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.”

The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget for next fiscal year with a priority on education initiative spending. Here’s Joe Gallinaro.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

It’s a big time of change at UNO as the school gets set to move to the LSU System, changing its name to LSU New Orleans.  The school is eliminating nineteen programs.  But University president Kathy Johnson  says the changes will actually strengthen academic opportunity.

Cut 5 (09) “…get jobs.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education is looking to make English language arts a focus in public schools to strengthen overall communication for students.  State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says the focus will mean building stronger, independent readers and …

Cut 11 (07) “…important step.”

The revised standards will take effect in the 2027-28 school year.

A pretty cool piece of history will be on display at the old State Capitol beginning today.  It’s the document that finalized the Louisiana Purchase.  Secretary of State Nancy Landry says this remarkable piece of history is on loan from the National Archives in Washington D-C as part of America’s 250^th anniversary celebration…

Cut 13 (09)  “..to see.”
The document will be on display here through July 11^th.

Big changes at the University of New Orleans as the school gets set to move into the LSU System. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The House Appropriations Committee has approved an operating budget of 47 billion dollars for next fiscal year. Even though it’s a standstill budget, areas of state government will see an increase in funding. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland

Cut 7 (08) “…need to.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education says it’s strengthening English language arts in public schools to reinforce skills essential to help students read, write and communicate. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says the updated standards place a stronger emphasis on the science of reading so that students are confident, independent readers…

Cut 10 (08) “…along that path”

The revised standards, which will also include a focus on grammar, will take effect in the 2027-28 school year.

The document that finalized the Louisiana Purchase will be on display at the old State Capitol in Baton Rouge starting today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says is called “Bought for a Song” and if you want to see it.

Cut 14 (08) “…the document.”

The exhibit will be on display through July 11^th.

The House Appropriations Committee has approved an operating budget of 47 billion dollars for next fiscal year. Even though it’s a standstill budget, there are areas that will see an increase in state funding. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says they are pouring more dollars into the public-school funding formula…

Cut 7 (08) “…need to.”

House legislative leadership is also going along with Governor Landry’s request to double the funding for the Louisiana Gator Scholarship program. Doubling the funding of the school voucher program from 44 million dollars to nearly 88-million dollars. McFarland says the public wants expanded school choice…

Cut 9 (09)  “…by the governor.”

Senate President Cameron Henry does not support increasing the funding for LA Gator. He’s concerned the voucher program that would help families pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses will become too costly.

A poll on the 5^th District Congressional Republican Primary shows it’s a two-person race. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office has announced the arrest of Pollock Police Chief Chris Paul.  Paul is accused of having officers patrol, issue citations, and make arrests on and around the grounds of the Federal Correctional Complex, which is outside the city limits of Pollock. This activity allegedly occurred from 2022 to last September.

LSU scored seven runs in the seventh inning to erase a seven-run deficit, but the Tigers still lost eight to seven as they were swept by Ole Miss. Coach Jay Johnson’s team didn’t get a hit in the first six innings, but exploded in the seventh thanks to three consecutive home runs. But LSU could not handle a ground ball through the right side of the infield, which led to the go-ahead run scoring in the seventh…

Cut 17 (19)  “…cost us.”

LSU hosts Northwestern State on Tuesday night.

Louisiana Tech junior pitcher Declan Dahl was named Conference USA Pitcher of the Week after allowing just one run on four hits over seven innings in the Bulldogs’ 8–1 win over Middle Tennessee on Friday night. Dahl also recorded eight strikeouts.

LSU has crossed the halfway point of spring practice. Sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett is learning from LSU defensive backs coach Corey Raymond. Pickett says Coach Raymond keeps him locked in…

Cut 20 (10) “…right now.”

The Pelicans closed out the 2025-26 season with a 132-126 loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday night. New Orleans finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 26-56 record, the third-worst mark in franchise history over an 82-game season. Interim head coach James Borrego, who took over in November and led the team to a 24-46 record, says the team made significant improvements this season under his leadership.

Cut 12 (13) “…long ways to go.”

The Pelicans will now begin the formal process of finding a new head coach, with Borrego among the candidates expected to be considered

A poll paid for and conducted by the Rainey Center Freedom Project shows that the 5^th District Congressional Republican Primary is a two-person race between state representative Michael Echols and state senator Blake Miguez. Rainey Freedom Project director Russ Walker says the survey of nearly 900 likely voters, has Miguez receiving 23-percent of the vote and Echols getting 20-percent…

Cut 3 (11) “…Echols has.”

Gas prices are actually a few pennies cheaper compared to last week. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for regular gasoline is $3.76 a gallon, which is three cents cheaper than a week ago. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says despite the slight break, drivers are paying way more than they did last year…

Cut 9 (04)  “…last year.”

Three people died and one person was injured in separate ATV and UTV crashes Saturday. In Bossier Parish 10-year-old Bella Cassell and 31-year-old Callie Durbin, both of Benton died with their UTV left the road, overturned and ejected them and another individual. In Acadia Parish 17-year-old Hayden Castille was killed when he was ejected from his ATV after being hit by another vehicle. No one in either crash was wearing seat belts or DOT-approved helmets. Especially after these tragedies, State police want to remind the public about safety measures. Trooper Eddie Thomas…

Cut 8 (13) “…on your four-wheelers.”

Both Crashes are still under investigation.

Pop Superstar and Kentwood Native, Britney Spears has reportedly entered rehab for substance use.  Last month Spears was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. A representative for the 44-year-old pop superstar says she voluntarily checked herself into the facility.

It has been close to eight years since Spears has toured and longer since she’s released new music.

Looks like the race for the Republican Congressional seat in the 5^th district is a two-man race according to a poll by the Rainey Center Freedom Project. 23-percent of likely voters polled are choosing State Senator Blake Miguez and 20-percent are favoring State Representative Michael Echols. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds is polling at 10 percent and Board of Regents Chairperson Misti Cordell, 3 percent.  Rainey Freedom Project director Russ Walker says Miguez has the endorsement of President Trump, but…

Cut 5 (06) “…as well.”

Three people were killed in UTV and ATV crashes over the weekend. In Bossier Parish 31-year-old Callie Durbin and 10-year-old Bella Cassell were killed, and another person injured when their UTV left the roadway, overturned, and ejected all three. In Acadia Parish 17-year-old Hayden Castille was killed when the ATV he was driving was hit from behind causing it to overturn and eject him. No one in either crash was restrained or wearing helmets. Trooper Monique Laverne says State Police want to remind the public that wearing safety gear can save lives.

Cut 15 (05) “…proper safety gear.”

Finally, some good news when it comes to gasoline prices. Jeff Palermo reports the price at the pump has dropped a few pennies since last week.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

After the New Orleans Pelicans closed out the 2025-26 season with a a 24-46 record, the third-worst mark in franchise history over an 82-game season, The Pelicans begin the formal process of finding a new head coach. Interim head coach James Borrego, who took over in November, believes one of the reasons he believes he’s a strong fit for the job is his ability to connect with players.

Cut 13 (10) “…moving forward.”

An adult and a child were killed, and a juvenile was injured in a UTV crash Saturday in Benton when State police say the UTV traveling on Merritt Road left the roadway and overturned, ejecting all three occupants. 31-year-old Callie Durbin was pronounced dead at the scene. 10-year-old Bella Cassell was transported to a hospital where she died. State Trooper Eddie Thomas says State Police are still investigating crash.

Cut 7 (12) “…under investigation.”

In Acadia Parish a seventeen-year-old lost his life when the ATV he was driving on Hwy 95 near Wikoff Cove Drive was struck from behind by an Audi Q7 Saturday around 8:00 pm.

Cut 14 (10) “…in the crash”

Impairment is not suspected but the accident is under investigation.

A poll on the 5^th District Republican Primary Congressional shows it’s a two-person race. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Gas prices are down 3 cents per gallon compared to last week according to Triple-A. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s good to see prices have leveled off for the first time since the war with Iran began on February 28^th. There is currently a two-week ceasefire, but a deal to end the war is not yet in place.  Redman says even if a long-term peace deal is reached soon, expect to pay high gas prices for the next several months…

Cut 11 (07) “…of the summer”

A UTV crash in Benton claimed the lives of two. 10-year-old Bella Cassell and 31-year-old Callie Durbin, of Benton, were killed and another person juvenile was injured on Saturday. State Trooper Eddie Thomas said the three were traveling east on Merritt Road in a UTV driven by Cassell when the incident occurred.

Cut 6 (12) “..from the ranger..”

The Department of Children and Family Services has changed its customer service number saying the change will make it easier to get help for such issues as child support, child welfare, and other DCFS issues. Residents can call 877-7LADCFS Weekdays between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm.  The number for the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline has not changed and reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to 855-4LA-KIDS.

According to a poll paid for and conducted by the Rainey Center Freedom Project, the 5^th District Congressional Republican Primary looks to be a two-person race between state representative Michael Echols and state senator Blake Miguez. Rainey Freedom Project director Russ Walker says

Echols had the highest favorability rating with 10-percent unfavorable. Miguez had a twenty-two-percent unfavorable rating, and he says living outside of the district hurts his campaign.

Cut 4 (12) “…single fact.”

Gas prices are a few cents cheaper than last week. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for regular gasoline is $3.76 a gallon, which is three cents cheaper than a week ago. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the statewide average a year ago was $2.79. But he says it’s good to see that prices at the pump have leveled off for the first time since the war with Iran began on February 28th…

Cut 10 (06) “… that lasts .”

A poll paid for and conducted by the Rainey Center Freedom Project shows that the 5^th District Congressional Republican Primary is a two-person race between state representative Michael Echols and state senator Blake Miguez. Director of the Rainey Freedom Project Russ Walker says their survey of nearly 900 likely voters in the 5^th District, has Miguez receiving 23-percent of the vote and Echols getting 20-percent…

Cut 3 (11) “…Echols has”

Twenty-two-percent of the respondents found Miguez unfavorable as compared to Echols who had the highest favorability rating and only 10-percent found him unfavorable.

Gas prices are actually a few pennies cheaper compared to last week. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for regular gasoline is $3.76, which is three cents cheaper than a week ago. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says despite the slight break, drivers are paying way more than they did last year…

Cut 9 (04) “…last year”

Through an executive order, Governor Landry establishes the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability within the Department of Health.

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Another disappointing season for the Pelicans came to an end last night with a loss to the Timberwolves. New Orleans finished with a record of 26-56, third worst in franchise history for an 82-game season. But interim head coach James Borrego saw improvement during the season…

Cut 12 (13) “…long ways to go”