What a difference a week can make, from arctic cold temperatures to mild weather and rain. In classic El Nino fashion, LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says a system that’s lingering in the western Gulf of Mexico will continue to move inland and bring us plenty of rain.
Cut 4 (09) “…wet conditions.”
Most of the state north of Interstate 10 is under a flood watch as three to five inches of rain is expected to fall.

Louisiana’s new Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan wants to bring a great customer service experience to hunters and fishermen. Sheahan says since taking on her new role two weeks ago, she’s been meeting with staff to see how the state agency can run more efficiently…
Cut 10 (10) “…this department.”
Sheahan comes to Louisiana after working for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem in various leadership positions. She’s only 26 years old

Governor Jeff Landry signed into law the bill that would bring party primaries to federal elections starting in 2026 and he also signed a Congressional District map that makes the 6th district a majority minority district. Republican Garret Graves currently represents the sixth district, but the district looks much different with this new map as it extends from Shreveport to Baton Rouge. Graves has told the Advocate he plans on running for re-election, but LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Graves will have a difficult time getting re-elected…
cut 9 (09) “…..to Republicans”
There’s speculation Democratic Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields will run for the sixth district seat.

State Police is forming a Troop Nola which will be in New Orleans beyond the Mardi Gras Celebration…
cut 14 (09) “…..finalized plans”
State Police Lt. Melissa Matey says they will have more than 130 troopers in the city for the Carnival season.

Last week it was frozen precipitation but this week it’s much milder with a deluge of rainfall. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana’s new Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary is looking to modernize the state agency. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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 Louisiana’s 6^th District has become the state’s 2^nd Majority Black district. Colleen Crain has more on who might represent the new district.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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What a difference a week can make, from arctic cold temperatures to mild weather and plenty of rain. In classic El Nino fashion, LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says a system that’s lingering in the western Gulf of Mexico will continue to move inland and bring us a tropical deluge of rain.

Cut 4 (09) “…wet conditions.”

Our high temperatures will reach the upper 60s across northern parishes and in the 70s along the southern parishes. Lows will only drop into the mid-50s to lower-60s this week because of cloud coverage.  But it’s the rainfall amounts that Keim says will be significant this week.

Cut 5 (06) “…inches of rain.” 

He says central Louisiana is expected to receive the majority of the rainfall and the excess precipitation should improve the state’s drought. Currently, Keim says 92 percent of the state is still experiencing some level of drought.

Cut 6 (06) “…situation.”

Keim says fortunately the rainfall totals should be spread out over a period of days versus hours and that will help saturate the soil and provide runoff to improve water levels across lakes and rivers in Louisiana.

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Louisiana’s new Congressional Map creates a diverse 2^nd Majority Black district that runs diagonally across the state cutting through sections of parishes from Caddo to East Baton Rouge and changing the 6^th district from majority Republican to majority Democrat. With elections coming this fall, LSU Political Science Professor, Robert Hogan says…

Cut 7 (10) “…Democratic district.”

Political insiders weren’t surprised that Garret Graves’ district was sacrificed in the map supported by Governor Landry since Graves backed Landry’s opponent in the gubernatorial race and wasn’t overly supportive of Steve Scalise’s run for US Speaker of the House. Many speculate Senator Cleo Fields will challenge Graves and Hogan believes he could win…

Cut 8 (09) “…African-American district.” 

Hogan says the new 6th district cuts across a large part of the state and getting a handle on the wants and needs of such a diverse population of votes will be difficult for any candidate and while Graves is the incumbent…

Cut 9 (09)  “…to Republicans.”

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Louisiana’s new Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan wants to bring a great customer service experience to hunters and fishermen. Sheahan says since taking on her new role two weeks ago, she’s been meeting with staff to see how the state agency can run more efficiently…

Cut 10 (10) “…this department.”

Sheahan comes to Louisiana after working for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem in various leadership positions. She’s only 26 years old and the Ohio State alumnus believes she can bring fresh ideas to the department…

Cut 11 (10) “…in the past.” 

Sheahan says she’s committed to making the Sportsmen’s Paradise as great as it can be…

Cut 12 (12) “…them better.” 

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It’s standard procedure during carnival season for State Troopers to assist New Orleans Police but this time, the extra officers will stay on after Fat Tuesday. Louisiana State Police Public Information Officer, Lt. Melissa Matey says they anticipate sending more than 130 troopers to the Crescent City for Mardi Gras.

Cut 13 (06) “…of New Orleans.”

During his campaign, Governor Jeff Landry promised to address rising crime, and that included increasing law enforcement in the state’s largest city. Matey says it’s a partnership with Attorney General Liz Murrell’s office, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. Matey says the goal is for State Police to have a permanent presence in New Orleans….

Cut 14 (09) “…finalized plans.” 

Over the years the number of police officers in New Orleans has dwindled, which Matey says is a problem across the country. She says recruiting individuals to a career in law enforcement has become more difficult. And to fill vacancies elsewhere in the state when troopers are relocated to New Orleans, Matey says the department will increase recruitment.

Cut 15 (11) …our state.“

Matey says they are also going to hold a transitional academy for potential troopers who already have law enforcement experience to increase the number of troopers in the state in addition to the traditional academy.

A federal judge ordered the Louisiana Legislature to draw a new congressional map after it was determined the one approved in 2022 underrepresented the Black vote by not having two majority minority districts. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects a lawsuit contesting this latest map…

Cut 10 (05) “…the Constitution”

Jury selection is underway in the re-trial of Cardell Hayes. Who claimed self-defense after fatally shooting former Saints star Will Smith in 2016. Hayes was convicted of manslaughter, but it was tossed out due to a non-unanimous jury verdict. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says if the jury splits again, it’s a victory for the defense…

Cut 13 (12) “…plea” 

You might be tempted to prune foliage that was damaged during last week’s freeze, but experts encourage you to resist the urge. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In Caddo Parish, the family of a 44-year-old Dottie Yates-McCathran is asking anyone with information about her disappearance to contact the sheriff’s office. She went missing four years from her residence in Vivian, on Vivian Airport Road. If you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact Detective Matthew Purgerson at (318) 681-0774.

Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign the new Congressional district map approved by lawmakers. Jeff Palermo reports the new map makes it harder for Republican Garret Graves to get re-elected this year…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Houma Thibodaux is morning the loss of Biship Mario Dorsonville who passed away Friday at a hospital in Kenner after complications related to recent health issues he had been battling. Dorsonville has served as bishop for the Diocese of Houma Thibodaux since 2023 when he came to the area after serving as auxiliary bishop for the Washington DC Archdiocese. Dorsonvillle was born in Bogata, Colombia, coming to the US in 1992 and briefly returning to service in Colombia in the mid-1990s. He was 63.

A wet week is coming up for the Bayou State. Most of Northwest Louisiana is under a flood watch from Tuesday morning through Wednesday. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says rainfall totals could be between four and eight inches through the week, possibility higher.

Cut 8 (09) “…do occur” 

After last week’s deep freeze, chances are your lawn isn’t as attractive as it used to be, and you might be tempted to prune away unsightly foliage. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says not to because the damaged leaves will protect the plants from the next freeze.

Cut 3 (09) “…bounce back.”

The political future for Baton Rouge Republican Garret Graves is cloudy after the Louisiana Legislature approved a new Congressional map that turns his district into a second Black-majority district. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Graves has served in Congress since 2015 and his re-election chances for this year have taken a major hit

Cut 9 (04) “…big disadvantage” 

Jury selection is underway in the re-trial of Cardell Hayes. He fatally shot former Saints star Will Smith in 2016. Hayes says the shooting was in self-defense after an argument erupted following a car crash in the Garden District. Hayes was convicted of manslaughter, but it was tossed out due to a non-unanimous jury verdict. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says typically the defense has an advantage in re-trials

Cut 12 (10)  “…and accuracies”  

LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says expect a wet week. Forecasts show average rainfall totals between four and eight inches through the week, with the possibility of higher amounts. He says localized flooding for urban and poor drainage areas is possible and water levels for multiple river basins will rise…

Cut 7 (12) “…of Louisiana.” 

Warmer temperatures this week may tempt some to prune away unsightly foliage left by last week’s freezes.  LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says it’s not time yet, we are likely to see another freeze which would harm new growth. To protect your plants, especially the tropical or tender ones, Kirk-Ballard says to keep them covered and to add mulch.

Cut 5 (08) “…be patient.” 

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is not happy the Louisiana Legislature drew a new map. He believes they should have demanded a federal trial on the map approved in 2022. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Congressional redistricting battle is far from over…

Cut 11 (11) “…one particular district”

The new sixth Congressional district will stretch from Baton Rouge through Alexandria and Natchitoches and into Shreveport putting Garret Graves seat at risk.

A wet week is coming up for the Bayou State. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says to expect heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding through Thursday..

Cut 6 (07) “…higher amounts” 

Jacquemin says localized flooding is possible for urban and poor drainage areas.

Houma Thibodaux is morning the loss of Biship Mario Dorsonville who passed away Friday at a hospital in Kenner after complications related to recent health issues he had been battling. Dorsonville has served as bishop for the Diocese of Houma Thibodaux since 2023 when he came to the area after serving as auxiliary bishop for the Washington DC Archdiocese. Dorsonvillle was born in Bogata, Colombia, coming to the US in 1992 and briefly returning to service in Colombia in the mid-1990s. He was 63.

You might be tempted to prune foliage that was damaged during last week’s freeze, but experts encourage you to resist the urge. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Jury selection is underway in the re-trial of Cardell Hayes. He fatally shot former Saints star Will Smith in 2016. Hayes says the shooting was in self-defense after an argument erupted following a car crash in the Garden District. Hayes was convicted of manslaughter, but it was tossed out due to a non-unanimous jury verdict. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says typically the defense has an advantage in re-trials.

Cut 12 (10)  “…and accuracies”  

10 of the 12 jury members who sat through Hayes’ first trial determined he was guilty of manslaughter.

Get ready for a warm and wet week. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the first round of heavy rainfall will arrive later tonight and into Tuesday and flood watches and warnings are possible…

Cut 8 (09) “…do occur” 

Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign the new Congressional district map approved by lawmakers. Jeff Palermo reports the new map makes it harder for Republican Garret Graves to get re-elected this year…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

In Caddo Parish, the family of a 44-year-old Dottie Yates-McCathran is asking anyone with information about her disappearance to contact the sheriff’s office. She went missing four years from her residence on Vivian Airport Road.

The political future for Baton Rouge Republican Garret Graves is cloudy after the Louisiana Legislature approved a new Congressional map that turns his district into a second Black-majority district. A federal judge ordered a new map after it was determined the previous one approved in 2022 underrepresented the Black vote by not having two majority-minority districts. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects a lawsuit contesting the newest map…

Cut 10 (05) “…the Constitution”

A wet week is coming up for the Bayou State. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says to expect heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding through Thursday with average rainfall totals between four and eight inches through the week…

Cut 7 (12) “…of Louisiana.” 

The first round of heavy rainfall will arrive later this evening…

After last week’s deep freeze, chances are your lawn isn’t as attractive as it used to be, and you might be tempted to prune away unsightly foliage. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says not to because the damaged leaves will protect the plants from the next freeze. She says to hold off until late March, or early April to prune and fertilize your garden.

Cut 4 (10) “…that time.”

If you have already prunes she says to cover those tender plants and to add a layer of mulch for added insulation.

The political future for Baton Rouge Republican Garret Graves is cloudy after the Louisiana Legislature approved a new Congressional map that turns his district into a second Black-majority district. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Graves has served in Congress since 2015 and his re-election chances for this year have taken a major hit…
cut 9 (04) “…big disadvantage”
Graves’ current district includes the Baton Rouge capitol region, down the Mississippi River and into Thibodaux, Houma and Morgan City.

The new sixth Congressional district will stretch from Baton Rouge through Alexandria and Natchitoches and into Shreveport.

In last week’s special session, lawmakers also passed a bill that moves federal elections, along with elections for Louisiana Supreme Court, PSC and BESE to party primaries starting in 2026. State elections will continue to use the open primary system. PAR President Steven Procopio opposed the move to party primaries…
cut 10 (08) “…Public Service”

After last week’s deep freeze, chances are your garden and flower beds are not as attractive as they used to be, and you might be tempted to prune away unsightly foliage. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says do not get the pruning shears out, because the damaged leaves will protect the plants from the next freeze and…
Cut 3 (09) “…bounce back.”

Last week it was cold temperatures and this week it will be wet weather. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says expect heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding through Thursday..
Cut 6 (07) “…higher amounts”
Jacquemin says the first round of heavy rainfall will arrive late tonight into Tuesday and flood watches and warnings are possible.

The special session is over, and two major pieces of legislation came out of it. Lawmakers approved a Congressional map with two majority Black districts and Louisiana’s federal elections will shift from open primaries to party primaries starting in 2026. Governor Jeff Landry says the outcome of the special session is a win for the people of Louisiana…

Cut 14 (08) “…great state” 

The state will move to closed party primaries but only for federal elections, and elections for State Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and BESE. Public Affairs Research Council President Steve Procopio says the changes will impact many Louisiana voters…

Cut 11 (10) “…state level.” 

Unaffiliated voters will be able to vote in the party primaries, but registered Independents, Libertarians, and other Third-party registered voters will not.

Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley has unanimously been reappointed to continue to serve in his position by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. And with the disruptions of the pandemic and multiple hurricanes behind him, Brumley says the department can now focus on getting back to the basics…

Cut 9 (12)  “…kid’s education.”

We’ve already heard the 2024 crawfish season could be one of the worst ever in terms of supply and prices due to last summer’s historic drought. And LSU Ag Center Crawfish Specialist Mark Shirley warns the outlook for next year isn’t promising either.

Cut 4 (06) “…next year.”
He says the fields that don’t have crawfish this year will have to be restocked and with limited availability, it creates issues for the 2025 crop.