In his executive state budget proposal for the fiscal year that starts July 1^st, Governor John Bel Edwards tells lawmakers he wants to give teachers a $3000-a-year salary increase. Edwards also proposes permanent salary increases for school support staff. He tells lawmakers education has always been a priority of his administration…:

CUT 11(14)      “…in that direction.”

The budget comes in a just under $46-Billion. Edwards says there should be ample dollars to fund the well-deserved pay raises. Lawmakers will start debating the budget in early April.

It’s the last weekend of carnival season and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they are expecting huge crowds across the state this Mardi Gras. He says predicted cold weather shouldn’t deter crowds Saturday, because he’s seen it colder with streets lined with revelers…:

CUT 07(07)      “…Mardi Gras Day.”

Fat Tuesday should be fairly warm and muggy.

It took a year to make their case, but the state Fire Marshal’s Office says they’ve arrested a West Monroe couple for burning down their own mobile home back in December 2021. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 54-year-old Charles Robertson and 33-year-old Tonya Scott allegedly did it for the insurance money. She says they put first responders at risk and endangered neighbors…:

CUT 13(08)      “…inside of it.”

“lasfm.org”, if you need to report a tip to the Fire Marshal.

Candidates for governor had to turn in a campaign finance report this week and Attorney General Jeff Landry has a huge advantage over his opponents. Landry has slightly more than $5-million, plus a PAC supporting him has another $1.5-million. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat…:

CUT 03(08)      “…for governor.”

Landry’s nearest competitor in terms of money raised, John Schroder, is about $3-million behind Landry.

In his proposed state budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, Governor Edwards wants $3000 pay raises for all public school teachers. The actual Executive Budget calls for $2000 salary bumps, but Edwards feels lawmakers will be able to find revenue to fund the higher figure…:

CUT 10(12)      “…more than sufficient.”

Last year, lawmakers gave teachers and support workers one-time bonuses, but Edwards says he wants permanent salary hikes this time. Lawmakers convene the legislature April 10^th.

A West Monroe couple faces aggravated arson, criminal conspiracy, and insurance fraud charges after allegedly setting their mobile home on fire in December of 2021. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it was originally believed to be accidental, but a tip sparked further investigation…:

CUT 12(12)      “…insurance money.”
54-year-old Charles Robertson and 33-year-old Tonya Scott were arrested on Valentine’s Day.

It’s the height of carnival season and record-breaking crowds are anticipated this Mardi Gras. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

You don’t hear much these days about horse thieving, but Ascension Parish deputies have arrested three people, including two minors, for stealing three ponies from a Prairieville stable Tuesday night. The animals were found in St. Gabriel and returned to their owners. By the way, hanging is no longer the punishment for horse thieves.

Governor Edwards presented state lawmakers with his proposed $45.7-billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1^st. That figure represents a $460-million reduction from the current fiscal year, due to federal pandemic money expiring. Edwards proposes investing over $20-million additional pay for firefighter, police officers and – especially – teachers…:

CUT 09(11)      “…budget reflects that.”

He wants permanent salary increases of $3000 for every public school teacher and support staff pay hikes as well. He says revenues are expected to be higher than expected, and will pay for the raises. Last year, lawmakers gave teachers a one-time $3000 bonus, but Edwards want permanent salary raises this time.

Campaign fundraising totals are in for the candidates running for governor and Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry has a big lead over his opponents. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Palermo.”

New Orleans Saints players Alvin Kamara and Chris Lammons have been indicted with battery and conspiracy to commit battery for an assault at a Las Vegas nightclub just over a year ago. Both Kamara’s and Lammons’ preliminary hearings are set for March 1. Two other men are also charged.

Shreveport police, 23-year-old Alexander Tyler, was arrested and booked Thursday with negligent homicide in the officer-involved shooting death of an unarmed man who was trying to flee police on February 3^rd. Tyler’s attorney says body cam footage shows 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley reaching for something before he jumped from a balcony and ran from officers…:

CUT 10 (10) “his direction”

Alonzo’s brother feels the shooting was not necessary:
Cut 13 (09) “no threat there”

The Bagley family is suing for $10 million dollars.

Carnival celebrations are underway this weekend and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they are expecting huge crowds across the state this Mardi Gras. The New Orleans native says when he was elected Lt. Governor his goal was to see Mardi Gras grow in every corner of the state and in between.

CUT 8 (9) “…international visitors”

The Lafayette area is also ready to let the good times roll this weekend. Joe Giglio  with the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association says…:
CUT 14 (11) “fairs and festival”

Body cam footage from the officer-involved shooting death on February 3rd of an unarmed man in Shreveport, Alonzo Bagley, has been released by state police and the cop who fired the shot has been charged with negligent homicide. Bagley family attorney Ron Haley says Alonzo was not a threat to anyone, and he only had a bottle with him before he ran from officers…:
Cut 11 (09)  “…happened here.”
The Shreveport Police officer, 23-year-old Alexander Tyler, was arrested Thursday morning.

Protesters arrested during a demonstration following Alton Sterling’s police shooting death in 2016 will receive a $1.17 million dollar settlement after the Baton Rouge City Council said their First Amendment rights were violated. Protester Cherri Foytlin:

CUT 9 (12) “an email”

Candidates for governor turned in up-to-date campaign finance reports this week and political newcomer Hunter Lundy of Lake Charles shows one-point-six million dollars on hand after lending himself one-point-four million dollars. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Lundy’s “no party” designation on the ballot can only take him so far

Cut  4 (04)  “…in Louisiana” 

Attorney General Jeff Landry has the most money on hand at five million dollars.

It’s the last weekend of carnival season and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they are expecting huge crowds across the state this Mardi Gras. Nungesser says before COVID Louisiana had five record-breaking tourism years in a row and he’s grateful that parades are back to their pre-pandemic routes and krewes.

Cut 6 (11)  “…festival season.” 

And while the temperatures have dropped Nungesser doesn’t believe it will be a deterrent.

Candidates for governor had to turn in a campaign finance report this week and Attorney Jeff Landry has a huge advantage over his opponents. Landry has slightly more than five million dollars, plus a PAC supporting him has another one-point-five million dollars. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 3 (08) “…for governor.” 

State Treasurer John Schroder has the second highest amount of available campaign dollars at two-point-four million dollars.

Shreveport Police Officer Alexander Tyler is facing a negligent homicide charge in the shooting death of an unarmed Black man, 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley. The shooting happened on February third during a foot pursuit. Tyler’s attorney Dhu Thompson says his client only had a few seconds to respond…

        Cut 12 (12) “…in this case’

East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved a $1.17 million settlement for protesters after the death of Alton Sterling. The suit accuses Baton Rouge law enforcement of excessive force and violating protestors’ First Amendment rights. One of the plaintiffs, Cherri Foytlin, recalls the humiliation…

Cut 8 (13) “….that happened there”

A federal judge still needs to finalize the settlement.

Mardi Gras weekend has arrived. There are several parades scheduled all leading up to Fat Tuesday. Parade Chairman of the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association Joe Giglio (GIG-leo) says it non-stop parades in Lafayette on Tuesday…

Cut 16 (13) “….Thursday afternoon”

It looks like it will stay dry for this Mardi Gras weekend.

State Police have released body cam footage from the officer involved shooting death of an unarmed man in Shreveport, Alonzo Bagley, and the city cop accused of firing the shot, Alexander Tyler, has been charged with negligent homicide. Alonzo’s brother is happy State Police has been so transparent in releasing everything like the first call:
Cut 13 (09) “no threat there”
Tyler’s attorney says the body cam footage shows Bagley reaching for something before jumping off a balcony and fleeing police.

The state says it will drop lawsuits against thousands of people accused of misspending grants after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says The Road Home Program was supposed to save the American Dream not squash it…:
Cut 4 (10) “protect that dream”
Thus, the Road Home Program is no more.

People protesting the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling will receive a $1.17 million dollar settlement from East Baton Rouge…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Campaign finance reports released this week show Attorney General Jeff Landry has a huge lead over other gubernatorial candidates in the 2023 race for Louisiana’s top office. The numbers showed Landry with $5.01 million, with the next closest being John Schroder with $2.4 million.

The white Shreveport police officer involved in the shooting death of an unarmed Black man has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide:
Cut 3 (35) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Campaign finance reports released this week in Louisiana’s 2023 Gubernatorial race show Attorney General Jeff Landry has $5.01 million dollars to work with, followed by John Schroder with $2.4 million. Speculation is on that the soon to be retired DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson would run as the only Democrat.

The Road Home Program is no more after the state announced it’s dropping lawsuits against thousands of people accused of misspending grants following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Many who used the money intended for home elevation to instead repair their homes were faced with legal action. Governor John Bel Edwards…:
CUT 6 (07) “collection efforts”
New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says a ”long bad dream” is over for thousands of south Louisiana homeowners.

The Lafayette area is ready to let the good times roll this weekend as Carnival celebrations officially get underway tonight. Joe Giglio (“GIG-leo”) with the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association says Saturday the Children’s Parade will roll at 12:30pm…:
CUT 15 (13) “typical Mardi Gras”

A Shreveport cop was arrested Thursday in the officer-involved shooting death of an unarmed man who was trying to flee police February 3rd. 23 year old Alexander Tyler is booked with negligent homicide. His attorney says body cam footage shows 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley reaching for something before he jumped from a balcony and ran from officers…:
CUT 10 (10) “his direction”
The Bagley family is suing for $10 million dollars.

Protesters arrested during a demonstration following Alton Sterling’s police shooting death will receive a $1.17 million dollar settlement after the Baton Rouge City Council said their First Amendment rights were violated. Protester Cherri Foytlin:
CUT 9 (12) “an email”

After 17 years, the Road Home program officially comes to an end, and lawsuits dismissed against those accused of misspending grants..:
CUT 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

And Carnival celebrations begin across Acadiana tonight and Joe Giglio (“GIG-leo”) with the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association says come one, come all…:
CUT 14 (11) “fairs and festival”

Fourteen people arrested during the 2016 protest of Alton Sterling’s police shooting death will receive $1.17 million. The East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved the settlement accusing Baton Rouge law enforcement of violating their First Amendment rights and using of excessive force. Protester, Blaire Imani, says this is a big win..:
Cut 7 (08) “is really big”
The settlement still has to be approved by a US District Judge.

The state says it will drop lawsuits against thousands of people accused of misspending grants for elevating their homes after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Governor John Bel Edwards says over 3000 persons were sued over allegedly misspending Road Home elevation grants…:
Cut 5 (12) “these grants anyway”
This means the Road Home Program is officially over.

State Police have released body cam footage from the February 3rd officer involved shooting death of an unarmed man in Shreveport, Alonzo Bagley, and the cop who fired the shot has been charged with negligent homicide. Bagley family attorney Ron Haley says Alonzo was not a threat to anyone, and he only had a bottle with him before he ran from officers…:
Cut 11 (09)  “…happened here.”
The Shreveport Police officer, 23-year-old Alexander Tyler, was arrested Thursday morning.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara has reportedly been indicted by a grand jury stemming from a 2021 Pro Bowl weekend assault in Las Vegas. This means the case will now move to a district court in Sin City, with a date scheduled for March 2nd.