With the killer in Sunday’s mass shooting in Shreveport showing all the signs of mental health issues, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to prioritize your emotional well-being. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week and State Police are asking drivers to do their part to prevent crashes in work zones. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

An examination of the Facebook profile of the Shreveport man who killed his seven children and a nephew Sunday morning shows that he had been struggling with mental health. In light of that, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to prioritize your mental health by using Louisiana 988. Holly Howat, the interim assistant secretary of the office of behavioral health, says it’s not just for suicide prevention – it’s for all types of emotional distress.

Cut 3 (09) “…care they need.”

Howat says if you’re experiencing emotional issues, the very worst thing you can do is to keep it bottled up inside – you need to reach out to a family member, a trusted friend or to Louisiana 988.

Cut 4 (12) “…and gets worse.”

Howat says it’s important to know the warning signs of mental stress.

Cut 5 (13) “…take care of.”

____________________________________________

A devastating blow to an LSU baseball team that’s already teetering as right fielder Jake Brown, is done for the season with a broken hamate bone. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says LSU’s offense is already struggling and now they will play the rest of the season without one of its best players…

Cut 6 (10) “…national championship.”

Brown, who is from Sulphur, has started every game this season in right field. Guilbeau says coach Jay Johnson might turn to a freshman, William Patrick from Monroe…

Cut 7 (13) “…in the SEC.”

LSU has lost six straight SEC games, and they are not even on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament. The injury news does not stop with Brown, Guilbeau says starting pitcher Cooper Moore is also out for the season

Cut 8 (08) “…elbow.”

Moore is 3-3 with a 3.38 ERA and Coach Jay Johnson says Moore is expected to return to LSU next year and pitch for the Tigers.

_____________________________________________________

It is National Work Zone Awareness Week and this year’s theme is “Safe actions save lives.” Louisiana Department of Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet says every driver has a responsibility to slow down, stay alert, and make safe decisions behind the wheel while driving through a construction zone…

Cut 9 (11)  “…work zones.”

Ledet says motorists can stay informed about upcoming work zones by signing up for email and text alerts through MYDOTD and 511LA

Cut 10 (13) “…coming up.”

In Louisiana, 13 people were killed in work zones in 2024. State Police Superintendent, Colonel Robert Hodges, says a moment of inattention in a work zone can change lives forever…

Cut 11 (10) “…work zone.”

DOTD encourages the public to participate in Go Orange Day tomorrow by wearing orange to show support for work zone safety and raise awareness about the risks faced by roadway workers.

______________________________________________________________________

Louisiana’s U.S. House delegation expressed its collective sympathy to the families of the victims of Sunday’s mass murder in Shreveport. House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the tragedy on the House floor with Cleo Fields, Clay Higgins and Steve Scalise by his side.

Cut 12 (10) “…senseless, unspeakable evil.”

The location where the shooting took place is in Fields’ congressional district. Fields echoed Johnson’s sentiments in his own floor speech.

Cut 13 (07) “…this unimaginable grief.”

We’re getting updated information on yesterday’s tragedy in Shreveport. Andrew Greenstein got an updated timeline on the mass shooting that killed eight children.

Cut 1 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

LSU gymnastics just missed out on winning its second national championship on Saturday. Jeff Palermo reports the Tigers plan to be in the hunt again next year for a natty…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

We’re getting updated information on yesterday’s tragedy in Shreveport, in which eight children were shot dead in the country’s worst mass murder in more than two years. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith told a news conference late this morning that the two women who were injured during the shooting spree are both still alive.

Cut 3 (08) “…hospital and recovering.”

The victim in the first house was the girlfriend of the shooter, 31-year-old Shamar Elkins. Elkins took the three kids he shared with her from that home and went to his wife’s home about a half mile away. His five other kids, along with one of their cousins, were at that house. Once there, Elkins shot and killed eight kids, ranging in age from three to 11 years old. Smith said the sister of Elkins’ wife climbed onto the roof with two of the kids in an attempt to escape.

Cut 4 (06) “…in stable condition.”

The other child did not make it off the roof and was shot dead. Smith says while Elkins was the father of all eight victims, the children were split between two women.

Cut 5 (09) “…lives were taken.”

The women identified their children to the Caddo Parish coroner’s office. Smith says investigators were able to quickly link the two scenes together.

Cut 6 (10) “…and both parties.”

Smith says the shooting stemmed from an argument between Elkins and his wife. The two were apparently going through a divorce and, in fact, had been scheduled to appear in court today.

This tragedy is bringing the issue of domestic violence to the forefront. State Senator Sam Jenkins, whose district includes the location where the shootings took place, says the legislature addresses domestic violence every session. But in light of what happened yesterday, now is the time for lawmakers from both parties to come together to come up with common-sense solutions to the crisis.

Cut 7 (11) “…at every level.”

City councilman Grayson Boucher (BOO-churr) says for those who are in situations where there’s domestic violence, no matter if you’re a child or an adult, there are ways to get out.

Cut 8 (13) “…your school counselor.”

_____________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry accuses the two male Republican candidates in the U-S Senate race as not being “southerly.”  Landry, who is supporting Julia Letlow in the U-S Senate Republican primary, says the attack ads against the Congresswoman from Incumbent Billy Cassidy and Treasurer John Fleming are crossing the line…

Cut 9 (07)  “…Southerly.”

Landry made the comments during an interview with Jim Engster on WRKF’s “Talk Louisiana.”

Letlow, who has the endorsement of President Trump, has called herself the true conservative in the race. Landry says the narratives that the other two candidates are using to describe Letlow are false…

Cut 10 (05) “…disingenious.”

The governor says he’s impressed Letlow continues to do well in the race, despite the negative ads against her…

Cut 11 (10) “…to tell you.”

______________________________________________________________________

The LSU gymnastics team nearly won its second national championship in three years on Saturday, but Oklahoma performed extremely well on the floor to edge the Tigers by percentage points on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark says it was a heck of an effort by his team…

Cut 12 (10) “…was not.”

It was the Tigers’ fourth runner-up finish in program history, while Oklahoma won its eighth national championship.  Clark says Oklahoma is the gold standard, but LSU is not going away…

Cut 13 (07) “…next year.”

It was a historic season for Kailin Chio, who got 13 perfect 10s, including one on the vault on Saturday. Chio will return next season along with 85-percent of the scoring from this year’s squad…

Cut 14 (12) “…this year.”

The House Education Committee votes down a bill that would have removed the requirement that students receive the meningitis vaccine. Colleen Crain has the story

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

Woodside Energy has contracted with a Louisiana company that will design and construct four new tugboats at a shipyard in Belle Chasse. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The House Education Committee votes down an attempt to remove the meningitis vaccine from the list of shots a student 11 years or older is required to receive. Houma Republican Beryl Amedee authored the legislation and says parents should have the final say on whether their child receives this vaccine…

Cut 3 (12) “…mandate”

The CDC says meningococcal disease has increased sharply since 2001, and Baton Rouge pediatrician Doctor Mikki Bouquet (Boo-tay) says just last month there was a deadly outbreak in the U-K…

Cut 4 (11) “…kids died”

Amedee pressed Bouquet about possible side effects from receiving the meningitis vaccine…

Cut 5 (06) “…very effective.”

Meningococcal disease leads to meningitis, which is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and it can also produce blood infections. Up to 15-percent of the cases can be fatal. It can also cause longterm health impacts like blindness and deafness. Doctor Bouquet on what the meningitis vaccine does…

Cut 6 (10) “…very effective.”

______________________________________________________

After finishing second in Thursday’s NCAA Semifinals, LSU gymnastics will look to capture its second national championship in three seasons on Saturday. Head coach Jay Clark says Thursday’s performance wasn’t the Tigers’ best, but the team plans to move on and refocus ahead of the national title meet.

Cut 7 (12) “…do the thing.”

LSU’s bars and beam set almost cost the team its spot in the national championship. Sophomore Kailin Chio says the team will use Thursday’s performance as a learning experience heading into Saturday’s meet.

Cut 8 (04) “…throw out the bad.”

The Tigers will compete against top-seeded Oklahoma, third-seeded Florida and 15th-seeded Minnesota at 3 p.m.

Sophomore Kaliya Lincoln says in order to reach another pinnacle, the Tigers must continue to rely on what they’ve done all season.

Cut 9 (10)  “…no matter what.”

_____________________________________________________________

New Orleans is scheduled to host LIV Golf in June – but rumors are swirling that the circuit might not survive until then. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly on the verge of cutting funding for LIV Golf, putting its future in jeopardy. LIV Golf has eight tournaments remaining this year, including at New Orleans City Park June 25th through the 28th. State Senate President Cameron Henry says the state has allocated seven-million dollars to the tournament.

Cut 10 (05) “…for the tournament.”

Henry says of that seven-million dollars, the state has spent three-million of it.

Cut 11 (08) “…to use that.”

Henry says the state has already given LIV Golf one-million of its five-million-dollar hosting fee.

Cut 12 (06) “…chase it down.”

The CEO of LIV Golf says it has enough money to finish out the rest of the 2026 season. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen.

_____________________________________________________________

A shipyard in Belle Chasse will build four new tugboats for Woodside Energy, who is building a 17-billion-dollar LNG terminal in Calcasieu Parish. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this is what they want to see, a business operating in one part of the state, providing jobs and opportunity in another area of the state…

Cut 13 (09) “…supposed to work.”

Woodside Energy has awarded a services contract worth more than 300 million dollars with Green Tug Towing. The tugboats will be built at C-and-C Marine and Repair in Plaquemines Parish. Bourgeois says Governor Landry encourages Louisiana businesses to do business with other Louisiana companies…

Cut 14 (06) “…and workforce.”

Bourgeois says the investment will include significant upgrades to the warehouse, including four new shipping docks. The Green Tug Towing contract will result in 70 direct local jobs and 30 indirect roles. Bourgeois says the state has an online business database called Source Louisiana, which connects Louisiana companies to contract and vendor opportunities…

Cut 15 (06) “…C-and-C.”

The tugs will provide towing services for LNG tankers at the Louisiana LNG terminal.

The LSU gymnastics team looks to punch its ticket to the Final Four today for the second time in three seasons today. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

A measure that seeks to lift the deer feeding bans in response to chronic wasting disease in deer is heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath wants to dismantle the heavily criticized Department of Children and Family Services and he’s proposed legislation to do it. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

The LSU gymnastics team will look to punch its ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2024 after falling short last season in Fort Worth.,Texas. The Tigers take the floor today in Session I of the NCAA Semifinals. Head coach Jay Clark says the team should feel confident heading into the meet, having been ranked No. 2 all season.

Cut 4 (12) “…get after it.”

LSU’s philosophy for reaching the top is simple: control what you can and stay true to what’s worked all season. Sophomore Lexi Zeiss…

Cut 5 (07) “…our best.”

Clark says it will be crucial for the Tigers to be the best version of themselves in order to earn a chance to compete for their second national championship in three seasons.

Cut 6 (11) “…perfect is.”

LSU will compete at 3:30. The other three schools in their session are Florida, Georgia and Stanford.

_________________________________________________________

The state’s Public Service Commission has approved Entergy Louisiana’s request to expediate the approval process on the power company’s plan to build seven new gas power plants and other investments to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. The four to one vote means the P-S-C will vote in December on Entergy’s power plan proposal. Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan says that’s plenty of time to review Entergy’s plan

Cut 7 (05) “…in Louisiana.”

An executive order signed by Governor Landry last December opened the door for large projects like data centers to go through a fast tracked approval process.  Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says the “Lightning Initiative” is doable…

Cut 8 (16) “…on this”

Since Entergy Louisiana’s application is fast-tracked, a formal recommendation from an administrative judge will be skipped. Alaina DiLaura from the Alliance for Affordable Energy argued that due diligence is needed..

Cut 9 (11)  “…period of time.”

____________________________________________________________

The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Hunter Nation Chair Rock Bordelon, who owns deer hunting land in Avoyelles Parish, says the feeding bans in other states have not slowed the spread of C-W-D…

Cut 10 (04) “…feeders”

There have been about 50 confirmed cases of C-W-D in deer, with most of the those cases concentrated in Tensas Parish. It’s also been detected in Concordia, Catahoula and Ouachita.

In an effort to control the spread of C-W-D, a fatal disease for deer, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries has imposed feeding and baiting bans in all or part of 18 parishes, mostly in northeastern Louisiana.

Avid hunter and rock ‘n’ roll legend Ted Nugent testified in favor of the legislation. He recorded a video for members of the Natural Resources Committee to hear

Cut 11 (11) “…heritage.”

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is the author of the resolution. He says feeding bans are affecting people’s hunting rights. And supporters of the legislation also point out that there has not been a single case of CWD being transmitted to humans.

But LDWF’s Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon, no relation to Rock Bordelon, says the feeding bans are one way they can slow the spread of CWD…

Cut 12 (10) “…congregate deer.”

The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

__________________________________________________________

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath unveils his plan to fix the state agency responsible for child welfare. The Department of Children and Family Services has been criticized for not preventing child deaths after they were alerted about dangers in the home. McMath wants to move many of the functions of D-C-F-S within the Department of Health and put State Police in charge of handling child abuse reports…

Cut 13 (10)  “..now dead.”

McMath’s legislation would also put the Attorney General’s office in charge of making sure parents are making their court-ordered support payments.

The proposal is 111 pages long so members of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee will spend the next week going over the major changes. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is one of several lawmaker displeased with f D-C-F-S’s inability to protect abused and neglected children.

Cut 14 (04) “…terrible outcomes.”

Luneau’s biggest concern with the proposal is funding and workforce to do the job. McMath says current employees of D-C-F-S would not lose their jobs, instead they would be transferred into L-D-H and that agency’s new name will be the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Services…

Cut 15 (12) “…in funding.”

The Advocate asked Governor Landry about McMath’s plan, and he told the news organization that he’s frustrated with the proposal because no one talked with him about it. He questioned the idea of having State Police handling the child abuse hotline and how that would cost the state.

________________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team finds itself in a tough spot midway through SEC play. The Tigers have just six conference wins and likely need 13 or 14 to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Former LSU standout shortstop and two-time World Series champion Ryan Theriot says several factors are holding the team back from reaching its full potential.

Cut 16 (19) “…grinded-out at-bats.”

Over the past three years, Jay Johnson has dominated the transfer portal with key additions like Paul Skenes, Tommy White, and Anthony Eyanson. This season, however, LSU’s transfers haven’t panned out as well, and Theriot says the program will need consistent financial support moving forward to find better players in the future.

Cut 17 (19)  “…who can pay the most money?.”

One of the biggest surprises this season has been the inconsistency of sophomore pitcher Casan Evans. After a dominant freshman campaign, the Friday-night starter has struggled to hit his stride. Theriot says more experience will benefit Evans in the long run.

Cut 18 (14)  “…expect him to get better.” 

Amazon is purchasing a satellite communications company based in Covington for 11.6 billion dollars. Joe Gallinaro has the details

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

Governor Landry is urging Louisiana voters to vote “Yes” for Constitutional Amendment Three on the May 16^th ballot. Andre Champagne has the story..

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________________________

State Police is looking for a driver who struck and killed a bicyclist in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas Junior of Folsom. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the incident occurred at around 12:30 AM on Sunday on Louisiana Highway 40 in Folsom….

Cut 3 (05) “…fled the scene.”

Ornelas Junior was not wearing a helmet but was dressed in light-colored clothing. He died at a local hospital. Gremillion says Troopers are looking for a dark-colored sedan or small SUV that struck Orlenas and they need the public’s help…

Cut 4 (08) “…unfortunate death.”

Gremillion says anyone with information is urged to contact State Police…

Cut 5 (13) “…8-0-7″

____________________________________________

The 22nd-ranked LSU softball team no-hit UL Lafayette in its 8-0 run-rule win last night. The Cajuns fell to .500 on the season, and head coach Alyson Habetz, who also played at UL from 1990-95, was revved up after the embarrassing loss.

Cut 6 (13) “make them care more.”

The Cajuns find themselves in jeopardy of missing the postseason for the second straight year. Habetz says her team can still get to where it wants to be, but it will take a complete turnaround.

Cut 7 (12) “…we have to make it happen.”

The Cajuns look to bounce back this weekend as they host Coastal Carolina.

______________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Tech baseball team picked up its seventh straight win on Tuesday night after beating Little Rock nine to three. Just two weeks ago, the Bulldogs had lost eight in a row, but head coach Lane Burroughs says the team has gotten its swagger back.

Cut 8 (15) “…get out of their way.”

Now that the Bulldogs have won seven straight, they head into this weekend’s series with a bigger target on their backs. Burroughs says his team just needs to stay humble and hungry going into their three-game series at Kennesaw State.

Cut 9 (12)  “…fun to coach.”

______________________________________________________________

Amazon is purchasing a Louisiana satellite communications company for nearly 12-billion dollars. President and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc, Michael Hecht, says it’s great news for Covington-based Globalstar…

Cut 10 (10) “… Amazon Leo.”

Globalstar is the primary satellite link for Apple’s iPhone emergency SOS features. In a news release, Amazon says it plans to use Globalstar’s network to enable smartphone users to connect directly to a network of thousands of satellites for voice and data service.

Hecht says Globalstar relocated to the Northshore from California in 2010 and they are now a Louisiana success story…

Cut 11 (09) “…in Louisiana.”

Hecht says news that Amazon has bought a satellite communications company based in St. Tammany Parish broadens Louisiana’s brand for those companies considering doing business in Louisiana…

Cut 12 (07) “…innovative companies”

___________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry is making the rounds on local talk shows touting his support for Constitutional Amendment Three on the May 16^th ballot. Amendment Three eliminates three education trust funds and use the money contained in those funds to pay down retirement debt, which will give public school teachers and support workers a permanent raise…

Cut 13 (12) “…tax reform.”

The three education funds that would be dissolved contain about two billion dollars according to the Legislative Fiscal Office. Landry says the money from those funds can be used to pay down a debt of seven billion dollars with the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana…

Cut 14 (09) “…two years.”

In 2023, the Louisiana Legislature provided teachers with a stipend of two-thousand dollars and school support workers with a one-thousand-dollar stipend. The legislature has paid for those stipends ever since, but Landry say passage of Amendment Three makes those temporary pay raises permanent…

Cut 15 (08) “…is permanent.”

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell opposes Amendment Three, He says one of the trust funds has paid out millions for classroom needs over the last 25 years.

Tax Day has arrived and Colleen Crain has some tips from a tax professional…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

A bill that would force a TOPS Opportunity or TOPS Performance recipient to repay their state funded scholarship makes it out of House Education. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

A second LSU football player has suffered a season-ending injury this spring. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

______________________________________________

Tax Day is here and hopefully you are ready. It can be a daunting task to gather documents and work through returns or get all the required information to a tax preparer on time. If you find yourself unprepared, CPA John Therio with Malcom Dienes in Metairie says you can file form 4868 for an extension.

Cut 4 (13) “…that extension.”

If you don’t send payment, he says, IRS penalties can be up to 5% per month.

Theriot says if you’re rushing to complete your return to beat today’s deadline, don’t forget to fund your IRAs and HSAs. And remember there are new laws that allow exclusions of some tip income and overtime income if you qualify…

Cut 5 (09) “…your employer.”

With the new deductions and income exclusions, Theriot says, some taxpayers seem to be getting bigger refunds this year. He says tax rates are down but that’s not the only reason for the bigger refunds.

Cut 6 (12) “…bigger refunds.”

He says he hasn’t seen the same for self-employed individuals but adjusting their quarterly payments could make a difference.

_________________________________________________________

New vehicles now sell for an average of nearly 50-thousand dollars according to a report from the Associated Press. That’s up 30-percent in six years. UNO economist Walter Lane says most of the vehicles that come off the assembly line have all the new technology designed to make you a safer driver

Cut 7 (13) “…the cars.”

Lane says several years ago, the consumer could choose not to have the latest technology advances, now the vehicles are already fully loaded.

Lane says tariffs have also driven up the price of a new vehicle…

Cut 8 (09) “…in the cars.”

Lane says spreading out the payments over a five- or seven-year period  can help reduce the monthly note, or just hang on to what you are currently driving…

Cut 9 (06)  “…historically have.”

____________________________________________________________

TOPS Opportunity and Performance award recipients would pay back their state-funded scholarship if they lost their scholarship under a bill that barely got out of the House Education Committee. Bossier City Representative Dennis Bamburg is the author of the bill…

Cut 10 (09) “…those dollars”

Bamburg says TOPS Opportunity and Performance award students would be exempted from repaying if they had to drop out of school because of a life event or circumstances like parental leave, temporary or permanent disability, religious commitment or death of an immediate family member.

Executive director of the Taylor Foundation, James Caillier, testified against the legislation, telling lawmakers, a student who loses a merit scholarship should not be forced to pay it back

Cut 11 (14) “…a scholarship.”

If this legislation becomes law, TOPS Opportunity and TOPS performance recipients would repay the scholarship dollars they have used up, even though the scholarship money goes to the university not the student. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson supports the legislation…

Cut 12 (11) “…to be repaid.”

The measure passed on a six-to-five vote. Laplace Representative Sylvia Taylor asked Bamberg if L-A Gator Scholarship recipients should repay the state if they funk out of the private school they attended on taxpayer dollars…

Cut 13 (10)  “..everything.”

The measure heads to the House floor. The state spends 320-million dollars on TOPS scholarships.

_________________________________________________

Today is the last day to register to vote or make changes to an existing registration in person or by mail ahead of the May 16 closed party primary election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says that means if you want to vote in the Senate Republican Primary or a Congressional GOP primary, you have to registered as a Republican or “No Party”…

Cut 14 (09) “…vote in.”

To participate in a Democratic primary, you have to be registered as either Democrat or no party. Landry says if you can’t register or switch your party affiliation in person, you still have until April 25th to do it online at geauxvote.com.

Cut 15 (11) “…those days.”

Any updates submitted by mail must be postmarked by April 15. Third party voters, such as members of the Green or Libertarian parties, cannot participate in Democratic or Republican primaries but may vote in eligible races, propositions, and constitutional amendments.

________________________________________________________

LSU football’s defense has dominated the offense so far in spring practice. Coach Lane Kiffin says he was discouraged by his offense’s performance in Saturday’s scrimmage, where the quarterbacks combined to throw five interceptions, but he also acknowledged there will be growing pains with transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt not currently participating.

Cut 16 (17) “…doesn’t happen overnight.”

One of the biggest surprises of LSU’s spring practice has been fifth-year senior offensive lineman Bo Bordelon taking first-team reps at left guard. Coach Lane Kiffin said Bordelon has been very impressive this spring.

Cut 17 (18)  “…go in there and start.”

One of the most competitive positions this spring has been defensive tackle. Kiffin says true freshman Deuce Geralds has stood out and believes he will be a productive player for the Tigers this season.

Cut 18 (11)  “…going on there.” 

__________________________________________________________

The Pelicans finished 26-56 in Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars’ first season with the franchise. Dumars dismissed Willie Green 10 games into the season, and assistant coach James Borrego took over on an interim basis to close out the year. Dumars says Borrego has proven himself as a strong candidate for the permanent job and will be under consideration.

Cut 19 (19) “…good job with that.”

Zion Williamson has become a potential trade candidate this offseason, but Dumars said he wants to keep the star in New Orleans and has no plans to move him.

Cut 20 (19) “…we said no.”

In an effort to reduce traffic crashes, a Louisiana lawmaker is proposing that drivers take a short test when they renew their driver’s license. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

____________________________________________

The House Governmental Affairs Committee votes in favor of legislation that would shield the dollar amounts student athletes receive from public universities. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________________________

The House Transportation Committee has put the brakes on a bill that seeks to require drivers to take a driver’s knowledge test when they renew their driver’s license every six years. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin says the test would provide drivers with a refresher on the rules of the road…

Cut 3 (09) “…who goes first.”

Several House Transportation members have reservations about the proposed legislation. Lawmakers are all for safer roads, but Monroe Representative Pat Moore says requiring drivers to take a test every six years is too much…

Cut 4 (11) “…in the 70s.”

McMakin says Louisiana has its share of bad drivers and requiring regular driving tests can result in fewer crashes…

Cut 5 (11) “…too high.”

Moore says requiring drivers who need to renew their license to watch a video that would contain basic rules of the road and tips on how to be a safer driver is a better solution…

Cut 6 (15) “.or anything.”

McMakin says he’ll look at revising his proposed legislation and bring it up for debate at a later date.

_______________________________________________________________

Former LSU star Flau’jae Johnson was the eighth overall selection by the Golden State Valkyries in Monday night’s WNBA draft. Shortly after, Johnson was traded to the Seattle Storm in exchange for the draft rights to Marta Suarez and a 2028 second-round pick. Johnson says being drafted is a dream come true.

Cut 7 (14) “…go make an impact.”

Johnson immediately becomes a key piece for Seattle and is expected to see significant playing time right away. The former national champion knows the pressure that comes with being a WNBA rookie, but Johnson says she is confident that her skills will translate to the next level.

Cut 8 (10) “…is going to elevate.”

___________________________________________

The House Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation that would prohibit the public from seeing how much student-athletes receive from a public university as part of a revenue sharing deal. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell, who has a nephew on the LSU football team, supports the legislation…

Cut 9 (08)  “…maturued.”

Attorney Scott Sternberg spoke in opposition to the legislation. He’s representing three media members in a lawsuit against LSU seeking information on the revenue share deals. Sternberg says these are public dollars going student-athletes and the public has the right to know how that money is being spent…

Cut 10 (09) “… might be interesting .”

But many lawmakers believe shielding the financials of a revenue sharing deal between a student and the university is best for their safety. Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain…

Cut 11 (07) “…stalked”

A federal settlement involving a lawsuit against the NCAA gave universities the ability to pay athletes directly. The Public Affairs Research Council spoke in opposition. PAR president Steven Procopio says athletic departments now receive tax revenue from online gambling, so the taxpayer should have the right to know how the school spends it…

Cut 12 (09) “…to know.”

This bill has now been approved by two different House committees and heads to the House floor for more discussion.

___________________________________________

The father of a student was shot by his 13-year-old son in front of the Tangipahoa Alternative School in Hammond this morning. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron says the father was dropping his son off at school, when his son refused to leave the vehicle. Bergeron says the father decided to take his son back home and that’s when he was shot…

Cut 13 (08) “…living room.”

Bergeron says after the father’s vehicle hit a home across the street, the armed 13-year-old started walking to the school, but the school resource officer acted quickly to disarm the teen

Cut 14 (06) “…take him into custody.”

The adult victim is in stable condition at a local hospital. The 13-year-old shooter was taken to a juvenile facility. And Bergeron is calling the school resource officer a hero for preventing more violence…

Cut 15 (12) “…may hold.”

Significant changes are happening at the University of New Orleans as the school prepares to move into the LSU System. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The House Appropriations Committee has a approved a budget for next fiscal year. Joe Gallinaro reports spending on education initiatives is a major priority…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

New English language arts standards have been approved for public schools to further reinforce the fundamentals of reading and writing. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________

A lot is happening behind the scenes at the University of New Orleans is preparing to move from the University of Louisiana System to the LSU System. One major change is the name of the school. University president Kathy Johnson says starting July 1^st, UNO will be known as LSU New Orleans…

Cut 4 (12) “…as well.”

The school is eliminating nine degree programs, five undergraduate programs, and four graduate programs. But Johnson says less than two percent of students will be affected, and faculty members will move to other programs.

But Johnson says the changes are intended to strengthen academic opportunity, not reduce them…

Cut 5 (09) “…get jobs.”

Johnson says some of the new programs under development include engineering management, hospitality and tourism, data science, and healthcare management.

She says one of the advantages of joining the LSU system is that it will expand the number and types of courses UNO can offer online…

Cut 6 (12) “…few weeks.”

_________________________________________________________

The House Appropriations Committee has approved an operating budget of 47 billion dollars for next fiscal year. Even though it’s a standstill budget, areas of state government will see an increase in funding. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says they are pouring more dollars into public schools…

Cut 7 (08) “…need to.”

There’s also a proposed increase in funding for K-through-12 public school tutoring services.

An additional 50-million dollars from the state general fund is also going to economic development projects. McFarland says it’s part of an effort to grow the state’s economy….

Cut 8 (12) “…community colleges.”

House legislative leadership is also going along with Governor Landry’s request to double the funding for the Louisiana Gator Scholarship program, from 44 million dollars to nearly 88-million dollars. McFarland says there is a desire for expanded school choice…

Cut 9 (09)  “…by the governor.”

Senate President Cameron Henry does not support increasing the funding for LA Gator. He’s concerned the voucher program that would help families pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses will become too costly. The budget bill will be discussed on the House floor on Thursday and then it goes to the Senate for its consideration.

____________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Education says it’s strengthening English language arts in public schools to reinforce skills essential to help students read, write and communicate. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says the updated standards place a stronger emphasis on the science of reading so that students are confident, independent readers…

Cut 10 (08) “…along that path”

Brumley says students will continue to develop handwriting skills, including cursive, as part of a complete approach to literacy…

Cut 11 (07) “…important step.”

Brumley points out that many of the founding documents of our country are written in cursive.

He says another major focus of the updated English standards is grammar. Brumley says the standards reinforce progression in grammar, usage, and writing so students can communicate clearly in academic, professional and everyday settings…

Cut 12 (05) “…positive results.”

The revised standards will take effect in the 2027-28 school year. It’s the first time they’ve been updated since the 2015-16 school year.

_____________________________________________________

The document that finalized the Louisiana Purchase will be on display at the old State Capitol in Baton Rouge starting today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says this remarkable piece of history is on loan from the National Archives in Washington D-C as part of America’s 250^th anniversary celebration…

Cut 13 (09)  “..to see.”

Landry says the document is available for the public to see through July 11^th  in an exhibit called “Bought for a Song”….

Cut 14 (08) “…the document.”

To make an appointment go to louisianaoldstatecapitol.org.

The Louisiana Purchase resulted in the United States acquiring 828-thousand square miles of land from France in 1803, doubling the nation’s size for about three-cents an acre. The transaction is often described as “Bought for Song.”

Napoleon Bonaparte was the military dictator of France at the time and Landry says you can see his signature on this critical piece of American and Louisiana history…

Cut 15 (08) “…our history.”

________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech baseball has now won six straight games after sweeping Middle Tennessee this past weekend. Just two weeks ago, the Bulldogs had lost eight straight, but head coach Lane Burroughs says he is proud of how his team has turned things around recently.

Cut 16 (12) “…win the ballgame.”

Tech looks to make it seven straight tonight when it hosts Little Rock at 6 p.m.

Louisiana Tech only used seven pitchers out of the bullpen this weekend as the Bulldogs pen only gave up one run throughout the entire three-game series. Burroughs says he has plenty of options to choose from, which is a strength of the team.

Cut 17 (13)  “…before the season started.”

__________________________________________________________

Senior wide receiver Jayce Brown was one of nine wide receivers who chose to take his talents to Baton Rouge. Brown, who is rated as the No. 26 wide receiver in the portal according to 247Sports, says his decision to transfer to LSU came down to several factors, including the success Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. have had over the years.

Cut 18 (10)  “…for me to make.” 

Brown said practices at LSU under Kiffin have been much more intense than what he was used to, but he believes it will pay off in the long run.

Cut 19 (17) “…structurally”

___________________________________________________________

After missing most of the 2024 season, Zion Williamson appeared in 62 games this year, averaging 21 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Williamson still has two years remaining on his contract, and he says he has no intention of leaving New Orleans anytime soon.

Cut 20 (17) “…19-years-old.”

A poll on the 5^th District Republican Primary Congressional shows it’s a two-person race. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

Finally, some good news when it comes to gasoline prices. Jeff Palermo reports the price at the pump has dropped a few pennies since last week.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________________________

A poll paid for and conducted by the Rainey Center Freedom Project shows that the 5^th District Congressional Republican Primary is a two-person race between state representative Michael Echols and state senator Blake Miguez. Rainey Freedom Project director Russ Walker says the survey of nearly 900 likely voters, has Miguez receiving 23-percent of the vote and Echols getting 20-percent…

Cut 3 (11) “…Echols has.”

Twenty-two-percent of the respondents found Miguez unfavorable as compared to Echols who had the highest favorability rating and only 10-percent found him unfavorable. Walker says Miguez living outside of the 5^th District Congressional boundary hurts his campaign…

Cut 4 (12) “…single fact.”

Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds finished third in the poll at 10-percent, while Board of Regents Chairperson Misti Cordell is only receiving three-percent of the vote. Miguez has the endorsement of President Trump, but Walker says 45-percent of respondents said Trump’s endorsement is not important to their vote…

Cut 5 (06) “…as well.”

The 5th District Republican Primary is May 16th.

____________________________________________

A single-vehicle crash in Bossier Parish claimed the lives of 10-year-old Bella Cassell and 31-year-old Callie Durbin, both of Benton, and left another person injured on Saturday. State Trooper Eddie Thomas says the three were traveling on Merritt Road in a UTV driven by Cassell when the vehicle suddenly left the roadway and overturned.

Cut 6 (12) “..from the ranger..”

Durbin was pronounced dead at the scene, while Cassell was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The third juvenile passenger suffered moderate injuries.

Thomas says that the State Police are still investigating the crash.

Cut 7 (12) “…under investigation.”

All three passengers were not wearing seat belts or DOT-approved helmets and were ejected from the UTV after it overturned. Thomas encourages those who operate or ride in UTVs to significantly reduce their chances of injury or death by taking the proper safety measures to protect themselves.

Cut 8 (13) “…on your four-wheelers.”

___________________________________________

Gas prices are actually a few pennies cheaper compared to last week. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for regular gasoline is $3.76 a gallon, which is three cents cheaper than a week ago. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says despite the slight break, drivers are paying way more than they did last year…

Cut 9 (04)  “…last year.”

Redman says the statewide average a year ago was $2.79. But he says it’s good to see prices at the pump have leveled off for the first time since the war with Iran began on February 28th…

Cut 10 (06) “… that lasts .”

There is currently a two-week ceasefire, but a deal to end the war is not in place after 21 hours of negotiations over the weekend.  Redman says even if a long-term peace deal is reached soon, expect to pay high gas prices for the next several months…

Cut 11 (07) “…of the summer”

___________________________________________

The Pelicans closed out the 2025-26 season with a 132-126 loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday night. New Orleans finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 26-56 record, the third-worst mark in franchise history over an 82-game season. Interim head coach James Borrego, who took over in November and led the team to a 24-46 record, says the team made significant improvements this season under his leadership.

Cut 12 (13) “…long ways to go.”

The Pelicans will now begin the formal process of finding a new head coach, with Borrego among the candidates expected to be considered. Borrego says he has spoken with Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars about the season, but the two have not discussed the possibility of him returning. Borrego says that one of the reasons he believes he’s a strong fit for the job is his ability to connect with players.

Cut 13 (10) “…moving forward.”

_______________________________________________

In Acadia Parish a seventeen-year-old lost his life when the ATV he was driving on Hwy 95 near Wikoff Cove Drive was struck from behind by an Audi Q7 Saturday around 8:00 pm.  State Police Trooper, Monique Laverne…

Cut 14 (10) “…in the crash.”

Impairment is not suspected but the accident is under investigation.

After a this kind of tragedy, Trooper Laverne says State Police want to remind the public that UTVs and ATVs are not allowed on roadways after dark and only allowed for farming activities during the day. She also says, wearing safety gear can save lives.

Cut 15 (05) “…proper safety gear.”

The full state House will soon hear a bill that aims to make it easier for people in Louisiana to cancel their unwanted subscriptions. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Governor Landry establishes the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability within the Department of Health. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

Abita Brewing Company, a Louisiana success story, celebrates 40 years in business. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

A bill that would make it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions will soon be heard by the full House. The author of House Bill 750, Vincent Cox of Gretna, says the goal is to make it just as easy to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up for one. Cox says he’s been in close contact with industry leaders to fine-tune the bill.

Cut 4 (09) “…soften their concerns.”

Cox says when he brings the bill up, he will be presenting a series of amendments.

Cut 5 (05) “…of the bill.”

Cox says should his bill become law, it would make violations a civil matter and not a criminal matter, and damages would be nominal.

Cut 6 (09) “…500-dollar violation.”

_________________________________________________________

Governor Landry establishes the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says the goal is to make access to quality healthcare available to everyone, regardless of where in the state he or she lives.

Cut 7 (11) “…a rural area.”

Greenstein says one of the key priorities of the new office is to expand the healthcare workforce in rural areas.

Cut 8 (10) “…throughout the year.”

Greenstein says this new office goes beyond just the healthcare aspect, it also addresses things to improve the overall health of people living in rural areas.

Cut 9 (08)  “…in our communities.”

It’s all part of the state’s rural health transformation program, which is supported by more than 208-million dollars in federal funding.

____________________________________________________________

Abita Brewing Company, located 30 miles north of New Orleans, is celebrating its 40^th birthday this year. Abita President Troy Ashley says they are a great Louisiana growth story…

Cut 10 (12) “…the time”

Abita employs just over 100 people. Headquarters are in Covington and they also have a taproom in New Orleans.

Ashley says a big key to their success is their Louisiana roots and what Louisiana has to offer…

Cut 11 (11) “…helped us.”

The first two brews they produced were Abita Golden and Abita Amber, and in the first year, they produced 15-hundred barrels of beer. Now they have 17 year-round brews, several seasonal beers, plus craft sodas, hop water, and they’ve recently added ready-to-drink cocktails.

Cut 12 (12) “…stronger markets.”

_____________________________________________________

McNeese will introduce Bridget Martin as its new athletics director today after serving as the interim A-D following the departure of Heath Schroyer to LSU. Martin is a native of Lake Arthur and she’s worked at McNeese since 1990 when she was hired as a women’s basketball coach….

Cut 13 (09)  “…as it is today.”

Martin went into administration in 2001. She served as the department’s Senior Woman Administrator and NCAA Compliance Director. In 2023, she was promoted to Deputy AD. She’s McNeese’s first female AD and only the fourth in women’s history…

Cut 14 (15) “…to males.”

Martin takes over an athletic program that’s seeing success in several sports, especially in basketball. She says the resources are there to have a great athletic program on the FCS level.

_________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns may have turned around their season as U-L Lafayette took two out of three from 10th-ranked Southern Miss. Coach Matt Deggs liked how his team played the last two days after losing the series opener…

Cut 15 (08) “…last two days.”

The Cajuns won the rubber game of the series on Sunday with a six-to-five victory. Parker Smith was the winning pitcher, and Cody Brasch threw three shutout innings for his fifth save. Deggs says Brasch is hard to hit when he’s on…

Cut 16 (14) “…hard to hit.”

_________________________________________________________

LSU scored seven runs in the seventh inning to erase a seven-run deficit, but the Tigers still lost eight to seven as they were swept by Ole Miss. Coach Jay Johnson’s team didn’t get a hit in the first six innings, but exploded in the seventh thanks to three consecutive home runs. But LSU could not handle a ground ball through the right side of the infield, which led to the go-ahead run scoring in the seventh…

Cut 17 (19)  “…cost us.”

LSU hosts Northwestern State on Tuesday night.

__________________________________________________________

LSU has crossed the halfway point of spring practice. Cornerback DJ Pickett is looking to improve on a freshman campaign that saw him lead the team with three interceptions. Pickett says the energy during the spring has been great…

Cut 18 (15)  “…are tired.” 

Pickett appeared in all 13 games last season and made three starts. He saw action on more than 500 defensive snaps on his way to receiving Freshman All-American honors. Pickett also had 37 tackles, three tackles for a loss and a sack.  Pickett says he had a pretty good freshman year, but believes he could’ve done better…

Cut 19 (14) “…every day.”

Pickett is learning from LSU defensive backs coach Corey Raymond. Pickett says Coach Raymond keeps him locked in…

Cut 20 (10) “…right now.”