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.”
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Revelers 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.”
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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) “…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…
Cut 4 (10) “…would be.”
There is also 198-million dollars in the budget to maintain the temporary $2,000 pay raise teachers received last year. But some teachers might see a reduction in pay from that $2,000. 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”
This is just the starting point for budget discussions. 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.
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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.”
Nungesser says revelers can enjoy elaborate floats and entertainment at carnival celebrations throughout Louisiana. He points out 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.
Big Mardi Gras parades will take 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.”
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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.”
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.
Cut 10 (10) “…(x2) that point.”
And if you’re bringing children with you, Matey suggests taking a photo of them, so you’ll have a recent picture and one with that they are wearing so they are easier to identify if they get separated from your group.
Matey also encourages paradegoers to text MARDIGRAS, all caps, all together to 77295.
Cut 11 (13) “…the crowd.”
And she reminds you to never drink and drive and that troopers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers.
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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, 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.”
And Johns reminds you while it’s fun to place a bet, do so within your means…
Cut 14 (07) “…our message.”
You must be 21 years old to bet in Louisiana and only in parishes with legalized gambling. If you have a gambling problem, call 1-877-770-STOP (7867)