A report from Leaders for a Better Louisiana finds that Louisiana is doing well in creating jobs and lowering crime. Better Louisiana CEO Adam Knapp says based on state and federal data, Louisiana ranks third among Southern states for job growth, adding nearly 23-thousand jobs last year. Knapp says all large Louisiana metros and two smaller metros saw year-over-year growth.

Cut 4 (06) “…all seeing growth.”

In the capital city, two people have been arrested for killing a three-year-old four years ago this month. A shooting in the street resulted in 30 bullet holes in the house where Devin Page, Jr. was sleeping. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards says the arrests send a signal to anyone who is thinking about committing violent crime in the state’s capital city.

Cut 14 (11) “…to get you.”

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A major milestone for the Amtrak Mardi Gras line, and it’s happened earlier than expected. Here’s Andre Champagne.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The Check Out Louisiana program has expanded statewide. That’s the program that allows library card holders to get a free “day pass”  to any of Louisiana’s state parks and 14 historic sites. State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee).

Cut 10 (11) “…across the state.”

For more information, go to Check Out Louisiana-dot-org.

A new report out ranked Louisiana’s job growth rate third fasted in the South for last year.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Those with library cards can now get a free day pass to any of Louisiana’s 21 state parks and 14 historic sites. There are a limited number of Check Out Louisiana passes and State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says each library system is deciding how they’ll be distributed.

Cut 11 (08) “…to your library.”

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When Amtrak’s Mardi Gras service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, started last August, officials were anticipating that 75-thousand people would climb on board in the first year. We’re eight months in, and it has already welcomed its 100-thousandth passenger! Walt Leger, the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says it’s a milestone beyond anyone’s expectations.

Cut 7 (09) “…a tremendous feat.”

Two people have been arrested for killing a three-year-old four years ago. Baton Rouge Police have charged 22-year-old Jayden Davis and a juvenile for first degree murder in the killing of little Devin Page Jr., . His grandmother, Cathy Toliver, is overcome with emotion that justice is finally being served.

Cut 13 (12)  “…process of healing.”

The House Education Committee votes down an attempt to remove the meningitis vaccine from the list of shots a student 11 years or older is required to receive. Houma Republican Beryl Amedee authored the legislation and says parents should have the final say on whether their child receives this vaccine…

Cut 3 (12) “…mandate”

After finishing second in this week’s NCAA Semifinals, LSU gymnastics will look to capture its second national championship in three seasons later today. Sophomore Kaliya Lincoln says the Tigers must continue to rely on what they’ve done all season.

Cut 9 (10)  “…no matter what.”

Woodside Energy has contracted with a Louisiana company that will design and build four new tugboats in Belle Chasse. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The LSU-Ole Miss exchange program is alive and well. The latest to move from one to the other is former Lady Tiger Jada Richard. Richard averaged nearly 10 points a game for the Lady Tigers last season.

LSU gymnastics looks to capture its second national championship in three seasons on later today. Head coach Jay Clark says Thursday’s performance wasn’t the Tigers’ best, but his team is refocused and ready for today’s  national title meet.

Cut 7 (12) “…do the thing.”

A shipyard in Belle Chasse will build four new tugboats for Woodside Energy, who is building a 17-billion-dollar LNG terminal in Calcasieu Parish. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this is what they want to see, a business operating in one part of the state, providing jobs and opportunity in another area of the state…

Cut 13 (09) “…supposed to work.”

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New Orleans is scheduled to host LIV Golf in June – but rumors are swirling that the circuit might not survive until then. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly on the verge of cutting funding for LIV Golf, putting its future in jeopardy. State Senate President Cameron Henry says the state has allocated seven-million dollars to the tournament and has already paid 2.2 million dollars to City Park and one million to LIV Golf so far, but

Cut 12 (06) “…chase it down.”

The CEO of LIV Golf says it has enough money to finish out the rest of the 2026 season. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen.

LSU lost its fourth straight SEC game last night as the Tigers fell to 10th-ranked Texas A&M ten to four. The Aggies hit three home runs, and LSU once again struggled on the mound with eight walks. Casan Evans suffered the loss as he allowed six runs in five plus innings. Game two has been moved up to 4:30 this afternoon.

A shipyard in Belle Chasse will build four new tugboats for Woodside Energy, which is building a 17-billion-dollar LNG terminal in Calcasieu Parish. Green Tug Towing will build the tugboats at C-and-C Marine and Repair in Plaquemines Parish. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says Governor Landry encourages Louisiana businesses to do business with other Louisiana companies.

Cut 14 (06) “…and workforce.”

The House Education Committee votes down an attempt to remove the meningitis vaccine from the list of shots a student 11 years or older is required to receive, saying parents should have the final say.  That’s despite a report from the CDC saying meningococcal disease has gone up sharply since 2001. Baton Rouge pediatrician Doctor Mikki Bouquet (Boo-tay) …

Cut 4 (11) “…kids died”

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If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana based on weather, crime rates, housing costs, and access to amenities.  Oak Hills Place, a suburb in Baton Rouge was ranked number one, followed by another Baton Rouge suburb, Westminster.  Rounding out the top five are River Ridge in New Orleans, the Calcasieu Parish towns of Westlake, and Prien(pron-Preon)

LSU gymnastics will look to capture its second national championship in three seasons today.  Head coach Jay Clark says Thursday’s performance wasn’t the Tigers’ best as the team’s bars and beam sets almost cost the team a shot at the national title. Sophomore Kailin Chio says the team will use Thursday’s performance as a learning experience heading into Saturday’s meet.

Cut 8 (04) “…throw out the bad.”

The Tigers will compete against top-seeded Oklahoma, third-seeded Florida and 15th-seeded Minnesota at 3 p.m.

The House Education Committee votes down an attempt to remove the meningitis vaccine from the list of shots a student 11 years or older is required to receive. Houma Republican Beryl Amedee authored the legislation and says parents should have the final say on whether their child receives this vaccine…

Cut 3 (12) “…mandate”

After finishing second in Thursday’s NCAA Semifinals, LSU gymnastics will look to capture its second national championship in three seasons later today. Sophomore Kaliya Lincoln says the Tigers must continue to rely on what they’ve done all season.

Cut 9 (10)  “…no matter what.”

Woodside Energy has contracted with a Louisiana company that will design and build four new tugboats in Belle Chasse. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The LSU-Ole Miss exchange program is alive and well. The latest to move from one to the other is former Lady Tiger Jada Richard. Richard averaged nearly 10 points a game for the Lady Tigers last season.

Today is the last day to register to vote or make changes to an existing registration in person or by mail ahead of the May 16 closed party primary election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says that means if you want to vote in the Senate Republican Primary or a Congressional GOP primary, you have to registered as a Republican or “No Party”…

Cut 14 (09) “…vote in.”

Today’s the deadline to file your federal income tax return.  CPA John Therio with Malcom Dienes in Metairie says if you’re rushing to complete your return to beat today’s deadline, don’t forget to fund your IRAs and HSAs. And remember there are new laws that allow exclusions of some tip income and overtime income if you qualify…

Cut 5 (09) “…your employer.”

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A second LSU football player has suffered a season-ending injury this spring. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A July sixth trial date has been set for three people charged in connection with a scheme that led to the death of a Kansas City sports reporter during the Super Bowl last year. Danette Colbert, Christian Anderson and Rickey White are accused of drugging and killing 27 year old Adan Manzano, who was found dead in a Kenner hotel room.  All three have pled not guilty.

A bill that would force a TOPS Opportunity or TOPS Performance recipient to repay their state funded scholarship makes it out of House Education. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

If this legislation becomes law, TOPS Opportunity and TOPS performance recipients would repay the scholarship dollars they have used, even though the scholarship money goes to the university not the student.

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Tax Day is here and hopefully you are ready. It can be a daunting task to gather documents and work through returns or get all the required information to a tax preparer on time. If you find yourself unprepared, CPA John Therio with Malcom Dienes in Metairie says you can file form 4868 for an extension.

Cut 4 (13) “…that extension.”

The average price of a new vehicle is now almost 50-thousand dollars.  That’s according to a report from the Associated Press. That’s up 30-percent since 2020. UNO economist Walter Lane says most of the vehicles that come off the assembly line have all the new technology designed to make you a safer driver

Cut 7 (13) “…the cars.”

Tax Day has arrived and Colleen Crain has some tips from a tax professional…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

New vehicles now sell for an average of nearly 50-thousand dollars according to a report from the Associated Press. That’s up 30-percent in six years. UNO economist Walter Lane says that’s mostly due to advanced technology and tariffs.

Cut 8 (09) “…in the cars.”

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TOPS Opportunity and Performance award recipients would pay back their state-funded scholarship if they lost their scholarship under a bill that barely got out of the House Education Committee. Bossier City Representative Dennis Bamburg is the author of the bill…

Cut 10 (09) “…those dollars”

Executive director of the Taylor Foundation, James Caillier, testified against the legislation, telling lawmakers, a student who loses a merit scholarship should not be forced to pay it back

Cut 11 (14) “…a scholarship.”

If this legislation becomes law, TOPS Opportunity and TOPS performance recipients would repay the scholarship dollars they have used up, even though the scholarship money goes to the university not the student.

State education officials are raising the English language arts standards for Louisiana students.  Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A lot happening behind the scenes at the University of New Orleans is preparing to move from the University of Louisiana System to the LSU System. As part of the move, University president Kathy Johnson says starting July 1^st, UNO will be known as LSU New Orleans…

Cut 4 (12) “…as well.”

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The House Appropriations Committee has approved an operating budget for next fiscal year. 47 billion dollars.  It includes an extra 30 million dollars for public schools and additional funding for K-through-12 public school tutoring services. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says an additional 50-million dollars will also go toward economic development projects to grow the state’s economy….

Cut 8 (12) “…community colleges.”

The document that finalized the Louisiana Purchase will be on display at the old State Capitol in Baton Rouge starting today.  Napoleon Bonaparte was the military dictator of France at the time and Secretary of State Nancy Landry says you can see his signature in person

Cut 15 (08) “…our history.”