The Council for a Better Louisiana doesn’t understand why parents would opt their kids out of taking the assessment tests that are part of the Common Core education standards.  So far a handful of parents have told local school systems their children will not take the tests, which will be given next month.  Former teacher and Common Core critic, Lee Barrios, backs Governor Jindal, who is calling on BESE to provide an alternate test…

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CABL President Barry Erwin says by allowing a child to opt out from taking an exam, it only hurts the student.

The city of Pineville is making final preparations for its first Mardi Gras.  The “Light the Night” parade will roll at 5:30.  Mayor Clarence Fields’ Chief of Staff, Rich Dupree, says they expect a great turnout…

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Eleven floats and several marching bands will roll down Main Street tonight.

Crowley Police have arrested the man wanted in a Thursday morning deadly shooting.  They say 24-year-old Darius Thomas is accused of killing 24-year-old Daniel Tezeno when Tezeno tried to escape the vehicle they were riding in after Thomas attempted to rob him.  According to family members, Thomas and Tezeno were first cousins.  Thomas is charged with first degree murder.

There will be plenty for Louisiana to be rooting for this Sunday during the 57th annual Grammy Awards.  Michelle Southern reports…

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