Some Big Mardi Gras parades are taking place in Lafayette, Lake Charles, Houma-Thibodaux, Alexandria, and Shreveport. There is a chance for heavy rain on Sunday, but Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says revelers know how to adjust…

Cut 8 (11) “…this year.” 

130 Louisiana State Troopers will be in New Orleans assisting NOPD for the last weekend of Carnival. Lt Melissa Matey reminds revelers to use common sense to avoid being a victim of crime, for example, do not carry large amounts of cash, avoid walking in dark areas, and remember there’s safety in numbers.

Cut 10 (10) “…that point.”

And to text the word MARDIGRAS altogether, all caps to 77295 for up-to-date info on routes and first aid stations, etc.

The governor’s proposed budget maintains the pay increase teachers received last year, but it continues to be not permanent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

68 million people are expected to place a bet on the Super Bowl this weekend according to the American Gaming Association. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says while it’s fun to place a bet, do so within your means…

Cut  14 (07) “…our message.”

Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the proposed 44-billion dollar budget for next fiscal year is close to this year’s spending plan.

Cut 3 (10) “…possibly could”  

Lawmakers will spend the next few months making changes to the governor’s proposal before agreeing on a spending plan in late May or early June.

It’s Mardi Gras weekend and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says New Orleans isn’t the only city that does it big. No matter what type of parade you’re looking for, he says there’s a Mardi Gras celebration for everyone…

Cut 7 (12) “…over Louisiana.”  

There is a chance for heavy rain on Sunday, but Nungesser says Louisianans will continue to let the good times roll this Mardi Gras weekend.

It’s the last weekend of the 2024 carnival season and Lt Melissa Matey says 130 state troopers will be in New Orleans and the Central Business assisting NOPD.

Cut 9 (10) “…people safe.”

Matey remind parade goers to avoid walking in dark areas, never walk alone, and never carry large amounts of cash.

Super Bowl weekend is here and Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says the American Gaming Association is predicting more than $23 billion will be legally wagered in the US.

Cut 12 (11)  “…huge weekend”  

As for the Pelican State, Johns says it’s hard to predict how much will be wagered on Super Bowl 58, but he says since sports betting went live at casinos it’s grown every month and boomed even more with mobile wagering.

The Landry Administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 44-billion-dollar budget. 198-million dollars of the budget maintains the temporary $2,000 pay raise teachers received last year. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the governor would like to give more money to fill hard to find math and science teaching jobs or teachers in rural areas.

Cut 5 (12) “..type of qualifications”

130 Louisiana State Troopers are in New Orleans assisting NOPD for the last weekend of Carnival. Lt Melissa Matey says troopers will be in and around the French Quarter, the Central Business District and parade routes.

Cut 9 (10) “…people safe.”

Thousands of people from around the world will flock to the Bayou State to let the good times roll this Mardi Gras weekend. And Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says New Orleans isn’t the only city attracting crowds…

Cut 6  (12) “..north Louisiana.” 

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns predicts betting for Super Bowl 58 this weekend will reach $23 billion. As for the Pelican State, Johns says it’s hard to predict, but he says since sports betting went live at casinos it’s grown every month and boomed even more with mobile wagering.

Cut 13 (12) “…a month.” 

The governor’s proposed budget maintains the pay increase teachers received last year, but it continues to be not permanent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

68 million people are expected to place a bet on the Super Bowl this weekend according to the American Gaming Association. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says while it’s fun to place a bet, do so within your means…

Cut  14 (07) “…our message.”

Louisiana State Troopers are helping the New Orleans Police Department keep revelers safe this final weekend of Carnival. Lt Melissa Matey encourages paradegoers to use common sense and stay with your group and to text MARDIGRAS, all caps, all one word to 77295.

Cut 11 (13) “…the crowd.”

And she reminds you to never drink and drive. Troopers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers.

Some Big Mardi Gras parades are taking place in Lafayette, Lake Charles, Houma-Thibodaux, Alexandria, and Shreveport. There is a chance for heavy rain on Sunday but Nungesser says revelers know how to adjust…

Cut 8 (11) “…this year.” 

The Landry Administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 44-billion-dollar state budget. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the proposed budget has more dollars for State Police as the governor wants to form a specific troop to work with the New Orleans Police Department in fighting crime…

Cut 4 (10) “…would be.”

130 Louisiana State Troopers will be in New Orleans assisting NOPD for the last weekend of Carnival. Lt Melissa Matey reminds revelers to use common sense to avoid being a victim of crime, for example, do not carry large amounts of cash, avoid walking in dark areas, and remember there’s safety in numbers.

Cut 10 (10) “…that point.”

And to text the word MARDIGRAS all together, all caps to 77295 for up-to-date info on routes and first aid stations, etc.

Paradegoers will be screaming “throw me something mister” this Mardi Gras weekend in all corners of the Bayou State. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

Walk Ons Sports Bistreaux, the Baton Rouge based franchise, announces they are moving its corporate headquarters from Baton Rouge to Atlanta. The company opened a satellite office in Atlanta in 2022. The company says Atlanta is one of the biggest restaurant industry hubs. And the move represents continued change and growth for the national brand.

Revelers will enjoy Mardi Gras celebrations in all parts of the Bayou State this weekend. And Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says there’s a Mardi Gras celebration for everyone – no matter what you’re looking for…

Cut 7 (12) “…over Louisiana.”  

More than 225,000 people attended Mardi Gras in Shreveport last year, according to a study conducted by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

130 Louisiana State Troopers will be in New Orleans assisting NOPD for the last weekend of Carnival. Lt Melissa Matey says troopers will be in and around the French Quarter, the Central Business District, on surrounding roadways and parade routes.

Cut 9 (10) “…people safe.”

Matey reminds revelers to use common sense to avoid being a victim of crime, for example, do not carry large amounts of cash, avoid walking in dark areas, and remember there’s safety in numbers so never walk alone.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana announced their planned acquisition by Elevance Health, raising the concerns of many including State Treasurer John Fleming. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

The Landry Administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 44-billion dollar budget. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the amount of state spending is about the same for next fiscal year as it is this year. He says they didn’t want to increase spending with a temporary sales tax expiring in July 2025…
cut 3 (10) “…as we possibly could”
Barras says the proposed budget has more dollars for State Police as the governor wants to add more troopers and form a specific troop to work with the New Orleans Police Department in fighting crime.

Thousands of people from around the world will flock to the Bayou State to let the good times roll this Mardi Gras weekend. And Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says New Orleans isn’t the only city that does it big…
Cut 6 (12) “..north Louisiana.”

It’s Super Bowl Weekend and according to the American Gaming Association, 68 million people are expected to place a bet on the big game. And Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says AGA is predicting more than $23 billion will be legally wagered in the US.
Cut 12 (11) “…huge weekend”
As for the Pelican State, Johns says it’s hard to predict how much will be wagered on Super Bowl 58.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is looking for independent short filmmakers to submit entries for the 13th annual PBS Short Film Festival. Entries can be fiction or non-fiction and L-P-B spokesperson Colleen Spillane says a committee at LPB will judge the entries and decide what to enter into the PBS Short Film Festival.
Cut 5 (11) “…quite frank.”
Filmmakers are encouraged to visit lpb.org/filmfest for information.

Governor Jeff Landry announces he’s sending Louisiana National Guard troops to the southern border to assist the Texas National Guard. Louisiana National Guard Brigadier General Michael Greer says their tasks will be assigned through the Texas National Guard, but they will not be doing detention…
Cut 21 (10) “…under Texas law”
The 150 troop deployment could begin next month.

State Treasurer John Fleming has come out in opposition to the proposed sale of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to Elevance Health. Fleming says he’s looked into what has happened in other states when Blue Cross was sold to Elevance Health…
cut 10 (11) “…to increase”
Elevance Health says it’s a trusted source of health coverage to more than 47 million people across the country.

It’s Super Bowl weekend and Las Vegas is hosting its first Super Bowl. Next year, New Orleans will host its record tying 11th Super Bowl. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is in Las Vegas for the official handoff ceremony that will take place Monday. Nungesser is glad Governor Jeff Landry is serious about reducing crime in New Orleans…
cut 9 (12) “…to go”
Super Bowl 59 will be played on February 9th, 2025.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is looking for independent short filmmakers to submit entries for the 13th annual PBS Short Film Festival. LPB spokesperson Colleen Spillane (Spuh-lan) says this is the tenth year Louisiana has participated and talent from the Pelican State has been represented every year in the past decade with an entry.
Cut 4 (08) “…in our state.”
Filmmakers are encouraged to visit lpb.org/filmfest for information on how to enter and specs for their submission.

Governor Landry has called for a special session for Louisiana lawmakers to debate his tough on crime legislation. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says among Landry’s legislation is expanding ways the state can carry out the death penalty and…

Cut 13 (13)  “…on bail approach.”

The session will begin on Monday, February 19^th, and will consist of 24 policies.

The Super Bowl is Sunday and then on Monday it’s the official handoff to New Orleans as the Big Easy will host Super 59 on February 9th. Thousands are in Las Vegas for this year’s Super Bowl and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is there to promote the Bayou State…

Cut 7 (09) “…next year.”

The last Super Bowl played in New Orleans in 2013 produced a total of $480 million in economic impact on New Orleans’ economy. Super Bowl 59 will be played on February 9th at the Caesars Superdome.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana announced their planned acquisition by Elevance Health, raising the concerns of many including State Treasurer John Fleming. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

Walk Ons Sports Bistreaux, the Baton Rouge based franchise, announced it will move its corporate headquarters from Baton Rouge to Atlanta. The company opened a satellite office in Atlanta in 2022. The company says Atlanta is one of the biggest restaurant industry hubs. And the move represents continued change and growth for the national brand.

Governor Jeff Landry announces he’s sending Louisiana National Guard troops to the southern border to assist the Texas National Guard. Louisiana National Guard Brigadier General Michael Greer says their tasks will be assigned through the Texas National Guard, but they will not be doing detention…
Cut 21 (10) “…under Texas law”
The 150 troop deployment could begin next month.

And the governor has released the call for the special session that will allow legislators to pass tough on crime legislation. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Republican governor and GOP legislators will look to reverse many of the criminal justice reform policies that former Governor John Bel Edwards advocated for in 2017….
cut 14 (08) “…four years”

State Treasurer John Fleming has announced his opposition to the sale of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to Elevance Health. Fleming says in life an important principle is….if it’s not broke, don’t fix it…
cut 11 (08) “…be lost”
But Elevance Health says Louisiana can not afford to let special interests stand in the way of better healthcare and better health outcomes.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is seeking independent short films from Louisiana filmmakers. If it’s excellent work, L-P-B will make it part of the annual P-B-S short film festival. L-P-B spokesperson Colleen Spillane says the films need to be between three and 15 minutes long…
cut 6 (08) “…nationwide”
The deadline is February 21st and the website is l-p-b-dot-org-slash-flimfest.