Governor Landry is celebrating Louisiana’s surge up the rankings in the Nation’s Report Card for 2024. It shows that the state’s overall ranking has soared from 43rd to 32nd. Landry said it’s a testament to the leaders who aren’t afraid to try new things to turn Louisiana’s academic achievement around.

Cut 4 (10) “…step to success.”

The state made the biggest strides in 4th grade reading, moving from 42nd all the way to 16th since 2022. Fourth grade math scores have also increased from 50th in 2019 to 38th.

DOTD has secured an additional three-million-dollars from the state legislature for litter pickup along major federal highways. Spokesman Rodney Mallet says litter pickup is not only costly, but it diverts money from road improvement projects…

Cut 8 (07) “…for actual infrastructure.”

A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in the history of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says it started when they pulled over a Chevy Yukon SUV on U.S. Highway 11 last week.

Cut 9 (08)  “…pressed fentanyl pills.”

Carboni says the driver was 21-year-old Tawan Anthony, and the passenger was 41-year-old Regginald Henry, both of Pearl River. Both are booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on several charges each.

You can now start filing your state tax return. The Department of Revenue is urging you to do so through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, or La-TAP. Department spokesman Byron Henderson says by using La-TAP, you will get your refund faster, should one be coming your way.

Cut 13 (12)  “…eight weeks.”

The Nation’s Report Card for 2024 shows that Louisiana students are improving tremendously. In the overall ranking, Louisiana has moved from 43rd in the nation to 32nd in just two years. In making the announcement at a Baton Rouge elementary school, Governor Landry said struggling students made strides that no others anywhere else in the country did.

Cut 3 (10) “…one place — Louisiana.” (applause fades) 

A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in St. Tammany Parish history – 16-thousand pills. The driver was 21-year-old Tawan Anthony, and the passenger was 41-year-old Regginald Henry, both of Pearl River. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says both were on probation.

Cut 11 (11) “…possession of methamphetamine.”

The state will spend an additional three million dollars on litter pickup along major interstates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

You can now start filing your state income tax returns. The Department of Revenue is asking you to submit your return electronically through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, also known as La-TAP. The department says by doing so, you will get your refund faster, if one is indeed coming to you. And to minimize any delays, make sure your information is up to date.

Louisiana moves up in a big way in the Nation’s Report Card. Andrew Greenstein is in Baton Rouge with details.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state will spend an additional three million dollars on litter pickup along major interstates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Nation’s Report Card for 2024 shows that Louisiana students are improving tremendously. In the overall ranking, which considers reading and math scores in 4th and 8th grades, Louisiana has moved from 43rd in the nation to 32nd in just two years. In making the announcement at Magnolia Woods Elementary School in Baton Rouge, Governor Landry said struggling students made strides that no others anywhere else in the country did.

Cut 3 (10) “…one place — Louisiana.” (applause fades)

Governor Landry said it’s a testament to the leaders who aren’t afraid to try new things to turn Louisiana’s academic achievement around.

Cut 4 (10) “…step to success.”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the state soared to new heights in all four metrics that went into the Nation’s Report Card.

Cut 5 (12) “…8th grade math.” (applause fades)

The state made the biggest strides in 4th grade reading, moving from 42nd all the way to 16th since 2022. Fourth grade math scores have also increased from 50th in 2019 to 38th.

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DOTD has secured an additional three-million-dollars from the state legislature for litter pickup along major federal highways. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says in the coming months, residents statewide will notice litter removal efforts.

Cut 6 (09) “…pick up regularly.”

This initiative aims to improve the cleanliness and appearance of key transportation routes. Mallet says the effort recently launched in the New Orleans area, coinciding with the upcoming Super Bowl.

Cut 7 (08) “…of our contract.”

Mallet says litter pickup is not only costly, but it diverts money from road improvement projects…

Cut 8 (07) “…for actual infrastructure.”

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A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in the history of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says it started when they pulled over a Chevy Yukon SUV on U.S. Highway 11 last week.

Cut 9 (08)  “…pressed fentanyl pills.” (Seized 16,000 pressed fentanyl pills, nearly 5 lbs. worth)

Carboni says the driver was 21-year-old Tawan Anthony, and the passenger was 41-year-old Regginald Henry, both of Pearl River. She says the two went to great lengths to conceal the fentanyl.

Cut 10 (12) “…of this Yukon.”

Anthony and Henry are both booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on several charges each. Carboni says both were on probation.

Cut 11 (11) “…possession of methamphetamine.”

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Louisiana taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns today. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says this year they are asking filers to submit their returns electronically through L-D-R’s Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, also known as La-TAP

Cut 12 (11) “…account history.”

The La-TAP portal can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website.

Taxpayers may also submit their returns using commercially available tax preparation software. And paper returns that can be mailed in are also available at the department of revenue’s website. Henderson says for those eligible for a refund, you’ll get your money faster if you file electronically

Cut 13 (12)  “…eight weeks.”

Henderson says taxpayers can minimize delays in receiving their refunds by updating their contact information with the Department of Revenue…

Cut 14 (10) “…contact information.”

Senator Valarie Hodges and other legislators urge the NFL to promote a family-friendly halftime show for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The arctic blast has put a temporary freeze on strawberry farmers, including one in Livingston Parish. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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New Orleans Police release their preliminary security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana legislators, led by Senator Valarie Hodges, sent a letter to the NFL urging a family-friendly halftime show for the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Hodges says since Louisiana allocated state funds for the event, its programming should reflect wholesome values.

Cut 4 (12) “…watching it on television.”

Hodges advocated for entertainment free of inappropriate content, ensuring all Louisianans could watch without concern. She noted that while many in the state are excited about hosting the Super Bowl, taxpayers and parents are worried about past halftime performances.

Cut 5 (09) “…not be exposed.”

Hodges hopes Louisiana can set a positive example for future Super Bowl hosts by promoting content suitable for viewers of all ages.

Cut 6 (12) “…innocence of children.”

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President Trump proposed dismantling FEMA during visits to disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina and California.  Senator Bill Cassidy says if you don’t have FEMA you need something like it because sometimes disasters are too big for states to handle.

Cut 7 (13) “…currently being done .”

Cassidy says if there is no FEMA there still needs to be something like FEMA.

Cut 8 (07) “…could get better.”

Cassidy says he believes this is a good time to look at the efficiency of FEMA and suspects that is what President Trump is alluding to as well.

Cut 9 (07)  “…federal response.”

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Strawberry farmers across the state, including one in Livingston Parish, are assessing the damage done by last week’s arctic blast. Rachael Harris, the owner of Harris Strawberry Farm in Springfield, says they took proactive measures in advance of the storm, like covering them with cloth. But that only went so far.

Cut 10 (13) “…and protected them.”

Harris says that’s going to set them back about three weeks. They’ll miss out on Valentine’s Day, but they will be ready for Easter and the Strawberry Festival. She says while they will recover, it will still cost the business some money.

Cut 11 (07) “…pick good berries.”

Harris says this is the second year in a row that strawberry farmers have had to deal with a setback.

Cut 12 (09) “…out of business.”

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We’re getting details of the preliminary security plan for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. New Orleans Police have placed wedges and barriers on Bourbon Street to keep vehicles out, and they’re beefing up security along cross streets and around the perimeter. Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the NFL is also bringing in barriers of their own for the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (09)  “…harden target.”

State Police are bringing in additional wedges and barriers, and the Department of Homeland Security is bringing in SWAT teams and K-9 patrols. New Orleans Police Chief Deputy Superintendent Hans Ganthier says their presence will be felt everywhere – in the Superdome and beyond.

Cut 14 (10) “…and the CBD.”

As for Mardi Gras, Kirkpatrick says there’s one thing that will not change.

Cut 15 (14) “…make things safer.” (Parade routes will not change)

Kirkpatrick urges people to speak up if they see anything suspicious.

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A struggling LSU men’s basketball team has a big test tonight as they host top ranked Auburn. Auburn leads the SEC in field goal percentage at 49-percent and Coach Matt McMahon says their ability to shoot makes them tough to beat…

Cut 16 (17) “…offensive glass.”

Meanwhile, LSU is one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the country. The Tigers are 320^th in the country in three-point shooting at 31-percent. McMahon says the guys are working on their outside shot…

Cut 17 (16)  “…games.”

LSU has added Trey’Dez Green. In his first game since catching two touchdown passes in the bowl game victory over Baylor, Green had two points, which was a thunderous dunk after a blocked shot, and also had three rebounds in eight minutes. McMahon says it was a nice debut for the tight end, who is now a power forward…

Cut 18 (18)   “…offensive glass.”

Louisiana’s streak of job growth continues. Emily DiPalma with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state gained 25-hundred non-farm jobs last month. Compared to December of 2023, the total number of jobs increased by more than 20-thousand.

Cut 12 (06) “…series of data.”

The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 4.4-percent, but DiPalma says that’s still low.

Farmers say sugarcane held up well in last week’s winter storm, despite record-breaking single-digit temperatures. LSU AgCenter sugarcane expert Kenneth Gravois says farmers are also planting cane varieties that are better at surviving cold temperatures.

Cut 5 (09) “…kinds of conditions.”

Gravois says the snow acted as insulation for the cane. He says the full extent of damage will remain unclear for weeks.

Governor Landry is asking for support from Senator Bill Cassidy to confirm RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A two-vehicle crash on the west bound side of the I-10 Twin Span between Slidell and New Orleans sent a commercial vehicle and driver into Lake Pontchartrain. Rescue divers responded, and one driver was rescued and transported to a hospital. That driver reportedly did not suffer any injuries.

Farmers say despite the single-digit temperatures that gripped the state last week, sugarcane appears to have held up quite well. LSU AgCenter sugarcane expert Kenneth Gravois says, though, that the full extent of damage will remain unclear for weeks.

Cut 4 (09) “…crop starts emerging.”

Gravois says the timing of the freeze helped avoid disaster.

The Louisiana Forestry Association is encouraging industry to utilize the overabundance of trees in the state’s forests. Executive Director Buck Vandersteen says with trees growing at a much faster rate than those being harvested, that creates an opening for the biofuel industry to thrive.

Cut 6 (15) “…or outside Louisiana.”

Five people from Houston are arrested for allegedly using drones to smuggle contraband, including drugs and cell phones, into the federal prison in Pollock. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says Immigration and Customs Enforcement is also involved.

Cut 10 (09) “…that’s here illegally.”

That person is 35-year-old Laura Martinez, and ICE has a detainer on her. The sheriff’s office and the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement seized about 12-thousand dollars. McCain says they’re working on ways to combat the use of drones in smuggling contraband into federal prisons.

One of the two men who Shreveport Police say are responsible for a murder of a pharmaceutical delivery driver in a Walgreens parking lot is under arrest. Corporal Chris Bordelon says 38-year-old Kelvin Lewis was arrested late last week on an unrelated charge.

Cut 6 (08) “…as Larry Lewis.”

Bordelon says they believe it was Kelvin Lewis who fatally shot 67-year-old Billy Jamison last Wednesday. Investigators say Jamison was targeted, possibly because he had medical drugs in his delivery vehicle.

Louisiana State Police graduates its newest cadet class. What’s unique about this class is that it was made up entirely of former law enforcement officers. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says because of that, they were able to put the cadets through an accelerated class.

Cut 13 (09)  “…14-week class.”

So how did Louisiana’s trucking industry handle last week’s historic snowstorm? Sean Richardson has the details…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

We now know the two teams who will be coming to New Orleans for Super Bowl 59 – the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. This is the second time for each team that they will be playing the Super Bowl in New Orleans. The Eagles lost Super Bowl 15 to the Raiders, 27-10. In 1970 at Tulane Stadium, the Chiefs matriculated the ball down the field and 65 Toss Power Trapped the Vikings, 23-7, in Super Bowl 4.

Last week, it looked a lot like Christmas in New Orleans with more than a half a foot of snow on the ground. Next week, it will look a lot like Christmas with green and red blanketing the city. That’s because the Eagles and the Chiefs will be playing in the Super Bowl in New Orleans a week from Sunday. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after beating the Bills in the AFC Title Game that the team has shown a lot of perseverance throughout the season with many close wins.

Cut 16 (12) “…our best shot.”

The state is using the occasion of hosting the Super Bowl to showcase itself to companies and prospective newcomers. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says they are setting up the “Louisiana NOW” pavilion to tell the state’s story.

Cut 4 (10) “…of life perspective.”

North Louisiana is getting a new area code later this year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A cat near New Orleans is confirmed to have been infected with bird flu. The domestic breed feral cat was picked up from a colony in Plaquemines Parish, started showing signs of neurological illness and was euthanized. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s unclear which type of bird flu that the cat was infected with.

Cut 11 (10) “…virus it was.”

We now know the two teams which will be heading to New Orleans for Super Bowl 59 – the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a rematch of Super Bowl 57, which the Chiefs won 38-35. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts says he’s going to use that loss as a motivational tool.

Cut 15 (14) “…a natural thing.”

North Louisiana is getting a new area code. The 457 area code will start to roll out this fall for the region currently served by the 318 area code. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says one way to look at this is growth in the region.

Cut 9 (05)  “…look at it that way.”

Starting February 24th, people in the 318 area code will be asked to dial ten numbers for all calls, even local calls. That will become mandatory in August.

Louisiana is using the occasion of hosting the Super Bowl to showcase itself to companies and prospective newcomers. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says the Louisiana NOW pavilion will showcase all the unique things that the whole state has to offer.

Cut 6 (10) “…the Louisiana opportunity.”

The Louisiana NOW pavilion will be up and running throughout Super Bowl week.

A cat near New Orleans is confirmed to have been infected with bird flu. The domestic breed feral cat was picked up from a colony in Plaquemines Parish. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says this was an isolated case, and there’s no risk to humans at this point. He urges you to stay away from any feral or wild animal showing signs of illness.

Cut 12 (10) “…leave it alone.”

Louisiana is using the occasion of hosting the Super Bowl to tell its story to companies and future residents. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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North Louisiana is getting a new area code later this year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A cat near New Orleans is confirmed to have been infected with bird flu. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Louisiana is using the occasion of hosting the Super Bowl to showcase itself to companies and prospective newcomers. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says they are setting up the “Louisiana NOW” pavilion to tell the state’s story through interactive exhibits, theater and meeting spaces.

Cut 4 (10) “…of life perspective.”

Bourgeois says one of the main objectives is to convince business and industry to come to Louisiana.

Cut 5 (15) “…tell the story.”

Bourgeois says the Louisiana NOW pavilion will showcase all the unique things that the whole state has to offer.

Cut 6 (10) “…the Louisiana opportunity.”

The Louisiana NOW pavilion will be up and running throughout Super Bowl week. The location has not yet been released.

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North and central Louisiana is getting a new area code, but it will be several months before phone numbers are assigned with a new 457 area code in the current 318 area code territory.  Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says if you currently have a phone number with a 318 area code, it won’t change.

Cut 7 (06) “…as I understand it.”

Campbell says the reason for the new area code is that they simply ran out of numbers.

Cut 8 (06) “…use in 318.”

Starting on February 24th, AT&T and other carriers would like phone users to use all ten numbers to make a call within the 318 area code territory, because after August 25th the call will not go through if you dial a number using just seven digits.

Numbers with the new 457 area code will be assigned beginning on September 25th. So anyone in the 318 area code who gets a new phone number on September 25th and beyond will have a 457 area code attached to their phone number. Campbell says one way to look at the change is that the region is growing.

Cut 9 (05)  “…look at it that way.”

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A cat near New Orleans is confirmed to have been infected with bird flu. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says a domestic breed feral cat was picked up from a colony in Plaquemines Parish and was neutered.

Cut 10 (12) “…for preliminary testing.”

That testing confirmed that the cat was infected with bird flu. Strain says it’s unclear which type of bird flu that the cat was infected with.

Cut 11 (10) “…virus it was.”

Strain says this was an isolated case, and there’s no risk to humans at this point. He urges you to stay away from any feral or wild animal showing signs of illness.

Cut 12 (10) “…leave it alone.”

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Jayden Daniels’ magical rookie season with the Washington Commanders has come to an end. The Commanders were blown out by the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, 55-23. After the game, Daniels said he and his team accomplished a lot this season.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to this point.”

Along with the one interception, the Commanders also lost three fumbles. Daniels says it’s a tough way to end the season.

Cut 14 (09) “…them a lot.”

The loss denied the Heisman Trophy-winning former LSU quarterback the chance to be the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to the Super Bowl. As for the Eagles, they’re back in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years and the fifth time overall. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said after the game that he’s going to use the Eagles’ loss in Super Bowl 57 as a motivational tool.

Cut 15 (14) “…a natural thing.”

As was the case two years ago, the Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. The Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game, 32-29. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the game that the team has shown a lot of perseverance throughout the season with many close wins.

Cut 16 (12) “…our best shot.”

The Chiefs will try to become the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls. The Chiefs and Eagles have each played one Super Bowl in New Orleans. The Chiefs beat the Vikings in Super Bowl 4 at Tulane Stadium, 23-7. The Eagles lost to the Raiders in Super Bowl 15 at the Superdome, 27-10.

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One of the LSU baseball team’s top performers in 2024 will likely play a different position in 2025. Steven Milam was a first-team freshman All-American last season, hitting .326 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs. Milam was also excellent with the glove at second base, but coach Jay Johnson wants to move Milam to the left side of the infield…

Cut 17 (17)  “…hit the most.”

Michael Braswell started at shortstop last season for LSU, but he could move to third base if Johnson believes it’s important for Milam to start at short.

LSU has four catchers on its roster; at least three are expected to share playing time. Indiana State transfer Luis Hernandez hit 23 home runs in the Missouri Valley Conference last year and Johnson likes what he has shown behind the plate…

Cut 18 (14)   “…in there.”

Johnson is also high on freshman Cade Arrambide from Tomball, Texas, who has a big-time arm behind the plate…

Cut 19 (18) “…at you.”

There’s also a lot of competition to be a weekend starter. Chase Shores, who missed last season as he recovered from Tommy John Surgery, could be a Friday night starter and was certainly missed last year….

Cut 20 (15) “…is at.”