Louisiana’s chronic absenteeism rate dropped two-percent for the 2024-25 school year after seeing it rise following the COVID pandemic. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Scary afternoon for some Vernon Parish students yesterday as their bus was involved in a crash with another vehicle on Louisiana Avenue at Fort Polk.   A Facebook post by the installation reported some children were injured. We’re told the driver of the other vehicle had to be airlifted for treatment.

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Operation Lifesaver is using this week to spread awareness of the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks. Nan Arthur, the state coordinator for international organization says the week has daily themes…today’s is Operation Clear Track.

Cut 9 (12)  “…just be warned.”

A little good news for officials at McNeese this fall where they’ve seen an end to a 14-year decline in enrollment. University President Dr. Wade Rousse (“roose”) says more and more students are choosing to attend McNeese.

Cut 4 (12) “…in 22 years.”

Dr. Rousse says what he’s most proud of is the more than 13-percent increase in the size of this year’s freshman class.

Louisiana’s public school absenteeism rate is finally headed in the right direction.  Chronic absenteeism in our state hit a high of nearly 25 percent in 2023-24, but last year it dropped two percent.  Misty Davis, the executive director of attendance strategies at the department of education, says a special task force was formed to address the issue and local school systems are also making prioritizing consistent attendance.

Cut 12 (08) “…and packets.”

An international organization is using this week to spread awareness of the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks.  According to operation Lifesaver, it’s a big problem in Louisiana.  In fact more than ten people have been killed by trains while trespassing on railroad tracks in the last year.  Nan Arthur, the state coordinator for Operation Lifesaver.

Cut 8 (10) “…that’s illegal.”

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Trump has announced that nearly  $500 million in federal funds will be redirected to historically Black colleges and universities and tribally controlled colleges and universities.  The news comes days after Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said her department would end discretionary funding to some grant  programs that required meeting racial or ethnic quotas.

An international organization is urging you not to fool around on train tracks. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A woman is dead in what police in Bossier City are calling a murder-attempted suicide during a mental health crisis. Sergeant Shawn Poudrier (POO-dree-ur) a SWAT team was brought in and forced its way into the apartment, confronting the man, who was armed.

Cut 14 (06) “…of our officers.”

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Louisiana is making progress in reducing the state’s chronic absentee rates in public schools. After reaching a high of 25 percent in 2023, that number dropped last year by two percent.  Misty Davis, the executive director of attendance strategies at the department of education, says the plan to continue that trend is to focus on prevention and improving school culture, instead of punishment.

Cut 11 (10) “…needed.”

After a 14-year decline in enrollment, McNeese is seeing an upward trend this year. University President Dr. Wade Rousse (“roose”) announcing this year’s freshman class is 13-percent bigger than last year’s.  Rousse says in the last 45 years, there’s been only one instance in which there’s been an increase as big.

Cut 5 (08) “…to this data.”

Rousse says he credits the increase in enrollment in part to a robust advertising and marketing campaign.

A woman is dead in what police in Bossier City are calling a murder-attempted suicide. Sergeant Shawn Poudrier (POO-dree-ur) says a family member called police Sunday afternoon saying that a man was going through a mental health crisis and had harmed his wife and was threatening to harm himself. Poudrier says police made contact with the man.

Cut 13 (07)  “…to hurt himself.”

SWAT officers ultimately found the woman dead and the man with a self-inflicted gunshot would to the head.  He’s hospitalized and critical.  We’re told two officers were also shot in the incident.

An international organization is using this week to spread awareness of the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks. Nan Arthur, the state coordinator for Operation Lifesaver, says it’s a huge problem in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (13) “…to the tracks.”

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Louisiana has made strides in reducing the state’s chronic absenteeism rate among public school students. Chronic absenteeism rose following the COVID pandemic to a high of nearly 25-percent for the 2023-24 school year; but last year, the rate dropped two-percent. Misty Davis, the executive director of attendance strategies at the department of education, says a task force was formed to address absences.

Cut 10 (07) “…in school?”

McNeese has stopped a 14-year decline in enrollment in a big way. University President Dr. Wade Rousse (“roose”) says more and more students are choosing to attend McNeese.

Cut 4 (12) “…in 22 years.”

Dr. Rousse says what he’s most proud of is the more than 13-percent increase in the size of this year’s freshman class.

Less than two days after the assassination of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk, someone vandalized a sidewalk outside the headquarters of the Louisiana Democratic Party headquarters, spray painting the word “murderers” in red.  Executive Director and East Baton Rouge School Board member Dadrius Lanus says it happened Thursday night.  He posted a photo on social media, calling the incident fear-mongering at its best.

Three people have been arrested for allegedly stealing a solid silver statue of former President Abraham Lincoln from Houmas House in Ascension Parish. Houmas House owner Kevin Kelly says he believes more people were likely involved…

Cut 7 (15) “…Houmas House even exists.”
The state’s estimate value: 166-thousand dollars.
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With sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green now officially listed as doubtful with an MCL sprain, LSU will have to rely heavily on Bauer Sharp to be effective against the Florida Gators tonight. Head coach Brian Kelly likes the traits and intensity Sharp brings to the field each week.

Cut 13 (13)  “…four quarters.”

The Saints defense will have to contain one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league tomorrow in 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Linebacker Demario Davis says that McCaffrey’s versatility makes it difficult for defenses to stop him.

Cut 14 (14) “…too much.”

Kick off is tomorrow at noon.

A little good news for Florida Gators fans as they’ll get to enjoy the number one ranked tailgating destination in the SEC today.  That’s according to the website RV Trader.  Scott Smith, a tailgating expert with RV Trader, says many factors landed LSU at the top, including Louisiana’s world-famous cuisine.

Cut 10 (11) “…part of that.”

With tonight’s match up on deck, the LSU rush attack comes in at 85^th in the country, averaging just 118 yards on the ground a game. Head coach Brian Kelly knows the overall offense needs to be better and he says that he wants to make sure that his team wins the line of scrimmage when it plays Florida tonight.

Cut 12 (14) “…doing it”

Kick-off this evening is set for 6:30

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The case of the stolen Abraham Lincoln statue appears to be solved, but the statue is in pieces, and its owner is upset. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of human remains found Friday in a wooded area off River Road.  Deputies say the identity of the individual and the manner of death remain unknown at this time.

A police chief in a small city in Rapides Parish finds himself on the other side of the law. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Someone vandalized a sidewalk outside the headquarters of the Louisiana Democratic Party headquarters Thursday night, spray painting the word “murderers” in red.  Executive Director and East Baton Rouge School Board member Dadrius Lanus posted a photo on social media, calling the incident fear-mongering at its best.

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With sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green listed as a game-time decision with an MCL sprain, LSU will have to rely heavily on Bauer Sharp to be effective against Florida tonight. Head coach Brian Kelly likes the traits and intensity Sharp brings to the field each week.

Cut 13 (13)  “…four quarters.”

And on Sunday, the Saints defense will have to contain one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league in 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Linebacker Demario Davis says that McCaffrey’s versatility makes it difficult for defenses to stop him.

Cut 14 (14) “…too much.”

The shooting death of Charlie Kirk has rocked the country and the political landscape. Kirk’s murder, along with the deadly shootings of two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota this summer, underscore a very tense political climate gripping the country. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says people need to stop viewing each other as enemies and says it’s up to lawmakers at all levels to start setting the example.

Cut 8 (11) “…their political opponents.”

Registered voters in Louisiana will soon get a letter from the Secretary of State informing them about the change to closed party primaries next year for several political races.  Deputy Secretary for the Secretary of State’s office Joel Watson says party affiliation is key to participating in party primaries.

Cut 5 (05) “…and current.”

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Former NFL stars and basketball coaches who won a lot of games highlight the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Construction is back underway this week on the future Buc-ee’s in Lafayette.  The most recent estimates project an opening date sometime in 2028.  The Lafayette Buc-eyes will be one of the largest locations in the Gulf South at about 74-thousand square feet.

The deadly shooting of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk threatens to turn the heat up on an already volatile political climate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The first degree murder trial of a man accused of killing a Baton Rouge woman and streaming it live on social media three years ago began yesterday. 34 year old Janice David was stabbed 32 times, choked, and hit with a tire iron.  If convicted, Earl Johnson would spend the rest of his life in prison.

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell pleaded has not guilty to federal corruption charges. Cantrell was released on her own recognizance and was given a series of pre-trial conditions, including travel restrictions. Cantrell may, however, travel elsewhere within the U.S. with prior approval, and Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says he doesn’t think that will be a problem in Cantrall’s last four months in office.

Cut 11 (11) “…do her job.”

Households with registered voters will soon receive a letter from the Secretary of State informing them about the change to closed party primaries next year. Deputy Secretary for the Secretary of State’s office Joel Watson explains the big change.

Cut 4 (09) “…participate in.”