After an investigation that began in October, authorities announced the arrest of 742 suspected gang members and drug dealers across Louisiana. The U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Louisiana, Zachary Keller, whose office will prosecute many of these cases, highlighted one of the cases out of Shreveport…

Cut 5 (14) “…mandatory minimum.”

Authorities recovered large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

Governor Landry has formally requested a major disaster declaration for nine parishes in northeast Louisiana from President Trump following the recent winter storm with 11-million dollars in costs related to the storm so far.  And Senator Bill Cassidy is requesting tax relief for individuals and small business owners.

Cut 8 (09) “…filing their taxes.”

The nine parishes Landry’s request covers are Bienville, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll.

Louisiana’s film industry is seeing an uptick in activity. Andre Champagne reports that after a couple of slow years, movie production is picking back up…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A new exhibit celebrating the life and career of the late former Governor Kathleen Blanco opened this past weekend at the Bayou Teche Museum in her hometown of New Iberia. And statue that will be permanently displayed outside the museum was unveiled. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was among those who attended the event; he said Blanco was passionate about Louisiana and its people.

Cut 13 (06)  “…around the state.”

Blanco served a single term as governor from 2004 to 2008 weathering the difficult period surrounding Hurricane Katrina. She did not seek re-election. She died in 2019 at the age of 76.