The State Office of Tourism is encouraging you to enjoy a Louisiana Staycation this summer. Kace Kieschnick has more.
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Public and charter students in grades three through 12 achieve the highest overall Mastery-plus rate on the LEAP test in history. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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The head of the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission says the indictment of Attorney General Liz Murrill is a bad look for the criminal justice system. Jeff Palermo has the story.
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The Louisiana Office of Tourism is encouraging residents not to forget the Bayou State when planning their summer vacations this year. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the Louisiana Staycation campaign reminds Louisianians of the destinations, attractions, festivals, food and culture their state has to offer.
Cut 4 (12) “…of our state.”
Nungesser says Louisiana offers getaways of every kind, from the natural beauty of North Louisiana to the flavor and culture of Acadiana, and everything in between. He says after your staycation, share your experience with others.
Cut 5 (08) “…tourism industry statewide.”
The campaign comes at a time when researchers found 40-percent of travelers are looking for destinations closer to home. Nungesser says the campaign will also target travelers in neighboring states just a quick drive away.
Cut 6 (13) “…haven’t seen before.”
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Public and charter school students in grades three through 12 achieved the highest overall Mastery-plus rate in state history, according to results from the 2026 LEAP tests. The Department of Education says 36-percent of those students achieved an overall score of Mastery or Advanced. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says for example, Math Mastery-plus in grades three through eight increased by one point overall, as the state expands its comprehensive numeracy strategy.
Cut 7 (14) “…calculus and trigonometry.”
Brumley says thanks to the new Freedom Framework social studies standards, Mastery-plus increased among high school students by five points in civics and three points in U.S. history.
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Brumley says nine out of ten school systems improved or maintained their Mastery-plus rate, with 75-percent improving, ten-percent maintaining and 15-percent declining.
Cut 9 (09) “…improvements as well.”
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The 2026 Louisiana State Pickleball Championship will be held in Bossier City for the first time in the event’s history. Emma Boone with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says it will be a huge boost for tourism when the tournament is held October 9th through the 11th.
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Boone says the event will be held at The Picklr Bossier City, which opened in February and features 11 indoor courts, so weather will not be a factor.
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Boone says sports tourism is becoming a big business throughout northwest Louisiana.
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An anti-corruption watchdog group calls the indictment of Attorney General Liz Murrill on malfeasance and public intimidation charges a black eye for the city of New Orleans and its criminal justice system. New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission President and CEO Raphael Goyeneche says Murrill did not do anything wrong when she warned New Orleans elected officials about the consequences of not following state law.
Cut 13 (12) “…to stand down.”
Less than 24 hours after the indictment was announced, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued a stay, which temporarily halted the case. A lower court or even the Louisiana Supreme Court could completely dismiss the charges.
Goyeneche says even if the indictment is tossed out, the saga is not over, because investigations will take place to see if Judge Leon Roche (RO-shay) handled the grand jury proceedings in accordance with state law. Goyeneche says there are also issues with special prosecutor Laurie White and a conflict of interest because the attorney general’s office represents White in a civil sexual harassment lawsuit.
Cut 14 (10) “…all of this.”
Those investigations could take a year or two to complete.
There’s been a long-running public feud between the Democratic leaders of New Orleans and Republican Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill. Goyeneche says this indictment is an example of political weaponization, and it must stop.
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The Saints are three weeks away from players reporting for training camp July 28th. The offense hopes to see improvement in year two under head coach Kellen Moore and quarterback Tyler Shough. Luke Johnson with the Times-Picayune says training camp will bring some answers to a fresh unit.
Cut 16 (14) “…under Kellen Moore.”
Shough led the Saints to a 5-and-4 record in nine starts last season. He averaged 265 passing yards a game and threw 10 touchdowns. Johnson says he is high on the sophomore gunslinger but says fans may need to temper expectations.
Cut 17 (13) “…good NFL quarterback.”
On the other side of the ball, coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense lost key players Demario Davis and Alontae Taylor. New Orleans welcomed back linebacker Kaden Ellis to replace Davis, and second-year safety Jonas Sanker is expected to fill Taylor’s nickel corner role. Johnson says he isn’t sure if they’ll make up for the loss of the veterans.
Cut 18 (12) “…a good team.”