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

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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.”

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 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”

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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

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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.

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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.” 

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

Governor Jeff Landry is sending Louisiana National Guard troops to the U-S Mexico border. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Financial problems have resulted in the town of Boyce laying off its entire police force, except for police chief Ronald Goudeau (Good-oh). Goudeau is hopeful the town’s financial house can get back in order, so he can hire police officers again…

Cut 8 (08) “…all around us.” 

Goudeau says he’s been the police chief in Boyce since 2019, money problems plagued the town back then. Boyce mayor, Kelvin McCoy, says the police chief has significant authority over his budget and his budget has been completely expended.

An 18-year-old has been arrested for terrorizing after he allegedly made text and picture threats over Snap Chat. According to Thibodaux Police, Xavier Smith of Gheens, LA made the threats Tuesday morning to several E.D. White High School Students who were acquainted with an individual known to Smith. Smith was arrested Wednesday evening and is being held on $250,000 bond.

Two of the state’s top educators Northshore High science teacher Kelly Ryan and Destrehan sixth grade science teacher Lauren Waguespack. were surprised Wednesday with the Milken Educator award and each received a $25 thousand dollar cash prize. Waguespack says her goal is to create an environment where learning becomes a journey. She hopes to make a lasting impression on the lives of her science students.

Cut 12 (13) “…a scientist.”

Governor Jeff Landry announces he’s sending Louisiana National Guard troops to the southern border to assist the Texas National Guard. The deployment could begin next month but Landry would not disclose how many guardsmen will be sent to Texas. Louisiana National Guard Brigadier General Thomas Friloux says their missions will be assigned through the Texas National Guard and they will not be detaining illegal individuals crossing the border…

Cut 5 (10) “…under Texas law”

Police Chief Ronald Goudeau (Good-oh). is the only police officer left in the town of Boyce. Everyone else was due to the town’s financial issues. Goudeau says he’ll continue to patrol the town daily and Rapides Parish Sheriff deputies will also assist in law enforcement duties.

Cut 7 (10) “…personal rapport”  

Former LSU Women’s basketball star Alexis Morris will take the court as a Harlem Globetrotter Friday. Morris, known for her exceptional ball-handling, helped the LSU Lady Tigers win their first National Championship. She’s the seventh current woman to join the Globetrotters. Globetrotter president, Keith Dawkins says, “Signing Alexis reflects our commitment to pursuing the best ballers from around world.”

Destrehan sixth grade science teacher Lauren Waguespack was one of two Louisiana teachers to receive the Milken Educator award Wednesday. During a school assembly, Waguespack was recognized with the “Oscar of Teaching” for her innovative teaching skills and pursuing leadership opportunities. The Harry Hurst Middle school teacher believes this award is a tremendous honor for educators…

Cut 11 (13) “…productive people.”

An 18-year-old has been arrested for terrorizing after he allegedly made text and picture threats over Snap Chat. According to Thibodaux Police, Xavier Smith of Gheens, LA made the threats Tuesday morning to several E.D. White High School Students who were acquainted with an individual known to Smith. Smith was arrested Wednesday evening and is being held on $250,000 bond.

Louisiana National Guard troops could be headed to the Southern border in Texas as soon as next month. Governor Jeff Landry announces he’s sending the troops and says the mission will help train the guardsmen for active duty and it will also help slow the amount of fentanyl entering the United States. He says many people someone who has died from a fentanyl overdose.

Cut 4 (13) “…they please”

The Rapides Parish town of Boyce is without a police force after it had to layoff six of its officers. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

The Milken Educator award was announced Wednesday honoring Northshore High science teacher Kelly Ryan and Destrehan sixth grade science teacher Lauren Waguespack. Ryan was honored for challenging her 11^th and 12^th grade science students to take an active role in learning…

Cut 10 (12) “…them think.”

With a spike in alcohol-related crashes, the weekend before Mardi Gras has been shown to be the deadliest of Carnival season on Louisiana Roadways, and this year, Super Bowl Parties are added to the Mix. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Landry will provide an update today on his plan to deploy Louisiana National Guard troops to Texas to help with border security. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Landry administration presents its first budget to state lawmakers today. Jeff Palermo has this preview…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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For the past two years, the weekend leading up to Mardi Gras and Mardi Gras day have been the deadliest of Carnival season on Louisiana roadways as alcohol-related crashes increase says Don Redman with Triple A. He says during the 2022 and 2023 Carnival seasons over 600 alcohol-related crashes occurred — 311 with serious injuries.

Cut 4 (10) “…Mardi Gras Day.”

Louisiana Roadways on the Sunday before Mardi Gras show an increased number of crashes involving impaired drivers and this year, the Super Bowl falls on the same day. Redman says that nationally the game brings another layer of danger to the roads.

Cut 5 (11) “…Super Bowl.” 

Redman says with the large number of parade goers, you may not be able to get an Uber, Lyft, or Cab. And according to Redman, studies show that just two drinks for the average adult is enough to impair judgement so it’s important to have a plan before you head out to a parade or Super Bowl party.

Cut 6 (11) “…designated driver.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is expected to provide more details about deploying the Louisiana National Guard to the southern border at a press conference today at 11. Attorney General Liz Murrill says she supports Governor Landry’s idea of sending the National Guard to the border.

Cut 7 (10) “…states now.”

The cost of sending troops to the border would be around three million dollars.

Murrill says the Biden Administration is not properly managing immigration laws and it’s putting the lives of residents in Texas, Louisiana in jeopardy.

Cut 8 (11) “…really shocking.” 

The U-S Senate proposed a 118-billion dollar national security and border package but Republicans rejected it.

Murrill says some of the suggestions coming out of Washington DC will not stop people from entering the country from entering illegally from Mexico…

Cut 9 (09)  “…the border.”

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There was a fatal officer involved shooting in Caddo Parish on Wednesday. Sheriff Steve Prator says shots were fired as officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant to a male suspect, who was in the parking lot of an apartment complex. Prator says one of his deputies  Justin Dunn took a bullet.

Cut 10 (09) “…for that.”

The incident occurred on Pines Road before 2 pm when officers located the suspect in a car at the complex. When deputies tried to pull the suspect out of the car, that’s when Dunn was shot.

Prator says as many as six deputies and officers from multiple agencies responded. He says State Police is handling the investigation…

Cut 11 (11) “…somewhere else.” 

The suspect was wanted on murder, armed robbery, and home invasion charges.

Prator says this was unfortunate situation but the outcome could have been different…

Cut 12 (12) “…this person.” 

The name of the man who was fatally shot has not been released.

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The Landry administration will present a proposed spending plan to legislators today. The administration is projecting a 64-million dollar revenue shortfall for next fiscal year. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says it’s a manageable deficit

Cut 13 (08)  “…out of the budget”

The state is also facing a loss of 600-million dollars in state revenues when a temporary .45 cent sales tax expires in July 2025. Erwin says it’s possible the governor’s budget proposal will prepare the state for that fiscal cliff…

Cut 14 (10) “…or not.”

Landry is looking at ways to shrink state government. He’s asked Natural Resources Secretary Tyler Gray to develop a plan to merge D-N-R with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Erwin says such a move could be included in the governor’s budget plan…

Cut 15 (12) “…do that”

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The 13th ranked LSU women’s basketball team is at Vanderbilt tonight. The Lady Tigers are coming off a 106 point performance against Florida. Coach Kim Mulkey loved her team’s grit on Sunday, along with their toughness, energy and physicalness. She says they’ll need to be physical again tonight against the Commodores…

Cut 16 (16) “..game too.” 

Reserve point guard Last-Tear Poa had her best game of the season against an SEC foe on Sunday against Florida. Mulkey hopes to see more of that, because it also helps Hailey Van Lith…

Cut 17 (13) “…off guard some” 

Tip off is at 8 PM.

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Louisiana Tech added five players during the spring signing period, including high school football star from northwest Louisiana. Haynesville linebacker Alonzo Jackson chose the Bulldogs over Grambling, U-L Lafayette and UTSA. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says Jackson is a terrific athlete…

Cut 18 (18)  “..in December”

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The state’s top prospect for the Class of 2024 signed with the LSU Tigers on National Signing Day. Acadiana High’s Dominick McKinley is a consensus five-star prospect and considered one of the best defensive tackles in the country. It’s a position of need for the Tigers. Coach Brian Kelly says they still plan to add to that position group through the transfer portal…

Cut 19 (11) “…continue to grow” 

During a Wednesday press conference, Kelly also announced the addition of six players signed through the transfer portal, three defensive backs, two receivers and six-foot-three quarterback AJ Swann from Vanderbilt. Kelly likes that Swann has SEC experience…

Cut 20 (17) “…quarterback positon”

LSU will begin spring practice on March 5th. The Spring Game is April 13.

A teacher from Rapides High School is facing charges of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Louisiana State Police say that Billy Pilgrim, 38, of Pineville, was arrested and booked into the Grant Parish Detention Center after an LSP Special Victims Unit investigation led them to Pilgrim. Pilgram’s Bond was set at $75,000.

U S Senator Bill Cassidy is not standing behind some of Governor Landry’s latest proposals saying three million dollars to send National Guard troops to the southern border, 135-million dollars for party primaries. He says that 138-million dollars could help proposed tolls for a new I-10 Lake Charles bridge….

Cut 4 (12) “…is necessary.”

Two Louisiana teachers won the Milken educator award, the nation’s preeminent teachers’ program. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Southeastern Louisiana University has deployed four research buoys to monitor the Lake Maurepas ecosystem. The goal is to see where the lake stands before Air Products begins its project to inject carbon emissions into wells deep beneath the lake. Director of Lake Maurepas Monitoring Program Kyle Piller…

Cut 9 (10) “…dioxide levels.”

A snap chat conversation led to the arrest of two 14-year-old Mandeville area high school girls for Terrorizing after an FBI department alerted the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office to that conversation in which the girls allegedly discussed shooting up the school to kill one of their teachers. The girls talked about the firearms they would use but Lt Suzanne Carboni with the sheriff’s office says…

Cut 27

The Girls were released to their parents.

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath says a daylong meeting with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana officials about its proposed sale to Indiana-based Elevance Health produced a ton of unanswered questions. McMath says the sale will create a foundation that will address poverty and health inequities, but there are a lot of unknowns…

Cut 9 (11) “…incredibly vague”

There are talks of adding a Category 6 to the hurricane Saffir-Simpson scale. But is it necessary? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Super Bowl will be played in Las Vegas Sunday and next year, New Orleans is hosting its first Super Bowl since 2013 and Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says the huge sporting event has grown…

Cut 7 (12) “…just plentiful”  

Two 14-year-old Mandeville area high school girls were arrested after an FBI department alerted the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office to a Snap Chat conversation in which the girls allegedly discussed shooting up the school to kill one of their teachers. The girls discussed their firearms but Lt Suzanne Carboni with the sheriff’s office says no guns were found in searches of their homes. She said no matter where the treat is made…

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Chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee Patrick McMath says there are way too many questions about the proposed sale of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to a for profit company based out of Indiana. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Due to the growing intensity of storms there’s talk of adding a Category 6 for hurricanes. A Cat 6 would be defined as wind speeds of more than 192 miles per hour. But LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says considering the last one that even came close in the Atlantic was Hurricane Allen in 1980 at 190 miles per hour…

Cut 3 (07) “…this category.”  

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Las Vegas is hosting its first Super Bowl this week and next year New Orleans will host its record tying 11th Super Bowl.  The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero is in Vegas all week….

Cut 6  (10) “..next year” 

Two 14-year-old girls have been arrested for terrorizing after authorities were alerted to a Snap Chat conversation in which the girls allegedly discussed shooting up the school to kill one of their teachers. The Girls are students at a Mandeville area High School and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says the FBI notified them of the conversation in which the girls discuss their possession of handguns but no guns were found in searches of their homes.

On February 14th and 15^th, the Department of Insurance will hold a hearing on the proposed sale of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana to Indiana-based Elevance Health. Senate Health and Welfare had their meeting and Chairman Patrick McMath says Blue Cross is a local nonprofit while Elevance is a for-profit company that has to answer to stockholders. He says in states that Elevance has acquired a Blue Cross Blue Shield, premiums have gone up…

Cut 11 (12) “…desperately need.”

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests global warming has prompted the need for an additional Saffir-Simpson scale storm category. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the jury is still out…

Cut 5 (11) “…it’s necessary.”  

Keim notes Pacific storms are routinely stronger because there’s less land to weaken their intensity.

Las Vegas hosts its First Super Bowl this Sunday. New Orleans hosted its first Super Bowl in 1970 at old Tulane Stadium. The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says next year they’ll be remembering the ten previous Super Bowls held in the city and they expect it will be a great event…

Cut 8 (10) “…Super Bowl here.” 

Two 14-year-old girls have been arrested for terrorizing after authorities were alerted to a Snap Chat conversation in which the girls allegedly discussed shooting up the school to kill one of their teachers. The Girls are students at a Mandeville area High School and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says the FBI National Threat Operations Exigent Threat Research and Analysis Crisis Team notified them of the conversation in which the girls also discussed having firearms. No guns were found in searches of their homes.

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath says a daylong meeting with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana officials about its proposed sale to Indiana-based Elevance Health produced a ton of unanswered questions. McMath is concerned the proposed sale will lead to higher costs for policyholders despite the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana telling legislators that premiums will not rise…

Cut 10 (08) “…increase”

There are talks of adding a Category 6 to the hurricane Saffir-Simpson scale. But is it necessary? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans is hosting its first Super Bowl since 2013 and The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says the huge sporting event has grown…

Cut 7 (12) “…just plentiful”