Chronic absenteeism in Louisiana schools continues to be on the rise. In the 2023-24 school year, chronic absenteeism grew three points to almost 25-percent. It’s the second year in a row that the rate increased. BESE President Ronnie Morris says that includes truancy, which is a huge problem across the state.

Cut 4 (06) “…a truancy problem.”

Morris says solutions include making school fun again, including opportunities for kids to do hands-on activities such as robotics and music.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has confirmed a case of bird flu in Bossier Parish. Commissioner Mike Strain says the long-term outbreak has been going on for almost three years.

Cut 7 (07) “…February of 2022.”

Strain says wild geese and ducks are bringing the virus into Louisiana. He says if you see a sick duck or goose, do not touch it and keep it out of contact with your domestic birds.

A huge mess on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway this morning. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

As expected, at the meeting of the Louisiana Electoral College at the State Capitol, all eight electors cast their ballots for Donald Trump for President and J.D. Vance for Vice President. Voters overwhelmingly chose the electors during the election last month. It’s a scene that’s playing out in all 50 states today. Barring any faithless electors, the Trump/Vance ticket will rack up 312 electoral votes to 226 for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

The absenteeism trend in Louisiana schools is heading in the wrong direction. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A huge mess on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway this morning. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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School absenteeism is trending in the wrong direction. For the second year in a row, the rate of chronic absenteeism – kids who are absent more than ten-percent of the time – has increased. In the 2023-24 school year, chronic absenteeism grew to almost 25-percent, up nearly three percentage points from the year prior. BESE President Ronnie Morris says one factor that’s likely contributing to the problem is the fact that many students can’t read at grade level.

Cut 3 (10) “…what’s going on.”

Morris says another factor is kids skipping school for no valid reason, and that’s a huge problem across the state.

Cut 4 (06) “…a truancy problem.”

Morris says solutions include making school fun again, including opportunities for kids to do hands-on activities such as robotics and music. Another idea is to open up internship opportunities to high school kids.

Cut 5 (08) “…way after graduation.”

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The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has confirmed a case of bird flu. Commissioner Mike Strain says this is in Bossier Parish.

Cut 6 (11) “…not commercial flock.”

Strain says the long-term outbreak has been going on for almost three years.

Cut 7 (07) “…February of 2022.”

Strain says wild geese and ducks are bringing the virus into Louisiana. He says the key for all poultry producers is biosecurity.

Cut 8 (14) “…your domestic birds.”

Strain says the infected birds have been euthanized and the facility has been cleaned up.

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A huge mess on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway as at least 40 vehicles are involved in crashes this morning. Causeway General Manager Carlton Dufrechau (DOO-fruh-show) says visibility dropped to nearly zero.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on both bridges,”

Dufrechou says it did not start off as a foggy morning on the 24-mile stretch of roadway.

Cut 10 (12) “…people almost simultaneously.”

Dufrechou says crews were called to several separate incidents.

Cut 11 (16) “…nine separate crashes.”

No one went over the rail and into the water, and all stranded vehicles made it off the Causeway. There were no serious injuries.

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A two-year long investigation has resulted in two dozen people in Concordia and Rapides Parishes arrested for their alleged involvement in a nationwide drug trafficking network. U-S Attorney Brandon Brown says 13 of the suspects face federal drug trafficking charges…

Cut 12 (13) “…imprisonment.”

Brown’s office says Henry Jefferson Senior of Katy. Texas is the ring leader. But Brown says multiple people have arrested for possessing, distributing or manufacturing methamphetamine in Ferriday and Vidalia..

Cut 13 (12)  “…bad apples.”

Concordia Sheriff David Hedrick says his deputies arrested 11 more suspects in the investigation. He says there is no safe haven for criminals in Concordia Parish…

Cut 14 (13) “…do so.”

A huge mess on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway as at least 40 vehicles are involved in crashes this morning. Causeway General Manager Carlton Dufrechau says visibility dropped to nearly zero.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on both bridges,”

Dufrechou says crews responded to as many as nine separate crashes. No one went over the rail and into the water, and all stranded vehicles made it off the Causeway. There were no serious injuries.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has confirmed a case of bird flu. Commissioner Mike Strain says this is in Bossier Parish.

Cut 6 (11) “…not commercial flock.”

Strain says wild geese and ducks are bringing the virus into Louisiana. He says if you see a sick duck or goose, do not touch it and keep it out of contact with your domestic birds.

School absenteeism is trending in the wrong direction. For the second year in a row, the rate of chronic absenteeism – kids who are absent more than ten-percent of the time – has increased. In the 2023-24 school year, chronic absenteeism grew to almost 25-percent, up nearly three percentage points from the year prior. BESE President Ronnie Morris says one factor that’s likely contributing to the problem is the fact that many students can’t read at grade level.

Cut 3 (10) “…what’s going on.”

At this hour, Louisiana’s Electoral College is meeting to officially cast eight votes for Donald Trump and J-D Vance to be the next President and Vice President of the United States.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Dan Casey says yesterday’s system outage that prevented O-M-V from conducting any transactions is the result of a computer software system that’s 50-years-old. Casey says in the coming days, OMV will announce a moder solution to replace the aging system.

Funeral services are tomorrow for Richland Parish Sheriff Gary Gilley, who passed away Saturday at the age of 66. Gilley was a law enforcement officer for nearly 30 years, the last eight were as the sheriff of Richland Parish. Ouachita Sheriff Marc Mashaw (Muh-shaw) says Gilley’s death is a loss for north Louisiana…

Cut 9 (04) “…was one of us”

Richland Parish Schools will be closed tomorrow in honor of Sheriff Gilley.

LSU has signed quarterback Michael Van Buren who started eight games for Mississippi State this season. Van Buren threw 11 touchdown passes for the Bulldogs in 2024, but he also threw seven interceptions and was sacked 27 times. David Murray covers State for 2-4-7 sports and says Van Burn is known to hang on to the ball in the hopes of hitting the deep pass…

Cut 15 (16) “…college level certainly”

The 2024 Louisiana Electoral College meets at 11:30 at the State Capitol today to cast their official votes for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Joel Watson with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office says you can watch the historic moment on the Louisiana Legislature’s website…

Cut 6 (10) “….start at 12”

Researchers at Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi  have found pharmaceuticals, including Fentanyl, in several bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Marine biologist at Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi, Doctor Dara Orbach, on how this is possible…

Cut 12 (13) “….predators like dolphins”

Many of the fish species that dolphins eat are also eaten by humans, which may mean that if Fentanyl and other drugs are not disposed of properly, they could end up in the fish that you might one day consume.

State Police have arrested the former Bossier City Police Deputy Chief for carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Investigators say 57-year-old Richard McGee committed the crime of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile with at least one victim from 1994 to 1999. He was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center.

A beloved sheriff in North Louisiana has passed away. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry will oversee the state’s Electoral College meeting today in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says Landry will administer oaths of office to the eight Republican electors before they cast their official votes for President and Vice President. And it’s not just here.

Cut 5 (07) “…Vice President.”

Law enforcement across the state are mourning the loss of Richland Parish Sheriff Gary Gilley who passed away over the weekend with his family by his side.  Ouachita  Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw (muh-SHAW) says Gilley’s death is not only a huge loss for Richland Parish, but for all of Louisiana.

Cut 9 (04)  “…one of us.”

Gilley will be laid to rest tomorrow afternoon.

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A new study shows a presence of Fentanyl in dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Andrew Greenstein explains how this could also affect humans.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Frightening day in New Orleans yesterday as a Cox Cable employee was shot and a postal worker was held at gunpoint in two separate incidents.  The shooting happened just noon in New Orleans East.  The victim in that shooting later died.  We’re told the postal worker was the victim of an armed robbery in Hollygrove about an hour later.

Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico are testing positive for Fentanyl, and experts say humans could be affected. Dr. Dana Orbach, an assistant professor of marine biology at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, it’s likely due to improper disposal of the drug and sadly it’s not a new phenomenon.

Cut 11 (13) “…largely been overlooked.”

Richland Parish is mourning the loss of Sheriff Gary Gilley (JILLY) this morning. He passed away over the weekend at the age of 66. Ouachita (WASH-uh-tuh) Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw (muh-SHAW), on the man he says dedicated his life to serving others.

Cut 7 (05) “…dedicated public servant.”

Gilly will be laid to rest tomorrow.

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LSU has added a quarterback to its roster who started eight games in the SEC this year. Freshman Michael Van Buren has three years of eligibility left and David Murray, who covers the Mississippi State Bulldogs for 2-4-7 sports says LSU’s NIL dollars helped lure Van Buren to Baton Rouge…

Cut 14 (10) “…offensive linemen.”

After the Saints nearly completed an incredible comeback against the Commanders, falling one point short when a game-ending two-point conversion attempt failed, interim head coach Darren Rizzi said he was proud of his team. On the day after, that didn’t change

Cut 16 (15) “…one play short.”

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry will oversee the state’s Electoral College meeting today in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says Landry will administer oaths of office to the eight Republican electors before they cast their official votes for President and Vice President.

Cut 4 (11) “…the Electoral College.”

Richland Parish is mourning the loss of Sheriff Gary Gilley (JILLY, ), who passed away over the weekend with his family by his side. Oachita Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw (muh-SHAW), says Sheriff Gilley was a dedicated law enforcement professional.

Cut 8 (10) “…and the lord.”

Sheriff Gary Gilley was 66 years old.

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A new study shows the presence of Fentanyl in dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Here’s Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Frightening day in New Orleans yesterday as a Cox Cable employee was shot and a postal worker was held at gunpoint in two separate incidents.  The shooting happened just noon in New Orleans East.  The victim in that shooting later died.  We’re told the postal worker was the victim of an armed robbery in Hollygrove about an hour later.

LSU has signed quarterback Michael Van Buren who started eight games for Mississippi State this season. Van Buren threw 11 touchdown passes for the Bulldogs in 2024, but he also threw seven interceptions and was sacked 27 times. David Murray covers State for 2-4-7 sports and says Van Burn is known to hang on to the ball in the hopes of hitting the deep pass…

Cut 15 (16) “…college level certainly”

Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi remains impressed  with how his team nearly came back from a 17-point deficit to beat Washington on Sunday…

Cut 16 (15) “…one play short.”

New Orleans is at Green Bay next Monday.

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Sean Newman Junior had a strong game last night for Louisiana Tech men’s basketball and the Bulldogs defeated Grand Canyon 74 to 66. Newman had 25 points and had nine assists as Tech improved to 10-and-2.

Southeastern Louisiana defeated Grambling 75 to 66.

Tonight, LSU men’s basketball hosts Stetson.

The 5^th ranked LSU Lady Tigers are in Connecticut to play Seton Hall who is 8-and-2. Associate Coach Bob Starkey spoke following an ugly win over U-L Lafayette on Sunday…

Cut 27 (13) “…to match”

Tip off is at 5 PM.