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.”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________

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.

_______________________________________________________

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.” 

___________________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________

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.

________________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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.

The online harassment of college athletes by betters is a real issue and the Louisiana Legislature is trying to address it. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy has declined an invitation to debate his two biggest challengers during Moon Griffon’s statewide radio talk show. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

State lawmakers have started to advance legislation that would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to set up a rule where they can ban a person from placing sports bets in Louisiana if they harass a college athlete. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says a recent ESPN report found that one in three high profile college athletes receive abusive messages from bettors.

Cut 3 (08) “…those tournaments.”

Reese is the author of the legislation, and he says Ohio and West Virginia have already passed this law and the NCAA is encouraging more states to do the same…

Cut 4 (09) “…place bets.”

During his testimony in front of a Senate Committee, Reese presented evidence that female college athletes are harassed more than men…

Cut 5 (07) “…other sports.”

Reese says many of these threats are related to prop bets, which Louisiana has already prohibited on college contests. An example of a prop bet would be a wager on the number of points or touchdowns a player would score.

The bill heads to the Senate floor and is expected to receive legislative approval.

____________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy says he feels everyone’s pain when it comes to soaring gasoline prices. The spike started at the beginning of this month in the wake of the U.S. military action in Iran. That choked off the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical shipping corridor for oil coming into the U.S. Kennedy says by closing that waterway, Iran is only hurting itself in the long run. 

Cut 6 (10) “…them the most.”

Kennedy says everyone knew that a spike in gas prices would result from the military action in Iran.

Cut 7 (10) “…their only play (2x).”

As to when the price of gasoline and diesel will stop soaring into the stratosphere, Kennedy says at this point, it’s anyone’s guess.

Cut 8 (09) “…back to normal.”

________________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy has declined talk show host Moon Griffon’s invitation to participate in a debate involving his two most formidable challengers to his re-election chances. John Fleming and Julia Letlow plan on attending the April 28^th debate from 9 to 11 AM on Griffon’s radio show. Cassidy says it would be better for voters, if the Senate Republican Primary debates are on television…

Cut 9 (05)  “…primetime.”

When Cassidy was elected to his second term in 2020, he refused to debate Democrat and at that time Shreveport mayor Adrian Perkins. Cassidy said during an interview on KEEL Radio in Shreveport, the circumstances were different back then…

Cut 10 (08) “…different elecitons.”

Cassidy is still calling on Letlow to debate him on TV….

Cut 11 (13) “…TV.”

Multiple TV stations have invited Cassidy, Letlow and Fleming to participate in a debate before the May 16^th primary, but so far the three candidates have not agreed to do one.

Even if you don’t drive an 18-wheeler, you will be paying the high price of diesel one way or another. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Tragedy in Rapides Parish as a former sheriff is run over and killed. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

If you think gasoline prices are high, get a load of diesel fuel prices! Some truck stops are selling diesel at more than five dollars a gallon. Dr. Walter Lane, the chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at UNO, says even if you don’t commute to and from work via semi truck, you will feel the effects.

Cut 3 (08) “…comes by truck.”

Dr. Lane says tractor-trailers are an extremely important component to logistics, since they usually handle the final leg of a product’s journey to the store’s shelves.

Cut 4 (09) “…comes by truck.”

According to the Engine Technology Forum, about 97-percent of all Class 8 commercial trucks – the ones we usually refer to as “18-wheelers” – are powered by diesel engines. And Lane says the more it takes to keep them fueled, the more the goods they transport will end up costing us.

Cut 5 (10) “…chain to us.”

The current average diesel price, however, is not a record. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, that was set at the end of June of 2022, when the nationwide average for a gallon of diesel shot up to $5.78 a gallon.

____________________________________________

Legislation continues to move through the state capitol that would allow for the Louisiana Wildlife Commission to establish rules and regulations for a recreational alligator hunting season. The Louisiana Senate unanimously approved the bill by Franklin Senator Robert Allain, who says the alligator population has become too large…

Cut 6 (07) “…side of the road.”

Allain, who is also a commercial alligator hunter, says the alligator population now exceeds three million and it’s a safety issue…

Cut 7 (07) “…footprint.”

A nonverbal autistic, 12-year-old boy died near his New Orleans home after he was attacked by an alligator last August. Allain is concerned about more alligator-human interactions as the gator population explodes…

Cut 8 (06) “..this bill.”

The measure now heads to the House for its approval. There’s already a commercial hunting season, made famous by the popular TV reality show “Swamp People.” Allain’s bill would authorize the Louisiana Wildlife Commission to establish a recreational hunting alligator season that would be open to five-thousand hunters each year, with a two-gator limit.

________________________________________________

The winningest football coach in Northwestern State history has died. Sam Goodwin, who led the Demons to 102 wins from 1983 through 1999, died last Friday at the age of 82. Former Northwestern State Sports Information Director Doug Ireland says during those 17 seasons, the Pineville native turned the program into a perennial powerhouse in the Southland Conference. 

Cut 9 (06)  “…coaching tenure here.”

Ireland says not only did Goodwin overachieve as the coach of the team, he also brought out the best in players who had been overlooked in high school, as evidenced by the number of Demons who went on to play on Sundays after their college careers.

Cut 10 (08) “…in the rough.”

Ireland says Goodwin was not just a great mentor on the field, but he was a great mentor off the field as well.

Cut 11 (09) “…coach of people.”

A memorial celebration is slated for April 25th.

_____________________________________________________________

President Donald Trump released a video today expressing his support for Congresswoman Julia Letlow in the US Senate race. The President calls Letlow a great Congresswoman…

Cut 12 (10) “…ever before.”

Cassidy remains confident he’ll win re-election, because he believes the race is not about an endorsement, but who has been more effective in delivering legislation and federal funds to help Louisiana.

In Trump’s endorsement video for Letlow, he touted her record for fighting border security and tax relief…

Cut 13 (09) “…every single American.”

But Cassidy points out that Letlow voted against legislation that resulted in 13-billion dollars to improve infrastructure in Louisiana.

Trump says he wants Letlow to represent Louisiana in the Senate…

Cut 14 (11) “…great state.”

Cassidy lost Trump as a political ally when he voted to impeach Trump for his role in the January sixth attack on the nation’s capitol.  The other major candidate in the race, State Treasurer, John Fleming, claims the Trump Administration tried to get him out of the race by offering him a high ranking job with the CDC.

If you’re an Entergy Louisiana customer, you will soon have three new ways to take a load off the power grid – and to save yourself some money. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana House approves a bill to name a proposed new bridge in Baton Rouge after President Trump, but only if there’s a strong financial commitment from the federal government. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Proposed upgrade plans for the Smoothie King Center aimed at bringing the arena up to modern NBA standards were released this weekend. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

______________________________________________

Entergy Louisiana customers will soon have three new ways to save money. Nyka Scott, the vice president of customer service at Entergy Louisiana, says those who install smart thermostats can turn the temperature up by a degree or two during peak hours. She says by doing so, they can take a huge strain off the grid, creating a win-win situation.

Cut 4 (05) “…reliable as well.”

Scott says Entergy is giving rebates on up to two smart thermostats – and that’s not all.

Cut 5 (12) “…that as well.”

That EV charging credit is for charging your vehicle during off-peak hours, which during the summertime is outside the hours of two and eight p-m. Scott says there are also incentives for those with solar panels as well.

Cut 6 (10) “…on our system.”

Scott says these programs could also reduce carbon emissions, since they may save Entergy from having to build another gas power plant to provide power. These programs do not apply to Entergy New Orleans customers; they have their own programs.

____________________________________________________

A Gonzales Republican is proposing that proceedings in the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish be live-streamed for remote public access. Representative Kathy Edmonston says she’s proposing the bill to bring transparency to the court.

Cut 7 (07) “…bringing the bill.”

Family court almost always involves children in one way or another; and with that, there can be privacy issues. Edmonston says she is aware of those concerns and will likely amend her bill to protect juveniles…

Cut 8 (12) “…the general public.”

Edmonston says under her bill, the only way the cameras can be turned off is by mutual agreement.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the cameras off.”

Edmonston’s bill only applies to the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish, because that’s the only constitutionally-mandated family court in the state.

________________________________________________________

The full House approves a bill that could lead to the naming of a new Baton Rouge bridge over the Mississippi River after President Trump.  The state is looking at building a bridge south of Baton Rouge in Iberville Parish and the cost could be three-billion dollars. Livonia Representative Jeremy Lacombe says if naming the bridge after the President helps bring home the federal dollars to build the bridge, he’s all for it.

Cut 10 (11) “…host of issues.”

Lacombe amended the bill to say the bridge will only be named after President Trump if the federal government provides a substantial amount of funding for construction and if such funding is provided prior to January 20th, 2029. The author of the legislation, Monroe Representative Michael Echols, says a new bridge is needed to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital city.

Cut 11 (07) “…across that river.”

Echols says he introduced the legislation to get the President’s attention that another bridge is needed in the Baton Rouge area, and it needs supports from the federal government.

Cut 12 (06) “…for 30 years.”

No one spoke out in opposition. Th measure passed on a party-line vote, 68-26. It heads to the Louisiana Senate for more discussion.

_________________________________________________

Over the weekend, NOLA-dot-com published proposed plans for a major upgrade to the Smoothie King Center, the home of the New Orleans Pelicans, aimed at bringing the arena up to modern NBA standards. NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan says adding more seats to the lower bowl is one of the more significant aspects of the plan.

Cut 13 (14)  “…sit up high.”

Duncan says the Pelicans also want to upgrade fan amenities and hospitality areas designed to enhance the game-day experience, including grab-and-go concession markets, VIP club lounges, new sideline clubs, an upper-level party deck and bunker suites. Duncan noted that the proposed renovations would bring the arena in line with many other NBA venues that already feature similar features.

Cut 14 (12) “…in the past.”

If the proposed renovations are approved, it would be the most extensive renovation that has been done to the Smoothie King Center since it opened in 1999. Duncan expects the Pelicans to use the 400 to 500-million dollars they could receive from the two new NBA franchises to help pay for the renovations.

Cut 15 (07) “…Pelicans’ front office.”

_______________________________________________________

At LSU pro day, in front of NFL scouts, coaches and executives, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looked like the Nussmeier from the 2024 season when he threw for four-thousand yards. Nussmeier was zipping the ball and completed 69 of his 72 passes. Nuss was hampered by an abdomen injury last season, suffered on the second day of training camp. He says he had to learn how to throw the football correctly in a short period of time before competing in the Senior Bowl on January 31^st…

Cut 16 (15) “…ground up again.”

Nussmeier’s injury contributed to an underwhelming performance on offense and it also hurt his draft stock. The Lake Charles native says the experience will only make him better…

Cut 17 (14)  “…the next level.”

Projected first round draft pick and cornerback Mansoor Delane ran a very fast 4.35. Linebacker Harold Perkins had a 35-inch vetical leap and broad jump of 10 feet and four inches. Linebacker West Weeks ran a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. Receiver and kick returner Barion Brown is expected to be a late-round pick, but Brown is just grateful for the opportunity…

Cut 18 (15)  “…for this moment.” 

The NFL draft is April 23^rd to the 25^th.

_____________________________

Some tense moments for some folks in Winn Parish as a wildfire approached their homes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Last month’s oil spill off the Louisiana coast could be a disaster for the state’s oyster industry. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

Three Ochsner hospitals are listed among the 250 top hospitals in the country by “Newsweek” magazine. They are Ochsner Medical Center New Orleans, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge. Regional Medical Director Dr. Quentin Alleva says it’s a tremendous honor.

Cut 3 (11) “…for the patients.”

Dr. Alleva says Ochsner’s success is based on the fact that it’s a one-stop shop for all of a patient’s medical needs.

Cut 4 (07) “…they may need.”

Alleva says being named one of the top medical centers in the country helps give patients peace of mind.

Cut 5 (10) “…outside our region.”

____________________________________________

Some tense moments for about 250 people in Winn Parish yesterday, as they had to be evacuated due to a wildfire. Fire District Three Chief Dustin Parker says the fire started along Highway 34 in Dodson shortly after noon yesterday and spread from there.

Cut 6 (08) “…some evacuations there.”

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says it was likely caused by a tractor trailer tire that had caught on fire, and the fire response was tremendous.

Cut 7 (06) “…aviation division overhead.”

Parker says the dry weather allowed the fire to grow to about two-thousand acres.

Cut 8 (05) “…very quickly.”

The fire is fully contained, and everyone who had been evacuated is now back home.

________________________________________________

Last month’s oil spill from a terminal operated by the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, or LOOP, is threatening the state’s oyster industry. Last month, a cargo transfer hose at the terminal located 18 miles offshore in Terrebonne Bay sprang a leak, spewing more than 31-thousand gallons of Venezuelan crude into the bay. Mitch Jurisich, the chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, says the oil has now made contact with the coast, which can spell disaster.

Cut 9 (09)  “…reopen anytime soon.”

Jurisich says this oil spill could contaminate a large portion of the oyster population, putting a significant dent in the oyster supply at restaurants in Louisiana and beyond.

Cut 10 (13) “…hit the consumers.”

Jurisich says this has the potential to be evocative of a certain devastating oil spill from 16 years ago.

Cut 11 (11) “…BP oil spill.”

Almost two weeks after Bill Cassidy challenged Julia Letlow to three debates, she has yet to commit to any one of them. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

State Senators are demanding changes from the Department of Children and Family Services to prevent child abuse deaths. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

If you lie about serving in the military, you could end up behind bars. A bill making what’s known as stolen valor a crime in Louisiana cleared the Senate unanimously and now moves to the House. It’s sponsored by Caleb Kleinpeter of Port Allen and backed by Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley, who told the Senate Judiciary C Committee that stolen valor is not a victimless crime.

Cut 3 (11) “…gain to it.”

While stolen valor is a federal offense, there is currently no stolen valor law in Louisiana. And Meginley says bringing a federal complaint against someone misrepresenting military service can be a waste of time.

Cut 4 (07) “…types of cases.”

Meginley says this is a way of protecting the integrity of the military service of Louisiana’s veterans, including himself.

Cut 5 (07) “…service means something (2x).”

Depending on the severity, penalties range from small fines to five years in prison.

____________________________________________

Almost two weeks ago, Bill Cassidy challenged Julia Letlow to three debates ahead of the May 16th primary. So far, Letlow hasn’t committed to any one of them, only saying she cannot make the middle one in Baton Rouge due to her commitments in the House of Representatives. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says with Letlow being the endorsed candidate of President Trump, what she’s doing is not uncommon.

Cut 6 (07) “…to disrupt things.”

Letlow, Cassidy and John Fleming have all put out polls that show them leading a three-candidate race. Hogan says overall, Fleming’s poll numbers are the weakest among the three, which may explain why he said he would debate Cassidy anytime, anywhere.

Cut 7 (08) “…voice out there.”

Hogan says if the debates end up being a heads-up battle between Cassidy and Fleming, there’s one way that Letlow’s absence could hurt her.

Cut 8 (08) “…Julia Letlow.”

That said, Hogan says since Letlow is Trump’s endorsed candidate, not as many people would tune in to the debates if she’s not on stage.

________________________________________________

State Senators are fed up and want solutions on how the Department of Children and Family Services can be more effective in preventing serious injuries or deaths after the state agency gets involved in child abuse cases. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says there have been 12 child deaths this year after 53 child deaths in 2025…

Cut 9 (10)  “…that child.”

Barrow says many of these deaths could have been prevented, but D-C-F-S is not doing enough once they receive a child abuse report…

Cut 10 (10) “…the baby”

State lawmakers are seeking solutions from DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris on how the agency can be more effective. Republican Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says the state legislature stands ready to assist…

Cut 11 (11) “…help you”

Harris has led DCFS since August. She reorganized the child welfare division in October, which included moving supervisors into the field to work on cases and establishing a call center staff at DCFS. The secretary says there are other areas where they can improve…

Cut 12 (09) “…and families.”

Barrow has a bill to abolish the Department of Children and Family Services and Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is so upset, he’s ready to vote for it…

Cut 13 (09) “…do it.”

Lawmakers have asked Harris to present a plan in two weeks on how to improve DCFS.

_____________________________________________________________

A heartwarming homecoming at an elementary school in Lafayette Parish. With the help of the administrators of J. Wallace James Elementary School in Scott, Rick Domec (du-MECK) and Jonathan Brasseaux surprised their kids, who had not seen their dads for a year. The two Army soldiers hid in cardboard boxes as their sons lifted them in front of their classmates. Domec’s son, Andrew, was thinking it was something else inside that box.

Cut 14 (07) “…all right.”

Rick Domec says it’s always a welcome treat to return home following a deployment.

Cut 15 (05) “…going to do.”

A repeat honor for one of Southern University’s programs. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Julia Letlow’s Senate campaign publishes a poll showing her in the lead in the Senate Republican Primary. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

For the second year in a row, Southern University’s college of nursing is rated as the nation’s best by Nurse.org. Sandra Brown, the dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health, says nursing has been a part of Southern’s campus culture for more than 40 years. 

Cut 3 (09) “…everything we do.”

Brown says one thing that’s been very beneficial to Southern’s nursing program has been the community partnerships.

Cut 4 (10) “…to train on.”

Brown says in the end, with Southern’s nursing students getting the best education and training in the nation, it’s the greater Baton Rouge area that ultimately wins.

Cut 5 (09) “…talent right here.”

Southern University produces the largest number of Black nurses in the state and the third most in the country.

____________________________________________

Old Man Winter has some parting gifts for Louisiana in the waning days of winter, and some cities set new records. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says one city in far southwest Louisiana set a new record for the lowest temperature ever recorded on St. Patrick’s Day.

Cut 6 (07) “…recorded in 1976.”

Moving further north, Keim says a couple cities got to the freezing mark and below.

Cut 7 (12) “…previously in 1978.”

Throughout the state, it’s going to be a very chilly St. Patrick’s Day, with many cities approaching record territory for the lowest maximum temperature on this date – including New Orleans.

Cut 8 (09) “…day was 55.”

________________________________________________

Congresswoman Julia Letlow releases a poll that shows her leading the U-S Senate Republican primary. The survey shows her leading incumbent Bill Cassidy by one percent and John Fleming by eight percent. Pearson Cross teaches political science at ULM and says Letlow paid for the poll, but the results probably reflect the view of primary voters…

Cut 9 (07)  “…either.”

The two-day survey was conducted last week by Fabrizio, Lee and Associates. It has Letlow at 27-percent, Cassidy at 26-percent, Fleming at 19-percent and 28-percent are undecided. Cross says Fleming is hoping to get the support of those undecided voters…

Cut 10 (07) “…runoff.”

The Senate Republican Primary is May 16^th.  Cross expects a battle all the way to the end…

Cut 11 (11) “…about them”.”

The Letlow poll shows that once respondents are informed that President Trump endorsed Letlow, her lead over Cassidy increases to 29-percent and 34-percent over Fleming. The survey of 600 likely republican primary voters shows Letlow leads Cassidy by 12 points in a head-to-head runoff matchup.

Despite being greatly outnumbered in the legislature, Democrats are confident in their agenda for this year’s session, which enters its second week today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The state department of transportation hopes to identify the location for the proposed Mississippi River Bridge south of Baton Rouge by the end of the year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

For Democrats in the legislature, there’s one issue that stands out over all others as the legislative session enters its second week. Marrero Representative Kyle Green is the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

Cut 3 (09) “…as a whole.”

Green says while that includes things like prices we pay at the grocery stores and at the gas pumps, what it will not include in this session is a possible reduction in sales taxes. He says that’s because there’s talk about phasing out the income tax.

Cut 4 (11) “…a budget shortfall.”

Green says even though Democrats are outnumbered by Republicans by more than two-to-one in both the House and the Senate, all key pieces of legislation will require the cooperation of everyone on both sides of the aisle.

Cut 5 (12) “…need Republican support.”

____________________________________________

The state transportation department plans to pick a location for a new Mississippi River Bridge in the Baton Rouge area by the end of this year.  DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet says they are looking at three different locations south of Baton Rouge in Iberville Parish. He says they are currently looking at environmental impacts…

Cut 6 (11) “…selective alternative.”

Ledet says they are also taking public input and held two public meetings on both sides of the river, one in Plaquemine and the other in St. Gabriel. He says DOTD expects to present the final preferred bridge location as part of an Environmental Assessment by December…

Cut 7 (12) “…environmental assessment.”

Ledet says 400-million dollars in funding has already been secured to build the bridge. But the total price tag is around two-billion dollars and Ledet says they are examining other funding sources…

Cut 8 (08) “…a toll.”

There is a bill awaiting debate on the House Floor to name the proposed bridge after President Donald Trump. The bill’s author, Monroe Representative Michael Echols, says if the bridge is named after President Trump, there’s a good chance more federal dollars will be available to build it.

________________________________________________

It’s the final week of winter and Mother Nature is giving Louisiana one last dose of it. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says what a difference a day makes…

Cut 9 (10)  “…temperatures.”

Keim says high temperatures were in the mid-80s yesterday, today they are in the 50s and upper 40s for north Louisiana…

Cut 10 (10) “…top of that.”

Keim says temperatures get below freezing tomorrow morning for north and central Louisiana…

Cut 11 (11) “…the weekend..”