In Shreveport an arrest warrant has been issued for police officer Alexander Tyler who was involved in the shooting death of 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley. Officer Tyler is white and is to be held without bond for negligent homicide after Bagley, a Black man was killed on February 3^rd, Bagley was unarmed.

At least three lawmakers will file bills for the upcoming session 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.”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in locating 32-year-old Trey Rentrop of Raceland. LPSO Captain Brennan Matherne says after an iPad was discovered in the home of a woman with two children recording them.

Cut 3 (12) “…aware of it.” 

Rentrop has also failed to register as a sex offender and faces numerous charges. If you have any information, you’re asked to call Crimestoppers.

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 (10) “…for him.”
Edwards made those comments on his monthly Ask the Governor Show.

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson announces he will retire on March 4th fueling speculation he will run for governor as a Democrat. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says yet another clue Wilson will throw his hat in the ring for governor is Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt’s announcement that she’s not running.
Cut 6 (08) “…are a Democrat.”
So far there are no major Democrats who have announced their candidacy for governor.

During his Ask the Governor radio program, John Bel Edwards was 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 conservatives, but not a real problem in Louisiana…
cut 7 (07) “…our libraries work”

A national survey of small businesses finds inflation remains the top problem for owners. NFIB State director Todd Pack says small businesses also continue to face staffing shortages and are offering higher wages as a result.
Cut 15 (06) “…out there.”
NFIB’s monthly report said 57-percent of owners reported hiring or trying to hire last month, 91-percent of them reported few or no qualified candidates.

Are you packing food for Mardi Gras parades this weekend? University of Holy Cross in New Orleans conducted research to see how parade food like, fried chicken, jambalaya and sandwiches held up while being stored in a cooler outside. Food Science Program Director Doctor Darryl Holliday says the worst-performing food was ham and cheese sandwiches…
cut 12 (07) “….ready to eat”

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

Cut 4 (11)  “…those expectations.”

It’s become a hot-button issue for Republicans nationally and three Louisiana lawmakers are filing legislation to make public libraries more accountable for children and the possibility of them accessing adult materials, Governor Edwards says there is no known case in Louisiana, but many candidates are making it important.

Cut 8 (13)  “…corrected out there.”

Optimism among small business owners increased ever so slightly, that’s according to the latest National Federation of Independent Business survey. Louisiana NFIB spokesman Todd Pack says inflation continues to impact small businesses and it’s the uncertainty that has many small business owners unable to plan for the future.

Cut 14 (11)  “…stay healthy.”

Food Scientists at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans tested popular parade food and their tendency of bacteria growth when food is left out for longer periods. They took samples of food in an ice chest and checked on them every two hours for eight hours for bacteria and pathogen growth. Food Science Program Director Dr. Darryl Holliday…

Cut 10 (11)  “…hugely significant.”

Ham and cheese sandwiches performed the worst.

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.”

The man who has admitted to fatally shooting former Saints star Will Smith during a road rage incident in 2016 in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans has had his trial delayed for a sixth time. A new trial date will be set March 6th. Cardell Hayes says he acted in self-defense when he shot Smith. Hayes was convicted of manslaughter in 2016, but the conviction was overturned because the verdict was not unanimous.

Several Republican lawmakers plan to address cases of sexually explicit material available for children to read at public libraries when the legislative session begins in April. But Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly talk show, “Ask the Governor”, that this is not an issue in Louisiana and these conservative lawmakers are following a national playbook…
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.

Are you packing food for Mardi Gras parades this weekend? University of Holy Cross in New Orleans conducted research to see how parade food like, fried chicken, jambalaya and sandwiches held up while being stored in a cooler outside. Food Science Program Director Doctor Darryl Holliday says the worst-performing food was ham and cheese sandwiches…
cut 12 (07) “….ready to eat”

Three bills have been filed for the upcoming regular legislative session to head off kids accessing adult content at public libraries; an issue the governor says is a “solution in search of a problem”…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Shawn Wilson is stepping down as the state’s transportation secretary effective March 4th. It’s expected Wilson will run for governor as he could be the main candidate for Democrats.

Inflation continues to be the biggest problem for small business owners based on a national survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business….
cut 13 (06) “…big problem”
That’s Louisiana NFIB spokesperson Todd Pack who says many small business owners continue to have a negative outlook when it comes to expecting better business conditions.

Many Louisiana families are looking forward to the Mardi Gras parades this weekend. University of Holy Cross in New Orleans Food Science Program Director Doctor Darryl Holliday says if you are packing food for the day, keep hot foods warm and cold foods cool throughout the day….
cut 11 (14) “….warming oven”

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.” 

_____________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________

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.

_______________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________

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.” 

______________________________________________________

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

______________________________________________________

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.