Two Louisiana teachers won the Milken educator award, the nation’s preeminent teachers’ program. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The LSU football program put the finishing touches on its 2024 recruiting class today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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U-S Senator Bill Cassidy is once again not seeing eye-to-eye with Governor Jeff Landry as the senior senator opposes the idea of sending Louisiana National Guard troops to the U-S-Mexico border. Cassidy has concerns about the projected cost to the state…

Cut 3 (08) “…like Louisiana.”  

Cassidy also does not support the state moving federal elections to party primaries in 2026. He says such a move will cost taxpayers an estimated 135-million dollars over ten years.

Cassidy says three million dollars to send National Guard troops to the southern border, 135-million dollars for party primaries. He says that 138-million dollars could help proposed tolls for a new I-10 Lake Charles bridge…

Cut 4 (12) “…that frustration.”

Landry is expected to provide more details about a National Guard deployment to the southern border at a press conference tomorrow. Cassidy says he’s as frustrated as anyone about the number of migrants entering the United States, but using state dollars to address a federal problem is not the solution…

Cut 5 (07) “…135 million”

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Two south Louisiana teachers earned the national Milken Educator Award and a cash prize of $25,000 on Tuesday. The winners were Christine Bayard and Derrick Winn. New Iberia math teacher, Christine Bayard, won the award for her innovative approach to transforming her classroom into real-world environments including outer space.

Cut 6  (12) “..the moon.” 

Bayard, who teaches at Johnston-Hopkins Elementary, learned of the award during an assembly attended by Milken Educator Award Founder Lowell Milken and State superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley.

After getting the surprise of her life, the UL Lafayette graduate says her commitment to invest in education has paid off.

Cut 7 (09) “…just amazing.”  

Winn, a third-grade math and science teacher in Baton Rouge, was recognized for his ability to captivate his young students through mind-blogging math challenges. The Crestworth Elementary educator was unaware of his candidacy for the award…

Cut 8 (12) “…very appreciative.” 

Bayard and Winn joins a group of 74 teachers who have been recognized as a Milken Educator from across the country during the 2023-2024 school year.

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Southeastern Louisiana University has deployed four research buoys to monitor the Lake Maurepas ecosystem. The goal is to see where the lake stands before Air Products begin its project to inject carbon emissions into wells deep beneath the lake. Director of Lake Maurepas Monitoring Program Kyle Piller says the buoy captures real time data four times every hour…

Cut 9 (10) “…dioxide levels.”

Two buoys are placed in Livingston Parish, one in Tangipahoa Parish, and one in St. John Parish. The Blind River buoy has a weather station to gather air temperature, wind speed, barometric pressure, and precipitation.

Piller says residents have expressed concerns about carbon capture in the lake. He says if one of the perimeters is out of the normal range…

Cut 10 (13) “…entire project.”

Researchers will monitor the health of fish, check the condition of the wetlands, and take water samples. 

Piller says the information will be posted on easy to read dashboards on southeastern dot edu forward slash lakemaurepas.

Cut 11 (10) “…this lake.”

There are talks of adding a Category 6 to the hurricane Saffir-Simpson scale. But is it necessary? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee Patrick McMath says there are way too many questions about the proposed sale of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to a for profit company based out of Indiana. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Due to the growing intensity of storms there’s talk of adding a Category 6 for hurricanes. A Cat 6 would be defined as wind speeds of more than 192 miles per hour. But LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says considering the last one that even came close in the Atlantic was Hurricane Allen in 1980 at 190 miles per hour, there’s no need.

Cut 3 (07) “…this category.”  

The strongest storm to ever make landfall in the US was Labor Day 1935 with winds of 185 miles per hour.

Keim says the National Hurricane Center considered adding a Category 6 but opted against it. He worries adding a higher classification could have repercussions.

Cut 4 (12) “…is necessary.”

The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests global warming has prompted the need for an additional Saffir-Simpson scale storm category. Keim says the jury is still out…

Cut 5 (11) “…it’s necessary.”  

Keim notes Pacific storms are routinely stronger because there’s less land to weaken their intensity.

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Las Vegas is hosting its first Super Bowl this week and next year New Orleans will host its record tying 11th Super Bowl.  The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation is the host committee for next year’s Super Bowl and CEO Jay Cicero is in Vegas all week….

Cut 6  (10) “..next year” 

New Orleans is hosting its first Super Bowl since 2013 and Cicero says the huge sporting event has grown…

Cut 7 (12) “…just plentiful”  

New Orleans hosted its first Super Bowl in 1970 at old Tulane Stadium. Cicero says next year they’ll be remembering the ten previous Super Bowls held in the city and they expect it will be a great event…

Cut 8 (10) “…Super Bowl here.” 

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Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath says a daylong meeting with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana officials about its  proposed sale to Indiana-based Elevance Health produced a ton of unanswered questions. McMath says the sale will create a foundation that will address poverty and health inequities, but there are a lot of unknowns

Cut 9 (11) “…incredibly vague”

McMath says they are also concerned the proposed sale to Elevance will lead to higher costs for policyholders despite the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana telling legislators in his opening statement that premiums will not rise…

Cut 10 (08) “…increase”

McMath says Blue Cross is a local nonprofit while Elevance is a for-profit company that has to answer to stockholders. He says in states that Elevance has acquired a Blue Cross Blue Shield, premiums have gone up…

Cut 11 (12) “…desperately need.”

Blue Cross covers one-point-nine million people in Louisiana.

For the sale to go through 92-thousand policyholders will be asked to vote and two-thirds of them will need to approve it. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple will also have to sign off on it.

The Department of Insurance will hold a two-day hearing on the proposed sale on February 14th and 15th.

When the sale was announced in January 2023, Elevance and Blue Cross said the acquisition would improve access, quality, affordability and the customer service experience.

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McNeese men’s basketball coach Will Wade has agreed to a new five-year contract that will pay him 700-thousand dollars annually. That’s a lucrative contract for a school in the Southland Conference. Wade has led the Cowboys to a 20-3 season which has garnered them national attention. The former LSU coach says the best is yet to come for the Pokes…

Cut 12 (12)  “…area up.”  

Wade says his team’s upset victory over Michigan earlier this season resulted in six thousand unique visitor’s to the school’s website the next day and hundreds of those looked into applying at the school.

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The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is looking to honor Youth Hunter of the Year and the deadline to apply is Wednesday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Jeff Landry would like to send Louisiana National Guard troops to the southern border. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is looking to honor Youth Hunter of the Year. The award will recognize a boy and girl hunter 15 years of age or younger and the deadline to apply is Wednesday. Jimmy Fredrick with LWF says they want to hear the story of a hunting trip that took place last year from the perspective of the hunter.

Cut 3 (10) “…might be.”  

The winner will be presented with a plaque at LWF’s Annual Conservation Achievement Awards banquet on April 12^th.

This will be the first time the award has been presented since 2019.

Fredrick says LWF is giving the award in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. He says the essay doesn’t necessarily have to be about a successful hunting trip, it’s all about the experience.

Cut 4 (12) “…or 15 years old.”

Among the prizes is a $100 gift certificate from Bowie (pronounced Boo-ee) Outfitters and a third gift certificate will be raffled off among other entries.

Fredrick says it’s very easy to enter on their website and participants are asked to write about their memorable hunting trip.

Cut 5 (07) “…the Year.”  

To apply visit LAwildlifeFED-dot-org

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A man and woman were fatally shot in the front yard of their home following the Krewe of Hercules parade in Houma on Friday.  Lieutenant Blake Tabor with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says the shooting happened in the 300 block of Willowdale before midnight …

Cut 6  (11) “…gunshot wounds.” 

The victims were returning home from the parade when gunfire erupted. Tabor says this was a senseless act of violence.

Cut 7 (08) “…violence personally.” 

Tabor says authorities are asking for the public’s assistance as the suspects remain at large. He says they will bring justice to those affected by this act of violence.

Cut 8 (11) “…this case .” 

If you have any information about the suspects or can identify them, contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Office at 985-876-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-743-7433.

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Governor Jeff Landry wants to send Louisiana National Guard troops to Texas to help with southern border security. Landry made the statement following a visit to Eagle Pass, Texas and receiving a briefing from Texas public safety officials…

Cut 9 (11) “…protect our citizens”

Landry claims the Biden Administration is not enforcing the immigration laws on the books and it’s putting Texas, Louisiana and every other state at risk…

Cut 10 (10) “…this country”

Landry says when in trouble, Texas has always opened their arms to Louisiana, it’s time the Bayou State returns the favor. He says the rule of law must be enforced…

Cut 11 (03) “…illegal immigration.”

The U-S Senate has proposed a 118-billion dollar immigration bill that supporters say will overhaul immigration system by imposing tougher asylum and border laws. But House Speaker Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish says the legislation would incentivize more illegal immigration.

With the most recent congressional map facing litigation, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund believes a map with two majority-Black districts will be used for the fall election.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Despite being awarded $210 million in federal funding last year, DOTD calculated a $19 billion backlog of state highway and bridge needs. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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 In Louisiana, filing taxes typically comes after Mardi Gras and that’s right around the corner so Colleen Crain looks at filing those 2023 returns.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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With the most recent congressional map containing two majority-Black districts facing litigation from 12 plaintiffs, who identify as non-Black voters, NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney Jared Evans believes it or a previous map they endorsed in Fall 2021 will be used for the 2024 election. He says the Secretary of State wants a map in place by the end of May.

Cut 4 (09) “…for 2024.”

Evans says the map passed by the Republican-controlled legislature and endorsed by Governor Jeff Landry in January, reflects the political priorities of securing re-elections for Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.

Cut 5 (13) “…Black districts.” 

The map that was introduced in September 2021 with two majority-Black districts, District 2, which is Congressman Troy Carter’s, had District 5 as the second majority-minority district. Evans says it reflected the re-districting principles of compactness and communities of interests together.

Cut 6 (12) “…the road.”

As for which map will be the final map, remains to be seen, Evans says the courts have previously stated redistricting is the sole responsibility of the legislature, it is only in the most extreme circumstances that a court will step in and draw a map.

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Louisiana’s new Department of Transportation Secretary Joe Donahue says the state faces a $19 billion backlog in highway and bridge needs. Donahue says once the department find ways to cut costs and identify savings…

Cut 7 (10) “…that backlog.”

Under Governor Landry’s administration, the newly approved Calcasieu Bridge project has an estimated price tag of $2.1 billion.

Donahue says the department will have start making wise investments in long- and short-term infrastructure projects. He says when the total budget  related to the amount of revenue spent on state projects come out – cost always increase…

Cut 8 (13) “…was assessed.” 

Last year, DOTD received $210 million, the largest amount on record, in federal highway funding from the Federal Highway Administration under the former Governor Edwards administration.

Donahue says the backlog of projects continues to grow due to an aging fuel tax and rising inflation. And to have a safe and efficient transportation system throughout the state…

Cut 9 (13)  “…most impact.”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has implemented a change to help parishes and local governments receive an extra ten percent of eligible reimbursement from their agency and going forward 90-percent versus 80-percent. Director Jacques Thibodeaux says the change will also speed up an estimated 500 requests.

Cut 10 (10) “…dollar count.”

Thibodeaux says the policy change is retroactive and it is welcome news for those that incurred large expenditures from Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Cut 11 (12) “…economy.” 

Expenses like debris removal and overtime for first responders.

Thibodeaux says this will have a tremendous domino effect on local economies and just by giving them an additional ten percent there’s no risk to GOHSEP.  He says all the legal, regulatory, and advisory requirements set by FEMA are still met.

Cut 12 (11) “…on GOHSEP’s part.” 

The policy change will expedite the reimbursement process for disaster and mitigation-related expenses and provide financial relief to affected communities.

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Time to think about the tax man but it’s not all bad news says CPA Kevin Willis and while there are no major changes this year the standard deduction has gone up and if use your vehicle for work, kept track or your milage, and can deduct your milage there’s welcome news…

Cut 13 (08)  “…ever remember”

A bill headed to the U.S. Senate after passing the House of Representatives Friday, would change the child tax credit by making more of it refundable and increasing the refundable amount over three years, but for now, Willis says…

Cut 14 (07) “…is refundable.

The IRS started accepting online tax returns on January 29^th, but many Louisianans don’t think about taxes until after Mardi Gras. Willis says if you’re going to hire a tax preparer, be sure you vet them carefully…

Cut 15 (08) …advantage of you.“

You can check CPA credentials on the Louisiana CPA Board’s website.

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The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team won their seventh straight game on Saturday as they dribbled past South Alabama 80-60. Three players recorded a double-double, Hosana Kitenge, Kobe Julien and Joe Charles. Coach Bob Marlin the connection between the five guys on the court has led to consistent basketball…

Cut 16 (16) “…talked about” 

The Cajuns are 7-3 in the Sun Belt and the six-game homestand continues Wednesday night when they host Georgia State.

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The ninth ranked LSU women’s basketball team set a school record yesterday by scoring 106 points in an SEC game as the Lady Tigers cruised to 106-66 win over Florida. Six players scored in double figures led by Hailey Van Lith, who rebounded from a four-point performance in a loss to Mississippi State. Van Lith says she decided to be herself on Sunday…

Cut 17 (20) “…can’t complain.” 

LSU is at Vanderbilt on Thursday.

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The LSU men’s basketball team snapped a three-game losing streak on Saturday with a dominating 95-74 win over Arkansas. The 21-point win ties the largest victory in program history over the Razorbacks. Seven-footer Will Baker led the way as he had a season-high 24 points and four three-pointers…

Cut 18 (18)  “…create some momentum” 

Coach Matt McMahon made a line-up change at point guard as Trae Hannibal made his first start and Jalen Cook came off the bench. The two combined to score 27 points, seven assists, and only one turnover. McMahon says they had terrific point guard play….

Cut 19 (13) “…came from it” 

Cook scored 20 points in 21 minutes, while Hannibal was productive on both ends of the floor. McMahon says Hannibal helped spark an early 10-nothing run early in the game…

Cut 20 (20) “…on winning”

Governor Jeff Landry talks coastal restoration and oil and gas production during a press conference at Nicholls State. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge David Matlock says Governor Landry asked him personally to head the Department of Children and Family Services, an agency facing multiple challenges.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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College students will have to wait longer to find out how much financial aid they could receive because of new FAFSA forms. Ebony Holmes with LA Office of Student Financial Assistance says this could result in financial aid offers not being made until April. Holmes admits it’s not ideal…

Cut 3 (08) “….me financially.”  

The new FAFSA is a product of the FAFSA Simplification Act passed in 2022 to streamline the financial aid application and expand access to federal Pell Grants.

For students, Holmes says this will shorten their period between knowing the amount of financial assistance they will receive and what college they can afford. the National College Attainment Network has resources to help students determine their amount of financial aid

Cut 4 (13) “…may help.”

The form is usually released in October, but the updated version wasn’t released until December 30. The form was updated a second time this month to include inflation data.

Holmes says the rollout has been bumpy, but the plus side…

Cut 5 (10) “…in funding.”  

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Governor Jeff Landry named former state lawmaker and Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove as the Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Landry says Dove is the right man to ensure that coastal restoration projects are built swiftly and economically…

Cut 6  (12) “…can survive.” 

Landry says Dove took the job because he wants to restructure the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority…

Cut 7 (07) “…protect our coast.” 

Landry also named petroleum engineer Ben Bienvenu as the Commissioner of Conservation. He says Bienvenu and Natural Resources Secretary Tyler Gray will work to increase refining capacity in Louisiana…

Cut 8 (11) “…the country.” 

Landry says Louisiana refines 21-percent of the crude oil that’s down from 23-percent eight years ago and the governor wants to get that two-percent back.

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Three weeks into his position as Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge David Matlock recognizes changes need to be made to better assist children and families. The previous administration struggled with a lack of caseworkers and overwhelming child welfare caseloads.

Cut 9 (12) “…talk to them.”

Matlock says he wants to know what can be done for them to return to DCFS or take suggestions on what can be done to help caseworkers going forward.

He also wants to hear from foster parents and Matlock encourages individuals to reach out to foster parents and offer to help them, with simple things like bringing them a meal or offering to babysit.

Cut 10 (11) “…support it.”

Matlock says the department is in desperate need of cars for caseworkers that transport children and those vehicles are often the office for caseworkers.

A strike force has been created to focus on the hiring of and retention of caseworkers. Matlock says it will take more than compensation to fill those positions, it’s a matter of making the job sustainable.

Matlock says Governor Jeff Landry asked him to come out of retirement to lead the department and that the governor also wants to meet with foster parents personally and address their needs.

Cut 11 (11) “…so much.”

Matlock also encourages individuals to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, also known as CASA, to make a difference in a child’s life.

Bittersweet Confections bakery social media post reminded followers of operating hours to purchase their sweet treats but one individual paid the bakery a visit on his own time. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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Despite opposition from truckers, the House and Senate Transportation Committees approve of Governor Jeff Landry’s funding plan for a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Bittersweet Confections bakery motto is “Let them eat cake” but not without paying for them. A king cake thief broke into the New Orleans bakery last week and stole cash, a case of vodka, and seven king cakes with the plastic babies inside. Owner Cheryl Scripter says watching her surveillance video gave her an uneasy feeling…

Cut 3 (10) “….and creepy”  

King cake thieves also hit up King Cake Drive Thru in New Orleans Monday night.

Scripter says she was alerted of the burglary after 5 pm after she closed the store to visit her second location. She says she’s not flattered the thief returned for her tasty rings of pastry with purple, green, and gold sugar.

Cut 4 (12) “…king cakes.”

Scripter says the bakery social media post received more than 100 likes of support. And while the action is disheartening, she says the support from individuals who stop by the store is overwhelming…

Cut 5 (12) “…my face.”  

Scripter encourage all king cake lovers to visit bittersweetconfections dot com to order their favorite flavor.

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We’re seeing a slight uptick in gas prices with the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas at $2.82, that’s up two cents from the day before and seven cents from a week ago. Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says the increase is linked to the price of crude.

Cut 6  (10) “…a barrel.” 

As we approach spring, which typically begins sooner in the Gulf South compared to the rest of the country, Redman says we usually see an increase in gas prices as refineries transition to summer-grade gasoline and demand goes up.

Cut 7 (11) “…the summer.” 

Redman is quick to point out that the oil market is also reactionary to world news and depending on the United States’ response to three servicemen being killed in a drone attack in Jordan, we could see prices impacted as a result.

Cut 8 (12) “…world stage.” 

This time last year regular gas was $3.25 a gallon.

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The defending champion LSU women’s basketball team has its first two-game losing streak since 2022 as the Lady Tigers lost last night to Mississippi State 77-73. Coach Kim Mulkey says they are not executing defensively…

Cut 9 (12) “…doing it”

The loss drops LSU’s record to 18-4 and 5-3 in the SEC. The Lady Tigers returned two starters from last year’s national championship team. Mulkey says the team is missing that experience that last year’s championship team possessed…

Cut 10 (10) “…things get tough.”

The ninth-ranked Lady Tigers next game is Sunday at home against Florida.

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While Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s not making a formal announcement, he does plan to seek re-election in 2026. The moderate Republican will have to win his party primary with new election laws in effect then.  He says changing to party primaries is too costly with an estimated price tag of $61 million over three years and $135 million over ten years.

Cut 11 (11) “…$60 million.”

About 28 percent of Louisiana voters who are unaffiliated will be able to vote in the party primary of their choice but not both. Individuals who are registered as an Independent, Libertarian, or Green Party will not be allowed to vote in the primary elections, only the general election. Cassidy says this excludes thousands of voters from the primaries.

Cut 12 (09)  “…the election.”  

Cassidy says there’s a point-four-five cent state sales tax that will sunset next year. He says this is not the time to add expenses to the state budget when they could potentially lose income.

Cut 13 (12) “…pocket.” 

The change to party primaries will only apply to Congressional, state school board, Public Service Commission, and state Supreme Court judicial elections.

Governor Jeff Landry’s Education Policy Council provides its recommendations on improving public education. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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To increase public awareness of police misconduct in the state, The ACLU of Louisiana has launched a comprehensive dashboard of police killings and violence. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Landry’s K-12 Education Policy has released its recommendations for improving public education. Erin Bendily with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy served on that committee and she says one of their recommendations is to expand school choice…

Cut 3 (10) “….right now”  

Bendily says there are options to traditional public schools, including home schooling, charter schools and micro schools, which are smaller schools loosely structured with private schools.

Republicans in the Legislature the last couple of years have pushed for education savings accounts. Bendily says they are optimistic it will approved this year and that would allow families to use state dollars to pay for private schools or other learning expenses…

Cut 4 (10) “..home schooling options”

Bendily says K-12 education policy council also recommends bolstering teacher recruitment efforts and provide flexible state funding for teacher compensation to allow school systems to meet their greatest local workforce needs…

Cut 5 (10) “…that area”  

Bendily says the report also recommends that the state revamps its school rating system. She says schools should receive more credit for improving students’ scores on standardized tests, even if the overall score is below average.

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Louisiana has not executed anyone since 2010 but Governor Jeff Landry will push for legislators to find new ways to carry out executions in next month’s special session. Landry says the session will focus on crime and highlight the suffering of victims’ families whose killers remain on death row.

Cut 6  (07) “…the criminals.” 

The state has had trouble obtaining the drugs to carry out executions.

Landry says other states including Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama have continued capital punishment despite a shortage of drugs by pharmaceutical  companies. He says death penalty cases can be lengthy and cost the state millions.

Cut 7 (12) “…to victims.” 

Alabama became the first state to use nitrogen gas as a new method to execute a death-row prisoner last week. Landry opposed granting clemency to more than 50 death row inmates last year.

Landry says there are families across the state that have suffered tremendously from the loss of a loved as a result of crime. He says the state has promised those families justice.

Cut 8 (08) “…our contracts.” 

The state currently has 59 people on death row.

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To increase public awareness of police misconduct in the state, The ACLU of Louisiana has launched a comprehensive dashboard of police killings and violence. ACLU Data Analyst Elijah Appelson says they created the dashboard to increase accessibility to the data and amplify the voices of individuals who are victims of police violence.

Cut 9 (09) “…the violence.”

A third reason for the dashboard is to ensure police accountability.

Appelson says as they compiled the data, they found three disturbing trends. Between January 2013 and January 2024, there have been 116 police killings over the 132-month period, almost one a month.

Cut 10 (09) “…white people.”

The data also indicated 76 percent of those police killings were for non-violent offenses. For example, traffic stops, domestic disturbances, and mental health checks.

Because there are no mandates for law enforcement to report misconduct, Appelson says policing data is difficult to come. The ACLU is hoping the public will gain a better understanding of the prevalence of police violence in Louisiana and that local agencies can do their own analysis with the data.

Cut 11 (09) “…their community.”

The ACLU also encourages those who’ve been victims of police violence to report such incidents on their website.

You can view the dashboard at LAaclu.org

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In Avoyelles Parish 36-year-old Joshua Nugent was killed Saturday after he barricaded himself in his Evergreen home. Sheriff’s deputies were called after Nugent allegedly made bomb threats to his neighbors and destroyed property.  Master Trooper Casey Wallace says State Police negotiators and SWAT also assisted.

Cut 12 (10)  “…that incident.”  

Wallace says they negotiated with Nugent for several hours.

Cut 13 (11) “…looking for.” 

The investigation is ongoing.

The Advocate is reporting Governor Jeff Landry wants to restart executions of death row inmates. Jeanne Burns has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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A daughter of former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards is telling her story in the book The Life and Times of a Governor’s Daughter. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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LSU Tigers fans will get an in depth look into the lives of the college’s top NIL earners in a new docuseries set to be released later this year. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Advocate newspaper reports Governor Jeff Landry will look to restart executions in Louisiana. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s not a surprise since Landry has made it known that he wants to deter crime…

Cut 4 (11) “…across Louisiana.”

Louisiana has not executed anyone since Gerald Bordelon in 2010. Before Bordelon’s execution, the state’s last execution was in 2002. Pinsonat says Landry could support a death penalty bill in the upcoming special session on crime…

Cut 5 (07) “…on death row” 

Executions have stopped in Louisiana because former Governor John Bel Edwards opposed the death penalty. Also, the drugs needed to carry out an execution have been difficult to obtain. But Alabama just used nitrogen gas to execute a death-row prisoner. Pinsonat believes Landry was paying attention…

Cut 6 (08) “…to use.”

There are currently 59 people on death row.

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“The Life and Times of a Governor’s Daughter,” the autobiography of Victoria Edwards, tells the story of her life as Governor Edwin Edwards’ second oldest child and how their tumultuous relationship came full circle before his death. Now 71, the former model, actress, and high school teacher says she felt motivated to tell her story.

Cut 7 (11) “…the book.”

Looking back, Edwards says she finally understood why she had such a rocky relationship with her father one, because they were so much alike, and second because she was bipolar, a diagnosis she didn’t receive until her 40s. She says their relationship was mended before he passed away.

Cut 8 (10) “…on everything.” 

Being bipolar Edwards says her sister often reminds her that she doesn’t have a filter and that she needs to think before she speaks often. Edwards says while she can be brutally honest, she hopes readers have a better understanding of the unique life she’s led and that having a good relationship with Christ is what’s most important.

Cut 9 (11)  “…really matters.”

To purchase a copy of the book email thelifeandtimes70@gmail.com

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Prime Video announce a new docuseries, The Money Game, highlighting LSU athletics and NIL earners Angel Reese, Olivia Dunne, Flau’ Jae Johnson and Jayden Daniels set to be released later this year. LSU Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says the project is produced by LSU Legend Shaquille Oneal.

Cut 10 (12) “…around NIL.”

LSU is home to three of the top 10 NIL earners in college sports who collectively have more than 20 million social media followers.

Worsham says production has been able to capture the full scope of the 2023 athletic year. He says the all-access pass will highlight surreal experiences of LSU’s top NIL players.

Cut 11 (13) “…they’re facing.” 

The project will provide a front row seat in the life of Angel Reese who was the 2023 Women’s Basketball Final Four Most Outstanding Player, gymnast Olivia Dunne, Flau’jae Johnson was named SEC Women’s Basketball Freshman of the Year, and Heisman winner and future NFL draft pick Jayden Daniels.

Worsham says NIL’s has created millionaire athletes at the college level. He says sports fans will be able to follow their journey and view new opportunities these reforms bring.

Cut 12 (11) “…Baton Rouge.” 

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The once crowded field of Republican presidential candidates is down to two. Former President Donald Trump has a commanding lead over former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow doesn’t believe Haley can overcome Trump’s lead…

Cut 13 (10)  “…to say the least.”

Sadow says many Americans would prefer the Democrat and Republican choices be candidates other than President Biden or former President Trump, but he says that fact isn’t likely to help an independent or third-party candidate…

Cut 14 (11) “…and the like.” 

Sadow says there are Republicans that would have supported other candidates like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis but the Left’s intense dislike for Trump along with indictments and negative press have roused more support for the former president…

Cut 15 (11) …Trump does.“

A compilation of polls currently shows Former President Trump with a 4 point lead over President Biden.

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Full squad workouts are underway for college baseball teams and the LSU Tigers are looking to repeat as national champions. Coach Jay Johnson likes the mindset of his team as he does not see any complacency….

Cut 16 (25) “…really positive.” 

A lot of talented players from the 2023 national champion team have moved on, so several players will need to step up. One of those guys is first baseman Jared Jones. Jones was an All-SEC freshman performer last year and will take over first base full-time now that Tre Morgan is in the pros. Johnson is excited about what the Bear can do in his sophomore season…

Cut 17 (24) “…right now.” 

Johnson has brought in a talented freshman class. One of the headliners is Jake Brown from Sulphur High School. He was the Gatorade Louisiana Baseball Player of the Year as he was outstanding on the mound and at the plate. Johnson is impressed by Browns’s versatility…

Cut 18 (19)  “..the ball.” 

A proposed 10 billion dollar Liquefied natural gas export terminal project in Cameron Parish is in jeopardy as a result of a decision by the President. Jeff Palermo explains…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The LSU Lady Tigers lost to top ranked South Carolina on Thursday night and a king cake was murdered before on national TV before the game. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The Biden Administration is placing a pause on pending liquefied natural gas export terminals, which puts in jeopardy the construction of the 10-billion dollar Calcasieu Pass 2 terminal project  in Cameron Parish. President Biden says they want to examine the impact LNG exports have on energy costs, energy security and the environment. Louisiana Bucket Brigade director Anne Rolfes applauds the decision

Cut 3 (12) “….took action”  

But Economist Loren Scott says this decision jeopardizes the state’s economic growth…

Cut 4 (12) “..pulled the trigger”

Scott says the U-S ships LNG to Europe so they don’t have to count on Russia for natural gas. He says if U-S limits what they supply to Europe, they’ll be forced to use coal fire power plants which will lead to even more pollution….

Cut 5 (07) “…worldwide” 

Rolfes says gas export terminals are also bad for the seafood industry…

Cut 6  (11) “…oysters.” 

Scott disagrees that LNG plants are harmful to the seafood industry.

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Boise Cascade, a leading manufacturer of building materials, announces plans to invest $75 million dollars to expand and modernize its Oakdale facility in Allen Parish. Vice President Mike Brown says the company expects to create 30 new direct jobs and…

Cut 7 (08) “…the other.” 

Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 77 indirect new jobs, for a total of 107 potential new jobs.

Brown says the expansion of the Oakdale facility will increase veneer production by 30 percent. He says upgrading machines and technology will also increase efficiency.

Cut 8 (11) “…new dryer.” 

Boise Cascade also has facilities in Florien and Alexandria. Mill capacity at the EWP mill near Alexandria is the largest in North America.

Brown says the facility will be able to produce up to 400 million square feet of dry veneer every year. He says the construction process will be split into stages and expects it to start later this year.

Cut 9 (13) “…new equipment.”

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Former Orleans Parish District Attorney Harry Connick Senior passed away Thursday. He was the longest-serving DA in New Orleans from 1973 to 2003.  But Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Connick had some ups and downs in his legal career and even faced federal charges himself.

Cut 10 (12) “…evidence.”

Ciolino says some of Connick’s cases went as high as the US Supreme Court and were overturned for violations of not turning over favorable evidence to the defense.

Cut 11 (08) “…handled.”

The Mobile native moved to New Orleans at the age of two, served in the Navy, and earned his bachelor’s degree at Loyola. Ciolino says today the DA’s office is much different today compared to when Connick was at the helm.

Cut 12 (10)  “…Jason Williams.”  

Funeral arrangements are pending. He is survived by his wife Londa Connick, son Harry Connick, Junior, and daughter Suzanna Connick Jamison. He was 97.

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Authorities say the bodies of 67 year old John Moss and his wife Christina Moss of the same age were found inside of a Leesville house fire as a result of a murder-suicide Thursday. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says deputies determined the fire was intentionally set and…

Cut 13 (07) “..structure fire.” 

Craft says the Moss’s were in court that morning as a result of divorce proceedings and shortly after noon the fire was reported. He says authorities believe John shot his wife before starting the fire and then turned the gun on himself.

Cut  14 (12) “…and determine.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Governor Jeff Landry, legislators, lobbyists and business executives are in the nation’s capitol for Washington Mardi Gras festivities. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The U.S. Senate Banking Committee Heard testimony in Washington this morning about the unaffordability of flood insurance. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Today is the official opening of Washington Mardi Gras. It’s an annual party at the nation’s capital, but there’s also plenty of business taking place. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the 75th celebration has more meaning with a new state government and all the clout Louisiana’s Congressional delegation holds

Cut 3 (10) “….network” 

Alford says Louisiana businesses, lobbyists and groups budget for this event every year because it’s a great place to network…

Cut 4 (12) “..just that”

This year’s theme…Louisiana: the most interesting state in America. Alford says Louisiana is more interesting politically this year because of Mike Johnson of Bossier Parish’s sudden rise to House Speaker and Louisiana has a new governor and several new legislators…

Cut 5 (12) “…of state government.” 

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees is serving as the king for the social events including Saturday night’s ball.

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The U.S. Senate Banking Committee Heard testimony in Washington this morning about the unaffordability of flood insurance. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy voiced his frustration with the Risk Rating 2.0 formula that decides premiums and FEMA’s lack of transparency.

Cut 6 (14) “…their budget.” 

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is pushing legislation to cap annual premium increases at nine-percent.

When asked what should be prioritized in the legislation, President of Greater New Orleans Inc., Michael Hecht says the first is by making it affordable.

Cut 7 (10) “…paying for it.” 

And the third priority Hecht told lawmakers was funding for mitigation to reduce flood risks.

Kennedy says he was told one-fifth of policyholders would see their premiums go down as a result of the new algorithm with Risk Rating 2.0. The Republican then quoted increases of more than 300-percent in Terrebonne Parish and over 500-percent in Plaquemines Parish.

Cut 8 (12) “…these years.” 

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that more than 900,000 policyholders will drop out of the program over the next decade due to premium hikes.

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The Bayou State has seen significant rainfall since Tuesday, and more rainfall is expected into Saturday. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says some of the highest rainfall totals are in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 9 (13) “…Bogalusa”

A flood watch is in effect for most of southeast Louisiana until 6 PM.

Keim says rain chances are high again tomorrow. He says parishes along the coast could see locally heavy rainfall…

Cut 10 (10) “…five inches.”

Louisiana is in a swing season period with a typical winter El Nino climate pattern that creates storm formation in the Gulf of Mexico and brings heavy rainfall.

Keim says rainfall totals for the next 24 to 48 hours range from one to five inches. He says the additional rain should help saturate the soil.

Cut 11 (06) “…drought issues.”

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Former LSU football star Kayshon Boutte has been arrested after he allegedly created a fraudulent sports betting account on FanDuel Sportsbook when he was 20-years-old so that he can bet on sporting events. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says State Police has been investigating Boutte since April 2022…

Cut 12 (11)  “..Louisiana State Police”  

State Police says it investigated Boutte’s sports gambling activities from April 2022 to May of 2023. Investigators say Boutte placed more than 89-hundred wagers during that time and at least 17 were on NCAA football games. Boutte was on the LSU football team in 2022 and Moore says any bets he made as a player do not rise to criminal activity…

Cut 13 (11) “..criminal equation” 

State Police says Boutte’s alias account shows he at least six of his wagers were on LSU football, including the 2022 opener against Florida State. But Moore says the evidence shows he was not throwing games…

Cut  14 (06) “…do well”

Boutte, who is from New Iberia, has been charged with computer fraud and gaming prohibited and placing sports bets under the age of 21. He was a rookie with the New England Patriots during the 2023 football season and appeared in five games and caught two passes.