The mayor of Winnsboro is arrested on a Medicaid fraud charge. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new poll shows state senator Blake Miguez is leading the Fifth District Congressional Republican primary. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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DOTD is using the occasion of Love The Boot Week to launch a new program aimed at cleaning litter from busy highways.  Secretary Glenn Ledet (luh-DAY) says it’s called Sponsor-A-Highway.

Cut 3 (05) “…segments of highways.”

Unlike the more common Adopt-A-Highway, in which volunteers pick up trash along the stretch of highway they have adopted two to four times a year, Sponsor-A-Highway is geared towards companies which pay a monthly fee to have a third party vendor clean the sponsored section of highway. Ledet says sponsors are already signing up.

Cut 4 (06) “…in New Orleans.”

Ledet says sponsors get road signs with their logos on them, giving them an additional advertising opportunity, making this a win-win for everyone.

Cut 5 (13) “…really congested areas.”

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The Louisiana House rejects a bill that would have required some TOPS recipients to pay back their scholarships if they lost them as a result of poor grades or not taking the required number of courses. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan could not figure how they would pay it back, since the scholarship money goes directly to the school.

Cut 6 (13) “…to be garnished.”

The measure failed on a 38-to-62 vote.

Bossier City Representative Dennis Bamburg says he’s looking after taxpayer dollars with his legislation.

Cut 7 (09) “..this is about.”

Bamburg had exemptions in the bill, where TOPS recipients would not have to pay their scholarships back if they lost them while also dealing with significant life challenges, like a death of an immediate family member. He also gave the option for a student to go to a technical school instead, with the state still paying for the tuition.

But Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg says no other scholarship asks for the money back if a student fails to keep it.

Cut 8 (07) “…back those scholarships”

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We are ten days away from the start of the early voting period for the May 16th election. Pearson Cross teaches political science at ULM, and he’s expecting a low turnout for the state’s first closed primary election since 2010.

Cut 9 (12)  “…more like 25.”

Republican and Democratic U-S Senate primaries are the main item on the ballot, but voters in 20 parishes will also be electing a new person to represent the 5th Congressional district. In a poll of 600 likely voters, State Senator Blake Miguez leads the field in the 5th District Republican Party Primary. Cross says it remains to be seen if Miguez ends up replacing Julia Letlow.

Cut 10 (10) “…in the race?”

Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds received 13-percent of the vote in the survey, followed by Monroe Representative Michael Echols at 10-percent. Board of Regents chairwoman Misti Cordell received three-percent. Cross says the winner of this election may come down to who has the most money.

Cut 11 (13) “…just don’t know”

New Orleans-based pollster Greg Rigamer conducted the survey that was paid for by business lobbyist Alton Ashy.

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LSU freshman baseball player William Patrick from Monroe will have an opportunity to play in right field now that Jake Brown is out for the season with a broken hamate bone in his wrist. Patrick started for Brown in last night’s 10-7 win over UNO and had an RBI double — but not before he got some valuable advice from Brown.

Cut 12 (15) “…up to him.”

Coach Jay Johnson is impressed with Patrick’s athleticism.

Cut 13 (07) “…a great competitor.”

LSU will look to snap a six-game SEC losing streak when they visit Mississippi State for the start of a three-game series Friday night.

The Louisiana House rejects a bill that would have required some TOPS recipients to pay back their scholarships if they lost them due to poor grades or not taking the required number of courses. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan could not figure how they would pay the money back, since the scholarship money goes directly to the schools.

Cut 6 (13) “…garnished.”

A report from Leaders for a Better Louisiana finds that Louisiana is doing well in creating jobs. Better Louisiana CEO Adam 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.”

DOTD is using Love The Boot week to launch Sponsor-A-Highway. Unlike the more common Adopt-A-Highway, in which volunteers pick up trash along the stretch of highway they have adopted, Sponsor-A-Highway is geared towards companies which pay a monthly fee to have a third party vendor clean the sponsored section of highway. DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet says sponsors are already signing up.

Cut 4 (06) “…in New Orleans.”

LSU freshman baseball player William Patrick from Monroe will have an opportunity to play in right field now that Jake Brown is out for the season. Patrick started in last night’s 10 to 7 win over UNO and had an RBI double – but not before Brown gave him some valuable advice.

Cut 12 (16) “…up to him.”

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

Cut 4 (06) “…all seeing growth.”

DOTD is using the occasion of Love The Boot Week to launch a new program aimed at cleaning litter from busy highways.  Secretary Glenn Ledet (luh-DAY) says it’s called Sponsor-A-Highway.

Cut 3 (05) “…segments of highways.”

Unlike the more common Adopt-A-Highway, in which volunteers pick up trash along the stretch of highway they have adopted two to four times a year, Sponsor-A-Highway is geared towards companies which pay a monthly fee to have a third party vendor clean the sponsored section of highway.

A major milestone for the Amtrak Mardi Gras line, and it reached it much earlier than expected. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The mayor of Winnsboro is arrested on a Medicaid fraud charge. Attorney General Liz Murrill says Mayor Alice Wallace fraudulently received Medicaid benefits for herself and a dependent since 2021 while misrepresenting the availability of employer-provided health insurance. The arrest comes three weeks before Wallace faces voters in her re-election bid.

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.”

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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.”

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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 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.