AccuWeather is predicting an active 2025 Hurricane Season. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A major drug bust in North Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana’s higher education board recommends that the University of New Orleans should be managed by the LSU System, instead of the U-L System. UNO’s enrollment has dropped significantly since 2003, which has resulted in a financial crisis at the school. Board of Regents member Darren Mire (Mear) says last month legislative leaders asked the board to examine a proposed system change, but they didn’t need a year to study it…

Cut 3 (07) “…April.” 

The Louisiana Legislature will have to approve a change in management for UNO from UL System to the LSU System. A bill will likely be filled in the legislative session that begins next month. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges must also approve the move.

UNO has attempted to resize the university by cutting its budget, which has resulted in lay-offs of administrators and the consolidation of some colleges. But the school is still facing a 30-million dollar shortfall.

Mire says they are also recommending that the Legislature hires a third-party to perform a financial audit…

Cut 4 (05) “…accounting firm”

Mire says a third-party also needs to be hired to do an academic programs assessment…

Cut 5 (09) “…so forth.”

UNO was previously in the LSU system, but moved to the UL System in 2011. Alumni and supporters of UNO said the school was not getting enough attention within the LSU System. Senate President Cameron Henry told the Louisiana Illuminator that the LSU System is better equipped at addressing UNO’s financial troubles.

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The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is approaching, with forecasters warning of another volatile year similar to 2024, one of the most destructive seasons on record.  AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DeSilva predicts 13-18 named storms, 7-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes…

Cut 6 (07) “…this year.”

DeSilva says warm ocean temperatures across the Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean will fuel storm development, leading to rapid intensification.

Cut 7 (11) “…to the forecast.”

DeSilva anticipates a possible early-season storm before June 1, a midseason lull, and an active end to the season, and says a developing La Niña could further enhance late-season storm activity.

Cut 8 (10) “…month of November”

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14 people are indicted in Lincoln Parish for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. It took place from January of 2022 through November of last year. The acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, Alexander Van Hook, says while the drug trafficking took place mainly in Ruston, the methamphetamine came from out of state.

Cut 9 (13)  “…Kansas and Louisiana.”

Van Hook says these arrests are part of “Take Back America.”

Cut 10 (17) “…and drug trafficking.”

Van Hook says this is a major bust for North Louisiana.

Cut 11 (12) “…safer and flourish.”

If convicted, all 14 defendants face between ten years and life in prison. Out of the 14 people indicted, 12 are from Louisiana and eight are from Ruston.

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Two of the three people charged with first-degree murder in the death of St. Tammany Parish Sergeant Grant Candies are now charged with kidnapping. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says 17-year-old Adrian Waughtal, who was the driver, and 17-year-old Mason Fischer were holding two girls in the car against their will during the pursuit.

Cut 12 (09) “…and Waughtal refused.”

17-year-old Michael Lanier is the third suspect charged with first-degree murder, but Lieutenant Carboni says he’s not being charged with kidnapping.

Cut 13 (05)  “…in the vehicle.”

Carboni stresses, however, that while the girls were being held in the vehicle against their will during the pursuit, they were not forced into it by the suspects.

Cut 14 (07) “…we want out.”

At this time  the two girls are not being charged with any crimes, but Carboni says the investigation is ongoing. As for Waughtal and Fischer, both were rebooked. While Fischer had previously bonded out, he is now back behind bars.

Covington Senator Patrick McMath has filed a bill for the upcoming session that would prohibit state-funded schools from serving foods that contain additives. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A national organization gives Louisiana high marks in election integrity. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new study shows that the stress level in Louisiana is one of the highest in the country. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Covington Senator Patrick McMath has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming regular session that would prohibit state funded schools from serving lunches that contain potentially harmful additives, including dyes and preservatives.

Cut 4 (09) “…straight up toxic.”

Senate Bill 14 also requires restaurants to display on the menu if the food contains seed oils. The legislation would also require food manufacturers to label products with a warning label if the product contains specific artificial colors, additives, or chemicals. He says that stuff doesn’t need to be in our food….

Cut 5 (11) “…same company.”

McMath says U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.wants to remove artificial dyes from the nation’s food supply…

Cut 6 (12) “…food safety program.”

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Louisiana is celebrating a new ranking by the Heritage Foundation that gives the state high marks for election integrity. Secretary of State Nancy Landry:

Cut 7 (09) “…to number two.”

Secretary Landry says those efforts include new laws passed by the legislature last year that, according to her, makes it harder to cheat in elections while making it easier for people to vote.

Cut 8 (13) “…for other people.”

Landry says those efforts are continuing with new voting equipment coming. She says the new machines will have a paper component to them, printing out a voter’s ballot so that the voter can confirm his or her selections before casting that ballot.

Cut 9 (11)  “…after every election.”

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A new study by WalletHub shows that Louisiana is the third most stressed state in the country. Analyst Chip Lupo:

Cut 10 (09) “…the high costs.”

Lupo says another reason is that Louisiana has the second lowest median credit score in the country.

Cut 11 (08) “…above fair credit.”

With credit scores at that level, that means the majority of Louisiana residents may experience trouble getting credit; and those who do end up paying more in interest rates. And Lupo says those financial burdens oftentimes lead to other stress factors.

Cut 12 (09) “…diagnosed with depression.”

The two most stressed states according to the study are, in order, New Mexico and Nevada. At the other end of the spectrum, the least stressed state in the country is Nebraska.

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A new batch of newly declassified files related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy were recently released. What new revelations were contained in those documents? LSU Honors College Dean Jonathan Earle, an expert in U.S. political history and on conspiracy theories, says those newly released files likely do not change anything.

Cut 13 (08)  “…these 60 years.”

Earle says one reason why these files have remained under lock and key for so long is because the intelligence agencies have been trying to save face.

Cut 14 (14) “…the Cold War.”

Earle says one thing that the documents did not show was any connection that Jack Ruby had with the assassination of President Kennedy.

Cut 15 (12) “…of the assassination.”

Jack Ruby shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald on live national television two days after Kennedy was killed. Numerous investigations have concluded that Oswald acted alone in shooting Kennedy to death from the sixth floor of what was then known as the Texas Schoolbook Depository in Dallas.

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Bill Armstrong is the new head men’s basketball coach at McNeese. Armstrong was an assistant at Baylor last season and he was the associate head coach for Will Wade when the two were at LSU. It’s the first head coaching job for Armstrong and he says it’s the perfect place to start his head coaching career…

Cut 16 (17) “…getting that third.”

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Offensive tackle Will Campbell’s arms measured 33 inches at LSU Pro Day, which was a little longer than the measurements taken at the NFL draft combine last month. Campbell says his arms did not grow over the last month. He says the measurements were messed up at the combine. A minimum of 34 inches is standard for offensive tackles in the NFL, but Campbell doesn’t think it matters…

Cut 17 (19)  “…for a reason.”

Campbell could fall out of the Top ten because of his 33-inch arms or a team might move him to guard. The former Neville star says he just wants to get on the field, but offensive tackle is his preferred spot…

Cut 18 (20)  “…play tackle”

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The eight-ranked LSU baseball team begins a three-game series against Mississippi State tonight at Alex Box Stadium. After dropping last weekend’s series at Texas, first baseman Jared Jones is eager to snap a two-game SEC losing streak…

Cut 19 (16) “…yeah” 

LSU is 4-2 in league play, while Mississippi State is 1-5 in the SEC. But Coach Jay Johnson says the Bulldogs have enough talent to end up at the College World Series…

Cut 20 (16) “…great weekend.”

First pitch is at 7 PM.

Not everyone in Ascension Parish is happy that Hyundai will build a massive steel manufacturing plant there. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If your favorite restaurant tells you that it serves Gulf shrimp, can you take their word for it? A new study shows while in other states the answer is generally “no”, in Louisiana it’s largely a different story. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Former four-term Louisiana U.S. Senator J. Bennett Johnson has passed away at age of 92. Jeff Palermo looks back at his 24 years in the U-S Senate…

Cut 3 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Not everyone in Ascension Parish is happy that a Hyundai steel plant is coming. Ashley Gaignard (GAN-yard), the president of the group Rural Roots Louisiana, says having the steel mill along the Westbank of the Mississippi River is just going to add to the pollution in Ascension Parish.

Cut 4 (06) “…in the water.”

But Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment (QUINT-maw) points out that the plant will be producing green steel – that is, steel produced without using fossil fuels.

Cut 5 (07) “…attractive to us.”

The 5.8-billion-dollar steel plant will anchor the RiverPlex MegaPark, which at 17-thousand acres is the largest undeveloped tract along the deep-water Mississippi River. The plant would occupy one-tenth of that area. Gaignard says she would like the plant to be put up somewhere else.

Cut 6 (09) “…about the people.”

Cointment says people living near there should not worry about pollution. He says when he visited the company’s steel plant in South Korea, he didn’t realize it was a steel plant until he got inside.

Cut 7 (08) “…in the country.”

Construction is slated to begin in the third quarter of next year.

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How honest are restaurants when it comes to disclosing where their shrimp comes from? A new report from SEAD (“seed”) Consulting shows Louisiana is actually doing quite well. SEAD Consulting President David Williams says they found a relatively small percentage of Louisiana restaurants being dishonest about where their shrimp is coming from – claiming that it’s coming from the Gulf Coast when in fact it’s not.

Cut 8 (10) “…quite a lot.”

The study found that 58-percent of restaurants in Shreveport are misleading customers into thinking that they’re eating Gulf shrimp when they’re not. Williams says they perform what’s known as the Rapid ID Genetic Highly-accurate Test, or RIGHTTest, right at the dinner table.

Cut 9 (11)  “…shrimp-producing states.”

Metapenaeus vannamei is also known as Pacific white shrimp or whiteleg shrimp, and it’s native to the eastern Pacific Ocean from the Mexican state of Sonora down to Peru. Williams says a big reason that restaurants, including those in Louisiana, serve imported shrimp is because it’s much less expensive than the shrimp found off the Gulf coast.

Cut 10 (09) “…for the product.”

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Starting April 5th, Mega Millions will see Mega changes.  Kimberly Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says Mega Millions will have a higher starting jackpot, improved odds, a built-in prize multiplier, and no break-even prizes.

Cut 11 (12) “…on their ticket.”

Ticket prices increase from two dollars to five dollars per play, marking the second price change in the game’s history. Chopin says there are still other options for those wanting to play in a multistate lottery…

Cut 12 (12) “…and Saturdays.”

The starting jackpot will go from 20-million dollars to 50-million dollars, and the average jackpot size will soar to 803-million dollars. The odds of winning the jackpot improve from 1 in 302.5 million to 1 in 290.5 million. Chopin reminds you to play responsibly…

Cut 13 (12)  “…keep it fun.”

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Four-term Louisiana U-S Senator J Bennett Johnston has passed away at the age of 92. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat was Johnston’s executive assistant in charge of Louisiana political operations and says the Democrat worked with Democrats and Republicans to bring back federal dollars to Louisiana…

Cut 14 (09) “…priority.”

Johnston served in the U.S. Army in the 1950s. Served in both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature from 1964 to 1972.

In 1971, the Shreveport native ran for governor but lost by 44-hundred votes to Edwin Edwards in the runoff election of the Democratic primary.

The next year, Johnston challenged long-term incumbent Allen Ellender for the Democratic nomination to the U-S Senate. Ellender died during the campaign and Johnston easily won the primary and then the general election.

Pinsonat says Johnston became a powerful Senator as he had a chance to chair both the Senate Energy and Appropriations Committees at separate times during his 24 years as U-S Senator…

Cut 15 (10) “…by the budget.”

Johnston was born in Shreveport. He was a star running back at Byrd High School. Pinsonat says Johnston is a big reason why I-49 was constructed…

Cut 16 (10) “…I-49.”

Johnston defeated state representative and former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan David Duke in 1990 in his final re-election bid. Johnston retired from the U.S. Senate in 1997 and became a lobbyist. He was living in Sperryville, Virginia where he died surrounded by his family.

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Former Lafayette Christian football star Ju’Juan Johnson is spending spring practice at LSU taking snaps at quarterback. Johnson started at LSU as a defensive back, moved to running back and now he’s at Q-B. Johnson has the most total yards and total touchdowns in Louisiana high school football history and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan says Johnson wanted to play quarterback and the Tigers O-C is impressed with his skill level…

Cut 17 (17)  “…situations.”

Johnson is not Garrett Nussmeier’s primary back-up. That goes to Mississippi State transfer to Michael Van Buren. Sloan says it’s good to have a backup that started eight games in the SEC last year…

Cut 18 (15)  “…liked his growth”

Sloan says he’s excited about the skill positions on the team and the deep wide receiver room that includes returners Chris Hilton, Aaron Anderson, Kyle Parker and Zavion Thomas, plus transfer additions Destyn Hill, Barion Brown and Nic Anderson…

Cut 19 (17) “…elite level” 

The president of Ascension Parish is hailing the upcoming arrival of Hyundai’s first North American steel mill. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Former LSU football coach Les Miles’ effort to get 37-wins restored to his coaching record is not going well. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Seafood festival organizers are taking a more proactive approach amid a new state law that requires restaurants and vendors to clearly indicate whether the seafood they sell is imported. Last weekend, a vendor at the Louisiana Crawfish Festival in Chalmette was caught selling crawfish imported from China without a sign at the booth indicating so. When it was brought to organizers’ attention, they quickly rectified it by giving the vendor a sign to display. Organizer Cisco Gonzales says it’s possible that it was an honest oversight by a vendor who didn’t know about the new law.

Cut 3 (09) “…other states.” 

Gonzales says he’s going to push for the Crawfish Festival to require that only Louisiana-harvested crawfish can be sold from now on.

Cut 4 (05) “…Louisiana crawfish only.”

Last year, before the new law went into effect, genetic testing at the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City found that 80-percent of shrimp being sold at that festival that was marketed as local was in fact imported. Gonzales says selling imported seafood at an event that’s supposed to celebrate the state’s vibrant seafood industry is completely counterproductive.

Cut 5 (06) “…the next vendor.”

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents have cited an Abbeville man for allegedly killing a black bear in Vermilion Parish. Corporal Derek Logan says 50-year-old Shannon Parker shot the 10-year-old female weighing 200 pounds.

Cut 6 (07) “…full confession.”

Parker admitted to shooting at a dark silhouette, mistakenly believing it was a wild hog. Logan says Parker also lacked written permission to hunt at night and failed to notify the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Cut 7 (09) “…failed to do so.”

Parker faces fines up to $950, jail time up to 120 days, and $10,000 in civil restitution. Logan urges hunters to identify what they’re shooting before they shoot.

Cut 8 (09) “…been a child?”

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The president of Ascension Parish is hailing the upcoming construction of Hyundai’s new steel mill. President Clint Cointment (QUINT-maw) says the new 5.8-billion-dollar steel mill will have a huge impact on the entire region.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the surrounding parishes.”

Cointment says the new steel mill will create 14-hundred direct jobs and more than four-thousand indirect jobs, benefitting many other companies in the region as well.

Cut 10 (09) “…throughout our parish.”

The announcement of Hyundai building a steel mill in Ascension Parish is the latest in a string of major economic projects coming to Louisiana, and Cointment says the state is just getting started,

Cut 11 (10) “…years from now.”

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The LSU women’s basketball team looked like one of the best teams in the nation last night as they outscored Florida State 31-6 in the third quarter as they blew out the Seminoles 101-71 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Mikaylah Williams led the way with 28 points. The Bossier City native says it was great team basketball…

Cut 12 (12) “…Sweet 16.”

LSU led by just one point at halftime, but exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Seminoles by 25 points. Flau’Jae Johnson says she’s never been a part of a run like that…

Cut 13 (10)  “…rebounds”

LSU shot 56-percent from the floor and had 29 assists for the game. Senior guard Last-Tear Poa says they are playing their best basketball at the right time…

Cut 14 (13) “…having fun”

Up next for LSU, they will play North Carolina State on Friday night in Spokane, Washington.

Cataract surgery was performed for the first time in the U-S on an alligator at the Audubon Zoo. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Governor Landry announces a major reorganization of GOHSEP. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Eight bridges in Louisiana are among 68 across the country that the NTSB identified as being at an “unknown level of risk of collapse” should it be hit by a vessel. It’s part of a report that the NTSB released on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. It asked the Department of Transportation to let it know of the probability of collapse should a vessel hit any one of them. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says there are warning systems in place.

Cut 3 (09) “…on our bridges.” 

Mallett says DOTD will begin reviewing the bridges.

Cut 4 (11) “…have to do.”

Mallett says the review process will begin immediately.

Cut 5 (06) “…do exactly that.”

The bridges include the I-10 Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge, I-210 in Lake Charles, the Crescent City Connection in New Orleans, the Huey P. Long Bridge in Jefferson Parish and the Sunshine Bridge in Donaldsonville. All eight bridges were built prior  to the establishment of industry guidelines in 1991.

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An alligator at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is the first in the U.S. to undergo cataract surgery. Victor, a rare blue-eyed white alligator, struggled to see his food, often missing meals or following shadows instead. Concerned zookeepers sought help from LSU’s Veterinary School, where ophthalmologist Dr. Renee Carter diagnosed Victor with an advanced cataract in his left eye.

Cut 6 (09) “…he had a cataract.”

Victor underwent the cataract surgery on February 19th. Due to anatomical differences, the procedure required special techniques, including ultrasound for vein access and a tubing system for post-op care.  Carter says taking on this surgery was a whole new challenge.

Cut 7 (12) “…just quite different”

Now back at the zoo, Carter says Victor is much better at finding his food.

Cut 8 (09) “…he’s doing great.”

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Governor Landry announces a major restructuring of GOHSEP, placing the office under the National Guard. Landry says he’s doing this to save the state money. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry is fulfilling a campaign promise that’s become a major part of the Republican playbook lately.

Cut 9 (10)  “…save taxpayers money.”

As for what effect this will have on emergency response, Pinsonat points out that Landry already has a couple emergencies under his belt in the early stages of his governorship, including Hurricane Helene and the winter storm in January. So Pinsonat says Landry has a good idea of the level of staffing needed – and not needed.

Cut 10 (11) “…this will work.”

National Guard Brigadier General Jason Mahfouz will serve as GOHSEP’s interim director, taking over for Jacques Thibodeaux, who Landry had appointed to the position last year. Pinsonat says it’s unclear what other personnel moves will take place.

Cut 11 (10) “…picture of that.”

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The 50th annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival returns to Chalmette through Sunday, offering food, fun, and live entertainment. Chairman Cisco Gonzales says festivalgoers can enjoy delicious crawfish dishes, carnival rides, games, and have thousands of visitors over the weekend.

Cut 12 (08) “…in four days.”

Gonzales says there will be crawfish in as many ways as you can think of as well as 26 rides to enjoy all weekend.

Cut 13 (11)  “…how much fun is that?”

Gonzales says there will be more crawfish than you will know what to do with.

Cut 14 (09) “…what I’m saying?”

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The road to the Final Four begins Saturday night for the LSU women’s basketball team, who will host San Diego State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Tigers won a national championship in 2023, but last year lost in the Elite Eight, one game short of playing in their second consecutive final four. Flau’jae Johnson remembers that horrible feeling…

Cut 15 (12) “…after that”

Johnson is good to go after missing the SEC Tournament with a shin injury.

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The McNeese Cowboys will look to make history again on Saturday as they will try to advance to the Sweet 16. The Pokes won their first NCAA Tournament game in program history on Thursday with an upset win over Clemson. Coach Will Wade says Thursday’s win was life altering…

Cut 16 (14) “…and everything.”

McNeese will play Purdue at 11:10 AM Saturday.

Louisiana sends its heavy hitters to continue the push for an NHL team in New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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U-S Representative Clay Higgins says in an open letter that he will not challenge Bill Cassidy for his Senate seat. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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For the first time ever, the McNeese men’s basketball team has won an NCAA Tournament game. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Another pitch on behalf of New Orleans to the NHL – this time, it’s Governor Landry and Congressman Steve Scalise meeting with league officials about a potential expansion team to the Big Easy. The Metairie Congressman says New Orleans would be a great addition to the league.

Cut 4 (11) “…world class events.”

Scalise says having the NHL in New Orleans would also boost tourism.

Cut 5 (09) “…more as well.”

Skeptics may point to the fact that New Orleans is not a big media market. If the NHL ever does come to New Orleans, it would be the league’s second smallest U.S. market, ahead of only Buffalo. Scalise points out that a city very similar to New Orleans in both size and stature has made the NHL a must-see attraction.

Cut 6 (12) “…in the desert.”

By doing so, Las Vegas was able to do something that Phoenix – a market also in the desert that’s much bigger – was unable to do in more than 25 years, culminating with that city’s team folding. Scalise points out that Atlanta, a major market which is also vying for an NHL franchise, has had two previous NHL teams, both of which ended up relocating to Canada.

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U.S. Representative Clay Higgins says he will not run for Senator Bill Cassidy’s seat in 2026.  Higgins says he carefully considered a Senate bid as polls show Republicans are interested in him running for U-S Senate. But Higgins says he decided to remain in the House to focus on advancing the MAGA America First agenda. Pearson Cross teaches politics at ULM and says Higgins would have been a viable candidate…

Cut 7 (12) “…than the Senate.”

Higgins’ decision paves the way for Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming to challenge Cassidy from the right. Cassidy, a moderate Republican, faces uncertainty in his reelection bid, but Cross says Cassidy’s vote to approve Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary could give Cassidy an advantage appealing to more MAGA Conservatives.

Cut 8 (07) “…RFK’s nomination.”

Cross says another hurdle for Higgins is fundraising and to what extent he’d be able to fundraise at the levels needed for a U.S. Senate seat.

Cut 9 (09) “…price was too high.”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana and the Mississippi Animal Project are hosting a supply drive to aid those impacted by the recent EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes in Tylertown, Mississippi. With no public animal shelter in Walthall County, HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says you can help…

Cut 10 (10) “…those in need.”

Dorson says HSLA is collecting donations during its Easter Bunny Spring Market and Bake Sale.

Cut 11 (12) “…can’t miss it.”

Dorson says supporters can also contribute through donations at humane-l-a-dot-org.

Cut 12 (07) “…on your behalf.”

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The McNeese Cowboys have made history! For the first time in men’s basketball program history, the Cowboys have won an NCAA Tournament game. The Midwest Region’s 12th seed led Clemson 31-13 at halftime and held on at the end for a 69-67 win over the region’s fifth seed. Senior forward Christian Shumate says it’s surreal.

Cut 13 (07)  “…really did happen.”

Head coach Will Wade says the exposure that the NCAA Tournament provides is invaluable to both the school and the City of Lake Charles.

Cut 14 (08) “…changes everything.”

Junior guard Quadir Copeland had lost to Clemson four times while at Syracuse before getting his first win over the Tigers with McNeese. Copeland says he’s looking forward to a huge welcome home celebration upon returning to Lake Charles, but he wants to do so with more basketball to play.

Cut 15 (06) “…not the goal.”

But to achieve the goal of going to the Sweet 16 in Indianapolis, McNeese will have to beat Purdue tomorrow. The fourth-seeded Boilermakers beat High Point yesterday, 75-63.

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The second-ranked LSU puts its 16-game winning streak on the line tonight as they begin a three-game series against eighth-ranked Texas. The Tigers enter the series with a team batting average of .345. Coach Jay Johnson says the offense reminds him of what he saw in 2023 when the Tigers won a national championship…

Cut 16 (25) “…on track.”

Texas is 17-and-2 and just had its 17-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with an extra inning loss to UTSA. The Longhorns team ERA is 3.22, tenth best in the country.

The Tigers have five players hitting.367 or higher. Daniel Dickinson is hitting .368 and gives credit to his mom’s camera work for helping him with his swing…

Cut 17 (22)  “…feeling out my swing.”

The Tigers enter with a strength of schedule ranked 254^th. They’ve only played two teams with a winning record. Texas is 17-and-2 and big crowds are expected in Austin. Dickinson can’t wait…

Cut 18 (22)  “…backyard.”

We’re getting details of exactly what went on in the execution chamber as Jessie Hoffman was being put to death. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Washington Parish mother was arrested for the death of her 8-month-old infant child. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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We’re getting details of exactly what went on in the execution chamber as Jessie Hoffman was being put to death. WDSU-TV reporter Gina Swanson and New Orleans Times-Picayune and Advocate reporter John Simerman were the two media witnesses to last night’s execution. Simerman says the curtains were raised at 6:20 last night, and Hoffman was already strapped to the gurney with a gas mask covering his entire face and a gray plush blanket covering his body.

Cut 3 (09) “…shrugged it off.” 

After Hoffman declined to say any last words, the nitrogen gas started flowing at 6:21, and Swanson says involuntary body movements started a minute later.

Cut 4 (11) “…a little bit.”

Swanson says Hoffman’s body movements stopped a few minutes later.

Cut 5 (11) “…the right side”

Corrections officials said Hoffman flat-lined after 14 minutes; and as per protocol, they kept the nitrogen gas flowing for five more minutes. The curtain was lowered, and Swanson and Simerman could hear the spiritual advisor, who was in the execution chamber the entire time, performing Buddhist chants in accordance with ritual. After the chanting stopped, the curtain was raised again, and Hoffman’s mask was removed. Warden Darrell Vannoy then announced that Hoffman was pronounced dead at 6:50.

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A Washington Parish mother faces a first-degree murder charge after her 8-month-old infant died from severe injuries, including broken bones. The investigation began last Wednesday when the infant was brought to a hospital and later died from the injuries. Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown says investigators questioned the mother, 24-year-old Autumn Harper.

Cut 6 (08) “…towards the child”

Brown described the case as “absolutely heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the family.

Cut 7 (07) “…the worst one I’ve seen”

Brown believes mental health issues with Harper played a significant role in the case, and hopes to prevent cases like this in the future.

Cut 8 (12) “…and says something.”

Harper is being held in Washington Parish Jail awaiting bond.

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In an interview on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Governor Jeff Landry predicts his administration will announce 50-billion dollars in private investment in large projects by June 1^st. Landry says the state has recorded a couple of big economic wins in recent months, an 18-billion dollar expansion of an LNG plant in Plaquemines Parish and the 10-billion dollar artificial data center that Meta is building in Richland Parish…

Cut 9 (08)  “…to expand.”

Landry says he’s on the verge of a couple of other big announcements…

Cut 10 (08) “…as well.”

Landry is hopeful these economic development wins, and the passage of Constitutional Amendment Two on the March 29^th ballot will lead to population growth. Between 2023 to 2024 the state saw its first population increase since 2020, but only an increase of about 10-thousand people.

Landry who lost his Congressional just over ten years ago because of population decline, wants to see an explosion in population growth that will give Louisiana seven Congressional districts again

Cut 11 (07) “…than Jeff Landry.”

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McNeese State men’s basketball coach Will Wade will reportedly leave Lake Charles to be the next head coach at North Carolina State. Multiple reports say Wade has accepted the head coaching job. At a press conference today in Providence, Rhode Island, the site of the Cowboys first round NCAA Tournament, Wade was asked about the rumors involving him and N-C State…

Cut 12 (10) “…Yes.”

Wade has won 57 games and two Southland Conference Championships at McNeese over the last two seasons. He’s led the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons. The former LSU coach says he’s been transparent with his players about his future…

Cut 13 (07)  “…with everything.”

While Wade admitted that he spoke to North Carolina State, he would not say whether he’ll be the new head coach of the Wolfpack. The Cowboys face Clemson tomorrow afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Governor Jeff Landry says he will not stand in the way of Jessie Hoffman’s scheduled execution.  Sean Richardson reports it will be Louisiana’s first execution of a death row inmate in 15 years…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Jessie Hoffman’s lawyers are continuing the fight up until the very end. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana is preparing to execute its first death row inmate in 15 years tonight as Jessie Hoffman is set to die for the 1996 kidnapping, raping and murder of Molly Elliot. It will be the state’s first nitrogen gas execution. Governor Jeff Landry appeared as a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster and said he will not stop the execution…

Cut 3 (12) “…quite some time.” 

Hoffman is a practicing Buddhist and his lawyers say killing him with nitrogen gas would interfere with Buddhist breathing exercises, which would be a violation of religious freedoms. Hoffman says he would prefer a different form of execution, even firing squad. Landry says nitrogen gas is a more humane method of execution…

Cut 4 (07) “…that he chose.”

Hoffman kidnapped Elliot in downtown New Orleans the day before Thanksgiving in 1996. According to authorities, Hoffman robbed Elliot of 200-dollars, raped her in the backseat of her own car and fatally shot her execution style. Elliot’s body was dumped in a river in St. Tammany Parish. Landry says Hoffman’s death sentence is appropriate…

Cut 5 (05) “…shouldn’t tolerate it.”

Hoffman’s execution is set to take place at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola between six PM and nine PM tonight.

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Jessie Hoffman’s loved ones are bracing for the moment that he’s executed. Hoffman’s brother, Marvin Fields, says his brother is very remorseful for what he did to Molly Elliott in 1996.

Cut 6 (06) “…can’t take back”

Fields says his brother deserves an opportunity to atone for what he did.

Cut 7 (08) “…people can change”

While Hoffman was only 18 when he killed Elliott, he did father a child beforehand. Jessie Smith is his son and says he didn’t get the opportunity to grow up with his father. Smith said he would be devastated if his father is put to death.

Cut 8 (04) “…start over again.”

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The state epidemiologist is urging you to make sure you’re vaccinated against whooping cough. Louisiana is seeing a large number of whooping cough cases – in fact, two infants have died in the last six months. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says the symptoms start off so mild that one might not initially suspect anything serious.

Cut 9 (13)  “…for whooping cough.”

Sokol says whooping cough is very serious and can be potentially deadly.

Cut 10 (07) “…these coughing fits.”

Sokol says while whooping cough can affect anyone, young kids, including infants, are at the biggest risk for severe symptoms.

Cut 11 (09) “…during each pregnancy.”

Sokol says the complications are the most severe among infants; in fact, 30-percent of infants who become infected with whooping cough end up having to go into the hospital, with one in 100 likely to die of the disease.

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Councilman Oliver Thomas has thrown his hat in the New Orleans Mayoral race.  University of New Orleans Political Scientist Dr. Edward Chervenak says Thomas is the third announced candidate. New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno and Former Orleans Parish Judge Arthur Hunter are the other two. Chervenak says Thomas is well liked as he’s serving for a third time on the city council…

Cut 12 (08) “…might be.”

Thomas pleaded guilty in 2007 to accepting a bribe from a businessman while he was a city council member and served two years in a federal prison.  Chervenak says Thomas has expressed remorse and taken responsibility for his actions.

Cut 13 (10)  “…be as forgiving.”

Thomas represents District E, which is New Orleans East. Chervenak says Thomas will talk about the reduction of crime in New Orleans East and the transformation of the old Six Flags site.

Cut 14 (09) “..as a whole.”

A new poll commissioned by Unite America shows a majority of Louisiana voters prefer an open primary system over a closed primary system. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A Morgan City woman was arrested for animal cruelty after police found many dead cats inside her home. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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On again, off again – as of this morning, the execution of Jessie Hoffman is off. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A recent poll by JMC Analytics and Polling, commissioned by Unite America, found that Louisiana voters overwhelmingly favor the open primary system that has all candidates of all parties on a single ballot. JMC Founder John Couvillon (KOO-vee-ahn) says support for an open primary has the advantage of simplicity.

Cut 4 (12) “…and a runoff.”

Couvillon says under the closed primary system, it would be split treatment. You would also have a party primary, a party runoff, and then a general election.

Cut 5 (08) “…last 50 years.”

Couvillon says the biggest surprise he saw on the poll was that only a third of those polled were aware there was going to be a change.

Cut 6 (12) “…favorite candidates.”

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Morgan City Police arrested a woman for animal cruelty after finding several dead cats inside her home. Officers conducted a welfare check at 71-year-old Sheri Hite’s residence. Captain John Schaff says while attempting to enter the home, police saw a dead cat through a window and smelled a strong odor. Upon entering, they discovered many more dead cats throughout the house.

Cut 7 (11) “…in the freezer.”

Schaff says Hite claimed she had recently collected cats from Baton Rouge and planned to dispose of the deceased ones.

Cut 8 (10) “…23 counts.”

Schaff says while he cant speak to her mental state, he believes that will be made clear during her trial.

Cut 9 (08) “…the judicial process.”

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It’s off again — for now. The execution of Jessie Hoffman is once again put on hold. This time, it’s 19th Judicial District Court Judge Chip Moore who issued a temporary restraining order halting Jessie Hoffman’s execution pending a hearing at 9:30 this morning. Loyola University New Orleans College of Law professor Dane Ciolino says such last-minute legal maneuvering by the defense is not unusual.

Cut 10 (09) “…halt an execution.”

Ciolino says while this legal maneuvering may be typical, the argument Hoffman and his lawyers are making is not. 

Cut 11 (15) “…Religious Freedom Act.”

Hoffman’s execution had been scheduled for this evening. Ciolino says depending on what happens today in both Judge Moore’s courtroom and at the U.S. Supreme Court, it still may happen.

Cut 12 (07) “…execution hour approaches.”

Hoffman is awaiting execution for kidnapping, raping and killing 28-year-old advertising executive Molly Elliott in 2016. He’s not contesting his death sentence; rather, he’s contesting the method of execution.

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As part of the deal to avoid a government shutdown last week, Congress approved another short-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. Senator Bill Cassidy says while he appreciates that, that’s not enough. He’s introduced a bill that would reauthorize the program for two years. In a floor speech, Senator Cassidy says millions of Americans count on the program.

Cut 13 (08)  “…asking too much.”

Cassidy said this is the 33rd time in the last ten years that Congress has approved a temporary short-term reauthorization of the program. He says those who rely on it need more peace of mind than that.

Cut 14 (15) “…would be unsettling.”

Cassidy says while the temporary reauthorizations are better than nothing, families who rely on the NFIP deserve better.

Cut 15 (12) “…period of time.”

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LSU football has added 16 players through the transfer portal and Coach Brian Kelly says they’ve brought the right mindset. Kelly says he’s noticed it during spring practice…

Cut 16 (16) “…it’s fun.”

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is learning a new group of receivers. The Tigers return Aaron Anderson, Zavion Thomas and Chris Hilton and there are new additions through the transfer portal in Barion Brown, Destyn Hill and Nic Anderson. Nussmeier says he’s impressed with the group so far…

Cut 17 (13)  “…for a reason.”

Hilton missed the first six games of last season because of an ankle injury he suffered toward the end of preseason camp. When he returned, it took a few games to shake off the rust. Hilton finally found his groove in the regular season finale with two touchdown catches against Oklahoma and had four catches for 113 yards and a touchdown in the bowl game against Baylor. Hilton says he learned to trust God’s timing…

Cut 18 (24)  “…I say.”

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Tight end Juwan Johnson is back with the Saints after signing a three-year, 30-million-dollar contract. Johnson is coming off a season in which he caught 50 passes for 548 yards and three touchdowns, but he believes there’s another level he can get to…

Cut 19 (23) “…to see.”

Johnson says he also looked closely at signing with Denver and Seattle, before deciding he wanted to stay in New Orleans…

Cut 20 (19) “…this team.”

The National Weather Service in Slidell confirmed two tornadoes touched down in Tangipahoa this past weekend damaging over 20 homes in the area.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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It will be a late night in the PMAC on Saturday night as the LSU Lady Tigers hosts San Diego State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A National Weather Service survey team confirmed that two tornadoes touched down east of Kentwood in Tangipahoa Parish on Saturday and later moved into Pike and Walthall Counties in Mississippi. NWS Senior Forecaster Rob Frye says they were around a mile of each other.

Cut 3 (12) “…identical area.” 

Frye says that the ratings are subject to change as the survey continues, with details on peak winds, path lengths, and widths of both tornadoes yet to be determined.  He says due to how close they were it is difficult to determine each storm’s effects especially when you track into Mississippi.

Cut 4 (06) “…tornado did what.”

So far there are reports of more than 20 homes being damaged by the two storms, but no injuries. Frye says it’s not uncommon for twisters to follow similar paths.

Cut 5 (11) “…in this case.”

Frye says updates on the storms will be updated as they can survey more of the impacts of the storms today.

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More than 100 firefighters were called to the Port of Caddo/Bossier to put out a huge paper fire. About 95-hundred tons of baled paper spread across two and a half acres at Pratt Industries caught fire late Saturday afternoon, and the high winds made the battle difficult. Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese says job number one for fire crews was preventing the fire from spreading to buildings, and they succeeded.

Cut 6 (06) “…the main goal.”

Chief Reese says Pratt’s entire inventory is a total loss.

Cut 7 (11) “…damage to it.”

Reese says this was a very difficult fire for firefighters to battle.

Cut 8 (12) “…at 950 degrees.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Sixteenth Judicial District Attorney Bo Duhe has passed away. The New Iberia native died peacefully on Saturday at the age of 62. He’s been the top prosecutor for Iberia, St. Mary and St. Martin Parishes since 2015. Iberia Parish Sheriff Tommy Romero says he had an outstanding working relationship with Duhe…

Cut 9 (11)  “…investigation.”

Romero says Duhe’s legacy of justice and service will never be forgotten and he’ll be greatly missed…

Cut 10 (07) “…hard to fill”

Duhe was born in New Iberia. Duhe graduated Catholic High of New Iberia and received a General Business degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

Duhe attended law school at Tulane and in 1993 he began working in the 16^th Judicial District Attorney’s office. His primary duties involved prosecuting major felony crimes. Duhe became the D-A in 2015. Romero says Duhe worked tirelessly to bring justice to victims and their families…

Cut 11 (11) “…seek justice.”

Visitation begins tomorrow night at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia. His funeral is Wednesday morning at 11 AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

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Former Plaquemine High School and LSU star Davon Godchaux met with the media today for the first time since the trade that sent the defensive tackle to the New Orleans Saints from the New England Patriots. Godchaux says he’s glad to be back in his home state…

Cut 12 (08) “…you got.”

Godchaux is entering his ninth season in the NFL and has 429 career tackles. He was brought in to help with the Saints run defense. Godchaux says he’s ready to win for the Black and Gold…

Cut 13 (12)  “…to work.”

Godchaux was a four-star prospect coming out of Plaquemine High School. He was a three-year starter at LSU from 2014 to 2016 and Miami selected him in the fifth round in the 2017 NFL draft. Godchaux says it was a full circle moment when he learned of the trade to the Saints…

Cut 14 (12) “..of it.”

The Saints sent a seventh round draft pick in 2026 to New England to acquire Godchaux.