The detective charged with investigating if troopers used excessive force in the death of Ronald Greene answered questions from the Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversite and told lawmakers his recommendations were ignored by his superiors. LSP Sgt Albert Paxton answered a series of questions by Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson.

Cut 3 (12) “…Turner didn’t.”

In May 2019 Major Turner was in charge of the criminal investigation of officers and head of the investigation into Greene’s death.

Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin also addressed members of the committee. She told them her family has been torn apart since the death of her son.

Cut 10 (08)  “…off the hook.”

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump says he’ll file suit against the Louisiana Department of Child & Family Services (DCFS) over a child sex abuse and trafficking case, that involves two girls who were assaulted over a 10 year period. This case has similarities to the scandal of Jeffrey Epstein and one cannot overlook the comparison.

Cut 6 (09) “…for wealthy white men.”

76-year-old John Mack, who is politically connected in Livingston Parish, has been charged with rape and sexual battery.

More serious than a heart attack is how Dr Catherine O’Neal describes COVID to the Baton Rouge Press Club. O’Neal, chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center described the death situation this way to hospital patients with COVID.

Cut  11 (11)  “…here with COVID-19.”  

Brian Trascher with the United Cajun Navy says their field team arrived in Kentucky Sunday to assist with tornado recovery efforts. Trascher says the immediate needs are tarps and water and unlike a hurricane where you can prepare days in advance tornado victims had only minutes

Cut 9 (08) “…really, really bad.”

You can find more information and photos on the United Cajun Navy’s Facebook page.

Saturday’s election results were historical with the first female sheriff elected in Orleans parish and the first black female ever elected to the position in Louisiana. UNO Political analyst Ed Chervenak says Susan Hutson’s victory over incumbent Marlin Gusman was quite a feat.

Cut 12 (06) “…17-year incumbent.”  

Hutson won with 53-percent of the vote in the parish

Congressman Garret Graves introduces to make it a federal crime to stage a vehicle collision and claim financial damages. The bill targets those involved in staging accidents, collecting from insurance companies and in turn leading to higher insurance rates for the public.

Cut 5 (11) “…in the process.”

A 50-year-old Eros woman is jailed at the Ouachita Correctional Center on criminal trespass charges after being told twice to leave from the sheriff’s office parking lot Saturday afternoon. Sheriff’s spokesman, Glenn Springfield, identified the person as Sharon Whatley.

 Cut 6 (12) “…to leave.” 

Springfield says the woman says she was wanted on charges, but it was determined she wasn’t.

Congressman Garret Graves is proposing federal legislation that seeks to heavily punish those who stage traffic accidents as a way to rip off insurance companies. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

______________________________________

The United Cajun Navy has deployed teams to assist with recovery efforts from the devastating tornados that left areas of Kentucky, and nearby states leveled from the destruction. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

If you’re wondering why your insurance rates are so high in Louisiana, Congressman Garret Graves it’s blamed in part on staged accidents, the most egregious example taking place in the Big Easy in recent years.

Cut 3 (08) “…different traffic accidents.”

One staged accident led to a 4.7-million dollar settlement. Graves has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering insurance rates that would make it a federal crime to stage a vehicle collision and fraudulently claim financial damages. Violators could face hefty fines into the millions of dollars and double-digit prison time.

Graves says these staged accidents have financial consequences beyond those directly attributed to the staged crashes, one ring said to be responsible for more than 100 of them.

Cut 4 (09) “…all Louisiana drivers.”

The bill Graves introduced targets those involved in staging accidents, collecting from insurance companies and in turn leading to higher insurance rates for the public.

Cut 5 (11) “…in the process.”

__________________________________

A 50-year-old Eros woman is jailed at the Ouachita Correctional Center on criminal trespass charges after being told twice to leave from the sheriff’s office parking lot Saturday afternoon. Sheriff’s spokesman, Glenn Springfield, identified the person as Sharon Whatley.

 Cut 6 (12) “…to leave.” 

Springfield says the woman says she was wanted on charges, but it was determined she wasn’t. So since she wouldn’t leave, she’s now facing a lone misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass.

At last word, 50-year-old Sharon Whatley of Eros continued to be held at the Ouachita Correctional Center, but she’s no big-time criminal. In fact, despite her protestations to authorities, she wasn’t wanted on any kind of criminal charges, until she refused to leave the parking lot of the sheriff’s office annex.

Cut 7 (08) “…numerous times.”  

That’s sheriff’s spokesman, Glenn Springfield, who says Whatley was eventually arrested Saturday afternoon on a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge.

Ouachita Sheriff’s spokesperson Glenn Springfield says the only reason Whatley gave for not leaving the parking lot was that she was wanted by the law.

Cut 8 (12) “…basing that on.”

______________________________________________________

Brian Trascher with the United Cajun Navy says their field team arrived in Madisonville, Kentucky on Sunday which is about 90 miles away from Mayfield and near other areas that were devastated by tornados overnight Friday. Trascher says the immediate needs are tarps and water and unlike a hurricane when you can prepare days in advance…

Cut 9 (07) “…really, really bad.”

Trascher says the devastation is hard to describe and he’s posting photos from team members that are onsite to their Facebook page. He says right now those in Mayfield and surrounding towns need your prayers first and foremost.

Cut 10 (11)  “…like that.”

The United Cajun Navy is setting up distribution sites at churches they are working with between Bowling Green and Mayfield, Kentucky. Trascher says they’ve also deployed a K-9 search and rescue team to assist Illinois State Police and they are looking at sending a drone team also.

Cut  11 (09)  “…game yet you know.”  

You can visit the United Cajun Navy’s FB for donation sites and photos of the devastation.

______________________________________________

Saturday’s election results were historical with the first female sheriff elected in Orleans parish and the first black female ever elected to the position in Louisiana. UNO Political analyst Ed Chervenak says Susan Hutson’s victory over incumbent Marlin Gusman was quite a feat.

Cut 12 (06) “…17-year incumbent.”  

Hutson won with 53-percent of the vote in the parish and Chervenak says the new sheriff in town was able to better define Gusman and charge him with mismanagement of the jail that resulted in deaths and suicides.

Cut 13 (09) “…he was her.”

Chervenak says while the sheriff’s office is a component of the criminal justice system which includes the district attorney, the main function of the office is to oversee functions of the jail.

Cut 14 (12) “…justice system.” 

In 2020 Jason Williams, who also ran on a criminal justice reform platform was elected District Attorney of Orleans Parish.

If you’re wondering why your insurance rates are so high in Louisiana, Congressman Garret Graves blames part of it on staged accidents, the most egregious example taking place in the Big Easy in recent years.

Cut 3 (08) “…different traffic accidents.”

One staged accident led to a 4.7-million dollar settlement. Graves has introduced to make it a federal crime to stage a vehicle collision and claim financial damages.

The CDC has given the go-ahead for 16- and 17-year-olds to receive Pfizer booster shots. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Doctor Fred Lopez says the Pfizer vaccine has shown it’s effective against the different variants…

Cut 7 (10) “…the United States.”

During the holiday season, online marketplace sellers try to make extra cash as buyers look for a good deal. But Lafayette Police Department spokesperson Jamie Angelle says both parties should be cautious when meeting to exchange items. He says several police departments offer a Safe Exchange location…
cut 11 (13) “…transactions alone”

St. Tammany Parish voters soundly rejected a proposed 325-million dollar proposed casino and resort in Slidell. Pacific Peninsula Entertainment was seeking to move a casino license that belonged to a now-closed casino in northwest Louisiana. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the big question now is what happens with that casino license…
cut 14 (09) “…go next”

16- and 17-year-olds are now eligible for booster shots with emergency use authorization from the FDA.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

LSU Agriculture Professor Gerald Myers is facing numerous charges after authorities found videos of child rape and bestiality on the 61-year old’s work on a computer. Campus police began looking into the matter when the school’s IT department was alerted to the disturbing videos. The school says he’s on paid leave and banned from the campus.

Louisiana-based Krispy Krunchy Chicken is one of the largest convenience store foodservice concepts in the nation and now it’s poised to grow even more with backing from a private equity firm. Krispy Krunchy Foods CEO Dan Shapiro says Louisianans should be proud to claim Krispy Krunchy Chicken as one of their own.

Cut 4 (08) “…would be. “

Tennis icon Serena Williams is also a fan of Krispy Krunchy.

During the holidays with consumers out searching for the perfect gift, criminals are also looking for the perfect opportunity to take advantage of you. So, if you’re carrying around more cash than usual during the holidays, Lafayette PD communications officer Jamie Angelle suggests an alternative so you don’t wind up losing it to a thief.

Cut 12 (11) “…carry around cash.”

Louisiana Radio Network News. I’m Erik Piccoli…
Data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission finds the unemployment rate is getting closer to pre-pandemic levels with estimates stating about 85,000 have left the workforce in Louisiana for a number of reasons including concerns over their health, the health of their family, and or childcare. Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says retaining childcare workers was an ongoing issue before the pandemic and cost is also a factor.
Cut 4 (10) “…head-on.”
Walsh believes the pandemic gave many workers time to pause and think about their profession and where and what they want their career path to be.
And November consumer prices jumped 6.8 percent in November compared to a year earlier. That’s the highest annual inflation rate in nearly four decades. LSU economist, Dr. Loren Scott, says fixing the supply chain issues won’t likely do much to erase inflation.
Cut 6 (11) “…return to normal.”
I’m Erik Piccoli
________________________
This Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest in Louisiana with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says areas severely impacted by Hurricane Ida are also facing traffic hurdles and the closer we get to Christmas we’ll have even more drivers on the road and many from out of state that aren’t familiar with the roadways causing even more congestion.
If you witness someone behind the wheel that could be impaired or driving aggressively Mallett says call law enforcement.
Cut 11 (09) “…star-LSP.”
And today is election day in Louisiana with issues ranging from municipal runoffs to gaming. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says in St. Tammany Parish early voting was significant and he expects the largest turnout to be in the southeast parish to decide if they will allow a gaming casino in Slidell.
Cut 13 (08) “…and vote.”
Polls open at 7 am
I’m Erik Piccoli

Louisiana Radio Network News. I’m Erik Piccoli…
With inflation up 6.8 percent from a year ago, the biggest jump in 39 years, the finger of blame is being pointed at supply chain issues, supply-and-demand, and monetary and fiscal policy. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (32)…I’m Dave Brannen.”
Most recent numbers from the Louisiana Workforce Commission show the unemployment rate is getting closer to pre-pandemic levels. And while some say there’s still a labor shortage because the government is paying people to stay home Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says enhanced benefits ended in August in Louisiana and September for most other states.
Cut 3 (06) “…unemployment benefits.”
As for vaccine mandates, Walsh says he doesn’t believe it will deter those who want to work.
I’m Erik Piccoli
________________________
Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest on Louisiana roadways this year with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities. And as we approach another busy traveling period for Christmas and New Year’s DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the trend doesn’t bode well for the state.
Cut 9 (09) “…in 2021.”
Of the fatalities, the majority were caused by speeding, impaired and distracted driving
And today is election day for 34 parishes, consisting of local matters, municipal runoffs, some tax proposals, and gaming for St. Tammany Parish. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he already expected voter turnout to be low due to only a few items on the ballot, but inclement weather could reduce earlier predictions.
Cut 12 (08) “…it does.”
Polls open at 7 am
I’m Erik Piccoli

Louisiana Radio Network News. I’m Erik Piccoli…
Unemployment in Louisiana is returning to pre-pandemic claims but some 85,000 have not returned to the workforce. Brooke Thorington has more from the US Secretary of Labor.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
And November consumer prices jumped 6.8 percent compared to last year. LSU economist, Dr. Loren Scott says the current Federal Reserve policy that’s pumping more money into the system, coupled with the amount of money the federal government is spending likely dashes any hope for a short-term dance with rising inflation.
Scott talks about what he says is the inflationary impact of a very accommodating monetary policy by the Federal Reserve as being a major cause for rising prices.
Cut 7 (11) “…is right now.”
I’m Erik Piccoli
________________________
The Thanksgiving weekend was one of the deadliest with 15 crashes responsible for 26 fatalities. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says after reviewing data from law enforcement a majority of the traffic fatalities were caused by speeding, impaired, or distracted driving all of which are preventable.

Cut 10 (07) “…a lot.”
A disturbing factor in the number of fatal crashes in Louisiana Mallett says is the lack of seatbelt usage.
And today is election day for 34 parishes, consisting of local matters, municipal runoffs, some tax proposals, and gaming for St. Tammany Parish. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says that several of the races will be decided in Orleans parish.
Cut 14 (12) “Orleans Parish.”
Ardoin says don’t forget to bring your ID along with your umbrella. Polls open at 7 am
I’m Erik Piccoli

Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest on Louisiana roadways this year with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities and officials say we’re on course to have 900 or more traffic fatalities for the year. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says if you see someone behind the wheel who could be impaired or driving aggressively, please call law enforcement.

Cut  11 (09)  “…star-LSP.”  

Election day is tomorrow in nearly three dozen parishes in Louisiana with ballot questions that include some tax proposals, candidate runoffs and a casino gambling proposal in the lone parish of St. Tammany.  Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says several races will be decided in Orleans Parish.

Cut 14  (12)  “…Orleans Parish.

Polls open at 7 am and close at 8 pm.

November consumer prices jumped 6.8 percent compared to a year earlier. That’s the highest annual inflation rate in nearly four decades. LSU economist, Dr. Loren Scott, says he believes the current monetary policy by the Federal Reserve is a major cause for rising prices.

Cut 7 (11) “…is right now.”  

The Louisiana Workforce estimates about 85,000 have left the workforce in Louisiana for a variety of reasons including concerns over their health, the health of their family, and or childcare. Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says retaining childcare workers was an ongoing issue before the pandemic and cost is also a factor.

Cut 4 (10) “…head-on.”

Unemployment in Louisiana is returning to pre-pandemic claims but some 85,000 have not returned to the workforce. Brooke Thorington has more from the US Secretary of Labor.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

With inflation up 6.8 percent from a year ago, the biggest jump in 39 years, the finger of blame is being pointed at supply chain issues, supply-and-demand, and monetary and fiscal policy. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

______________________________________

Most recent numbers from the Louisiana Workforce Commission show the unemployment rate is getting closer to pre-pandemic levels. And while some say there’s still a labor shortage because the government is paying people to stay home Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says enhanced benefits ended in August in Louisiana and September for most other states.

Cut 3 (06) “…unemployment benefits.”

LWC estimates about 85,000 have left the workforce in Louisiana for a number of reasons including concerns over their health, the health of their family, and or childcare. Walsh says retaining childcare workers was an ongoing issue before the pandemic and cost is also a factor.

Cut 4 (10) “…head-on.”

Walsh believes the pandemic gave many workers time to pause and think about their profession and where and what they want their career path to be. As for vaccine mandates, Walsh says he doesn’t believe it will deter those who want to work.

Cut 5 (08) “…things go back.”

__________________________________

November consumer prices jumped 6.8 percent in November compared to a year earlier. That’s the highest annual inflation rate in nearly four decades. LSU economist, Dr. Loren Scott, says fixing the supply chain issues won’t likely do much to erase inflation.

 Cut 6 (11) “…return to normal.” 

But, Scott says current Federal Reserve policy that’s pumping more money into the system, coupled with the amount of money the federal government is spending likely dashes any hope for a short-term dance with rising inflation.

Scott talks about what he says is the inflationary impact of a very accommodating monetary policy by the Federal Reserve as being a major cause for rising prices.

Cut 7 (11) “…is right now.”  

Scott believes inflation is also a product of supply-and-demand and discounts the possibility of collusion to boost prices and thus stir up the inflationary pot.

Cut 8 (08) “…experiencing right now.”

He says the inflation that’s occurring can be blamed for the most part on supply chain issues and monetary and fiscal policy, something that likely won’t be corrected in the short-term, but possibly in the medium term.

______________________________________________________

Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest on Louisiana roadways this year with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities. And as we approach another busy traveling period for Christmas and New Year’s DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the trend doesn’t bode well for the state.

Cut 9 (09) “…in 2021.”

DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says after reviewing data from law enforcement a majority of the traffic fatalities were caused by speeding, impaired, or distracted driving all of which are preventable.

Cut 10 (07)  “…a lot.”

Another disturbing factor in the number of fatal crashes in Louisiana Mallett says is the lack of seatbelt usage.

Both Wilson and Mallett say areas severely impacted by Hurricane Ida are also facing traffic hurdles and the closer we get to Christmas we’ll have even more drivers on the road and many from out of state that aren’t familiar with the roadways causing even more congestion.

And if you witness someone behind the wheel that could be impaired or driving aggressively Mallett says call law enforcement.

Cut  11 (09)  “…star-LSP.”  

Last year crashes involving motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians killed 828 people in Louisiana. That is the highest number of deaths in a single year since 2008.

______________________________________________

Saturday is election day for 34 parishes, consisting of local matters, municipal runoffs, some tax proposals, and gaming for St. Tammany Parish. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he already expected voter turnout to be low due to only a few items on the ballot, but inclement weather could reduce earlier predictions.

Cut 12 (08) “…it does.”  

However, in St. Tammany Parish Ardoin says early voting there was significant and he expects the largest turnout to be in the southeast parish to decide if they will allow a gaming casino in Slidell.

Cut 13 (08) “…and vote.”

In addition to gaming in St. Tammany, Ardoin says there are several races to be decided in the neighboring parish of Orleans.

Cut 14 (12) “…Orleans Parish.” 

Ardoin says don’t forget to bring your ID along with your umbrella. Polls open tomorrow at 7 am and close at 8 pm.