A report from Leaders for a Better Louisiana finds that Louisiana is doing well in creating jobs and lowering crime. The state added nearly 23-thousand jobs last year, ranking third among Southern states. When it comes to crime, Better Louisiana CEO Adam Knapp says Louisiana’s homicide rate dropped 59-percent from 2021 to 2025, the third largest decline among peer states.

Cut 6 (10) “…pretty big drop.”

The State Library of Louisiana has announced that library cardholders in all 64 parishes can now enjoy free access to visit any of Louisiana’s 21State Parks and 14 historic sites. State Librarian Meg Placke says along with the free passes, library card holders can also check out a Geaux Explore backpack, which contains various items designed to enhance their visit.

Cut 12 (09) “…the Louisiana wildlife.”

For more information, you can visit Check Out Louisiana-dot-org.

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, one of those bullets struck Page. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards says the arrests send a signal to anyone thinking about committing violent crime in the state’s capital city.

Cut 14 (11) “…to get you.”

The two people arrested have been identified as 22-year-old Jayden Davis and a juvenile.

Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line hits a big milestone…and much sooner than expected. When the service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, started last August, officials were hoping they’d reach 75-thousand riders within the first year.  Now, just eight months later they’re already at 100-thousand. Walt Leger, the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says stops in other walkable destinations like Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi has boosted ridership.

Cut 8 (07) “…access our community.”

Two people have been arrested for killing a three-year-old in Baton Rouge four years ago. Police have charged 22-year-old Jayden Davis and a juvenile with first degree murder in the killing of Devin Page Jr., who was fatally shot while sleeping in his home in April of 2022. His grandmother, Cathy Toliver, is overcome with emotion that justice is finally being served.

Cut 13 (12)  “…process of healing.”

A major milestone for Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line, as it has welcomed its 100-thousandth passenger much earlier than expected. Walt Leger, the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says the success of the Mardi Gras line could ultimately result in a population boom for New Orleans.

Cut 9 (08)  “…creates more accessibility.”

A new report finds that Louisiana’s job growth rate is ranked third fastest in the South for 2025. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Federal agents arrest a Shreveport man who they say possessed the firearm used to kill eight children Sunday. The Justice Department says 56-year-old Charles Ford admitted that Shamar Elkins took the rifle and shot the kids with it. Ford is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements.

A new report franks Louisiana’s job growth rate for 2025 the third fastest in the South.  Better Louisiana CEO Adam Knapp says based on state and federal data, Louisiana added nearly 23-thousand jobs last year, surpassing job growth in Texas and Florida.  Knapp says health and social assistance is leading the growth in new jobs, and employment in construction has been steadily growing since last August.

Cut 5 (09) “…over the place.”

Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line hits a big milestone…and much sooner than expected. When the service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, started last August, officials were hoping they’d reach 75-thousand riders within the first year.  Now, just eight months later they’re already at 100-thousand. Walt Leger, the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says stops in other walkable destinations like Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi has ridership.

Cut 8 (07) “…access our community.”

————————

A program allowing library card holders to obtain a free pass to visit a state park or historic site expands statewide. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Baton Rouge Police have charged 22-year-old Jayden Davis and a juvenile for first degree murder in the killing of 3 year old Devin Page Jr., who was fatally shot while sleeping in his home in April of 2022. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore commended the work of everyone involved in the case.

Cut 15 (08) “…come to today.”

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.”

————————-

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.”

————————–

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 Leaders for a Better Louisiana has released a positive report on the state’s direction. Based on the analysis from Better Louisiana, the state ranks third among Southern states for job growth, surpassing both Texas and Florida by percentage growth.

Better Louisiana CEO Adam Knapp says infrastructure spending continues to strengthen the foundation for long-term growth. Knapp says Louisiana now ranks in the top half of Southern states for highway maintenance spending growth….

Cut 21 (20) “…gubernatorial change”

The Better Louisiana report also says the state’s homicide rate dropped 59-percent from 2021 to 2025, the third largest decline among peer states.

The Louisiana House has voted down a bill that would have required certain TOPS students to pay back their scholarship if they fail to keep the necessary grade point average or failed to take enough classes to keep the scholarship. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg voted against the legislation…

Cut 30 (25) “….those scholarships”

The measure failed on a 62-38 vote.  The bill’s author, Bossier City Representative Dennis Bamburg, argued that taxpayer dollars pay for these scholarships and he is looking out for the taxpayer who funds the TOPS scholarship.

A devastating blow to an LSU baseball team that’s already teetering as junior right fielder Jake Brown, is done for the season with a broken hamate bone. Brown, who is from Sulphur, has started every game this season in right field. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau says coach Jay Johnson might turn to a freshman, William Patrick from Monroe…

Cut 7 (13) “…in the SEC.”

The Tigers haven’t missed the postseason since 2011, but they now find themselves in real jeopardy of missing the NCAA Tournament, sitting at just 6-and-12 in SEC play. The typical mark to reach the postseason is around 13 conference wins, putting added pressure on LSU to pick up key victories down the stretch. Johnson still believes there’s a chance his team can turn things around.

Cut 18 (13)  “…and help guys.”

The Tigers look to get back on track against UNO tonight at 6:30 p.m.

LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade’s first transfer portal commitment is 6-foot-7, 220-pound small forward Mo Dioubate (dee-ah-BOT-Tay), from Kentucky. Dioubate has also played at Alabama, and between the two schools, he’s averaged six points and five rebounds a game for his career.

Louisiana Tech and Conference USA have reportedly reached a settlement in principle as Tech looks to join the Sun Belt Conference this summer. A previous report said Tech would pay CUSA more than 8 million dollars so they can join the Sun Belt for the 2026-27 athletic season.

ULM baseball has now dropped its last three Sun Belt series. The Warhawks lost two of three games to Arkansas State over the weekend and managed just six runs across the entire series. Coach Ford Pemberton says his team needs to get back to being more disciplined at the plate.

Cut 20 (10) “…in some moments.”

ULM is at Northwestern State tonight. First pitch is set for six p.m.

Federal agents arrest a Shreveport man who they say possessed the firearm used to kill eight children Sunday. 56-year-old Charles Ford is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements.

The Justice Department says Ford eventually admitted that Shamar Elkins took the rifle and shot the kids with it. An examination of Elkins’ Facebook page shows that he had been having mental health issues. Holly Howat, the interim assistant secretary of the Louisiana office of behavioral health, says if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988.

Cut 3 (09) “…care they need.”

Congressman Cleo Fields took to the House floor this week to express his condolences.

Cut 13 (07) “…this unimaginable grief.”

It is National Work Zone Awareness Week and this year’s theme is “Safe actions save lives.” Louisiana Department of Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet says every driver has a responsibility to slow down, stay alert, and make safe decisions behind the wheel while driving through a construction zone…

Cut 9 (11)  “…work zones.”

A devastating blow to a teetering LSU baseball team as slugger Jake Brown is out for the year with a broken hamate bone. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Coach Jay Johnson may turn to Freshman William Patrick from Monroe.

Cut 7 (13) “…in the SEC.”

With the killer in Sunday’s mass shooting in Shreveport showing all the signs of mental health issues, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to prioritize your emotional well-being…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has endorsed Congresswoman Julia Letlow over Senator Bill Cassidy and State Treasurer John Fleming in the Senate Republican Primary.

In sports, LSU right fielder Jake Brown will miss the rest of the season after breaking the hamate bone in his wrist.

It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week. It comes as the summer driving season is nearing and construction projects are in full swing on several highways. State Police Superintendent, Colonel Robert Hodges, says a moment of inattention in a work zone can change lives forever…

Cut 11 (10) “…work zone.”

In Louisiana, 13 people were killed in work zones in 2024.

It’s also Buckle Up In Your Truck Week. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says they’re taking a week to single out pickup trucks because the latest survey shows that almost 20% of pickup truck drivers in Louisiana do not wear their seatbelts.

Cut 14 (09) “…for whatever reason.”

Pickup truck drivers pulled over for not wearing their seatbelts will be issued 50-dollar tickets.

Louisiana’s U.S. House delegation expressed its collective sympathy to the families of the victims of Sunday’s mass murder in Shreveport. House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the tragedy on the House floor with Cleo Fields, Clay Higgins and Steve Scalise by his side.

Cut 12 (10) “…senseless, unspeakable evil.”

A glimpse of the killer’s Facebook profile establishes that he was experiencing mental health issues prior to the killing spree. Holly Howat, the interim assistant secretary of the Louisiana office of behavioral health, says if you’re experiencing emotional issues, you need to reach out to a family member, a trusted friend or to Louisiana 988.

Cut 4 (12) “…and gets worse.”

It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week and State Police are asking you to do your part to prevent crashes in work zones. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Police in Baton Rouge make two arrests in connection with the death of a toddler, who was hit by a stray bullet four years ago. 22-year-old Jaden Davis and a juvenile are each charged with first-degree murder. The two were allegedly engaged in a shootout back on April 12th, 2022, when one of the bullets went through a window and hit three-year-old Devin Page Jr. as he was sleeping in his crib.