State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson has told Governor John Bel Edwards that he will retire from state service effective March 4th, fueling speculation the Democrat will enter the governor’s race. Edwards says Wilson has been the most effective DOTD secretary in state history and would make a great governor, if he chooses to run…
cut 5 (09) “…for him”
Edwards made those comments on his monthy Ask the Governor Show.

The governor was also asked about legislation pre-filed by Republican lawmakers that seek to make public library boards more accountable for allowing sexually explicit material to be available for children in a library. Edwards says it’s a hot issue for conservaties, but not a real problem in Louisiana…
cut 7 (07) “…our libraries work”

The University of Holy Cross in New Orleans tested the growth of foodborne bacteria and pathogens on parade route favorites over an eight-hour period. Kace Kieschnick has the results…
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The announcement of DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson’s March retirement has some speculating he’s running for governor. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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At least three lawmakers will file bills for the spring legislature to head off kids accessing adult content at public libraries; an issue the governor feels is a “solution in search of a problem”…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The University of Holy Cross in New Orleans tested the growth of foodborne bacteria and pathogens on parade route favorites over an eight-hour period. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

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The announcement of DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson’s retirement has many speculating about his intent to run for governor. Governor Edwards made the announcement on his monthly radio call-in show that Wilsons is stepping down on March 4^th. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the timing is foreshadowing.

Cut 4 (11)  “…those expectations.”

Alford says another indicator that Wilson will seek to succeed his current boss, was Edwards praising the fellow democrat’s tenure at DOTD and his leadership. Edwards says he’ll let Wilson announce his intentions and that he didn’t want to get ahead of him.

Cut 5 (10) “…for him.”

And yet another clue that Wilson will throw his hat in the ring for governor Alford says is Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt’s announcement that she’s not running.

Cut 6 (08)  “…are a Democrat.” 

Wilson has served as Transportation Secretary for seven years and received national recognition as the first African American president of the American Association of State highway and Transportation Officials in 2020.

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A third state lawmaker says he will file legislation to make public libraries more accountable for children possibly accessing adult materials. Mandeville Rep. Paul Hollis, Carencro Rep. Julie Emerson, and Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud all plan to tackle the issue with bills. During his Monthly “Ask the Governor” radio show, Governor John bel Edwards said it’s a hot issue for conservatives, but not a real problem for Louisiana…:

Cut 7 (07) “…our libraries work.”

Bills filed would give the local government power to remove library control board members, if need be. Another bill would set up restricted, adults-only lending cards. Edwards says there is no known case of a child accessing adult materials in a Louisiana public library, but it’s an issue many candidates are making important…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…corrected out there.”

The governor says this year is a two-month “fiscal only” session, wherein lawmakers are only allowed to file 5 non-fiscal bills. He feels lawmakers are jumping on a conservative “bandwagon” with the issue, when the state has other real problems to address…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…use of our time.”

As for his possible veto of any such bills passed, Edwards says he’ll wait to see what they actually say and do before deciding.

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Food Scientists at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans tested popular parade foods to learn more about foodborne bacteria growth on favorites left out throughout the day. Researchers left food and ice chest samples out at room temperature and checked them every two hours for eight hours for bacteria and pathogen growth. UHC Food Science Program Director Dr. Darryl Holliday has the results….

Cut 10 (11)  “…hugely significant.”

Holliday recommends either sanitizing your hands before reaching for a beverage or using a wet wipe to decontaminate the rim of the drink to avoid any bacteria that could ruin your Mardi Gras.

Researchers also tested fried chicken, ham and cheese sandwiches, jambalaya, onion dip, and dairy-based daiquiris. Holliday says the hot foods like fried chicken and jambalaya held up well due to the extreme temperatures they’re cooked at, but it’s best to try to keep hot foods warm and cold foods cool throughout the day…

Cut 11 (14)  “…warming oven.”

The worst-performing food was ham and cheese sandwiches which Holliday says offer a breeding ground for foodborne bacteria. With a source of simple carbohydrates from the bread and the natural bacteria found in lunch meat, premade sandwiches can offer an unsanitary combination…

Cut 12 (07) “…ready to eat.”

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Optimism among small business owners increased ever so slightly, that’s according to the latest National Federation of Independent Business survey. For the month of January, it increased a half a point and Louisiana NFIB spokesman Todd Pack says small businesses say inflation continues to be a hurdle.

Cut 13 (06)  “…problem.”

Pack says inflation is impacting the cost of almost everything and small businesses continue to feel the pinch. Pack says it’s the uncertainty that has many small business owners unable to plan for the future.

Cut 14 (11)  “…stay healthy.”

And small businesses continue to face staffing shortages. Pack says small businesses are offering higher wages as a result.

Cut 15 (06)  “…out there.”

NFIB says 45-percent of small businesses indicate staffing issues, up four points from December.

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Louisiana Tech basketball returns to action tonight against North Texas who is currently second in the Conference USA. The Bulldogs have a 6-8 conference record, but 7 of those losses have been by 7 points or less. Coach Talvin Hester says his young team has bought into the system but is going through some growing pains…

Cut  16 (20)  “…turn to W’s.” 

The Bulldogs fell to the Mean Green in a tight 67-65 game in Texas earlier this year and have lost back-to-back games on the road. Seventh in the conference, Hester says he’s excited to have a chance to defend home court and improve their seeding before the end of the season…

Cut 17 (15) “…than at home.” 

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The LSU women’s basketball team’s undefeated season came to an end Sunday after falling 88-64 to first-ranked South Carolina. Coach Kim Mulkey says she and her team of course weren’t happy with the result, but the game was still a major moment for the program and the team’s progression…

Cut 18 (19) “…did you learn.” 

The Lady Tigers will host their annual Play4Kay game tonight against Ole Miss. Associate Coach Bob Starkey will be donating a dollar to the Kay Yow fund for every LSU student in attendance. The Rebels are fighting to finish in the top four in the SEC and earn a double bye in the tournament while LSU hopes to finish out the final four games to end the season in second in back-to-back years. Mulkey says it’s an important game for both teams…

Cut 19 (15) “…is to us”

Tip-off in the P-MAC is at 8:00

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Cut 20 (17)  “… a huge blessing.” 

On his monthly call-in radio show, Ask the Governor, Governor Edwards announced that DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson is retiring March 4^th. Some believe it’s an indication Wilson is throwing his hat for governor and will be the first formidable Democratic candidate. Edwards also sang Wilson’s praises and said the state would be very well served if Wilson chooses to run and is elected.

The Violence Policy Center ranks Louisiana second in the country for overall gun death rates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Another round of severe weather will impact the state today and tomorrow. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says north, central, and southwest Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe weather that will linger into tomorrow morning.

Cut 9 (08) “…impact Louisiana”

Mardi Gras parades rolling in the New Orleans area should be fine tonight, but the threat for severe weather exists tomorrow in southeast Louisiana…

The effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has one more week to gather the petition signatures needed, and they say they are very close. On Tuesday, “No LaToya” reports needing just over 1000 names. Group organizer Eileen Carter says New Orleans residents who want change in their city need to act…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…NoLaToya.org.” 

Should Mardi Gras parade krewes and other parade organizers be forced to pay the cost of cleaning up the streets after the parade? West Monroe state Rep. Foy Gadberry has filed a bill that would do just that. He says litter is a problem that gets much worse during Carnival time…:

CUT 04(12)      “…type of thing.”

His House Bill 23 will be debated in the legislative session that starts April 10^th.

We have some more possibly severe weather coming our way. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says parades scheduled tonight in New Orleans should be fine, but tomorrow night is another matter…:

CUT 10(09)      “…the day tomorrow.”

Wetherbee says skies will clear for good parade weather for Friday through Sunday. Mardi Gras day looks to be partly cloudy, warm and humid.

The Violence Policy Center says based on 2021 CDC data Louisiana ranks second in the country for having a gun death rate of 28.42 per 100-thousand people. VPC executive director Josh Sugarmann says local governments in Louisiana looking to reduce gun violence have their hands tied…:

CUT 13(11)      “…do anything.”

He says states with low gun death rates also have strong gun laws.

The New Orleans group “No LaToya” has a week remaining to collect over 49-thousand recall petition signatures needed to get a recall of Mayor LaToya Cantrell on a local ballot. Organizer Eileen Carter says they have a thousand or less signatures to go and will succeed. She hopes the Governor will schedule the recall with all due haste…:

CUT 08(09)      “…an immediate way.”
Carter and many others feel Cantrell has failed to attend to citizens’ needs and proper city services.

The Secretary of Louisiana Department of Transportation is stepping down. Governor John Bel Edwards office has announced that DOTD Secretary Dr. Shawn Wilson will retire from state service effective March 4^th; just over two weeks away. The governor says Wilson’s work will “continue to bear fruit for years to come.” Wilson’s exit fuels speculation he will run for governor, as a Democrat, this fall.

The effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has one week until its petition signature deadline, and they say they are very close…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Top of the “bad lists”? A new report from the Violence Policy Center ranks Louisiana near the top for our rate of gun deaths; just over 28 per 100-thousand persons. VPC’s Josh Sugarmann says Mississippi is tops, followed by Louisiana, New Mexico, Wyoming and Alabama…and all five states have somewhat lax gun laws…:

CUT 12(09)      “…gun laws.”

He says local government s that may want stricter gun laws find themselves trumped by state law.

Legislation to require parade organizations to pay for after-parade clean-up has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. West Monroe Representative Foy Gadberry says the litter control group, Ouachita Green, asked him to allow parishes and municipalities the ability to charge parade groups to recover clean-up costs…:

CUT 03(06)      “…to do so.”

Gadberry says litter is a statewide problem and parades only make it worse.

The Violence Policy Center ranks Louisiana second in the country for overall gun death rates. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

Cut 02  (30)      “…Palermo.”

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the retirement of DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson. Wilson will step down as March 4^th, which fuels speculation he will be a Democrat candidate for governor this fall. Edwards calls Wilson “the most effective DOTD secretary in state history.”

Here’s a proposed state law a lot of us can get behind; a bill to require parade krewes to pay for clean-up after they’ve had their run. West Monroe Rep. Fox Gadberry says his bill would allow local governments to create their own ordinances to establish fees for permits…:

CUT 05(12)      “…their needs.”

He says parade organizations should take some responsibility for the mess their events create.

More bad weather is expected across Louisiana again; particularly tomorrow. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says says north, central and southwest Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe weather starting this afternoon into tomorrow morning…:

CUT 09(08)      “…impact Louisiana.”

Weather should clear by Friday and good for Mardi Gras Weekend parades.

Severe weather will impact the state today and tomorrow. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says north, central, and southwest Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe weather this afternoon and into tomorrow morning. Mardi Gras parades rolling in the New Orleans area should be fine tonight, but the threat for severe weather exists tomorrow in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “…day tomorrow” 

The Violence Policy Center says based on 2021 CDC data Louisiana ranks second in the country for having a gun death rate of 28.42 per 100-thousand people. V-P-C executive director Josh Sugarmann says Louisiana consistently ranks in the top every year

Cut 11 (08)  “…unintended deaths.”

Mississippi has the highest overall gun death rate.

Legislation to require parade organizations to pay for clean-up has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. West Monroe Representative Foy Gadberry says litter across the state is an ongoing problem and parades are only making it worse. He says businesses along parade routes are also negatively impacted.

Cut  4 (12)  “…of thing.” 

The effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has one more week to gather enough signatures needed. Group organizer Eileen Carter says a large number of residents are not satisfied with Cantrell’s handling of city services, like trash collection, street maintenance, draining and police protection, and when confronted with Cantrell often goes on the offensive…:

Cut 7 (08)  “…across the board.” 

Another round of severe weather will impact the state today and tomorrow. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says north, central, and southwest Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe weather starting this afternoon into tomorrow morning.

Cut 9 (08) “…impact Louisiana”

Mardi Gras parades rolling in the New Orleans area should be fine tonight, but the threat for severe weather exists tomorrow in southeast Louisiana…

And speaking of parade, legislation to require parade organizations to pay for clean-up has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. West Monroe Representative Foy Gadberry says the litter control group, Ouachita Green, asked him to allow parishes and municipalities the ability to charge parade groups for clean-up.

Cut 3 (06) “…to do so.” 

The regular session begins on April 10^th

The effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has one more week to gather the petition signatures needed, and they say they are very close. On Tuesday, “No LaToya” reports needing just over 1000 names. Group organizer Eileen Carter says New Orleans residents who want change in their city need to act…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…NoLaToya.org.” 

The group must have over 49-thousand signatures to the Orleans Registrar of Voters office a week from today.

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office will present evidence today to a grand jury claiming that three adults and a teenager raped LSU student Madison Brooks before she was killed by a passing car. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there’s been talk the D-A will pursue first-degree rape charges, which carries a higher penalty if convicted…

Cut 8 (07)  “…get it.”
Lake Charles Police have arrested 46-year-old Marvin Kyer of Douglasville, Georgia, and 49-year-old Terrance Malvo of Sulphur for their alleged involvement in the death of Allen Babineaux in January of 2000. L-C-P-D Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says his department re-opened the cold case over a year ago.

Cut 13 (13)  “…two suspects”.

After a 40-year wait, victims of a flood in Tangipahoa Parish – caused by I-12 road work – will soon see compensation. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State Police has released more information on last week’s police shooting where an 18-year-old suspected carjacker was shot in Shreveport. L-S-P says the suspect, Zechariah Stutts, pointed a gun at officers during a foot chase. Stutts was shot in the hip, a non-life-threatening injury and he’s been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

A grand jury convenes in Baton Rouge today to hear evidence against three of the four men arrested in the alleged rape of LSU student Madison Brooks. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says he would be shocked if the grand jury doesn’t issue an indictment if the DA is actively seeking one.

Cut 7 (08) “…an indictment.”

A fourth suspect, who is 17 years old, will have his case handled in the juvenile court.

46-year-old Marvin Kyer of Douglasville, Georgia and 49-year-old Terrance Malvo of Sulphur are in custody and facing murder charges in a fatal shooting that took place in 2000 at a Lake Charles nightclub. L-C-P-D Deputy Chief Franklin Fondell says Allen Babineaux died on New Year’s Day in 2000 and the family can start to have closure…

Cut 14 (07)  “…waiting for healing”
Victims of a 1983 flood in Tangipahoa Parish, caused by the construction of Interstate 12, will soon see compensation. A judge this week gave final approval to a $101-million class action settlement. Plaintiffs’ attorney Jean-Paul Layrisson says the

process of getting compensation from the state Department of Transportation to the over 1,000 families, businesses, and individuals impacted can begin…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…their lawful heirs.” 

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is running for President in 2024. In 2021, Haley said she would not run against Trump if he ran again and that she’d support him. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeffrey Sadow says a lot has changed for Haley and for Trump in recent years…:

Cut 11 (10)  “…his personality.”