days, but State Climatologist Jay Grymes says that will not be enough to get the state out of the drought.

Cut 3 (12) “…soils moistened up.”

Grymes says Louisiana will need a lot more sustained rainfall to get out of the drought.

Cut 4 (10) “…so to speak.”

Burn bans are in effect in nine parishes, mostly in north-central Louisiana including Lincoln and Natchitoches parishes. Grymes says even if there’s no burn ban in your community, use extreme caution before doing any outdoor burning.

Cut 5 (10) “…the windier days.”

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The Louisiana House approves legislation requiring the Secretary of State to annually cross-reference voter information with a federal database to make sure that every registered voter in Louisiana is a U-S citizen. New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu is the author the legislation…

Cut 6 (06) “…illegal vote.”

Secretary of State Nancy Landry says Louisiana recently ran voter data through what is known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements and they found 403 noncitizens on Louisiana’s voter rolls. The legislation will require the Secretary of State to do this cross-reference annually.

This bill passed on a 74-29 vote. Democrats oppose the measure over concerns the proposal will disenfranchise voters. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says this legislation is another way to check a person’s immigration records, which could result in a legal citizen not voting…

Cut 7 (11) “…in Louisiana.”

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says Louisiana already has a strong record when it comes to election integrity and this proposal might violate a citizens’ constitutional rights sharing their private information. Beaullieu responded to Jordan’s line of questioning…

Cut 8 (07) “..,agree with that”

Newell informed House members that 25-percent of naturalized citizens in certain counties in Texas were marked ineligible to vote, because the database did not have accurate information…

Cut 9 (09)  “…database.”

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Louisiana Tech launches a new partnership with the Air Force Sustainment Center to create a pipeline for graduates to contribute to the Air Force Civilian Service in sustainment and logistics readiness. Louisiana Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson says the Air Force Sustainment Center’s main goal is to ensure that warfighters are prepared to deliver their mission.

Cut 10 (10) “…to come by.”

Dr. Henderson says the partnership will allow students to work closely with a portion of the Sustainment Center’s nine-thousand member workforce.

Cut 11 (07) “…and the military.”

Henderson says even if graduates don’t pursue a career with the military as civilians, the experience they get at the Air Force Sustainment Center opens them up to other careers which are prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (13) “…the job market.”

It’s a big day for NASA’s Michoud Assembly facility in New Orleans as the rocket factory played a significant role in the construction of Artemis Two, which is headed to the moon. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A proposed constitutional amendment limiting governors to two total terms takes its next step on its journey towards the ballot. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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NASA is launching a spaceship to the moon today and NASA’s Michoud Assembly facility in New Orleans played a major role in the Artemis II mission. NASA spokesperson Craig Betbeze says both of Artemis II’s propellant tanks were built at the rocket factory in New Orleans east…

Cut 3 (12) “…into orbit.”

The Artemis II crew has four astronauts and they will loop around the moon. It’s the first crewed lunar mission since 1972. The astronauts will be in what’s called the Orion Crew Module, which was designed by NASA and Lockheed Martin. Betbeze says about two-thousand workers at Lockheed had a role in the construction of this spaceship…

Cut 4 (07) “…second to none.”

For more than 60 years, NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and it’s known as “America’s rocket factory.” The government-owned manufacturing facility is one of the largest in the world. When NASA had the Space Shuttle, its external tank was built at Michoud. Betbeze says when the Space Shuttle was retired in 2010, the factory transitioned to the Artemis program…

Cut 5 (10) “…pickup trucks.”

In 2028, NASA plans on putting astronauts back on the moon and the spacecraft that will take them their will have many of its essential components built at Michoud.

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A proposed constitutional amendment to limit governors to two terms takes the next step in the legislature. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham’s bill passed in the House Governmental Affairs Committee on a vote of 11-to-2. Under current law, governors who serve two terms can run for re-election after sitting out for four years. Bayham says former governors start with an unfair advantage.

Cut 6 (06) “…in the race.”

Bayham says that unfair advantage is one of the reasons why it took a future governor, Kathleen Blanco, longer to be elected governor, noting that she originally ran for governor in 1991.

Cut 7 (07) “…ending her campaign.”

In 1991, Edwards had served three non-consecutive terms and had been out of office four years after being unseated by Buddy Roemer. That year, he flipped the script and unseated Roemer in the primary and beat David Duke in a runoff that garnered national attention to secure his fourth – and ultimately final – term.

New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd was one of the two on the committee who voted “no.” She said it shouldn’t be up to statute to decide who gets elected governor and who doesn’t. 

Cut 8 (09) “…vote for him.”

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A state senator’s quest to prevent additional school districts from adopting four-day school weeks advances to the House. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s bill passed the State Senate on a vote of 35-to-one, with Eddie Lambert of Gonzales casting the lone “no” vote. Mizell says she filed a bill last year mandating a five-day school week; at that time, there were six districts with four-day weeks.

Cut 9 (12)  “…four-day school weeks.”

Mizell says four-day school weeks create logistical problems, including in her own district.

Cut 10 (10) “…nothing to eat.”

Mizell says she’s also concerned about the effects a four-day school week will have on academic achievement, especially with the state showing tremendous improvement in recent years.

Cut 11 (14) “…of their day.”

There are exceptions in Mizell’s bill – districts with a performance score of “A” from the Department of Education will be allowed to pursue a four-day week if they choose to, and those already on four-day weeks can continue with that arrangement.

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A bill that would prohibit the use of eminent domain for carbon capture storage and pipeline projects was rejected by the House Natural Resources Committee on a vote of 12 to 7. Lawmakers approved legislation in 2020 that gave the government the power to use eminent domain for carbon capture and Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association president Tommy Faucheux says you can’t turn back now…

Cut 12 (12) “…to invest.”

According to the Environmental Integrity Project, Louisiana leads the nation with 65 planned carbon capture projects.

The technology captures carbon dioxide produced by industrial factories and then it’s stored underground into large storage tanks.

Pineville Representative Mike Johnson spoke passionately in front of the House Natural Resources Committee about his bill that would put the power back with the property owner

Cut 13 (09) “…in the ground.”

New Orleans Attorney Lauren Mastio spoke in opposition to Johnson’s bill…

Cut 14 (12) “…legal necessity.”

Johnson argues that eminent domain should only be used for public purposes, like building a new road, a school or flood protection. He says eminent domain should not be used to benefit private industry and claims its against the state constitution…

Cut 15 (10) “…our constitution.”

With hurricane season now just two months away, insurance companies are urging you to consider putting on a fortified roof. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Entergy Louisiana will build an additional seven new natural-gas fueled power plants to supply the energy needed for Meta’s massive data center its building in Richland Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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New LSU coach Will Wade has already brought excitement back to the men’s basketball program. Andre Champagne has more on what Wade had to say at an entertaining introductory press conference.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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An effort to move Louisiana to a centralized sales tax system is dead for the session. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson brought his legislation up for discussion in the House Ways and Means Committee and made the argument that it is difficult for small business owners in particular, to deal with multiple tax collectors.

Cut 4 (09) “…it more efficiently.”

Carlson voluntarily withdrew the bill for consideration because of opposition from local governments who are concerned that a centralized sales tax system run by the state would result in fewer tax dollars for local services. Carlson argues they are already missing out on tax revenue, especially from small out of state online retailers.

Cut 5 (09) “…of the complexity.”

Monroe Representative Michael Echols told Carlson that when he brings his bill back up for another vote, there needs to be a mechanism in the legislation to make sure local governments do not lose out on revenue.

Cut 6 (08) “…from these collections.”

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With hurricane season just two months away, insurance brokers are urging you to consider putting a fortified roof on your home. Beth Swanson, an analyst with insurance comparison website The Zebra, notes that starting July 1st, insurers will be required to give discounts for homes with fortified roofs; and depending on where you live and the level of fortification, those discounts can be substantial.

Cut 7 (08) “…that they can.”

Swanson says even if your roof doesn’t rise to the level of basic fortification, you can still get a discount on your homeowners insurance if you use certain materials in building your roof.

Cut 8 (09) “…policy for that.”

Swanson says once you put a fortified roof on your house, your insurance company will ensure that you will always have a fortified roof on your house.

Cut 9 (11)  “…to fortified standards.”

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Entergy Louisiana has reached an agreement with Meta to build seven new natural gas-powered plants, plus new transmission lines and nuclear power updates, so that there’s enough electricity to power the massive A-I data center under construction in Richland Parish. Entergy President and CEO Phillip May says the agreement will help keep electricity rates affordable.

Cut 10 (12) “…top of that.”

There are concerns that Meta’s need for a huge amount of power will raise rates for utility customers. May says that will not be the case, and the technology giant is taking steps to make sure low income individuals can pay their bills.

Cut 11 (14) “…provide them assistance.”

May says Meta is also investing 140-million dollars for energy efficiency initiatives for vulnerable customers and providing support for additional solar power plants. May says the project represents a significant opportunity to strengthen grid reliability.

Cut 12 (10) “…of this contract.”

When the Meta project was first announced, Entergy said it would build two natural gas turbines and a third power plant in the Baton Rouge area. Plans to build seven more natural gas powered plants are on top of the original plans.

The Public Service Commission still has to approve this plan for new gas and solar plants.

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The House Civil Law Committee advances a bill that would require both people in an in-person conversation to know if they are being recorded. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says there’s been a growing trend in which influencers wearing smart glasses approach women and record them without their knowledge, and those clips end up getting posted onto social media.

Cut 13 (11)  “…broadcast to millions.”

Schlegel says this bill is intended to protect those who do not expect to be recorded while in public, so there are exceptions for those who have no reasonable expectation of privacy, such as elected officials or law enforcement officers.

Cut 14 (11) “…and law enforcement.”

Schlegel says if her bill becomes law, those who violate it would not only face criminal charges, but they would also open themselves up to substantial civil penalties.

Cut 15 (07) “…a civil action.”

There are also exceptions for public meetings, emergencies, or situations where footage could capture evidence of a crime.

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Saints head coach Kellen Moore spoke to the media at the 2026 NFL owners meeting yesterday, addressing Alvin Kamara’s future for the first time since New Orleans signed Travis Etienne (AY-chan). Moore says he expects Kamara to remain in the running back room in 2026 and believes the entire group of backs can complement each other well.

Cut 16 (10) “…develop this team.”

Another major topic for the Saints this offseason is whether they will extend wide receiver Chris Olave to keep him in New Orleans long-term. Moore says the front office is engaged in ongoing conversations with Olave, noting that several factors go into negotiating a long-term deal.

Cut 17 (16)  “…about his future.

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Will Wade was formally introduced as LSU’s new men’s basketball coach during an entertaining press conference yesterday. Wade says strong alignment and prior working relationships with current LSU president Wade Rousse and incoming senior deputy AD Heath Stroyer will help him build on the success he had at McNeese and elevate it in Baton Rouge.

Cut 18 (17)  “…a national force.” 

Wade says his teams at LSU will have a dedicated identity.

Cut 19 (09) “…have down here.”

Wade left North Carolina State after just one season in Raleigh. He says he stopped worrying about public perception long ago and is now embracing the “villain” role in college basketball after making the move to return to Baton Rouge.

Cut 20 (11) “…mistake about that.”

Wade said that he plans to attack the transfer portal when it opens April 6th.

LSU-Alexandria will soon offer three-year bachelor’s degree programs. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Will Wade is back and intends to quickly transform the LSU men’s basketball program into a winner. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Coming soon to LSU Alexandria – three-year bachelor’s degree programs. This, after the Board of Regents approved the state’s first accelerated bachelor’s degree programs for specialized workforce-focused degrees. Liz Beard, the vice chancellor of academic affairs at LSU-A, says these new programs, which will initially be offered in two fields, still combine a comprehensive general education curriculum with a specialized curriculum like most other degree programs.

Cut 3 (11) “…or three years.”

Beard says these accelerated degree programs are in high-demand fields, allowing LSU-A to graduate students faster so that they can fill those jobs faster.

Cut 4 (08) “…pharmaceuticals, biotech.”

Beard says one of the first two accelerated bachelor’s degree programs at LSU-A are in information technology and in bioinformatics. (Cut is of Beard talking about bioinformatics)

Cut 5 (13) “…well with that.”

The new three-year accelerated degree programs are slated to begin as early as this fall.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser opposes an effort to name a new I-10 Mississippi River bridge in the Baton Rouge area after President Donald Trump. Nungesser says he has a problem with naming a public structure after a living official…

Cut 6 (12) “…in Baton Rouge.”

Nungesser made this comment during an interview with Jim Engster on “Talk Louisiana” on WRKF in Baton Rouge.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols is the author of the House-approved bill that is awaiting debate in the Senate. Echols says if Louisiana passes a law that says the new Mississippi River Bridge will be named after the current president, it raises the chances that the federal government will fully fund the bridge. Despite Echols reasoning, Nungesser does not like the idea…

Cut 7 (07) “…not in favor of it.”

The proposal passed the House on a 68-26 vote. It includes an amendment that says if the federal government does not pay for most of the cost of the projected three-billion dollar bridge, it will not be named after the current president. Nungesser believes the proposal is a way for the author to get attention for his congressional campaign…

Cut 8 (10) “…be doing.”

There is a state law that says naming public buildings in honor of a living person is prohibited. But Echols says you can still pass a law mandating that a public building or structure can be named after a living official.

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A Gretna representative’s bill seeking to make it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions advances to the full House. Vincent Cox’s “click to cancel” bill passed unanimously in the House Commerce Committee this morning. Cox says it’s often an unnecessarily tedious process to cancel subscriptions.

Cut 9 (10)  “…click to cancel.”

Cox says he’s heard from many frustrated constituents on this issue, including some who just give up and end up paying the monthly subscription fee for something they don’t use.

Cut 10 (11) “…out of it.”

During discussion, it was brought up that there could be issues with state-to-state reciprocity, such as when someone downloads a subscription app in a different state and looks to cancel it in Louisiana. Peter Robins-Brown, the executive director of Louisiana Progress, says he knows that can be tricky and there’s no easy solution to it, but he hopes this bill can be one step towards more broad legislation.

Cut 11 (12) “…framework on this.”

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Former LSU coach Will Wade was re-introduced today as the new head men’s basketball coach. “The General” received a warm welcome back from university officials and the hundreds of Tiger fans in attendance at the Maravich Center. Wade, who led LSU to three NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons, wants to do even bigger things the second time around…

Cut 12 (12) “…make history.”

Wade was fired in 2022 for committing NCAA recruiting violations. He rebuilt his career by winning two Southland Conference Championships at McNeese and just took North Carolina State to the NCAA Tournament. Wade says he’s not looking back; he’s looking forward to winning a lot of games at LSU…

Cut 13 (10) “…(cheering)”

Wade leaves North Carolina State after one season. He says he returned because of familiarity and his love for the state and SU….

Cut 14 (09) “…every night.”

Wade will begin building next year’s roster when the transfer portal window opens on April 7^th.

The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to debate today whether Louisiana should have a centralized sales tax collection. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A state representative has a plan to boost teacher pay to the regional average. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The LSU women’s basketball team’s season ended earlier than most had expected, but Kim Mulkey says her coaching career is not over. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Today the House Ways and Means Committee will discuss a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to implement a centralized system for collecting local sales and use taxes. The Tax Foundation says the proposal is sound tax policy. Manish Batt (Bot) is the Vice President of State Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation…

Cut 4 (11) “…sales taxes.”

Bhatt says Louisiana remains a national outlier in lacking central collection and administration of its sales taxes. But the Police Jury Association of Louisiana opposes the legislation as they are concerned this legislation will result in a drop in local sales tax revenue. But Bhatt says a centralized sales tax system would still be the best method for everyone

Cut 5 (09) “…the system.”

Bhatt says because Louisiana’s sales tax system is one of the most complex in the country, state and local governments could be missing out on tax revenue…

Cut 6 (06) “…compliance.”

The House Ways and Means Committee meets at 9 AM.

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Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center publish the first set of data from its RURAL Heart and Lung study. Lead Researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says the study gathered data in Assumption Parish.

Cut 7 (10) “…education level.”

Dr. Broyles says in cases where they saw differences, education levels, not income or age, stood out the most – but not in the way that people might expect.

Cut 8 (08) “…in lower education.”

The data book for Assumption Parish is out now. Dr. Broyles’ team also collected data in Franklin Parish, and she says it was very important that that parish be included in the study.

Cut 9 (07)  “…in the U.S.”

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A state lawmaker is looking to boost teacher pay to align with the regional average. Monroe Representative Michael Echols’ Teacher Pay Modernization Act would gradually increase teacher pay throughout the state until it reaches the Southern regional average.

Cut 10 (09) “…about 25-percent.”

Echols says the state would need to come up with somewhere between 200-million and 600-million dollars to accomplish this. Echols says one element of that involves finding cost-cutting opportunities within the public sector, including the elimination of job positions.

Cut 11 (08) “…that regional average.”

Echols says a lot of the cost-cutting could be mitigated if voters approve Constitutional Amendment Three in the May 16th election.

Cut 12 (09) “…in teachers’ pay.”

Louisiana teachers earn just under 60-thousand dollars a year on average, about 12-thousand dollars short of the national average. Echols’ bill will be considered by the House Education Committee.

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The LSU baseball rallied from seven runs down to beat Kentucky 17-10 to win its first SEC series and improve to 4-and-5 in conference play. The offense had one of its best days of the season. Derek Curiel was 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs…

Cut 13 (13)  “…last out”

John Pearson got the Tigers back in the game with a grand slam in the third inning. Seth Dardar hit a three-run home run in the sixth to give LSU the lead. Dardar flipped his bat way in the air and was fired up as he circled the bases

Cut 14 (10) “…world to me.”

This would have been a bad loss for the Tigers, who were in jeopardy of losing their third consecutive SEC series and second straight at home. LSU got down 7-0 in the third inning, but Coach Jay Johnson is proud of how the team bounced back…

Cut 15 (14) “…made it happen”

LSU will host Southern tomorrow night and visit Tennessee this weekend.

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Following LSU’s season-ending loss to Duke in the Sweet 16, Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey addressed a report that she is retiring. A social media post during the game reported that this was Mulkey’s last game. Mulkey shot the rumor down in the postgame press conference…

Cut 16 (16) “…on social media.”

Friday night was a tough end to a season that had hopes of a Final Four appearance. LSU lost a buzzer-beating shot. Mulkey says it’s never easy to see the season end with a loss…

Cut 17 (20)  “…we had.

LSU will have to replace Flau’jae Johnson, one of the greatest players in the program’s history. But the Lady Tigers return two of their top three scorers in MiLaysia Fulwiley and Mikayla Williams. Williams is expected to return for her senior season, seeking that a coveted trip to the Final Four…

Cut 18 (17)  “…Final Four.” 

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After missing five games last season due to an ankle injury, linebacker Whit Weeks decided he was going to return to LSU for his senior season. Weeks says a big deciding factor in returning was when Blake Baker was retained on Lane Kiffin’s staff.

Cut 19 (10) “…I’m coming back, too.”

Weeks is expected to miss most of spring practice as he continues to recover from an ankle injury that forced him to miss five games in the 2025 season. Weeks says he wishes he could be out there with his team, but wants to prioritize his health.

Cut 20 (09) “…roll into fall camp.”

If you’re a Netflix subscriber, prepare to pay a little more per month. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Details are out on men’s basketball coach Will Wade’s new seven-year contract with LSU. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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If you’re a Netflix subscriber, be prepared to fork over a little more money. The premium and standard plans each increase by two dollars a month to $26.99 and $19.99 respectively, while the ad-supported plan goes up a dollar to $8.99. Haggai Davis, the host of the TechGumbo radio show and podcast, says the biggest reason is that Netflix is now starting to show live sports.

Cut 3 (09) “…whenever they’re ready.”

Davis says this likely will not be the last price increase for Netflix in the near term.

Cut 4 (09) “…raising their rates.”

Davis says even though this is the second price increase in less than two years, Netflix does not expect to lose too many subscribers as a result.

Cut 5 (11) “…have some ads.”

The increased prices are in effect immediately for new subscribers, and they will roll out over time for existing subscribers.

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The second-seeded LSU women’s basketball team will look to punch its ticket to a fourth consecutive Elite Eight tonight as they face third-seeded Duke at 9 p.m. in Sacramento. In LSU’s 93-77 win over Duke earlier this season, the Tigers had three post players score in double figures. LSU holds a size advantage over Duke and coach Kim Mulkey says the game plan to win the battle in the paint is simple.

Cut 6 (10) “…a lot of confidence.”

The Lady Tigers, who boast the nation’s top scoring offense, are averaging 108.5 points per game in the postseason. Mulkey credits her team’s depth for its high-scoring success this season.

Cut 7 (14) “…freedom to score.”

If LSU wins tonight, it will take on either top-seeded UCLA or fourth-seeded Minnesota on Sunday at 2 p.m.

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The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation to create the Office of Health and Nutrition within the Louisiana Department of Health. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says the state needs a single office to coordinate programs that could get Louisiana residents eating better and exercising more…

Cut 8 (14) “…across the state.”

McMath says the new state nutrition office would not be an additional cost, but it could help lower health care costs in the future as Louisiana has some of the highest rates of chronic disease in the country…

Cut 9 (14)  “…productivity.”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee advanced the bill to the Senate floor without objection. McMath has pushed several pieces of legislation aimed at making Louisiana healthier…

Cut 10 (11) “…nutritious foods.”

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We are 50 days away from the May 16^th party primary election. The U-S Senate Republican Primary is getting the most attention, but the 5^th District Congressional Republican primary is also very competitive. Radio talk show host Moon Griffon says it’s hard to judge who is the front-runner to replace Julia Letlow…

Cut 11 (08) “…play yet.”

Board of Regents Chairperson Misti Cordell, state representative Michael Echols, state senator Rick Edmonds and state senator Blake Miguez are the main candidates in the fifth district republican primary. Griffon says none of the candidates have been able to distinguish themselves from the others…

Cut 12 (08) “…missing something.”

Pollster Greg Rigamer conducted a survey last month on the primary race and it was a virtual tie between the four candidates, all polling in the single digits.

Griffon is curious to see what kind of turnout we’ll see in May and in the June primary runoff. He says voters are not used to big elections in the spring and it’s a busy time of the year…

Cut 13 (10) “…way it is.”

Boot Up Louisiana! Will Wade is returning to LSU to lead the men’s basketball program again. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU is launching a four-year degree program in A-I this fall. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A reunion between LSU and men’s basketball coach Will Wade is happening as McNeese announces athletics director Heath Schroyer has accepted a job at LSU as Senior Deputy AD. Jim Gazzolo covers McNeese athletics for the American Press and says Wade would not leave North Carolina State for LSU if Schroyer is not at LSU…

Cut 3 (04) “…trust.”

Schroyer hired Wade as McNeese’s head coach in 2023, a year after he was fired at LSU for committing NCAA recruiting violations.

Cut 4 (09) “…place bets.”

Schroyer arrived on campus in 2018 as the Cowboys head basketball coach. He was elevated to Athletics Director in June 2020, during the middle of the COVID pandemic and right before two major hurricanes that struck southwest Louisiana. Gazzolo says what Schroyer did once he got the A-D job is remarkable…

Cut 5 (15) “…Schroyer.”

Schroyer will remain the AD at McNeese until April 10th, and then Deputy AD Bridge Martin will become the interim AD.

Wade’s return to LSU means Matt McMahon’s four year run as the Tigers men’s basketball coach is over. He went 60-70 in four seasons at LSU.

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LSU will soon be launching a bachelor’s degree program in artificial intelligence. The four-year program is the first of its kind in Louisiana. James Ghawaly (guh-WALL-ee), an assistant professor of science and engineering at LSU, says this degree program goes well beyond simply how to use A-I.

Cut 6 (12) “…of A-I assistance.”

Along with building new A-I technologies from the ground up, students will also learn the ethics of using A-I, which Ghawaly says is standard procedure in most engineering programs these days. He says students will also learn how to detect whether video content was created using A-I.

Cut 7 (13) “…generated versus genuine.”

Ghawaly says the program is starting in just a few months. 

Cut 8 (12) “…fall of 2027.”

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Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey does not believe politicians should be able to run for a seat in the U-S House of Representatives if they do not live in the district they are seeking to represent. Cathey brought Senate Concurrent Resolution number nine up for debate in the Governmental Affairs committee…

Cut 9 (12)  “…wanted.”

The legislation is directed at Blake Miguez, who lives near New Iberia, but is seeking to represent a Congressional district that covers the Monroe and Baton Rouge areas. The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee reported the resolution without action, which technically kills the measure for the session…

Cut 10 (07) “…significantly outside.”

Cathey was looking at running for the 5th district congressional seat currently occupied by Julia Letlow, but abandoned a campaign when President Trump endorsed Miguez.

Cathey says if you run for U-S Senate, you have to live in the state that you represent. State legislators have to live in the district that they represent and the same rule should apply for members of the U-S House of Representatives. But Houma Senator Mike Fesi says federal law allows for a U-S Representative to live outside of their district…

Cut 11 (06) “…this start.”

Fesi did not feel comfortable passing a resolution in Louisiana when there are 25 members of the U-S House of Representatives who do not live in the district they represent…

Cut 12 (07) “…figure out.”

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ULM introduced Ryan Cross as its new men’s basketball coach. Cross spent eight seasons as a Warhawk assistant before spending the last six years as an assistant at U-A-B. Cross says the ULM program is one that he has personal sweat equity invested…

Cut 13 (09) “…win championships.”

UAB made four postseason appearances in his six seasons as an assistant coach for the Blazers. And when Cross was an assistant at ULM, the Warhawks had their three winningest seasons since ULM joined the Sun Belt. He’s hoping northeast Louisiana will rally around his program…

Cut 14 (10) “…about.”

ULM is coming off a horrible season where they went 4-28 overall, 1-17 in the Sun Belt.