Even though some families are writing opt-out letters indicating their child won’t be taking the assessment test associated with Common Core, many are saying that is not a good idea. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says it only hurts the kids by not letting them take an exam that determines student progress…:

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But Common Core opponents say this is a new way they are seeking to upend the state’s use of the education standards.

“Powerball-mania” continues to grow with tomorrow’s worth an estimated $360 million. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this is the seventh largest jackpot in Powerball history and there’s a good chance it will go up today…:

CUT 3 (07) “a new jackpot”

Saturday’s jackpot has a cash value of $250.5 million.

The nation’s second largest health insurer is the latest to get hit by hackers and some Louisianians could be affected. At risk, the personal information of 80 million customers and employees of Anthem. 130,000 people in Louisiana have coverage under Amerigroup. That plan was breached and so was Unicare.

The City of Pineville is gearing up for their first Mardi Gras parade tonight. Scott Carwile reports…:

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