Governor Landry says as you file your state tax return, you should expect a bigger refund this year. House Ways and Means Chairman Tony Bacala says he’s personally experienced the tax relief that Landry said is coming to taxpayers. Bacala says last year he owed the state money; this year he’s getting a refund.

Cut 8 (06) “..coffer.”

At this time, you’re asked to continue to refrain from burning anything. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says as wildfires continue to burn, what the state really needs is rain. He says while no rain is in the forecast for the foreseeable future, there has been some improvement in conditions.

Cut 9 (12)  “…above the waterline.”

A 14-year-old girl sitting in the back seat of a car in Hammond is killed when an 18-year-old playing with a gun in the front seat dropped it, causing it to discharge. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr.  says when people, especially teens, are negligent in handling deadly weapons, the consequences will be dire for everyone involved.

Cut 5 (09) “…long term is.”

18-year-old Trey Robinson is charged with one count of negligent homicide.

Scary moments in a Baton Rouge classroom today as a gun went off at Istrouma High School. The East Baton Rouge school system says the gun was accidentally discharged, and the bullet went through the ceiling. Thankfully, no one was injured. Two students, both boys, have been taken into custody, and the school district says they are not being cooperative with investigators.

Governor Landry says people can expect a bigger refund when they file their state income tax returns this year, thanks to the legislation approved during the 2024 Tax Reform Special Session. Landry says among other things, the reform doubled the retirement income exemption to 12-thousand dollars, allowing a married couple over 65 to earn nearly 49-thousand dollars tax free

Cut 7 (09) “…every single year.”

A 14-year-old girl is shot and killed in Hammond last night. Investigators say as the girl was sitting in the back seat of a car, 18-year-old Trey Robinson was in the front seat playing with a gun; and when he dropped it, it discharged, striking the girl. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. says people – especially teens – need to know that guns are not toys.

Cut 4 (07) “…situations like this.”

Today is another no-burn day throughout the State of Louisiana. This, as dry conditions continue to persist throughout the state. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says within fires where there’s a lot of debris on the ground, especially in areas of large acreage, don’t think that you’re out of danger when you don’t see flames emerging – you could have a rekindle.

Cut 11 (10) “…burn for months.”

A West Monroe state senator is proposing a constitutional amendment that he says would restore accountability for judges and district attorneys who fail to prevent violent crime. Republican Jay Morris’ bill would create a mechanism for the removal of a judge or a district attorney upon the recommendation of the governor. He says the governor would first suspend the district attorney or judge for up to six months.

Cut 13 (11)  “…two-thirds vote.”

Governor Landry says when people file their state income taxes this year, they will get a bigger refund. Landry says it’s the result of the legislation approved during the 2024 Tax Reform Special Session. The governor says the typical middle-class working family will save nearly 500 dollars…

Cut 6 (09) “…grocery.”

A 14-year-old girl is shot and killed in Hammond last night. Investigators say as the girl was sitting in the back seat of a car, 18-year-old Trey Robinson was in the front seat playing with a gun; and when he dropped it, it discharged, striking the girl. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. says Robinson is charged with one count of negligent homicide and should never have been handling a gun in the first place.

Cut 3 (10) “…on that responsibility.”

Today is another no-burn day throughout the State of Louisiana. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says as wildfires continue to burn, what the state really needs is rain. He says while no rain is in the forecast for the foreseeable future, there has been some improvement in conditions.

Cut 9 (12)  “…above the waterline.”

If a New Orleans-area lawmaker has his way, governors would be limited to two terms, period. Currently, two-term governors can seek re-election after sitting out for at least a term. St. Bernard Parish Republican Michael Bayham’s bill would eliminate any re-election chance after two terms. He says Louisiana should not have to “recycle” its governors.

Cut 12 (07) “…a former governor.”

Still plenty of buzz in north Louisiana over Amazon’s announcement that it’s investing 12-billion dollars on a new data center complex. North Louisiana Economic Partnership President and CEO Justyn Dixon says as a way to solidify its commitment to the economic stability of the region and its residents, Amazon is paying for all the upgrades to the utility system needed to power the data center.

Cut 9 (05)  “…stabilize our utilities.”

For the 10th year on the Tuesday after Mardi Gras, Louisiana officially kicked off crawfish season by pardoning one lucky mudbug. Barry Toups, the owner of Crawfish Haven, caught and selected the lucky crawfish, who was named Tony after the legendary Tony Chachere, and Samantha Carroll with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board read the proclamation.

Cut 14 (11) “…onions and garlic.”

A south Louisiana lawmaker believes Louisiana’s governor should serve two terms and that’s it. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The defending national champions suffered their first loss of the season. LSU lost to McNeese, 7-6, at Alex Box Stadium, snapping its 16-game winning streak, dating back to last season. Free passes did the Tigers in, walking six batters and hitting five more. LSU will try to get back into the win column Friday at home against Dartmouth.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That’s the approach one New Orleans lawmaker is taking in proposing a minimum wage increase. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A south Louisiana lawmaker believes Louisiana’s governor should serve two terms and that’s it. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Crawfish season officially opened yesterday with one lucky mudbug. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A state representative from New Orleans is trying again to raise the minimum wage in Louisiana. Democrat Delisha Boyd tried two years ago to raise it to 15 dollars an hour, but that failed. This time, she’s trying a different approach.

Cut 4 (10) “…14 an hour.”

Boyd points out that currently, Louisiana’s minimum wage follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which has gone unchanged since July of 2009.

Cut 5 (07) “…the minimum wage.”

Boyd says with no increases to the minimum wage in almost 17 years, some people can no longer afford to live in the state, especially in her New Orleans district.

Cut 6 (08) “…to be here.”

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The announcement of Amazon investing 12-billion dollars on a data center campus in the Shreveport-Bossier City area is still the buzz of the region – and now, the help wanted sign is already out. Amazon has already started posting positions at the data center on its website. North Louisiana Economic Partnership President and CEO Justyn Dixon says there will be hundreds of jobs at very attractive salaries.

Cut 7 (09) “…two-year certifications.”

Dixon says he does not expect Amazon to search very far to fill most of these openings.

Cut 8 (08) “…taken up here.”

Dixon says as a way to solidify its commitment to the economic stability of the region and its residents, Amazon is paying for all the upgrades to the utility system needed to power the data center.

Cut 9 (05)  “…stabilize our utilities.”

Construction of the data center campus is getting underway immediately, and it will open in phases.

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A New Orleans-area lawmaker has offered up a proposed constitutional amendment for the upcoming legislative session that would place a lifetime limit of two terms on a person who has served as governor. St. Bernard Parish Republican Michael Bayham’s legislation would mean that former governors Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards could not serve as governor again.

Cut 10 (08) “…across the board.”

Bayham says this legislation is not targeting Jindal or Edwards — or possibly current Governor Jeff Landry, if he’s re-elected to a second term.

Cut 11 (11) “…set going forward.”

Bayham says Louisiana should not have to “recycle” its governors.

Cut 12 (07) “…a former governor.”

The late Edwin Edwards served four terms — the Cajun Prince served two terms in the 1970s and was subsequently re-elected two more times after leaving office following his first two terms. Earl Long served three terms in the mid-1900s.

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For the 10th year on the Tuesday after Mardi Gras, Louisiana officially kicked off crawfish season by pardoning one lucky mudbug. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser granted the reprieve yesterday.

Cut 13 (08)  “…Tony the crawfish.” (applause fades)

Tony the crawfish, named for the legendary Tony Chachere (SASH-uh-ree), will live out his time at Chicot (“chico”) State Park in Ville Platte.

Barry Toups, the owner of Crawfish Haven, caught and selected the lucky crawfish, and Samantha Carroll with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board read the proclamation.

Cut 14 (11) “…onions and garlic.”

Many people have been enjoying crawfish for several weeks, but the season officially got underway this week. And as the weather warms up, Todd Fontenot with the LSU Ag Center says supply will go up, and prices will go down.

Cut 15 (11) “…to grow more.”

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The Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team clinched at least a share of the regular season Conference USA title with its win over Kennesaw State Saturday. Head coach Brooke Stoehr (“store”) said winning the team’s 38th conference title is a huge accomplishment.

Cut 16 (15) “…for our team.”

Stoehr said winning the program’s 38th conference title was not easy. She credits her team’s resilience throughout the long season.

Cut 17 (13)  “…four of them.”

With a win at Sam Houston this Saturday, the Lady Techsters would claim the Conference USA regular-season championship outright.

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The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs men’s basketball team is coming off a tough 58-55 loss to Kennesaw State Saturday. Head coach Talvin Hester says despite the defeat, he was impressed with freshman guard Jaylen Fenner, who stepped in for the injured graduate student Scooter Williams.

Cut 18 (19)  “…the same time.”

Tech will play its last two home games of the year this week, as the Bulldogs host Missouri State Thursday and F-I-U Saturday. Hester says no game comes easy in the conference.

Cut 19  (17) “…first one’s over.”

Wildfires continue to burn throughout Louisiana. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the grass is dead from the winter, which is helping to fuel these fires. He says they’ve had situations where firefighters were battling blazes where the dead grass was above standing water, but it was still on fire…

Cut 13 (12) “…willdfires.”

The United Cajun Navy is now involved in the search for the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, during the early morning hours on February 1st. Incident Commander Josh Gill says he and his team are canvassing the area near Nancy Guthrie’s home with flyers and are speaking to as many people as they can.

Cut 7 (06) “…to this family.”

New data from the Louisiana Department of Insurance shows private auto insurance rates declined in 2025, while commercial auto insurance rates continue to rise. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

It appears that the University of Louisiana is about to take something away from Interim President Ramesh Kolluru – the “interim” tag. Dr. Kolluru has been named as the sole finalist for its next president, as he was selected among a group of 12 candidates. The full U-L board will interview Kolluru in Baton Rouge Friday.

Dry and windy gusts continue to fuel wildfires in Louisiana. Two more forest fires broke out in Beauregard Parish today and firefighters have also been battling wildfires in northwest and southeast Louisiana. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says do not do any outdoor burning even if you are a prescribed burner…

Cut 12 (12) “…containment zone.”

The United Cajun Navy is in Tucson, helping in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. Incident Commander Josh Gill says the Cajun Navy has activated its “Saw It, Report It” system, allowing people to quickly submit tips via their smartphones.

Cut 8 (11) “…finding Miss Guthrie.”

New data from the Louisiana Department of Insurance shows private auto insurance rates declined in 2025, while commercial auto insurance rates continue to rise. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

For the tenth year in a row, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser officially kicked off crawfish season by pardoning a crawfish. This year’s lucky crawfish is one named Tony, named for the legendary Tony Chachere. While Tony will live out his time at Chicot State Park in Ville Platte, all his fellow crawfish will eventually make their way into the bellies of you and me.

The United Cajun Navy is now involved in the search for the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, during the early morning hours on February 1st. Incident Commander Josh Gill says he and his team are canvassing the area near Nancy Guthrie’s home with flyers and are speaking to as many people as they can.

Cut 7 (06) “…to this family.”

New data released by Louisiana’s Insurance Department shows private auto insurance rates declined on average nearly six-percent in 2025, while homeowners insurance rates rose slightly. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the decrease in auto premiums is due to a reduction in accidents. He believes rates will continue to drop as a result of tort legislation approved last year.

Cut 3 (07) “…claims happen.”

Commercial rates increased nearly six-percent on average in 2025.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College is once again ranked as the top community college in the state by Niche, a data-driven college ranking platform. Chancellor Dr. Heather Poole says one factor behind CLTCC’s dominance is that it provides wraparound services for all students as they go through their programs that will directly lead to their careers.

Cut 10 (07) “…track looks like.”

This is the third year in a row that Niche ranked CLTCC as the top community college in the state.

In its 35th year, the Louisiana Lottery has eclipsed five-billion dollars in revenue transfers to Louisiana’s Minimum Foundation Program, which dedicates the money to K-through-12 education. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the recent billion-dollar Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots may have had something to do with crossing that milestone.

Cut 15 (10) “…really big jackpots.”

An announcement so big in Shreveport that Governor Landry was the one to make it. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A state lawmaker has come up with a plan to get the federal government to help pay for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge — and that is to name it after President Trump. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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As the Louisiana Lottery celebrates one milestone, it celebrates a second milestone. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Amazon has selected Louisiana to invest 12-billion dollars for a data center campus. The campus is being built in northwest Louisiana in Caddo and Bossier parishes. Governor Landry says it’s believed to be the biggest single investment by a company in the history of northwest Louisiana – as well as one of the most important.

Cut 4 (10) “…and digital infrastructure.”

Landry says these three data centers will create thousands of jobs.

Cut 5 (12) “…in northwest Louisiana.” (applause fades)

Among them are 540 on-site jobs that pay salaries that are 50-percent higher than the state average.

One of the most controversial aspects of data centers is all the electricity that’s required to power them and the effects that it may have on residents’ utility bills. Landry said Amazon is taking care of all of that.

Cut 6 (08) “…for these projects.”

Construction is expected to begin immediately.

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If another Mississippi River Bridge is built in the Baton Rouge area, one state lawmaker believes it should be named after President Trump. Monroe Republican Representative Michael Echols says if his legislation is approved, the proposed bridge that would be built south of the current Mississippi River Bridge would be named the “President Donald J. Trump Expressway.”

Cut 7 (10) “…get that done.”

Cost is a big hurdle when it comes to building a bridge that would connect LA-Highway One in Iberville Parish to LA Highway 30. Echols says if Louisiana commits to naming the bridge after the President, there’s a better chance it will happen.

Cut 8 (12) “…this thing built.”

Echols says U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson loves the concept and sent it to the White House. A new bridge could cost as much as three-billion dollars. Echols says most of the funding will need to come from the federal government; so if naming the bridge after President Trump gets it done, why not do it?

Cut 9 (12)  “…done for Louisiana.”

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Sophomore Kailin Chio is becoming the next great female athlete at LSU. The All-American from Nevada became the first gymnast this year to score two perfect 10s at the same meet, as she accomplished the feat last Friday against top-ranked Oklahoma. Chio had a perfect score on beam and vault, but she believes she’s had better vaults this season.

Cut 10 (13) “…the other ones.”

Chio has scored four perfect 10s through seven meets so far this season, moving her total to five in her career. Chio was the SEC Freshman of the Year last year; and she’s having a sensational sophomore season, as she’s won 22 event titles, which is one shy of the 23 she had last year. Head coach Jay Clark says Chio is performing at a high level.

Cut 11 (12) “…her to be.”

LSU failed to beat Oklahoma last Friday; but it was the Tigers highest road score of the season, and they are still ranked second in the country. LSU is a national title contender again this year, but Clark says they can’t rely on Chio to keep scoring 10s.

Cut 12 (11) “…scores up there.”

Second-ranked LSU will host third-ranked Alabama Friday night and will also compete Sunday at the Raising Cane’s River Center against three other teams — Alabama, Arizona and North Carolina.

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As the Louisiana Lottery celebrates one milestone this year, it’s now celebrating a second milestone. In its 35th year, the Louisiana Lottery has eclipsed five-billion dollars in revenue transfers to Louisiana’s Minimum Foundation Program, which dedicates the money to K-through-12 education. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the lottery has been very popular through the years.

Cut 13 (08)  “…from ticket sales.”

As part of its deal with the state, the Louisiana Lottery is required by law to transfer about 35-percent of its revenue to the state’s Minimum Foundation Program. Maher says they came very close to the milestone in the last fiscal year.

Cut 14 (11) “…Minimum Foundation Program.”

Speaking of “billion,” Maher says those Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots that hit the “B” mark may have had something to do with crossing the five-billion-dollar transfer threshold to the Minimum Foundation Program.

Cut 15 (10) “…really big jackpots.”

A year-long narcotics investigation in Terrebonne Parish has resulted in six arrests and the largest methamphetamine seizure in the history of the sheriff’s office. Lieutenant Blake Tabor says the coordinated operation also resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of other dangerous narcotics.

Cut 12 (06) “…if you will.”

The six people arrested range in ages 25 to 59 and live in Houma, Gray and Schriever.

A state lawmaker has filed a bill aimed at putting a stop to school threats. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson’s bill would increase the penalties for terrorizing and menacing schools – and parents would be held financially responsible. Johnson says there would be certain instances where parents could face even more severe consequences.

Cut 9 (10)  “…them criminally liable.”

The windy conditions over the last couple days have kept firefighters very busy. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says when you add a lack of significant rainfall, that’s made it impossible to safely burn anything.

Cut 6 (10) “…on the ground.”

Yesterday, that led to several massive fires, including one in St. Tammany Parish that burned along Interstate 12. That fire jumped the freeway, forcing it to shut down in both directions.

The National Weather Service had issued a Red Flag Warning until six p-m. National Weather Service Meteorologist Mike Efferson says even if there’s no Red Flag Warning in effect, it’s still not a good idea to be burning anything under any circumstances.

Cut 4 (10) “…very simple things.”