Lottery registration for the next round of grants the state will hand out to fortify your roof will open tomorrow at 8 AM and close on Sunday at 5 PM.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Wildlife Commission is looking at extending the alligator hunting season, amid an explosion in the population. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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To address overcrowding in emergency rooms, the State Department of Health is launching a pilot program aimed at reducing unnecessary ER visits. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Department of Insurance says registration for the next round of Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants will open tomorrow at 8 a.m. and closes Sunday at 8 p.m. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says homeowners can apply for a chance to receive up to 10-thousand dollars in grants to upgrade their roofs.

Cut 4 (12) “…grants to award.”

Temple says to qualify for a Fortified Roof grant, the home needs to be your primary residence, you have a homestead exemption, have wind and hail coverage and flood insurance. He says homeowners living in the coastal areas including the Lake Charles area are eligible.

Cut 5 (08) “…have to re-register.”

After the registration period ends, one-thousand participants will be randomly selected and notified via email. Temple says if you don’t get selected for the grant and choose to put a FORTIFIED roof on your home there are still benefits for homeowners

Cut 6 (07) “…premium on your home.”

Temple says with over 18-hundred FORTIFIED roof grants issued since 2023, it’s making Louisiana more attractive to insurance companies to do business.

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Amid an explosion in alligator population, the state wants to increase the harvest opportunity. The Louisiana Wildlife Commission has proposed to extend its alligator hunting season to December 31st, beyond the current 60-day seasons. State Representative Chad Brown of Plaquemine says the state is overrun with alligators, and they’re starting to show up in neighborhoods.

Cut 7 (09) “…in our driveway.”

Brown says the alligator population has been exploding throughout Louisiana over the last half-century.

Cut 8 (08) “…in certain areas.”

That’s nearly three times the alligator population of Florida, which has the second biggest alligator population in the U.S. Brown says it’s getting to the point that it’s affecting everyone’s quality of life.

Cut 9 (07)  “…alligators out there.”

Wild reptile hunting seasons begins the last Wednesday in August in the East Zone and one week later in the West Zone. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is accepting public comment through May 1st. 

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The Department of Health is launching a pilot program aimed at reducing the unnecessary use of an emergency room by Medicaid recipients. Brigadier General Cindy Haygood says Acadian Health will launch an urgent mobile care unit to patients’ homes for treatment of non-life-threatening medical conditions.  

Cut 10 (13) “…our Medicaid members.”

Haygood says part of the program involves a clinic at home, which is a proactive visit scheduled in advance to see what’s in a home that may be driving the emergency room visits.

Cut 11 (12) “…with that member.”

Haygood says from there, Acadian will work with the patient’s provider to come up with solutions.

Cut 12 (09) “…the patient’s home.”

This is a six-month program that will take place in the 12 parishes that comprise Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana.

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Governor Jeff Landry says the state is ready to execute death row inmates again. Landry says the Department of Corrections has finalized an updated execution protocol, including procedures for nitrogen hypoxia, which the state legislature approved last year.  Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says capital punishment has always been a controversial issue

Cut 13 (08)  “…against it.”

2010 was the last time the state carried out an execution. The inability to get the drugs to carry out the execution is a major reason why the state has not had an execution in over a decade. Former Governor John Bel Edwards also opposed the death penalty. Pinsonat says one of Landry’s campaign promises was to resume executions…

Cut 14 (10) “…think it shouldn’t.”

Based on reports last year, 58 people are on death row. Landry says their death sentences have been affirmed by the courts and he’s calling for local DA’s to finalize their cases so the state can move forward with carrying out their penalties. Pinsonat says it will be a big deal if an execution takes place at Angola…

Cut 15 (08) “…happen that often.”

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Matt Deggs is set to begin his sixth season as the head baseball coach of the Ragin Cajuns. U-L Lafayette won the Sun Belt regular season title last year, and Deggs says he brings back a good group from that team, plus some exciting freshmen…

Cut 16 (23) “…Owen Galt.”

U-L Lafayette returns freshman All-American pitcher Chase Morgan, who is the Sun Belt Preseason Pitcher of the Year. Deggs says Morgan has excellent stuff…

Cut 17 (08)  “…with it.”

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LSU baseball has a stacked outfield in 2025. Coach Jay Johnson says he has as many as eight guys who can start in the outfield including sophomore Jake Brown, who hit .264 during his campaign…

Cut 18 (18)  “…with that.”

There’s the possibility of hurt feelings for those who struggle to get regular at-bats. But Brown says everyone is pulling for each other…

Cut 19 (22) “…for us.”

New Orleans has just hosted its 11th Super Bowl and is now looking to host a 12th. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Kenner Police release new evidence in last week’s death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano, who was in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson”

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Super Bowl 59 is in the books; now the NFL is looking ahead to Super Bowl 60, which will be played in Santa Clara, California, the home of the San Francisco 49ers. Mark Romig, the chief marketing officer of New Orleans and Company, says the Bay Area will have a tough act to follow.

Cut 3 (09) “…the previous one.” 

Romig says the city has gotten great feedback on its performance in hosting Super Bowl 59

Cut 4 (11) “…built to host.”

Romig says New Orleans literally welcomed the world to the city.

Cut 5 (12) “…around the world.”

Romig says New Orleans will be bidding to host another Super Bowl, but the earliest that can happen is 2030. After Santa Clara, the next two Super Bowls after that will be in Los Angeles and Atlanta, and the 2029 Super Bowl would coincide with Mardi Gras.

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Kenner Police have uncovered additional evidence linking Danette Colbert of Slidell to the suspicious death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano. Manzano was found unresponsive in a Kenner hotel room and later pronounced dead. Police Chief Keith Conley says they seized three cell phones were seized…

Cut 6 (08) “…some nature.”

Security footage from Project NOLA shows Colbert with Manzano together in the Quarter and later leaving his hotel room alone. Conley says more potential victims of Colbert have contacted Kenner PD claiming Colbert victimized them.

Cut 7 (06) “…strengthen our case”

Pending further investigation and toxicology results, charges could be upgraded to homicide. Forensic experts are now assisting in the case, and Conley expects toxicology reports to take several weeks.

Cut 8 (11) “…natural causes.”

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Lafayette Police say a murder-suicide happened on Johnston Street last night and the couple’s two children were present in the vehicle.  Corporal Ashley Wood says the two victims from New Iberia were found in a white SUV, 47-year-old Shentell Brown and her husband 60-year-old Kevin Brown

Cut 9 (05)  “…multiple times.”

Wood says she died from her wounds and then Brown turns the gun on himself.

Cut 10 (03) “…local hospital.”

Wood says two children in the backseat exited the vehicle; one flagged down a passing motorist for help.

Cut 11 (08) “…Lafayette Police Department.”

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The Philadelphia Eagles are basking in the glory of their Super Bowl title. The Eagles dethroned the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley celebrated a birthday yesterday by winning a title…

Cut 12 (12) “…world champs.”

It was especially a big game for Eagles players with Louisiana ties. Former Saint Zack Baun returned to his old stomping grounds and intercepted a Patrick Mahomes pass late in the 2nd quarter to set up a touchdown that put the Eagles up 24-nothing at halftime.

Cut 13 (05)  “…the smart choice.”

Baun was used almost exclusively on special teams while with the Saints and blossomed with the Eagles, earning Pro Bowl honors and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. He says he’s going to take time to decompress and reflect on the breakout season he had.

Cut 14 (10) “…it’s crazy.”

DeVonta Smith from Amite High School caught a 46-yard touchdown pass in the 3rd quarter that, for all intents and purposes, put the game away. And former Louisiana Tech Bulldog Milton Williams forced a fumble when he sacked Patrick Mahomes in the 4th quarter and recovered that fumble.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received numerous reports of fish kills following last month’s historic low temperatures.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana officials reiterate that food caught off the Gulf Coast is safe to eat. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says last month’s artic blast has resulted in numerous fish kills. LDWF Biologist Jason Adriance says many saltwater species, such as Spotted Seatrout and Red Drum, succumbed to the cold as water temperatures dropped below 40°F for several days.

Cut 3 (11) “…kills them.” 

Adriance says LDWF has investigated over 70 fish kills statewide, with the highest Spotted Seatrout and Black Drum mortalities in the Terrebonne/Timbalier Basin and the highest Red Drum and Sheepshead losses in the Barataria Basin.

Cut 4 (13) “…pretty much state wide.”

Adriance says compared to the severe freeze of December 1989, this event was shorter and less extreme.

Cut 5 (1102) “…2014 adn 2018.”

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After more than a dozen people got sick from eating oysters collected from Area 3 in the Gulf Coast, the state is reiterating to people that seafood caught in Louisiana is safe to eat. 15 people became infected with Norovirus after eating oysters harvested in that area in the second half of January. Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan says people visiting New Orleans for the Super Bowl should by no means be discouraged from eating Louisiana seafood.

Cut 6 (10) “…seafood this week.”

Sheahan says the Super Bowl is a golden opportunity for people to experience Louisiana seafood.

Cut 7 (09) “…enjoy Louisiana seafood.”

Sheahan says there’s a new state law that requires restaurants and food vendors to indicate whether their seafood was caught off the Louisiana coast.

Cut 8 (09) “…to do that.”

The Department of Health has closed Oyster Area 3 and has issued a recall for all oysters harvested from there since January 10th.

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Tighter security measures are in place today in New Orleans as more fans arrive for Super Bowl 59. No coolers, ice chests or large bags on Bourbon and surrounding streets. But handguns are allowed, because of the state’s Constitutional Carry law allows permitless conceal carry. But New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says that does not mean you can bring a gun into a bar…

Cut 9 (13)  “…alcohol.”

Kirkpatrick says they will stop people who are negligently carrying, if you have a gun in your waist band and not in a holster.

Cut 10 (12) “…but legally.”

Kirkpatrick says Louisiana’s law allows non-felon adults to conceal carry without a permit. But she says it would be unwise to bring a gun into a hospitality area…

Cut 11 (12) “…don’t mix”

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is warning fans about ticket scams as Big Game activities continue in New Orleans. She cautions that major events like the Super Bowl attract scammers who deceive unsuspecting buyers with fake merchandise and tickets.

Cut 12 (15) “…sanctioned merchandise.”

Murrell advises purchasing tickets only from reputable sources and verifying the seller’s identity, as scammers may use hacked social media accounts, and scammers can get personal information.

Cut 13 (08)  “…that merchandise.”

Murrill warns against deals that seem too good to be true and recommends using credit cards for purchases, as they allow charge disputes.

Cut 14 (08) “…licensed seller.”

Murrell reminds attendees the Superdome does not accept paper or PDF tickets, so buyers should ensure they receive valid mobile tickets.

Senator Bill Cassidy ended up being the deciding vote to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health to the full Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Happy Birthday Cleco, the utility company is celebrating 90 years of powering Louisiana’s homes, businesses, and communities.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy ended up being the deciding vote in the Senate Finance Committee to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Health Secretary to the full Senate. The vote was 14 to 13, along party lines. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy likely cast his vote to save his political future.

Cut 3 (15) “…his own party.” 

Cassidy is up for re-election next year and is already facing one serious challenger from his own party, State Treasurer and former Congressman John Fleming.

Stockley says there’s no doubt that Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, wrestled with this decision. He says the Senator said in a statement he had intense conversations with the White House…

Cut 4 (13) “…efforts to vaccinate.”

Shortly after casting what was effectively the tie-breaking vote to advance Kennedy’s nomination, Cassidy took to the Senate floor to explain his vote. Cassidy said not only did he have intense conversations with the White House, he also met with Kennedy multiple times over the weekend and this morning.

Cut 5 (12) “…should speak to.”

Cassidy said the big question he asked himself prior to his vote to approve Kennedy was whether he can collaborate to help public health agencies regain the trust of the American people.

Cut 6 (16) “…not cause autism.”

Cassidy said Kennedy assured him that they will be in regular contact, including seeking his input on hiring decisions.

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The Southern Shrimp Alliance says only three restaurants in New Orleans out of 24 tested were found to be serving imported shrimp instead, despite advertising Gulf or authentic shrimp. S-S-A board member Cheri Blanchard says this year Louisiana strengthened its seafood labeling laws and the legislation appears to be working….

Cut 7 (09) “…my state represented better.”

Similar testing was conducted at Texas, Mississippi and Florida restaurants and it was found most of the restaurants were not serving Gulf of Mexico shrimp, despite advertising on their menu that said otherwise.

Blanchard praised Louisiana’s progress but urged stronger enforcement to protect the domestic shrimp industry.

Cut 8 (06) “…with their health.”

The Louisiana Legislature passed legislation this year that impose significant penalties for restaurants that fail to inform customers when they are eating foreign imports vs. local wild-caught Gulf Shrimp.  Blanchard urges patrons to support those restaurants that are serving quality products.

Cut 9 (12)  “…both on the same page.”

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This year Cleco celebrates 90 years of powering Louisiana’s homes, businesses, and communities. Founded in 1935 as Louisiana Ice & Electric Company, Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says it transitioned to Central Louisiana Electric Company a decade later and now provides power to nearly 300 thousand customers across 24 parishes.

Cut 10 (10) “…and Tony Chachere’s.”

Cleco employs over 1,200 people, supports workforce development through education initiatives, and strengthens economic growth through partnerships.  Cahill says Cleco’s focus is beyond being an energy leader.

Cut 11 (06) “…corperate citizen.”

Cahill emphasized Cleco is the only electric utility provider that has met Louisiana’s reliability standards for 26 years

Cut 12 (06) “…99-percent of the time.”

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The Kansas City Chiefs are in the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years, but this is the first time that former LSU star and Baton Rouge product Clyde Edwards-Helaire is not with them during this championship run. Edwards-Helaire was released by K-C in December. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes says Clyde is missed

Cut 13 (10)  “…family as well.”

Edwards-Helaire did not play in a game for the Chiefs in 2024 after starting the season on the non-football illness list. Edwards-Helaire has battled PTSD since his involvement in a 2018 self-defense shooting in which an 18-year-old was shot dead after trying to rob him and another LSU football player during the sale of a PlayStation.

The Chiefs drafted Edwards-Helaire in the first round of the 2020 draft and the former Catholic High star’s best season was his rookie year when K-C won its Super Bowl this decade. Mahomes says Edwards-Helaire still feels like a part of the team…

Cut 14 (12) “…close with him.”

Edwards-Helaire finished the season with the Saints, appearing in the final two games of the year.

Edwards-Helaire played in 48 games for the Chiefs, starting in 32 of them, rushing for 1,845 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had 765 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is in New Orleans to make sure the proper security measures are in place for the biggest sporting event of the year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Super Bowl Week is underway in New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein is at the Morial Convention Center.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A one-year-old child was unharmed after being left inside a stolen car Friday night in Shreveport. The child’s mother had left her car running with the sleeping child inside while she went into her home to get jacket. 17-year-old Marcus Madden allegedly stole the vehicle.  SPD CPL. Chris Bordelon says officers responded to a stolen vehicle shortly after 8 pm.

Cut 3 (10) “…in the area.”

An hour later, a police officer working extra duty at a Walmart on Bert Kouns and Youree found the child safe in the parking lot. First responders checked the child, confirming there were no injuries. The stolen car was later found at a Circle K near an apartment complex.  Bordelon says officers tracked Madden there.

Cut 4 (07) “…Madden into custory.”

Madden faces charges of simple kidnapping, motor vehicle theft, and child desertion. Borde4lon says this highlights Shreveport Police Officer and Detective’s swift response to locate the child and apprehend the suspect.

Cut 5 (09) “…suspect in this case.”

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To kick off Super Bowl week, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Governor Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell held a moment of silence at the corner of Bourbon Street and Canal Street to recognize the victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack. Afterwards, Noem spoke with reporters and said federal, state and local governments are on the same page when it comes ensuring the Super Bowl will be safe….

Cut 6 (08) “…on my watch.”

An enhanced security zone will go into effect on Wednesday for Bourbon Street and surrounding streets. There will be checkpoints and coolers and handbags that exceed four by six inches will not be allowed. Noem says they are prepared for Super Bowl LIX.

Cut 7 (11) “…while they do that.”

When asked if concealed weapons were also being restricted, Governor Jeff Landry said they would not infringe on people’s constitutional rights.

Cut 8 (08) “…you can figure it out.”

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If you thought the Super Bowl was just about the three hours that the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will do battle, think again. What started off as a one-off event that turned into a day is now an entire week, and it is now underway. Peter O’Reilly with the NFL says the league is using this week to show off New Orleans, and that includes getting the local business community involved through its NFL Source program.

Cut 9 (08)  “…225 local businesses.”

O’Reilly says for the first time ever, the NFL went to the outside to design the Super Bowl logo, and it commissioned a local artist to do so.

Cut 10 (10) “…my favorite ever.”

“Queen Tahj” is 26-year-old Tahj Williams; and in addition to being an artist, she works as a cybersecurity analyst for Microsoft.

O’Reilly says one goal of the week-long festivities is to make the Super Bowl accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford to fork over thousands of dollars to watch a football game. That starts tonight with Super Bowl Opening Night at the Superdome, which will be the only time the media will have access to all players and coaches from both teams.

Cut 11 (10) “…really engaging event.”

The NFL Experience opens Wednesday at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; and like Super Bowl Opening Night, that’s just 20 dollars to get in.

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One of the highlights of the weekend was the performance by TCU wide receiver Jack Bech in the Senior Bowl. One month after his older brother, Tiger Bech, died tragically in the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street, Bech had six catches for 68 yards and caught the game winning touchdown pass on the final play of the game. An emotional Bech spoke to the NFL Network…

Cut 12 (12) “…did today.”

Bech was named the Senor Bowl MVP.  Jack says he would rather have his brother than the M-V-P honor, however he believes it was his brother Tiger who helped him achieve great things…

Cut 13 (10)  “…all of this.”   (Sound courtesy of the NFL Network) 

Bech starred at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, just like his older brother Tiger. Jack Bech played two seasons at LSU and he became one of the nation’s best receivers after transferring to TCU. His draft stock likely rose as a result of his play in Mobile, Alabama last week and Jack told the NFL Network it was Tiger who showed him the way…

Cut 14 (11) “…legacy on .”

In the 2026 U.S. Senate race, State Treasurer John Fleming seeks an early endorsement from the Louisiana Republican Party as he attempts to knock off the incumbent Bill Cassidy. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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New Orleans is getting ready to welcome the world to the city for the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It’s believed to be a first-of-its-kind indictment in the United States. The case involves a Louisiana woman who bought abortion pills from an out-of-state medical company. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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State Treasurer John Fleming is seeking an early endorsement from the Louisiana Republican Party in his challenge to Senator Bill Cassidy, who is up for re-election next year.  La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Fleming asked for the endorsement when he ran for State Treasurer after Governor Landry successfully got the endorsement.

Cut 4 (06) “..for the U.S. Senate.”

This move follows the strategy of Governor Jeff Landry, who secured his party’s backing early in his campaign. LAGOP Chair Derek Babcock has said Fleming is free to seek endorsement, though few have been officially granted so far. Alford says the timing is interesting.

Cut 5 (09) “…his political career.”

Currently, Fleming is the only declared challenger, but State Sen. Blake Miguez is considering a run, and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta is seen as another potential candidate.  Alford says the race is shaping up to be a heated battle within Louisiana’s GOP.

Cut 6 (05) “…interesting dynamics to it.”

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The City of New Orleans is ready to roll out the welcome mat to visitors from all around the world for the Super Bowl. Kelly Schulz (“Shultz”) with New Orleans and Company says New Orleans’ layout makes it very easy for visitors to take in everything the city has to offer…

Cut 7 (11) “…Super Bowl experience.”

Schulz says there are many events for Super Bowl visitors to take in throughout the week.

Cut 8 (08) “…throughout the city.”

Schulz says this is the time for the city to put its best foot forward.

Cut 9 (12)  “…athletes as well.”

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The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is designated a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LIX, with drone restrictions also extending to the downtown area in the days leading up to the event.  FAA Drone Expert Kevin Morris says this ensures the airspace stays safe.

Cut 10 (07) “…up to it.”

Morris says before Game Day, Feb. 3-8, drone restrictions apply within 1.5 nautical miles of Lafayette Square up to 2,000 feet.

Cut 11 (08) “…at various times.”

On Game Day, Sunday, Feb. 9, restrictions begin at 1:30 p.m. within 1.5 nautical miles of the stadium up to 2,000 feet. Morris says from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m., restrictions expand to a 30-nautical-mile radius and 18,000 feet.  Morris says enjoy the game and leave your done at home.

Cut 12 (08) “…Super Bowl Sunday.”

Unauthorized drone operators risk confiscation, fines up to $75,000, and potential criminal charges.

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A New York doctor is facing criminal charges in Louisiana after prosecutors say he prescribed an abortion drug that terminated a Port Allen teenager’s pregnancy. West Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Tony Clayton says it is illegal to send abortion pills into this state…

Cut 13 (12)  “…of abortion”

A West Baton Rouge grand jury has indicted Doctor Margaret Carpenter and the 39-year-old mother who allegedly gave the pills to her teenage daughter.

Most abortions have been illegal in Louisiana since the U-S Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade in the summer of 2022. Clayton says that includes abortion medication…

Cut 14 (10) “…to that.”

Clayton says he is not prosecuting the minor who took the drugs. He says last April her mother instructed her daughter to take the pills that were shipped in from the New Paltz clinic in New York. Doctor Carpenter has been practicing family medicine for more than 20 years.

Clayton says it’s the first criminal indictment of its kind in Louisiana…

Cut 15 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

If Carpenter and the 39-year-old mother are convicted, they face a prison sentence of up to five years.

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The second-ranked LSU baseball team has four different catchers who are battling for playing time. They are Indiana State transfer Luis Hernandez, Dayton transfer Edward Yasmin, Merdian College transfer Blaise Preister, and true freshman Cade Arrambide. Assistant coach Josh Jordan says Arrambide has all the tools…

Cut 16 (25) “…special.”

Hernandez hit 23 home runs and drove in 76 runs at Indiana State last season. The native of Puerto Rico is excited about playing for the Tigers this season…

Cut 17 (17) “…come true for me.”

Six-foot-eight right-hander Chase Shores could be the Tigers Friday night starter. Pitching coach Nate Yeskie says Shores is developing well…

Cut 18 (24) “…a little mean.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team dropped to 1-and-7 in Southeastern Conference play with an embarrassing 89 to 58 loss to Texas at home. LSU is in 15th place in the 16-team league and Coach Matt McMahon is hitting the reset button…

Cut 19 (17) “…better chance.”

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Louisiana Tech completed a 3-0 homestand with an overtime victory over Sam Houston on Saturday. The Bulldogs are 5-and-4 in league play and is in a six-way tie for third place. Sean Newman led the way in the win over Bearcats with 22 points…

Cut 20 (12) “…we are going to finish.”

The City of New Orleans is stepping into the global spotlight as it gets set to host Super Bowl 59 next Sunday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Following his suspension over alleged inappropriate remarks in the classroom, a judge has ordered LSU to promptly reinstate law professor Ken Levy. Sean Richarson has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The City of New Orleans steps into the global spotlight next week as it gets set to host its 11th Super Bowl. Michael Hecht, the CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., says the global impact of hosting this game is off the charts.

Cut 3 (10) “…be much greater.”

Hecht says Greater New Orleans Inc. will be giving VIP visitors a tour of the city.

Cut 4 (09) “…a VIP experience.”

Hecht says the city is putting the final touches on welcoming thousands of people to one of the most popular sporting events in the entire world.

Cut 5 (14) “…around the city.”

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A Baton Rouge judge has ordered LSU to reinstate law professor Ken Levy after suspending him for alleged inappropriate classroom statements. Levy’s Attorney Jill Craft says the temporary restraining order prevents LSU from infringing on Levy’s free speech and due process rights or retaliating against him.

Cut 6 (13) “…why it’s illegal.”

Levy sued LSU, arguing the suspension violated his constitutional rights. The suspension followed a Jan. 17 letter citing student complaints about Levy’s comments during a criminal law class, where he criticized Gov. Jeff Landry by saying “F*** the governor” jokingly, and shared his political views. Craft says the complaints were inaccurate.

Cut 7 (09) “…how funny it was.”

Levy also made unflattering comments about President Donald Trump on the first day of the 2025 spring semester.

A court hearing is set for Feb. 10. Levy’s attorney called the case a crucial free speech issue, while LSU vowed to continue its investigation, emphasizing respect and professionalism in the classroom.

Cut 8 (11) “…feelings hurt.”

On Friday, private attorneys hired by LSU have asked courts to either stay or dissolve the temporary restraining order. In a court filing, LSU says its investigating Levy after receiving student complaints about inappropriate, vulgar, and potentially harassing conduct in the classroom.

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The Jimmie Davis Bridge replacement project in the southern part of Shreveport-Bossier City is close to reaching a milestone. Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan says work on a temporary trestle bridge will be completed next month and once that structure is completed, they can move large equipment onto the water to allow for construction of the new bridge…

Cut 9 (05)  “…very exciting.” 

The 360-million dollar new bridge will be built next to the existing structure and Buchanan says once a temporary trestle bridge is completed in mid to late February, construction on the new bridge will ramp up…

Cut 10 (06) “…for construction.”

Buchanan says the new bridge is still on track to be finished by early 2027.

The state department of transportation says they are about two-thirds done with the I-20 major rehab project in Bossier Parish. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says next Wednesday and Thursday nights, traffic will be swapped on I-20 eastbound from the outside travel lanes to the newly constructed inside lanes from the Red River Bridge…

Cut 11 (13) “…rebuilding back.”

The work on I-20 is expected to be completed late this year or early next year.

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Louisiana high school principals overwhelmingly voted down a proposal to allow student-athletes the one-time ability to transfer to another school and not have to sit out a year. LHSAA executive Director Eddie Bonine (Bo-nine) says  Louisiana will expand its voucher program in the coming years and they wanted to see where schools stood on the issue and they got their answer…

Cut 12 (08) “…again.”

The vote was 273 to 66 against the one-time transfer rule.

LHSAA baseball schools have voted to push back the end of the season. But the new scheduling will not be in place until the 2028 season, because their contract with the host site of the state championships, Sulphur Parks and Recreation, goes through 2027. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says the baseball state championships currently fall on graduation weekend…

Cut 13 (12)  “…now and then.”

High schools who sue the LHSAA over sanctions the association has imposed on them will no longer be allowed to participate in postseason play in the sport in which the lawsuit is filed. It’s a reaction to what happened this fall when University High filed a lawsuit against the LHSAA who stripped most of their wins away from them for using ineligible players. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says the suit threatened to push back the playoffs for every school…

Cut 14 (07) “…cleans that up” .”

The vote was 180 to 159 in favor.

Nationally, egg prices surged nearly 38-percent in the past year, with the average price of a dozen eggs reaching $3.65 compared to $2.14 a year ago.  Sean Richardson has more

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Five people are arrested for allegedly using drones to smuggle contraband into the federal prison in Grant Parish. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A breakthrough N-I-L deal in Louisiana – and he’s a high school sophomore! Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The spread of bird flu has caused egg prices to rise and shelves to empty. Nationally, egg prices surged nearly 38-percent in the past year, with the average price of a dozen eggs reaching $3.65 compared to $2.14 a year ago, according to USDA data. LSU AgCenter agent Will Strickland says the holidays also added to the price jump.

Cut 4 (10) “…egg inventory.”

Strickland says although Louisiana’s commercial chicken populations remain unaffected, prices rose due to a shortage of egg-laying birds in supplier states like California and the Midwest.

Cut 5 (10) “…pricing even here.”

Strickland noted egg prices likely won’t drop soon due to the slow process of replenishing flocks. He assured consumers that eating eggs is safe, as USDA protocols prevent contaminated products from entering the food supply, and cooking eliminates the virus.

Cut 6 (13) “…safe for consumption.”

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An alleged shoplifter shot by an off-duty Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputy has died. Sheriff Mark Wood says the deputy was working off-duty detail at Academy Sports and Outdoors on Friday night in Alexandria when he attempted to stop an alleged shoplifter

Cut 7 (16) “…his injuries .”

Authorities have not identified the person who the deputy fatally shot. The officer involved is on paid leave. Wood says it’s a sad situation…

Cut 8 (13) “…do that.”

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation for the Central Louisiana Critical Incident Response Team. Wood says findings will be turned over to the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office to determine if the shooting was justified.

There are some in the community who claim the person fatally shot was in the parking lot when he was shot in the back. But Wood says the shooting occurred in the store….

Cut 9 (13)  “…gets you killed”

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Five people from Houston are arrested for allegedly using drones to smuggle contraband, including drugs and cell phones, into the federal prison in Pollock. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says Immigration and Customs Enforcement is also involved.

Cut 10 (09) “…that’s here illegally.”

That person is 35-year-old Laura Martinez, and ICE has a detainer on her. Sheriff McCain says this has been going on a while.

Cut 11 (12) “…to two years.”

The sheriff’s office and the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement seized about 12-thousand dollars. McCain says they’re working on ways to combat the use of drones in smuggling contraband into federal prisons.

Cut 12 (08) “…federal prison here.”

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He doesn’t graduate from high school for more than two years, but Elijah Haven, the star sophomore quarterback for Dunham High School in Baton Rouge, already has an N-I-L deal. He’s been brought aboard as a spokesman for the Matt Bowers Auto Group. Matt Bowers says he’s known Elijah and his family for a long time, and he couldn’t think of anyone better to represent his company.

Cut 13 (13)  “…you root for.”

Bowers says he has known the Havens for a long time.

Cut 14 (10) “…to come see.”

Haven led Dunham to an undefeated regular season and an appearance in the Division Three select title game at the Prep Classic, where they lost to Catholic-New Iberia. Despite having two years of high school football in front of him, Haven already has scholarship offers from LSU, Ole Miss, Michigan, Florida and Miami, among others. Bowers is an Ole Miss alumnus, but he insists that this N-I-L deal is not a way to convince him to sign with the school.

Cut 15 (12) “…their friends.”

Bowers did not disclose how much Haven’s N-I-L deal is worth.

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The second-ranked LSU baseball team will have an entirely new weekend rotation this year as the Tigers’ top three starters from last year, Gage Jump, Luke Holman, and Griffin Herrin are in professional baseball. LSU has several pitchers, including Kade Anderson, who could pitch on the weekends. The sophomore left-hander from Madisonville appeared in 18 games last year, started half of them, and went 4-and-2 with a 3.99 ERA. Anderson would be honored to be the Friday night starter or if he had a bullpen role…

Cut 16 (12) “…for it.”

LSU first baseman Jared Jones has the potential to lead the Southeastern Conference in home runs this season. Jones hit 28 homers last year, but he came back his junior season to become more of a complete hitter…

Cut 17 (14)  “…highlighted.”

Junior right-handed pitcher Gavin Guidry will wear the coveted number eight jersey at LSU. It goes to the upper classman who exemplifies LSU baseball. Guidry says he’ll wear the number with pride and use this leadership position as an opportunity to lead by example…

Cut 18 (15)   “…what that looks like.”

Guidry will be given the opportunity to start this season after pitching out of the bullpen the last two years.