Louisiana ranks 37th in K-through-12 education in U.S. News and World Report’s latest rankings – that’s 9 places up from just two years ago. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade says innovation in education is important, but what the state needed was to get back to the basics.

Cut 7 (11) “…little extra help.”

He says the state should be proud, but we still have a way to go.

The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget for next fiscal year that keeps teacher salaries at their current level. There’s been a concern that a two-thousand dollar stipend that teachers have received the last couple of school years would go away, but House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland announced today they have moved money around to make sure teachers do not see a drop in pay…

Cut 3 (10) “…charter school systems.”

The full House is expected to debate the budget bill on Thursday.

The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says he’s not surprised Trump is getting involved in Louisiana’s Senate race, especially since Cassidy voted to convict Trump in 2021.

Cut 14 (14) “…to him.”

Saints quarterback Derek Carr has announced his retirement due to the development of a degenerative condition in his right shoulder and that leaves a trio of young men in the Saints’ quarterback room – Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough (“shuck”). Shough is a rookie, and Haener and Rattler have a combined total of zero wins as starting quarterback. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says the quarterback competition is on.

Cut 10 (08) “…leg up already.”

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a budget that keeps teacher salaries at their current level though teacher stipend money received over the last few years was not included in the governor’s proposed budget. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the committee amended the budget proposal so teachers will not receive a pay cut.

Cut 4 (12) “…support staff”

Louisiana continues moving up the national rankings in education. U.S. News and World Report now ranks Louisiana 37th in K-through-12 education – that’s up from number 40 last year and 46 two years ago. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says there are two main catalysts behind the increase in ranking.

Cut 6 (08) “…additional support.”

Brumley is proud of moving up nine places but says that the job is nowhere close to being done.

Senator Bill Cassidy may see another challenger for one of Louisiana’s Senate seats next year. The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Cassidy in next year’s primary. Letlow is well respected among Republicans and the Louisiana Congressional delegation, but ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says it’s not easy to defeat an incumbent U-S Senator…

Cut 13 (11)  “…chooses to do.”

The brief Derek Carr era in New Orleans is over. The Saints quarterback announced his retirement over the weekend, saying his right shoulder developed a degenerative condition that will prevent him from continuing his NFL career. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says it’s a crushing blow for Carr.

Cut 9 (12)  “…it a career.”

A study reveals that Louisiana’s civil court system is significantly harming the state’s economy. Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says excessive litigation has led to nearly 40-thousand lost jobs, 2.9-billion-dollars in lost personal income, and over 240-million dollars in annual state revenue losses.

Cut 4 (11) “…retail establishments.”

Louisiana lawmakers in the legislative session are taking another stab at tort reform for car crashes that go to court.

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit says it made its largest drug bust when they apprehended 31-year-old Dequavious Wagner of Alexandria. Major Tommy Carnline says not only did they arrest a major drug trafficker, but they also confiscated 65 pounds of powder cocaine, nearly 100 pounds of meth, six pounds of fentanyl and several other types of drugs in large quantities…

Cut 5 (11) “…prosecuting this gentleman.”

Not only was Pope Leo the 14th born in Chicago, but it turns out he has roots in New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana’s own Lainey Wilson dominated the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, winning entertainer of the year for the second consecutive time, as well as female artist and album of the year. In her acceptance speech, the Franklin Parish native expressed gratitude to her fans and reflected on her dreams of entertaining, despite feeling impostor syndrome.

Cut 9 (07)  “…I just appreciate it.”

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit makes a huge drug bust. Major Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) says over the past few months, the RADE Unit investigated 31-year old Dequavious Wagner.

Cut 3 (11) “…subsequent arrest.”

Carnline says the confiscated items included 65 pounds of powder cocaine, 96 pounds of methamphetamine, 6 pounds of fentanyl, more than a pound of heroin, more than a pound of synthetic marijuana, 252 grams of marijuana, and 87 grams of crack cocaine.

Shreveport native and Grambling State University student who was homeless and sleeping in his mother’s car has been elected president of the National Youth Program Austin Small says he didn’t let being homeless define who he was and knew he was meant for something great. He says the Jobs for American Graduates has taught him patience, responsibility and leadership.

Cut 12 (08) “…different walks of life.”

The first American Pope, Leo the 14^th was born in Chicago, but he has roots in New Orleans. Jari Honora (zhah-REE AHN-uh-ray), a family historian at The Historic New Orleans Collection,

the pope’s mother is the only one among her siblings who was born outside of New Orleans.

Cut 7 (13) “…in New Orleans.”

Louisiana’s own Lainey Wilson has done it again winning entertainer of the year for the second consecutive time at the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. She also took home female artist and album of the year. The Franklin Parish native says ever since she was a kid in Louisiana, playing with her sister that she has always dreamed about entertaining people.

Cut 10 (09) “…make you cry.”

The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit displayed the results of a major drug bust Thursday. Major Tommy Carnline says after a months long investigation the RADE Unit arrested an alleged major narcotics trafficker, 31-year old Dequavious Wagner of Alexandria. Carnline says they confiscated cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, and crack cocaine all valued as high as one point 5 million dollars.

Cut 4 (12) “…has a handgun.”

Carline says the investigation is ongoing and additional suspects have been identified, and more arrest are probable.

Shreveport native and Grambling State University student who was homeless and sleeping in his mothers car was elected president of the National Youth Program representing over 80-thousand students.  Austin Small says he’s proud to represent Louisiana and being the first in may categories for this role.

Cut 11 (11) “…from Shreveport, Louisiana.”

Crawfish prices have hit their lowest price point for the year. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The LSU baseball team will host Arkansas this weekend in the final regular season series at Alex Box Stadium this season. The Tigers are 15-and-9 in the SEC, but they have struggled to score runs in their recent losses. Coach Jay Johnson is not overly concerned.

Cut 16 (12) “…into.”

History was made at the Vatican as the first U.S.-born pope is chosen. Robert Prevost has taken the papal name Leo the 14th. Loyola University Chaplain and professor of theology Dr. Tom Ryan says he was surprised an American was chosen but Pope Leo the 14th has spent a considerable amount of time away from the United States.

Cut 4 (11) “…he’s international himself.”

Hurricane season begins June 1 and some are concerned that the recent departure of over 1000 employees from the National Weather Service will threaten accurate forecasting. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim warns that this could delay critical weather alerts.

Cut 8 (09) “…get turned around.”

Louisiana’s state income tax was lowered to three percent at the beginning of the year and House Republicans would like to lower it again. The lower chamber has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to lower the state income tax from 3-percent to 2.75 percent beginning January 1^st, 2027. The author of the bill is Carencro Representative Julie Emerson…

Cut 12 (10) “…some relief.”

Louisiana gas prices are among the lowest in the nation and along the Gulf Coast, since we’re a lot closer to oil refineries than the rest of the country. Don Redman with Triple A says gas prices are expected to remain stable through the Memorial Day holiday and well into the summer. If you’re planning to drive to the West Coast and you’re looking for cheap gas out there, forget it.

Cut 11 (07) “…$4.82 a gallon.”

History was made at the Vatican. The college of cardinals has elected the first U.S.-born pope. Robert Prevost has taken the papal name, Leo the 14th. Loyola University Chaplain and professor of theology Dr. Tom Ryan says the election of Chicago-born Leo the 14^th was a surprise to him.

Cut 3 (11) “…American pope.”

The house approves a proposed constitutional amendment to lower state income tax from 3-percent to 2.75 percent. It would also double the standard deduction for those 65 and older. Bill author Julie Emerson says lowering the tax would make Louisiana more competitive in attracting business and residents while Representative Matthew Willard expressed concern about a decline in state revenues as state income taxes were lowered five months ago.

Cut 14 (11) “…state’s revenue.”

But Emerson says she knows Louisiana residents are begging for more tax relief.

The National Weather Service is facing serious staffing challenges with over 1000 employees leaving due to Trump budget cuts, which could affect forecast accuracy heading into hurricane season.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Road trips in Louisiana will cost less than in most states. Gas prices in the Bayou State are among the cheapest in the nation. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices are about 50 cents lower today than they were at this time last year.

Cut 9 (07)  “…$3.20 a gallon.” (Statewide price for regular unleaded is $2.70 a gallon)

In Louisiana, the average for a gallon of regular gasoline here is $2.70.

Authorities in Webster Parish discovered the bodies of former Registrar of Voters and her husband inside their home Wednesday evening.  Deputies were responding to a call for a welfare check when Melanie Smith and her husband Kenny were found deceased. Smith retired in December of 2020 after serving 29 years. Her husband Kenny was a retired local businessman. Little information is available, and autopsies are being arranged.

The National Weather Service has lost over 1000 employees since President Trump took office and many are concerned cities like Lake Charles, Houston, and Tampa are understaffed. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim warns that reduced staffing threatens accurate forecasting and the delivery of essential data which could result in less accurate hurricane forecasts and increased danger for Americans.

Cut 7 (11) “…real impacts here.”

Hurricane season begins June 1^st.

Louisiana residents might have a chance at voting for a lower state income tax. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Gas prices in Louisiana are among the cheapest in the nation. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices are about 50 cents lower today than they were at this time last year.

one reason is a drop in the price of crude.

Cut 10 (05) “…barrel right now.”

Statewide the price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.70. Redman says gas prices are expected to remain stable through the Memorial Day holiday and well into the summer.

More and more people are getting scam text messages claiming that they have an unpaid toll road charges. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says the scammers are becoming more sophisticated in how they trick unsuspecting people into following a link and paying what seems to be a small amount of money.

Cut 7 (10) “…geauxpass-dot-com.”

Mallett adds, if DOTD contacts anyone about unpaid tolls or tickets, they will only do so by regular mail and the letter will include a photo of their license.

The Caddo Parish Coroner has released the names of the victims in Monday’s apparent murder suicide in Keithville. Police say 64-year-old Judy, 29-year-old James, and 2-year-old Adalynn Sadler are the 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th homicide victims in Caddo Parish this year. They along with 60-year-old Leroy Sadler were found dead of gun shot wounds in the Keithville home of Leroy and Judy Sadler Monday morning just before 7:00 a.m. The deaths remain under investigation.

The House has advanced a bill that would ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving, except in emergencies. Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso wrote the bill; he says distracted driving is a huge problem in the state, and it’s one of the reasons that auto insurance rates in Louisiana are so high.

Cut 12 (11) “…distracted driving.”

Glorioso’s bill also has the support of several Democrats, including Jason Hughes of New Orleans.

National Democrats are encouraging former Gov. John Bel Edwards to run for Senate in 2026 against Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, according to The New York Times. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has spoken with Edwards about the race, but Edwards has not confirmed his interest. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards could say he’s ready to get out of private practice and back into politics.

Cut 9 (11)  “…for doing that.”

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Rayne Police Lieutenant Allen “Noochie” Credeur who was shot by friendly fire and killed in the line of duty Monday. A public viewing will be held on Monday, May 12 beginning at 9:00 A.M. with a funeral following at 2:00 P.M. at the Rayne Civic Center followed by a burial service at Arceneaux Cemetery.  Prior to the public viewing, a private viewing for family and close friends is scheduled for Sunday.

Scammers have turned to text messaging, inundating Louisianans with fake warnings and demands for unpaid toll road charges. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says there’s only one way DOTD will ever contact you over an unpaid toll charge.

Cut 8 (07) “…your license plate.”

Mallett says watch out for scams and if you go to a website make sure it’s not a scammer’s site which will have an often almost identical web address to legitimate sites.

Last month during Love the Boot week, Keep Louisiana Beautiful supported recycling efforts in 27 parishes, picking up over 16-thousand bottles and cans, a 23-percent increase from last year. It was part of a broader statewide effort involving nearly 27-thousand volunteers. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell says recycling not only keeps waste out of landfills but also conserves resources, saves energy, reduces pollution, and supports the economy and job creation, and says the problem can’t be solved overnight.

Cut 5 (09) “…in our state.”