The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office is mourning the death of Sergeant Grant Candies. The 37-year-old Candies was killed early Sunday morning while deploying a spike strip on Interstate 10 as authorities were trying to stop a 17-year-old driver who refused to stop after another deputy tried to initiate a traffic stop. The pursuit eventually ended when the vehicle crashed into a New Orleans Police Department’s vehicle on the Southshore. The 17-year-old faces numerous charges including attempted first-degree murder. Sergeant Candies leaves behind a wife and two children. He was the 2023 St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputy of the year.

A bill has been filed for the upcoming legislative session that would impose stricter penalties on drivers who block the left lane by driving under the speed limit.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The U-S Supreme Court hears arguments today over whether Louisiana’s Congressional map with two majority-minority districts violates the Constitution. The plaintiffs say the map violates the Equal Protection Clause, which says you cannot use race as the primary factor on how the boundaries are drawn. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh agrees with the plaintiffs…

Cut 4 (12) “…of the constitution.”

But civil rights groups say the Voting Rights Act requires two majority Black districts in Louisiana, because roughly a third of the state’s voting population is Black.

If you need to renew your driver’s license, wait a little bit before doing so, even if it’s about to expire. Due to computer outage issues at the Office of Motor Vehicles, Governor Landry has declared a state of emergency. OMV Commissioner Dan Casey says late fees for renewals are currently put on hold.

Cut 8 (10) “…with the mainframe.”

In Louisiana, a Class C driver’s license is your typical non-commercial driver’s license. Casey says the goal is not to overload the computer system so that other people who need timely OMV services can get them with no trouble.

The U-S Supreme Court hears arguments today about a lawsuit that claims Louisiana’s Congressional district lines are unconstitutional. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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If your driver’s license is set to expire, go ahead and wait a few days before renewing it. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Senate Bill 11 aims to impose stricter penalties on drivers who block the left lane by driving under the speed limit.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The U-S Supreme Court hears arguments today over whether Louisiana’s Congressional map with two majority-minority districts violates the Constitution. The plaintiffs say the map violates the Equal Protection Clause, which says you cannot use race as the primary factor on how the boundaries are drawn. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh agrees with the plaintiffs…

Cut 4 (12) “…of the constitution.”

The Louisiana Legislature approved a new Congressional map in January 2024, after the first map they approved following the 2020 census did not have two majority-minority districts.

Civil rights groups believe Louisiana’s current Congressional map is legal, because a third of the state’s black voting population is black, so two of the state’s six Congressional districts should be represented by minorities. Louisiana ACLU executive director Alanah Odoms…

Cut 5 (12) “…itself.”

Odoms says a second Black majority district is required for Black voters in Louisiana to have an opportunity for fair and equal representation…

Cut 6 (12) “…Louisiana.”

For years the state had one majority minority district, covering the New Orleans area. To create a second Black majority district, the Legislature approved a district that stretches from Baton Rouge to Shreveport and Seabaugh says its racial gerrymandering

Cut 7 (10) “…its not legal.”

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If you need to renew your driver’s license, wait a little bit before doing so, even if it’s about to expire. Due to computer outage issues at the Office of Motor Vehicles, Governor Landry has declared a state of emergency. OMV Commissioner Dan Casey says late fees for renewals are currently put on hold.

Cut 8 (10) “…with the mainframe.”

In Louisiana, a Class C driver’s license is your typical non-commercial driver’s license. Casey says the goal is not to overload the computer system so that other people who need timely OMV services can get them with no trouble.

Cut 9 (13)  “…expired license.”

Casey says by telling people who need driver’s license services to stay away for the time being, they can serve everyone else.

Cut 10 (09) “…vehicle renewals.”

Casey says if you have plans to drive out of state and your license is about to expire, then go ahead and stop by the OMV, your field office or your local public tag agent and get your renewal, since Landry’s order does not carry over into other states.

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A bill filed for the upcoming regular session aims to impose stricter penalties on drivers who block the left lane by driving under the speed limit. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says his proposal promotes highway safety and reduces driver frustration.

Cut 11 (12) “…can’t miss it.”

The bill eliminates the requirement that drivers must be at least 10 miles an hour under the speed limit to be in violation, applying instead to any vehicle traveling below the posted limit in the left lane. Luneau says it’s a common sense approach.

Cut 12 (07) “…that’s legal.”

Luneau proposed the bill after consulting with state troopers, who found the current law difficult to enforce. He argues that left-lane hogging increases accidents and congestion.

Cut 13 (06)  “…way to do it.”

Luneau says fines would range from 150 dollars for a first-time offense to 350 dollars or 30 days in jail for a third offense.

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The Lady Tigers had an easy time with San Diego State Saturday night. Tonight’s opponent in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament will be much tougher. Third-seeded LSU takes on sixth-seeded Florida State at the P-MAC at five this evening. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says both teams’ defenses will have their hands full.

Cut 14 (18) “…lot of shots.”

On Saturday night, LSU beat San Diego State, 103-48, while Florida State pulled away at the end to beat George Mason, 94-59. LSU junior guard Flau’Jae Johnson scored 22 points in 22 minutes in her first game action in more than three weeks Saturday night. She knows that all future opponents from here on out will be tougher, starting with the Seminoles this evening.

Cut 15 (15) “…that scouting report.”

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LSU football worked a lot on its running game during Saturday’s spring practice. The Tigers ranked 107th in the country in rushing offense in 2024. Coach Brian Kelly says they will be more committed to the ground game in 2025…

Cut 16 (19) “…in January.”

LSU’s first-team offensive line on Saturday was Tyree Adams, Paul Mubenga, DJ Chester at center, Coen Echols and Weston Davis. Transfers Braelin Moore and Josh Thompson are working with the second team. Kelly says the competition to be starting offensive lineman is fierce…

Cut 17 (14)  “…every week.”

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The Will Wade era is over at McNeese State, and it was a ride. Wade led the Cowboys to back-to-back Southland Conference championships and two trips to the NCAA Tournament. He was out of coaching after being fired by LSU in 2022 because of recruiting violations. He sat out the 2022-23 season and was hired by McNeese in March of 2023…

Cut 18 (14)  “…unforgettable.”

Following Saturday’s NCAA Tournament loss to Purdue, Wade signed a six-year contract to be the new head coach at North Carolina State. But Wade still expects McNeese to keep winning at a high level…

Cut 19 (13) “…just getting started”

Wade led McNeese to its first-ever NCAA Tournament win on Saturday, but they were no match for Purdue on Saturday as the Boilermakers beat the Cowboys 76 to 62…

Cut 20 (21) “…applauding us.”

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.”

An 18 year old man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a woman from a Target Store in Hammond Thursday at gunpoint and raping her.  Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office officials say Donnie Lee Stevenson followed a woman inside the store, kidnapped her, and later sexually assaulted her at a separate location.  After an all out manhunt, Stevenson was apprehended late Friday night.

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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.”

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. Concerned zookeepers sought help from LSU’s Vet School ophthalmologist Dr. Renee Carter.

Cut 6 (09) “…he had a cataract.”

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

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.”

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.”

Governor Landry announces a major restructuring of GOHSEP, placing the office under the National Guard. As for what effect this will have on emergency response, Political Analyst Bernnie Pinsonat says with a couple of emergencies already under his belt, the governor has a good idea of the level of staffing needed – and not needed.

Cut 10 (11) “…this will work.”

The McNeese Cowboys will look to make history again this morning at 11:10 as they  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.”

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.”

An 18 year old man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a woman from a Target Store in Hammond Thursday at gunpoint and raping her.  Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office officials say Donnie Lee Stevenson followed a woman inside the store, kidnapped her, and later sexually assaulted her at a separate location.  After an all out manhunt, Stevenson was apprehended late Friday night.

—————–

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.”

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. Concerned zookeepers sought help from LSU’s Vet School ophthalmologist Dr. Renee Carter.

Cut 6 (09) “…he had a cataract.”

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

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.”

An 18 year old man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a woman from a Target Store in Hammond Thursday at gunpoint and raping her.  Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office officials say Donnie Lee Stevenson followed a woman inside the store, kidnapped her, and later sexually assaulted her at a separate location.  After an all out manhunt, Stevenson was apprehended late Friday night.

—————–

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.”

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. Concerned zookeepers sought help from LSU’s Vet School ophthalmologist Dr. Renee Carter.

Cut 6 (09) “…he had a cataract.”

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

Governor Landry announces a major restructuring of GOHSEP, placing the office under the Louisiana 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.”

The NTSB identifies 68 bridges across the country, including eight in Louisiana, as being at an “unknown level of risk of collapse.” It asked DOTD to let it know of the probability of collapse should a vessel hit any one of them. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says the department will begin reviewing the bridges right away.

Cut 4 (11) “…have to do.”

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.”

The 50th annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival in Chalmette continues through Sunday. Chairman Cisco Gonzales says they’re expecting thousands of visitors over the weekend.

Cut 12 (08) “…in four days.”

Meanwhile, one vendor has been caught selling crawfish from China without displaying the required signage. Gonzales says they’re tightening enforcement of the state’s new seafood labeling law as a result.

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The first cataract surgery on an alligator in the US appears to have been successful for Audubon Zoo’s Victor, a rare blue-eyed white alligator. Zookeepers sought help from LSU’s Veterinary School, where ophthalmologist Dr. Renee Carter as Victor began struggling to see his food, following shadows and missing meals.

Cut 8 (09) “…he’s doing great.”

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

The 50th annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival returns to Chalmette through Sunday, offering food, fun, and live entertainment and Chairman Cisco Gonzales says there will be more crawfish than you will know what to do with.

Cut 14 (09) “…what I’m saying?”