While the national smoking rate dropped to a new milestone, advocates in Louisiana acknowledge that there’s more work to do. Joe Gallinaro reports…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Ruston High School two-sport star Ahmad Hudson has committed to play football at LSU and also wants to play hoops for coach Will Wade. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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While the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living is hailing a new report from the New England Journal of Medical Evidence that shows the national smoking rate falling below ten-percent, it acknowledges that it has more work to do in the state. Interim Director Taslim van Hattum (HATE-um) says 14-percent of Louisiana adults smoke cigarettes, and that’s just the beginning.

Cut 3 (12) “…amongst certain populations.”

Van Hattum says cigarettes are not the only tobacco product that Tobacco Free Louisiana has to pay attention to these days.

Cut 4 (10) “…use smokeless products.”

Van Hattom says among the keys to reducing those numbers even further is countering the aggressive advertising campaigns geared towards young people, because statistics show those ad campaigns are working.

Cut 5 (11) “…and prevention efforts.”

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One of the top athletes in the country has committed to play football at LSU and he also wants to play for Will Wade and the Tigers men’s basketball team. Ruston High’s Ahmad Hudson is ranked as the nation’s top tight end in the country for the Class of 2027 and he’s also ranked as the best basketball player in the state. KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich…

Cut 6 (08) “…that special.”

Hudson led both the Ruston football and boys basketball teams to the state championship this past season. He caught 41 passes for 718 and had six touchdowns for the Bearcats on the football field and was recently named Mr. Basketball in Louisiana after averaging 20 points and 13 rebounds a game. Dietrich says Hudson wants to play both football and basketball at LSU…

Cut 7 (07) “…so hard”

Hudson’s father, Antonio Hudson, played on the LSU basketball team from 2002 to 2005. More than 30 power conference schools offered Hudson a scholarship and Dietrich says it came down to a Big Ten school and LSU…

Cut 8 (09) “…with it also.”

Hudson still has one more season at Ruston before he arrives on LSU’s campus. LSU also received a commitment over the weekend from cornerback Lavonte Williams, a junior college transfer from South Carolina. He will be able to help the Tigers starting this year.

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If your pharmacist is from Louisiana, there’s a very good chance that he or she graduated from ULM. Dr. Gina Craft, the dean of the ULM College of Pharmacy, says 75-percent of the state’s pharmacy workforce are ULM graduates.

Cut 9 (13)  “…of our state.”

The ULM College of Pharmacy has a 100-percent job placement rate among its graduates – every single pharmacy student who graduates from ULM immediately lands a high-paying job. Dr. Craft says when the students graduate, they’re immediately ready to launch their careers.

Cut 10 (14) “…when they graduate.”

Craft says pharmacists play a very crucial healthcare role in rural areas.

Cut 11 (08) “…preventative care services.”

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A 28-year-old Lafayette Parish man is behind bars after allegedly setting a fire that killed a nine-year-old girl. An apartment caught fire early Sunday morning in an unincorporated area of Duson. Two adults escaped the blaze, but fire fighters could not locate the girl in time as she died at a local hospital. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Chris Cormier says detectives believe Julian Jacob set the fire…

Cut 12 (06) “…apprehend him.”

Cormier says Jacob was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center and faces numerous charges…

Cut 13 (11) “…narcotics.”

No word on Jacob’s relationship with the people who lived inside the apartment that was set on fire. A motive is also not known.

The redistricting debate is expected to begin at the state capitol this week. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The first four months of 2026 have shown encouraging signs on the insurance front in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana has allocated one-point-five billion dollars on coastal protection and restoration projects next fiscal year, but one group remains upset the Landry administration cancelled two large river diversion projects. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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With four weeks to go in the legislative session, state lawmakers are expected to begin this week the public debate on drawing up a new Congressional district map. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the current map is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. At issue is the sixth district, which in 2024 was created as the state’s second major minority district and Democrat Cleo Fields represents it. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says not only does the sixth district’s boundaries need to be changed, several others need to be redrawn too.

Cut 4 (09) “…all that out.”

Redistricting is never a fun process for the Louisiana Legislature. Pinsonat says one factor that makes this map drawing exercise more complicated is that you have three state lawmakers running for Congress…

Cut 5 (06) “…I can run.”

State senators Blake Miguez and Rick Edmonds and state representative Michael Echols were all candidates in the 5th District race.

Pinsonat expects the map that this Louisiana Legislature will approve will look much like the one approved by lawmakers in 2022 that was challenged legally by civil rights groups…

Cut 6 (10) “…please them.”

Pinsonat also expects the Louisiana Legislature will approve legislation that would move the U-S House races back to an open primary.

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the trend in the first four months in 2026 has been mainly positive.

Cut 7 (10) “…specific to homeowners.”

Temple says while a small handful of auto insurance companies have filed for rate increases, the vast majority which have filed for rate changes have filed for rate decreases. He cautions policyholders, however, that that doesn’t mean they’ll see a lower bill next month.

Cut 8 (12) “…a rate decrease.”

Temple says the fact that some insurance carriers have filed for rate increases proves that the job of insurance reform is not done yet.

Cut 9 (05)  “…work to do.”

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The Louisiana Legislature has given final approval to a one-point-five billion dollar plan for coastal protection and restoration. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman Gordon Dove says one of the highlights of the annual plan is a 94-mile land bridge from Port Sulphur in Plaquemines Parish to Terrebonne Parish…

Cut 10 (11) “…eight parishes.”

Restore the Mississippi River Delta supports many of the projects including the River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp, which will divert fresh water from the Mississippi River into the second-largest coastal forest remaining in Louisiana. Amanda Moore is with the National Wildlife Federation

Cut 11 (11) “…outside of New Orleans.”

But Restore the Mississippi River Delta remains upset that the Landry administration cancelled the Mid-Barataria and Mid-Breton Sediment diversions were cancelled. Moore says the state already spent nearly 700-million dollars in Deepwater Horizon funds on these two large diversions…

Cut 12 (12) “…restore the coast.”

However Dove says you get a better bang for your buck with land bridges…

Cut 13 (10) “…coast..”

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Multiple lawsuits have been filed seeking to force the elections for U.S. House to proceed. Among them was one filed by fifth district Democratic candidate Lindsay Garcia, who said Landry was out of bounds in calling off the House elections.

Cut 14 (11) “…he contradicts himself.”

While the House elections are suspended, early voting for all other races, including U.S. Senate, is underway, which Garcia says adds to the problem

Cut 15 (08) “…getting right now.”

Garcia points out that, as is the case with all Supreme Court rulings, there is a waiting period of 32 days before Wednesday’s ruling becomes final, so the ruling would not become final until well after the May 16th primary election.. 

Cut 16 (13) “…the Louisiana legislature.”

In a separate case, the 19th Judicial District Court Friday afternoon rejected an attempt to force the state to hold the U.S. House elections.

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The Ragin Cajuns swept Georgia State this past weekend at Tigue Moore Field to get U-L Lafayette back to the .500 mark in Sun Belt Belt play. Coach Matt Deggs sweeps in conference play make up for games you could have won earlier in the season…

Cut 17 (23)  “…sometimes.”

The Cajuns defeated Georgia State four to three on Sunday to complete the sweep and a 5-0 week. Shortstop Blaze Rodriguez was part of a dramatic double play to end the game and says getting the brooms out is always fun…

Cut 18 (10)  “…pitchers.”

The Cajuns host UNO on Tuesday.

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The LSU baseball team’s faint NCAA Tournament hopes are still alive after getting a much needed sweep over South Carolina. Catcher Cade Arrambide had another big day on Sunday, with three hits and an RBI. Arrambide says after losing nine straight SEC games, LSU needed this sweep…

Cut 19 (10) “…good teams.”

Zac Cowan was the winning pitcher on Sunday as he threw six shutout innings. LSU’s pitchers were in command all weekend, allowing just four runs during the three game series. Coach Jay Johnson says throwing strikes makes a difference…

Cut 20 (19) “…this weekend.”

Legislative leaders say approving a new Congressional map in this regular session is possible. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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In light of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled Louisiana’s congressional map an unconstitutional gerrymander, next month’s U.S. House primaries are now suspended. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The ACLU of Louisiana calls yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling on the state’s congressional map “disgraceful.” Executive Director Alanah Odoms says by chipping away at the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court is dialing back civil rights as a whole.

Cut 3 (13) “…opportunities of others.”

Odoms says she fears that this ruling will be the catalyst for making life a lot more difficult for minorities.

Cut 4 (13) “…orders and policies.”

Odoms says it’s not just people of color who will suffer in the long run because of this ruling.

Cut 5 (07) “…upon name change.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has signed an executive order suspending Louisiana’s U.S House of Representatives races, after the U-S Supreme Court ruled the current Congressional map is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh agrees with this decision since the Supreme Court is the final word, a new map must be approved before the U-S House elections can take place…

Cut 6 (11) “….exist anymore.

Early voting for the federal elections, including the six U-S House party primaries, was set to begin on Saturday.  Seabaugh says postponing the Congressional elections is the right thing to do so that a legal Congressional map can approved by the state legislature…

Cut 7 (06) “..now and then.”

The Republican and Democratic U.S. Senate primaries will go on as scheduled as well as the other races for BESE, PSC and the Supreme Court. There is a little more than a month left in the regular session to approve a new Congressional map. Seabaugh says bills were filed weeks ago in case the nation’s highest court ruled that the current map is unconstitutional…

Cut 8 (07) “..that we need.”

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In light of yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling, next month’s U.S. House primaries in Louisiana are now suspended. Secretary of State Nancy Landry made the announcement this afternoon ahead of Governor Landry’s expected executive order. Landry said in a statement the state is barred from using the current congressional map that the Supreme Court has ruled an unconstitutional gerrymander. Political analyst Scott Hughes says with this suspension, the qualifying process will need to start all over again, since the districts will have changed and there are specific qualifying rules.

Cut 9 (09)  “…a huge issue.”

Hughes says there are now only six months to hold an election essentially from square one, which could make a closed primary untenable.

Cut 10 (11) “…we’ll be done.”

Hughes says if the process is not completed by January 3rd, when the next Congress is sworn in, Louisiana would be left with no representation at all in the House, so it might be in the legislature’s best interest to scrap the closed primary for the U.S. House races.

Cut 11 (13) “…for closed primaries.”

Now that the U-S Supreme Court has struck down Louisiana’s current Congressional map. When will the Louisiana Legislature draw a new one? Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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In a ruling that fell right down ideological lines, the Supreme Court has thrown out Louisiana’s congressional map. Andrew Greenstein has analysis.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit a governor from serving more than two terms fails to receive approval in the House by three votes. It’s the second time this session Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s bill came up three votes short and he’s disappointed…

Cut 3 (06) “…just wouldn’t vote.”

The legislation needs 70 “Yes” votes to pass. It received 67 votes. Seventeen lawmakers abstained from voting. Bayham is also disappointed one of the 21 “No” votes came from Covington Representative Mark Wright…

Cut 4 (09) “…all of us.”

Only two individuals have ever served more than two terms as governor in Louisiana, Earl Long and Edwin Edwards. Bayham believes in a state with four million people, you should not have one person lead the state for more than eight years…

Cut 5 (10) “…out of Louisiana.”

Bayham says he’s uncertain if he’ll bring the legislation up for a third vote on the House floor.

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So, what happens now that the nation’s highest court has struck down Louisiana’s second majority Black congressional district? Governor Jeff Landry says they are still analyzing the ruling…

Cut 6 (08) “…moving forward”

Federal elections are this year in Louisiana. Candidates seeking to represent Louisiana in one of the state’s six Congressional districts are gearing up for early voting that begins on Saturday. Landry says the Supreme Court’s time on issuing a ruling could have been better…

Cut 7 (15) “..of the election.”

Landry hopes the result of the Supreme Court’s decision is an end to the court’s involvement in redistricting…

Cut 8 (14) “..our roads.”

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The Supreme Court has thrown out Louisiana’s congressional map. In a six-to-three ruling that fell right along ideological lines, the court ruled that the creation of the second majority-Black district, one that stretches diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, relied too much on race. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state intentionally went to extraordinary lengths to create that district, and that’s what the court took exception to.

Cut 9 (10)  “…unconstitutional racial gerrymander.”

Ciolino says state legislatures may certainly use other factors in drawing congressional district lines, but they may not intentionally use race.

Cut 10 (09) “…game going forward.”

Ciolino says while the Supreme Court did not strike down the 1965 Voting Rights Act, its ruling today will have the effect of significantly gutting Section Two of that law.

Cut 11 (13) “…in drawing lines.”

In a statement, Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry said her office is currently analyzing the opinion; and since it’s been remanded back to the Western District, she’s limited as to what she can say at this time.

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Attorney General Liz Murrill was pleased with today’s Supreme Court ruling.

Cut 12 (14) “…to do that.”

So now, the case is remanded back to the Western District of Louisiana. Murrill says in the meantime, a new congressional map will need to be drawn.

Cut 13 (11) “…draw a map.”

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The Supreme Court ruling will in all likelihood have a profound effect on the political future of Congressman Cleo Fields. It was his district that the lawsuit had targeted. As one might expect, Fields was not happy with the Supreme Court’s decision to declare Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional.

Cut 14 (10) “…state is Louisiana.”

So now, a new congressional map for Louisiana will need to be drawn. Whether that can be done in time for the 2026 general election remains to be seen. Fields says changing the rules at this point in the 2026 election cycle would be counterproductive.

Cut 15 (06) “…my view, unwise.”

Fields says the best course of action is to have a new map in place for the 2028 election cycle.

A candlelight vigil is held at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge in memory of the Lafayette Parish girl who was killed in a shooting at the mall last week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LIV Golf has told Louisiana officials it has to postpone its scheduled golf tournament in New Orleans next month. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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People gathered at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge yesterday evening for a candlelight vigil in memory of Martha Odom. She’s the 17-year-old Lafayette girl who was killed when she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting at the food court last Thursday. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards told those gathered that last week’s incident has deeply affected the entire city.

Cut 3 (08) “…our whole city.”

Community activist Cathy Tolivar says gun violence is out of control, and it has to stop.

Cut 4 (12) “…pull them in.”

Lafayette State Representative Annie Spell was given some of Martha’s writings from her theology class at Ascension Episcopal School from her family, and she read some of those writings.

Cut 5 (16) “…are passed away.”

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The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline shot up five cents overnight to $3.73. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the sudden jump at the pump coincides with a spike in oil prices as a result of what’s happening in the Middle East…

Cut 6 (09) “…OPEC.”

Gas prices were holding steady at around $3.65 a gallon for regular gasoline and now they are on their way back up. Redman says stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran has led to an increase in oil prices…

Cut 7 (07) “..energy up.”

Redman says the price of diesel remains just above five-dollars a gallon in Louisiana…

Cut 8 (11) “..into the summer.”

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There is an enhanced risk of severe weather through this evening for areas of the state north of Natchitoches. A tornado watch until 7 PM is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster Parishes. Gary Chatelain with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says large hail is another threat…

Cut 9 (11)  “…incident from occurring.”

Damaging winds are also possible. Chatelain says some heavy downpours are also possible too…

Cut 10 (11) “…watching radars.”

Chatelain says a strong cold front is responsible for the severe weather threat. He says behind it is less muggy and cooler air…

Cut 11 (11) “…come the weekend.”

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The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would increase the amount the state compensates the families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty from 250-thousand to 404-thousand dollars. State Representative Jeff Wiley of Ascension Parish is the author of the bill

Cut 12 (06) “…an increase.”

Wiley says five law enforcement officers and two-on duty firefighters lost their lives while on duty last year and the family members left behind deserve adequate financial support from the state…

Cut 13 (07) “…as this.”

Wiley says it’s time to raise the compensation spouses and dependents would receive, since it has not been done in nearly 20 years. Marrero Representative Kyle Green says a cost-of-living adjustment should be tied to the bill….

Cut 14 (08) “…inflationary increase.”

Wiley says he will look into Green’s amendment proposal before he brings the bill up for debate in the Senate.

House Speaker Mike Johnson describes the tense moments that occurred at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Former Louisiana high school football star and current Southern running back Trey Holly will not face jail time for his role in a February 2024 shooting in Farmerville that wounded two people. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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House Speaker Mike Johnson was on KEEL Radio in Shreveport this morning recounting his experience on Saturday night when he was rushed away when an armed man tried to gain access to the ballroom where they were holding the White House Correspondents Association dinner. Johnson is grateful law enforcement and first responders acted quickly…

Cut 3 (10) “…shots fired.”

Authorities say 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California exchanged gunfire with law enforcement as he tried to rush past security checkpoint. He was allegedly armed with multiple guns and knives.  Inside the ballroom were President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, along with Johnson who’s next in the presidential succession….

Cut 4 (07) “…society.”

NBC News is reporting Allen, who is a teacher in California and an engineer, sent a note to family members that it was his duty to attack Trump Administration officials. Johnson says Allen was radicalized..

Cut 5 (11) “…very dangerous.”

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Former Louisiana high school football star Trey Holly has avoided jail time by entering a no contest plea. Holly was accused of illegal use of a weapon and aggravated criminal damage to property for a 2024 shooting that took place in his hometown of Farmerville that wounded two people. Holly’s attorney, Mike Small, says Holly did not plead guilty to anything…

Cut 6 (05) “…didn’t do it.”

Small, says he had a decent shot at acquittal, but it would have been a gamble…

Cut 7 (09) “..or probation.”

Holly was sentenced to one year probation and a one-thousand dollar fine and he’ll continue playing football for Southern. Small says after satisfactory completion of his probation, he can file a motion to have the conviction tossed out and the prosecution dismissed…

Cut 8 (12) “..guilty”

Small wishes this case was resolved sooner. Holly was set to stand trial last summer, but because the air conditioning system went down at the courthouse in Farmerville, the trial date was pushed to this April.

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Quick thinking by Lafayette Police after Festival International had wrapped up Saturday night may have prevented a much more serious situation. Sergeant Robin Green says a large crowd had gathered after the music had wrapped up, and an argument broke out between two groups. 

Cut 9 (11)  “…incident from occurring.”

Sergeant Green says the officer’s tactics must have worked, because that got 19-year-old Jai’Quan Pierre of Crowley to back off.

Cut 10 (10) “…Parish Correctional Center.”

Green says Pierre is facing three charges.

Cut 11 (08) “…terrorizing-slash-menacing.”

No one was hurt during the incident. The officer who discharged the duty weapon has been placed on routine paid administrative leave while the investigation is being conducted.

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The northern parishes could be in for some severe weather later today. National Weather Service senior meteorologist Jason Hansford says high winds, isolated thunderstorms and damaging hail are possible.

Cut 12 (12) “…of the state.”

Over the next seven days, north and central Louisiana could get at least three inches of rain, with areas south of there to the I-10/I-12 corridor getting between two and three inches. Hansford says while that rain is very much needed, it won’t be nearly enough to get the state out of the drought.

Cut 13 (09) “…end the drought.”

Hansford says it’s almost certain that the drought will last the entire summer.

Cut 14 (10) “…of last year.”

While the Republican Senate candidates can’t agree on holding a debate, the Democratic candidates all got together for a debate in Baton Rouge. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Forty-four years after a 16-year-old girl was killed, her alleged killers have finally been arrested. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landy is fed up with violent crime and continues to blame judges for not imposing the proper punishment on young offenders. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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While the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate cannot decide when or where to hold a debate, the three Democratic candidates held a debate in Baton Rouge. Jamie Davis, Gary Crockett and Nick Albares spent 45 minutes answering questions on a wide variety of topics. On the topic of health care, Albares said he would undo certain provisions of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” that he says were structured to make the next Congress look bad.

Cut 4 (12) “…January 1st, 2027.”

On affordability, Davis said he would more than double the minimum wage, which has been $7.25 an hour since July of 2009.

Cut 5 (12) “…somewhere around $17.50.”

All three took aim at the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with Crockett noting a stark difference between Trump and prior administrations.

Cut 6 (10) “…everyone deserves dignity.”

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A bill heading to the House floor seeks to give the governor and statewide elected officials a significant pay raise. Harahan Representative John Illg is proposing that the governor’s salary be 35 percent of the average base pay for Louisiana’s university system presidents, and for other statewide elected officials, it would be 30 percent…

Cut 7 (08) “…make.”

Currently, the governor makes 130 thousand dollars a year. Other statewide elected officials are making 115-thousand dollars. Illg says the salaries for statewide elected officials have not been raised in 20 years….

Cut 8 (08) “…the boss.”

Under Illg’s measure. The governor would see his salary increase by 52-thousand dollars to a little more than 182-thousand dollars a year. The other statewide elected officials would increase by 41-thousand dollars to 156-thousand dollars. The pay hikes will take effect with the next term, which starts in 2028.

Illg says by tying the pay of the governor and statewide elected officials with university system president pay, the legislature will never have to take a vote on it again….

Cut 9 (05)  “…again.”

Illg is also proposing a daily stipend of 178 dollars for lawmakers when they travel outside the district for legislative work outside of the legislative session. The House Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously approved the bill and it still needs full House and Senate approval.

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Forty-four years after 16-year-old Roxanne Sharp was raped and murdered in Covington,  State Police have arrested four men in connection with that murder. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the February 1982 murder remained unsolved for decades, until Charles Dowdy’s podcast “Who Killed Roxanne” spurred interest in the case.

Cut 10 (08) “…have moved away.”

Gremillion says that renewed interest helped investigators generate new leads and ultimately led them to four men – three of whom were 20 and the other one 18 at the time of the murder.

Cut 11 (13) “…second-degree murder.”

Perry Taylor and Carlos Cooper were already behind bars on unrelated charges. Billy Williams was arrested in Covington, and Darrell Spell was arrested in Dayton, Ohio. Gremillion says he hopes after all these years, the arrests of the four men brings a sense of closure and healing to Roxanne’s family.

Cut 12 (10) “…that were made.”

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Governor Jeff Landry calls last week’s fatal mass shooting at the Louisiana Mall unacceptable and is pointing the finger at parents and the judicial system for the violence that continues to take place involving young people. Landry says the failure of this situation starts at home…

Cut 13 (13)  “…failure list.”

Baton Rouge Police have arrested 17-year-old Markell Lee and charged him with first degree murder and five counts of attempted first-degree murder. Authorities are searching for a second suspected gunman.

Landry is calling on state lawmakers to look at increasing the penalties to make sure violent young criminals are locked up…

Cut 14 (11) “…their lives.”

Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse says Lee has an extensive history in the state’s juvenile court system. Landry continues to make claims that judges in the juvenile court system are not upholding their obligation to ensure justice…

Cut 15 (12) “…was innocent.”

Landry is urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would hold judges accountable if they fail to impose the appropriate punishment on a convicted felon.

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LSU sophomore wide receiver Winston Watkins is one of four players who followed coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge from Ole Miss. Watkins says that he and Kiffin have had a special bond since he recruited him in high school, which led to his decision to play for the Tigers.

Cut 16 (14) “…the good move for me.”

As a freshman at Ole Miss, Watkins caught 26 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown. Now that he’s at LSU, Watkins says he’s aiming to make a significant leap in year two and put the nation on notice.

Cut 17 (18)  “…of the world at LSU.”

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Three of the eight Saints draft picks were receivers as they provided starting quarterback Tyler Shough with more options in the passing. In the first round, New Orleans took Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State, and in the fourth round, they made an interesting pick in six-foot-three Bryce Lane from North Dakota State. General Manager Mickey Loomis…

Cut 18 (20)  “…to Chris .”

In the sixth round, the Saints took former LSU wide receiver Barion Brown, who is estatic he’s staying in the Boot…

Cut 19 (18) “…let’s do it.”

Former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier said he had to wait what seemed like forever as his name was not called until the seventh round. But he’s going to a championship organization as the Chiefs selected the Lake Charles native. Nussmeier is fired up to learn from head coach Andy Reid and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes…

Cut 20 (12) “…grateful for.”

It’s another big weekend of festivals and Festival International is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Authorities have arrested one individual and searching for a second person who was involved in Thursday’s mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana that killed a 17-year-old girl from Lafayette Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you want to listen to music from around the world, Festival International in downtown Lafayette is the place to do it this weekend. Vice President of Communications at Lafayette Travel, Jesse Guidry, says over 50 countries are represented and over 500 musicians are at this weekend’s cultural celebration…

Cut 3 (08) “…to behold.”

Guidry says Festival International is one of Lafayette’s biggest tourist attractions every year, and visitors do more than attend the festival

Cut 4 (05) “…around Lafayette.”

Guidry says Festival International is not just a music festival…

Cut 5 (10) “…arts and craft.”

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Two of the state’s largest teacher unions are supporting Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th ballot. Louisiana Federation of Teachers president Larry Carter says the measure would provide a permanent salary increase for educators and school employees….

Cut 6 (10) “…permanent pay.”

Educators and school employees are already currently receiving most of this money. But Carter says it’s a stipend and could go away if the state needs to reduce revenue due to tough budget times.

Cut 7 (10) “..permanently.”

Constitutional Amendment 3 would mean teachers would receive a permanent salary increase of $2,250 and school employees would get $1,125 dollars. The permanent pay raise would come from the dissolving of three education trust funds and the money from those funds would pay down teacher retirement debt, creating a savings to pay teachers.

Carter says this is part of LFT’s efforts to get educators’ salaries to the Southern Regional Average, which is critical in ensuring a quality teacher in every classroom…

Cut 8 (10) “…students.”

The Louisiana Association of Educators is also in favor of Constitutional Amendment 3.

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The Louisiana Department of Health this week confirmed a case of measles in the New Orleans area. All we know about the patient is that the patient is a child who became exposed during international travel. LDH says on April 17th while infected, the patient visited the Kenner Target and Walmart stores. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says if you were at either store that day, closely monitor yourself for any symptoms.

Cut 9 (13)  “…the rash appears.”

LDH says the patient was partially vaccinated. The recommendation is two doses of the MMR vaccine for children and one dose for adults. Sokol says those who get those recommended doses are 97-percent protected from measles for life. 

Cut 10 (09) “…transmit to others.”

Sokol says especially if you were in the Target or Walmart in Kenner last Friday, you should double-check your MMR vaccine history.

Cut 11 (11) “…for a vaccine.”

This is the first measles case reported in Louisiana this year. Last year, there were three cases.

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Baton Rouge Police officers have arrested a 17-year-old and searching for a second suspect in Thursday’s fatal shooting at the Louisiana Mall that claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl and wounded five others. Baton Rouge Police Chief T-J Morse says the individual in police custody is 17-year-old Markell Lee…

Cut 12 (07) “… a weapon.”

Morse says four other people who were detained shortly after the shooting have been released. He says they are confident Lee was one of the shooters…

Cut 13 (09) “…known residence.”

Morse says Lee has an extensive criminal history in the juvenile court system. Police have released an image of the second person they are looking for in the hopes the public can help identify that person.

The 17-year-old girl who was fatally shot has been identified as Martha Odom. She attended Ascension Episcopal High School in Youngsville. Odom loved ballet, writing and Doctor Pepper. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore grieves for her family…

Cut 14 (04) “…them home.”

Law enforcement foils a North Carolina man’s alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at Jazz Fest. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The drought in Louisiana is getting worse. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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If you’re not in the greater Baton Rouge area or in Cameron Parish, you’re in an area experiencing drought. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the latest Louisiana Drought Monitor shows drought conditions getting worse.

Cut 3 (12) “…as extreme drought.”

This is a far cry from one year ago today, when none of the state was in any drought condition, and Grymes says this is the worst drought the state has experienced since 2023. And everywhere you go, you can start to see the devastating effects.

Cut 4 (14) “…of Louisiana agriculture.”

Grymes says in order to turn things around at this point, we need to see two to four weeks of steady wet weather, and that could start soon – emphasis on “could.”

Cut 5 (12) “…drought gas pedal.”

Grymes says northern Louisiana should prepare for occasional strong-to-severe thunderstorms tomorrow night.

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If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That’s what Harahan Representative John Illg is doing with legislation to ban outdoor balloon releases. Last year, his bill to create a new law to ban the intentional release of balloons sailed through the legislature, only to have Governor Landry veto it, saying it would be unenforceable. At the Love The Boot Week kickoff event, Illg says that’s no reason not to have a law on the books.

Cut 6 (07) “…against the law.”

So this time, Illg’s bill adds intentional balloon releases to the state’s existing law against intentional littering. This year’s bill, House Bill 851, has already passed in the House and is just one Senate vote away from landing on Landry’s desk. Illg says he learned last year that his proposed balloon release ban would not only reduce litter, but it would also protect the state’s livestock.

Cut 7 (11) “…all these farmers.”

Illg says passing a law at the state level is all well and good, assuming it can gain Landry’s signature this time, but a state law doesn’t go far enough.

Cut 8 (10) “…end up here.”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved a new contract for Athletic Director Verge Ausberry. Ausberry will receive 1.5-million dollars by the end of 2027, and his eight-million-dollar deal runs through 2030. The former linebacker and now A-D addressed the LSU Board of Supervisors before his new contract was approved.

Cut 9 (07)  “…be athletic director.”

Ausberry was named athletic director shortly after Scott Woodward was ousted last November. Since then, he’s hired football coach Lane Kiffin and men’s basketball coach Will Wade. Ausberry says it’s an honor to lead the LSU athletics department.

Cut 10 (06) “…me than anything.”

Ausberry is from New Iberia. He played linebacker for LSU from 1986 to 1990, winning two SEC championships. He was also a two-year captain on defense. He says his best job at LSU was his first job, as he served as an academic advisor for student-athletes.

Cut 11 (07) “…the proudest moment.”

The LSU Board also approved new contracts for Senior Deputy A-D Heath Schroyer, football general manager Billy Glasscock, and men’s basketball coach Will Wade and his assistants.

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Gun fire erupted early this afternoon at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge as two groups of people got into an argument near the food court and started shooting at each other. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says multiple people were shot…

Cut 12 (06) “…private vehicle.”

Morse could not provide any details on the conditions of the individuals wounded during the mass shooting. He says there is urgency in trying to apprehend the shooters…

Cut 13 (13) “…groups of people.”

This is the second mass shooting in Louisiana in the last week. Eight children were killed in Shreveport on Sunday when the father of seven of the children killed his kids and a nephew execution style. Morse says they have a good idea on what happened inside the Mall of Louisiana at about 1:22 this afternoon…

Cut 14 (07) “…at each other.”

A new report finds that Louisiana’s job growth rate is ranked third fastest in the South for 2025. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A major milestone for the Amtrak Mardi Gras line, and it reached it much earlier than expected. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A program allowing library card holders to obtain a free pass to visit a state park or historic site expands statewide. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A report from Leaders for a Better Louisiana finds that Louisiana is doing well in creating jobs and lowering crime. Better Louisiana CEO Adam Knapp says based on state and federal data, Louisiana ranks third among Southern states for job growth, adding nearly 23-thousand jobs last year. Knapp says all large Louisiana metros and two smaller metros saw year-over-year growth.

Cut 4 (06) “…all seeing growth.”

Knapp says the fastest regional growth rates were in Slidell, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and Monroe. He says Meta’s data center construction is fueling Monroe, and St. Tammany Parish is experiencing strong population growth.

The state’s job growth surpassed both Texas and Florida by percentage. South Carolina and North Carolina were the only two southern states to outperform Louisiana’s job growth.

Knapp says health and social assistance is leading the growth in new jobs, and employment in construction has been steadily growing since last August.

Cut 5 (09) “…over the place.”

When it comes to crime, Knapp says Louisiana’s homicide rate dropped 59-percent from 2021 to 2025, the third largest decline among peer states.

Cut 6 (11) “…pretty big drop.”

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When Amtrak’s Mardi Gras service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, started last August, officials were anticipating that 75-thousand people would climb on board in the first year. We’re eight months in, and it has already welcomed its 100-thousandth passenger! Walt Leger, the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says it’s a milestone beyond anyone’s expectations.

Cut 7 (09) “…a tremendous feat.”

Leger says the fact that the line includes stops in places which, like New Orleans and Mobile, are exciting walkable destinations like Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi, has increased interest in the line.

Cut 8 (07) “…access our community.”

Leger says the success of the Mardi Gras line could ultimately result in a population boom in New Orleans and all other cities which have stops.

Cut 9 (08)  “…creates more accessibility.”

There are future plans to extend the Mardi Gras line further west to Baton Rouge.

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The Check Out Louisiana program has expanded statewide. Through a partnership between the State Library and Louisiana State Parks, library card holders can check out a free day pass to any of Louisiana’s 21 state parks and 14 historic sites. State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says the pilot program that they launched in October of 2024 with 19 library systems was a huge success.

Cut 10 (11) “…across the state.”

There are only a limited number of passes available, and they are distributed among the library systems in proportion with the populations they serve. Placke says each library system sets its own rules on how they can be obtained. 

Cut 11 (08) “…to your library.”

Placke says along with the free passes, library card holders can also check out a Geaux Explore backpack, which contains various items designed to enhance their visit.

Cut 12 (09) “…the Louisiana wildlife.”

For more information, you can visit Check Out Louisiana-dot-org.

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Two people have been arrested for killing a three-year-old four years ago. Baton Rouge Police have charged 22-year-old Jayden Davis and a juvenile for first degree murder in the killing of Devin Page Jr., who was fatally shot while sleeping in his home in April of 2022. His grandmother, Cathy Toliver, is overcome with emotion that justice is finally being served.

Cut 13 (12)  “…process of healing.”

A shooting in the street resulted in 30 bullet holes on the outside of the house where Page lived. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards says the arrests send a signal to anyone who is thinking about committing violent crime in the state’s capital city.

Cut 14 (11) “…to get you.”

Davis was arrested in California, while the juvenile was already in the East Baton Rouge Parish prison for unrelated homicides. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore commended the work of everyone involved in the case.

Cut 15 (08) “…come to today.”

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LSU wraps up spring football this week. The Tigers’ offense struggled for most of the spring but has started to find its rhythm over the past few practices. Coach Lane Kiffin says he’s seen significant improvement from the quarterback group in the last week.

Cut 16 (16) “…progression’s really good.”

Lane Kiffin has been open about his commitment to a healthy lifestyle, as he avoids alcohol and works out regularly. He’s emphasized to his coaching staff the importance of staying in shape and has recently taken an active role in helping them improve their health at the facility.

Cut 17 (16)  “…long he lives.”

Kiffin also says that putting in work at the facility and staying in shape shows players that the coaches are holding themselves to the same standard.

It’s been nearly five months since Kiffin arrived in Baton Rouge. He says he’s gotten to know the city much better and is falling in love with it.

Cut 18 (11)  “…so it’s unique.”

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LSU football received a verbal commitment Monday night from four-star athlete Braylon Calais (COL-ay) out of Cecilia High School. Calais, who grew up as a huge LSU fan, says he is excited to join what he believes is a special program being built by the new coaching staff.

Cut 19 (10) “…part of it.”

Calais is the fourth commitment in LSU’s 2027 recruiting class. He joins four-star quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston out of Shreveport, whom Calais says played a major role in his decision to join the Tigers.

Cut 20 (06) “…be a blessing.”