Governor Landry did not include a permanent teacher pay hike in his proposed budget. And educators in the Bayou State are not happy. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Because of the difficulty finding drug companies willing to supply what’s needed to perform lethal injections, a bill has been filed to add options and protections to those companies.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana has cancelled their policyholder vote and withdrawn their filing to be acquired by Elevance Health. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________

Governor Landry’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year includes $198 million for a second round of stipends for teachers, but no permanent salary increase. Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey says educators thought the stipend pay hike would last more than one year.

Cut 4 (13) “…be kept.”

Lawmakers elected to give the same stipend amount of $2000 for teachers, and $1000 for support workers. Landry’s proposal would allocate alternating stipends based on teachers performance levels.

Posey says the pay gap plays a role in the state’s shortage of qualified educators. And teachers are not only leaving the classrooms, but they’re also leaving the state.

Cut 5 (09) “…in Texas.” 

The average teacher salary for the 2021-2022 school year was $54,907, compared to Texas at $58,887, according to the Southern Region Education Board.

Posey says BESE is expected to take up the teacher compensation for a vote in early March. She believes lawmakers making the modest size pay raise permanent for teachers in the Bayou State would be…

Cut 6 (12) “…first step.”

Governor Landry decided not to make teachers pay raise permanent because it would be illegal to remove in the future.

__________________________________________

Among the legislation filed for the special session to address crime would expand the methods used to carry out the death penalty. Baton Rouge Representative Nicholas Muscarello says there’s an ongoing shortage of the drugs used for lethal injections so House Bill 6 would offer alternatives…

Cut 7 (10) “…the bill.”

Because of the difficulty obtaining the drugs used for lethal injections, the bill would also offer protections for drug manufacturers. Muscarello says drug companies are often reluctant to provide the ingredients needed for an execution.

Cut 8 (13) “…as well.” 

Any legislation about the death penalty brings on emotional debate, but Muscarello says this bill is only about expanding methods and providing protections to drug manufacturers.

Cut 9 (10)  “…families.”

Muscarello’s bill is one of the 24 pieces of legislation Governor Jeff Landry wants passed in the special session that begins Monday and wraps on March 6^th, just days before the regular legislative session convenes on March 11^th.

_________________________________________________________

The proposed sale of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to Indiana-based Elevance Health is off, at least for now. Blue Cross withdrew their filing and cancelled a policyholder vote saying their stakeholders need more time and information to understand the proposal. Louisiana Senator Thomas Pressly says he and other senators had many concerns…

Cut 10 (09) “…last week.”

Pressly says one of his major concerns is how Elevance has done business in other states…

Cut 11 (10) “…in Georgia.” 

Pressly also voiced concern over 20 million dollars he says Blue Cross spent on what he called a “propaganda machine” to solicit votes from policyholders to approve the deal.

Pressly says why hand over a financially healthy Blue Cross Blue Shield to a company that has a billion dollars in fines nationally since 2000 and has falling CMS ratings. He says he understands the larger pool of people from Elevance may get the company better prices on technology and information, but Blue Cross is currently in good shape and has the vast majority of the market in Louisiana…

Cut 12 (06) “…financial health.” 

_____________________________________________________

State officials have confirmed seven additional cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD), with a total of 19 cases all in Tensas Parish. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Jim Lacour says the first case was discovered two years ago.

Cut 13 (09)  “…this point.”

CWD is a neurodegenerative disease caused by an infectious, misfolded protein particle, and it is 100 percent fatal to deer after an indeterminate incubation period. The first confirmed case of CWD was detected in 2022.

Lacour says a feeding an baiting ban has been implemented in Tensas, Madison, Concordia, and Franklin Parishes. He says hunters are prohibited from bringing out a deer or deer head with the brain in it but…

Cut 14 (13) “…a cape.”

LDWF has set up 13 free CWD collection sites throughout the region including Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, Madison, Morehouse, Tensas, and Union Parishes.

And while CWD has not been found to be contagious to humans, CDC recommends not to consume a deer known to be positive. LaCour says LDWF provides free testing for hunters across the state.

Cut 15 (12) “…consuming it.”

_______________________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns begin a four-game road trip tonight at Old Dominion. U-L Lafayette is 8-4 in the Sun Belt, which is good for fourth place. Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin says he wants to stay in the top four, which gives them a better chance at winning the Sun Belt Conference tournament

Cut 16 (23) “…at that time” 

Old Dominion is 2-and-10 in league play, entering tonight’s game. After O-D-U, U-L Lafayette will visit Appalachian State, who is tied with Troy for first place in the Sun Belt. Point guard Themus Fulks says they will not overlook the Monarchs…

Cut 17 (17) “…game by game” 

________________________________________________________________________

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has named Thatcher Hurd as his starting pitcher for Friday’s season opener against V-M-I. Hurd was the winning pitcher in the national championship game and Johnson says he deserves the opening day assignment after a strong finish to last year…

Cut 18 (20)  “…do that.”

Alabama transfer Luke Holman will start game two for the Tigers on Saturday against Central Arkansas. Holman was Alabama’s ace last season as he went 7-4 with a 3.67 ERA. Johnson says Holman has been a great addition…

Cut 19 (18) “…what we are doing” 

Johnson has been impressed with the team’s preparation…

Cut 20 (24) “…on that.”

400 amputations occur every day because of peripheral artery disease says Dr. Foluso Fakorede (fa-lou-so fak-o-ree-dee) at Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi and he says knowing symptoms and early warning signs of PAD is critical.

Cut 8 (12) “…care doctor.” 

Bulldog Community Outreach Incorporated is launching a name, image, and likeness (NIL) collective to provide opportunities for student-athletes to be compensated in the Ruston community. Spokesperson Ed Buckley says this initiative is to support athletic teams while promoting and serving local charities.

Cut 9 (13) “…of funds.”

The good times will stop rolling at midnight but in the meantime, carnival goers are making the most of Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans Mardi Gras still attracts people from all over the world and this woman is enjoying her first Mardi Gras in New Orleans. She’s from Richmond, Virginia and plans to be back…

Cut  14 (07) “..enjoy it”

According to Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy the Mardi Gras crowds appear to be smaller than those from pre-pandemic Mardi Gras, but he doesn’t see it as a reflection of crime in the city, he believes it’s timing and economics.

Cut 4 (13) “…next year.”

There are big parades across south Louisiana. This man in Covington is ready to host dozens of people along a parade route.

Cut 13 (12) “…fun today’  

One in 20 adults will develop peripheral artery disease says Dr. Foluso Fakorede (fa-lou-so fak-o-ree-dee) at Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi. He says fatty deposits called plaque can become clogged in one’s arteries like a clogged kitchen sink…

Cut 7 (12) “…our arteries.”  

Some risk factors of PAD include family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a history of nicotine or tobacco use.

Bulldog Community Outreach Incorporated is launching a name, image, and likeness (NIL) collective Louisiana Tech athletes and Spokesperson Ed Buckley says the changing landscape of college athletics requires additional support with NIL’s for student-athletes. He says fans and alumni can get in the game and get involved by…

Cut 11 (08) “…just started.”

To support Bulldog Community Outreach, visit BuildTheLegacy.com/NIL.

The Mardi Gras party will come to an end at midnight tonight. Former interim New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says the revelers are enjoying sunny but cool Fat Tuesday….

Cut 12 (08)  “..Super Mardi gras”  

The Get a Pulse on PAD campaign raises awareness of peripheral artery disease. Dr. Foluso Fakorede (fa-lou-so fak-o-ree-dee) at Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi says PAD affects millions of Americans who have never heard of the disease or its risks.

Cut 6  (13) “..an amputation.” 400 amputations occur every day because of PAD. For more information about peripheral artery disease, visit PADPulse.org.

Klint Kubiak is reportedly the new offensive coordinator for the Saints. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Bulldog Community Outreach Incorporated is looking to benefit both student athletes and the Ruston Community with the NIL collective. Spokesperson Ed Buckley says it’s an opportunity for student athletes to serve the community while boosting their name, image, and likeness and He believes this will be another tool in Louisiana Tech’s recruiting bag….

Cut 10 (09) “…respective sports.”

LSU Alexandria is growing. Chancellor Paul Coreil says more prospective students are enrolling in their innovative degree programs that prepares them for in-demand jobs, including nursing, aviation, cyber security, and…

Cut 7 (12) “…the nation.”  

Louisiana airports are getting a ten point 5-million-dollar grant from The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is coming to as part of the Airport Terminal Program in Sen Bill Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Seven Million Dollars is going to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for connector roads, two million dollars goes to Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) for a new terminal gate, and one point five million dollars goes to South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport to help fund the airport’s new terminal building.

The good times continue to roll in Lafourche Parish with four parades set for Fat Tuesday. Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Sales and Marketing Manager Ian Wallis says parades will be rolling from Thibodaux to Chackbay and Golden Meadow.

Cut 3 (10) “…good time.”  

And in Calcasieu parish, Visit Lake Charles spokesperson Matt Young says one of the most traditional Mardi Gras events begins at 8 am with the Iowa (Eye-oh-way) Chicken Run parade. He says individuals on horseback are essentially gathering ingredients to cook gumbo.

Cut 11 (11) “…their lifetime.”

A ten point 5-million-dollar grant from The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is coming to Louisiana airports as part of the Airport Terminal Program in Sen Bill Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Seven Million Dollars is going to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for connector roads, two million dollars goes to Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) for a new terminal gate, and one point five million dollars goes to South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport to help fund the airport’s new terminal building.

LSU Alexandria says it’s the fastest growing public university in Louisiana. Chancellor Paul Coreil says LSUA’s enrollment has reached an all-time high 5,405 students, nearly a six-percent increase since the fall semester…

Cut 6  (13) “..the university.” 

On-campus enrollment is up nearly 18-percent since Spring 2023, totaling 26-hundred students.

If you’re looking to celebrate Mardi Gras more traditionally head to southwest Louisiana. Brooke Throington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Super Bowl 58 is over and Super Bowl 59 is coming to New Orleans February 2025. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero expects the Super Bowl next year will produce an economic impact of over 500-million dollars for the local economy. He says the game will bring in over six-thousand media members…

Cut 13 (09) “…what we do.” 

LSU Alexandria says it’s enrollment surge is continuing, exceeding 54-hundred students. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Super Bowl 58 ended last night with Kansas City beating San Francisco in overtime in Las Vegas. Today Vegas officials handed off the football to New Orleans who will host Super Bowl 59 on February 9, 2025. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero…

Cut 12 (12)  “..properly”  

Outside of New Orleans one of the busiest spots on the globe Mardi Gras-wise is Calcasieu Parish. Visit Lake Charles spokesperson Matt Young says tonight is a big night with the Royal Gala at the Lake Charles event center. Young says it’s where all the Kings, Queens, and their courts from than 50 krewes are presented.

Cut 10 (10) “…take in.”

The good times continue to roll in Lafourche Parish with four parades set for Fat Tuesday. Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Sales and Marketing Manager Ian Wallis says what makes their carnival parades unique is that they are family-friendly, and you never meet a stranger in Lafourche Parish.

Cut 4 (09) “…for us.”

The Landry Administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 44-billion-dollar budget. 198-million dollars of the budget maintains the temporary $2,000 pay raise teachers received last year. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the governor would like to give more money to fill hard to find math and science teaching jobs or teachers in rural areas.

Cut 5 (12) “..type of qualifications”

130 Louisiana State Troopers are in New Orleans assisting NOPD for the last weekend of Carnival. Lt Melissa Matey says troopers will be in and around the French Quarter, the Central Business District and parade routes.

Cut 9 (10) “…people safe.”

Thousands of people from around the world will flock to the Bayou State to let the good times roll this Mardi Gras weekend. And Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says New Orleans isn’t the only city attracting crowds…

Cut 6  (12) “..north Louisiana.” 

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns predicts betting for Super Bowl 58 this weekend will reach $23 billion. As for the Pelican State, Johns says it’s hard to predict, but he says since sports betting went live at casinos it’s grown every month and boomed even more with mobile wagering.

Cut 13 (12) “…a month.” 

The governor’s proposed budget maintains the pay increase teachers received last year, but it continues to be not permanent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

68 million people are expected to place a bet on the Super Bowl this weekend according to the American Gaming Association. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says while it’s fun to place a bet, do so within your means…

Cut  14 (07) “…our message.”

Louisiana State Troopers are helping the New Orleans Police Department keep revelers safe this final weekend of Carnival. Lt Melissa Matey encourages paradegoers to use common sense and stay with your group and to text MARDIGRAS, all caps, all one word to 77295.

Cut 11 (13) “…the crowd.”

And she reminds you to never drink and drive. Troopers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers.

Some Big Mardi Gras parades are taking place in Lafayette, Lake Charles, Houma-Thibodaux, Alexandria, and Shreveport. There is a chance for heavy rain on Sunday but Nungesser says revelers know how to adjust…

Cut 8 (11) “…this year.” 

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is seeking entries for the 2024 PBS short film festival. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

New Orleans will host the Super Bowl for a record tying 11^th time next year. And State officials are in Las Vegas preparing for what’s ahead. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

______________________________________________

 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana announced their planned acquisition by Elevance Health, raising the concerns of many including State Treasurer John Fleming. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

______________________________________________

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is looking for independent short filmmakers to submit entries for the 13^th annual PBS Short Film Festival. LPB spokesperson Colleen Spillane (Spuh-lan) says this is the tenth year Louisiana has participated and talent from the Pelican State has been represented every year in the past decade with an entry.

Cut 4 (08) “…in our state.”

Entries can be fiction or non-fiction and Spillane says a committee at LPB will then judge the entries and those that make the cut will be entered into the 2024 PBS Short Film Festival.

Cut 5 (11) “…quite frank.” 

Filmmakers are encouraged to visit lpb.org/filmfest for information on how to enter and specs for their submission. Spillane says the films need to be between three and fifteen minutes in length.

Cut 6 (08) “…nationwide.”

The deadline is February 21^st and the website is lpb.org/filmfest

__________________________________________

The Bayou State is already preparing to host Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans next year. Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism is in Las Vegas to learn what’s ahead. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says they’re going over protocols…

Cut 7 (09) “…next year.”

New Orleans will host the Super Bowl for a record-tying 11^th time next year. The last Super Bowl played in New Orleans in 2013 produced a total of $480 million in economic impact on New Orleans’ economy.

Nungesser says New Orleans is not the only city that benefits from hosting a Super Bowl

Cut 8 (11) “…Super Bowl.” 

Nungesser expects steep competition to host future games as more cities build larger stadiums. And while the number of violent crimes in New Orleans dropped in 2023, Nungesser says the effort to buckle down on crime must continue.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to go.”

Super Bowl 59 will be played on February 9th at the Caesars Superdome.

_________________________________________________________

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana announced their planned acquisition by Elevance Health, raising the concerns of many. Blue Cross says the move would improve access, quality, and affordability but State Treasurer and Family Doctor John Fleming says he, the Louisiana State Medical Society, and virtually all the specialty societies oppose this move because of the track record of Elevance in other states.

Cut 10 (11) “…to increase.”

Fleming is concerned that Indiana based Elevance would have people out of state administering the health coverage of the people of Louisiana. Close to Two million Louisianans have Blue Cross and Fleming says currently, Blue Cross is owned by its members and run for their benefit.

Cut 11 (08) “…be lost.” 

Fleming says for-profit Elevance Health has a poor track record for withdrawing or denying claims. He also says the publicly traded company could have owners anywhere in the world. He’s concerned since they’ve centralized operations in other states…

Cut 12 (07) “…this state.” 

_____________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry has called for a special session for lawmakers to debate his tough-on-crime legislation. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the will begin on Monday, February 19^th, and will consist of 24 policies.

Cut 13 (13)  “…on bail approach.”

Pinsonat says Landry is attempting to reverse former Governor John Bel Edwards’ Criminal Justice Reforms passed in his first term.

Pinsonat says the tough-on-crime approach is a nationwide trend among Republicans to reserve Democratic policies that shortened prison sentences and also allowed those accused of a crime the ability to not put up money for bail.

Cut 14 (10) “…or four years.”

Among Landry’s legislation is expanding ways the state can carry out the death penalty. Pinsonat points out that when it comes to the death penalty it’s the courts that ultimately protect prisoners when it comes to their civil rights.

Cut 15 (07) “…to pass.”

The special session will begin on February 19^th and is scheduled to end Wednesday, March 6^th. The Regular Session begins on March 11^th and adjourns on June 3^rd.

_______________________________________________________________

A week from today a new college baseball season will get underway. The LSU Tigers are looking to repeat as champs and they are picked to finish in second in the SEC West, behind Arkansas. There are questions about LSU’s offense, but they have one of the best hitters in college baseball. Coach Jay Johnson says third baseman Tommy White looks good after offseason shoulder surgery…

Cut 16 (17) “…this year.” 

Johnson is also thankful to have Hayden Travinksi back for a fifth season. Johnson says Travinski will provide protection for White in the Tigers batting order…

Cut 17 (20) “…around Tommy.” 

LSU will certainly miss Dylan Crews. The number two overall pick in last year’s Major League Baseball draft hit .426 with 18 home runs and 70 RBIs. Sophomore Paxton Kling will start in centerfield for the Tigers this season and Johnson is expecting a big season from the Pennsylvania native…

Cut 18 (15)  “…in that spot.”

_________________________________________________________________________

First-year ULM football coach Bryant Vincent believes the Warhawks signed the best running back out of the state of Mississippi. Vincent says Ahmad Hardy rushed for 22-hundred yards his senior season…

Cut 19 (16) “…big ones.” 

ULM signed 11 players on Wednesday after signing 30 during the early signing period in December. Vincent believes they addressed a lot of needs, but there’s still more work to do…

Cut 20 (25) “…to play.”