The state Department of Education announced Louisiana students are showing improvement after receiving the results of the 2016 LEAP assessments. Superintendent of Education John White says this year students improved in English and math with 38-percent achieving mastery compared to 33 percent in 2015…:
CUT 9 (07) “expectations”
But he says there are still big learning gaps along racial and income lines which is a problem.

The Department of Transportation announces that a new on-ramp will be built in place of the Washington Street exit on Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge. Governor John Bel Edwards says alleviating congestion on I-10 is critically important for shipping commerce across the country…:
cut 12 (09) “the country”
$20-$25 million of savings brought on by the grants will be used.

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man for allegedly murdering a woman then disposing of her body. They say 41-year-old Joey Mixon confessed to the crime and let detectives to the victims body which had been so badly burned…:
CUT 4 (11) “the scene”
Mixon is charged with second degree murder.

A former assistant administrator for the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home is facing charges amid allegations he was stealing from an infirm resident. 51-year-old Thomas Shoemaker is charged with exploitation of the infirmed and theft of the assets of an aged person or disabled person. The victim suffered from several ailments including dementia. Shoemaker is accused of, among other things, using the victims ATM card without permission.