Baton Rouge state Representative Barry Ivey unloads on colleagues, after they table his state Supreme Court map without discussion. It would have added a majority black district. Ivey says he’s learned if legislation doesn’t have the backing of deep-pocketed special interest groups it will not pass…:

CUT 03(10)      “…all the time.”

GOP Covington Representative Mark Wright moved to table Ivey’s bill. Alexandria Republican Lance Harris says of the matter, “life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.” The Redistricting session ends Sunday, but lawmakers may be finished by tomorrow evening.

Shreveport Police are investigating the city’s 11^th homicide of the year; a man found shot and dying outside a home on Mansfield Road Wednesday. The victim is identified as 30-year-old Tomel Henry. Cops are seeking a suspect, 27-year-old Archille Holmes Jr. for the crime. Shreveport Crimestoppers offers a reward for help in catching Holmes.

Deputies in St, Landry Parish say jealous rage led a Port Barre man to commit murder. SLPSO Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux says 18-year-old Jaden Ardoin fired on two men who’d been flirting with his girlfriend. Wade Smith was shot and killed – allegedly by Ardoin – Tuesday night. He also shot and wounded James Preston Vaughn. Thibodaux says it’s sad that a rage could affect so many lives…:

CUT 08(10)      “…for a murder.”

Another arrest in the case is expected.

The state will get $75-million federal dollars to help build an electric vehicle charging infrastructure. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the money will flow over a five-year period, and the stations will likely go in where existing fuel pumps are found…:

CUT 10(08)      …an opportunity.”

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey blasts House colleagues who voted to table his proposal to for a second majority black district to the state Supreme Court map. Michelle Southern has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “….Michelle Southern.”

The National Weather Service issues a Tornado Watch for parishes in Northeast Louisiana until 6 tonight. Strong showers and thunderstorms are moving through the area; bringing the possibility of damaging winds and twisters. Remember a “watch” means decent odds of a tornado; “warning” means twisters are imminent.

Louisiana will receive approximately $75 million over the next five years to build electric vehicle charging stations. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s critical because car manufacturers will be making more EVs in the future and Louisiana needs to be prepared so citizens can buy with confidence, knowing they can recharge somewhere other than home…:

CUT 09(09)      “…alternative fuel stations.”

Wilson says the cost to operate an EV will be more affordable than current automobiles and will also help reduce carbon emissions.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is giving Pacific Peninsula Entertainment 60 days to find a buyer. Diamond Jacks closed last May and attempted to move their license to Slidell, but St. Tammany Parish voters rejected that. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Foundation Gaming is in talks to buy the facility and he hopes that happens…:

CUT 13(13)      “…local government.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will consider whether the state’s ban on non-unanimous jury verdicts should apply retroactively. The U-S Supreme Court has already refused to make the split jury ban law retroactive, but Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the state Supreme Court can issue its own ruling…:

CUT 09(10)      “…federal constitution.”

Louisiana allowed split jury verdicts of 10-to-2 and 11-to-1 for 120 years. That ended in 2019 with a voter-approved Constitutional Amendment.

Third Judicial District Attorney John Belton plans to pursue criminal charges against those involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene, but he’s waiting for the U-S Justice Department to complete its investigation. Belton says while the federal investigation has taken time, it has produced results…:

CUT 06(12)      “…federal government.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended Louisiana’s COVID public health emergency order but has removed mask mandates and attendance limits. Mr. Edwards did re-emphasize the recommendations for people to wear masks, particularly around large crowds. It’s something to keep in mind as Mardi Gras and festival season approaches…:

CUT 12(14)      “…remain high.”

The Governor’s current order is set to expire one month from today, though Edwards has said he may end it before then if positive trends continue.

Deputies in Tangipahoa Parish are seeking a man wanted for an alleged sexual relationship with a minor. 49-year-old Mario Funez is wanted for indecent behavior with a juvenile, sexual battery, carnal knowledge of a juvenile and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. His victim is just 13.

A couple years ago, voters amended the state Constitution to get rid of non-unanimous jury verdicts. Now the state Supreme Court will consider whether or not all those convictions will have to be re-tried. Jeff Palermo has more..:

CUT 02 (31)   “…Jeff Palermo.”

The head of St. Helena parish’s governing body is arrested for bribery and malfeasance. The Attorney General’s office says Police Jury President Frank Johnson was charged Monday. He’s accused of soliciting a bribe in exchange for influencing an emergency disaster relief contract for Hurricane Ida. He has posted bond and been released.

The state issues revised COVID guidance for K-12 schools to keep disruptions to a minimum. State Epidemiologist Dr. Teresa Sokol says if you are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID in the last 90 days, you are exempt from having to quarantine after being exposed. But…:

CUT 03(05)      “…on the safe side.”

LDH is offering three options for K-12 schools and daycares because full adherence to CDC guidelines presents operational challenges.

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended Louisiana’s COVID public health emergency order until a month from today, but without any mask or attendance mandates. Mr. Edwards says he may end the emergency before then IF down-trending virus numbers continue…:

CUT 14(10)      “…doing so.”

Local governments, school districts, and businesses may continue to enforce mask mandates – or ease them – as they see fit.

The state revises COVID guidelines for schools to keep kids in the classroom as much as possible. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Thorington.”

Deputies in Jefferson Parish shot and killed a man during an encounter in Marrero Wednesday. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says his officers responded to a 9-1-1 call and found the man sitting in his vehicle. He refused to exit the car. As they stood in front of the vehicle, he cranked it up and – worried he was about to try to hit them – they opened fire. The matter is under investigation.

The state Supreme Court says it will consider whether the state’s ban on non-unanimous jury verdicts should apply retroactively. The U.S. Supreme Court has already declined to rule on the matter. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says it’s difficult to predict how the state’s high court will rule…:

CUT 11(12)      “…there’s no telling.”

Advocates argue the split jury verdict law has a racist history, but the Attorney General’s office says because having to re-try hundreds of old cases would be a disaster.

Third Judicial District Attorney John Belton plans to pursue criminal charges against those involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene, but he’s waiting for the U-S Justice Department to complete its investigation. Greene died in Union Parish, where Belton has local jurisdiction. He says while the federal investigation has taken time, it has produced results…:

CUT 06(12)      “…federal government.”

A former Livingston Parish teacher pleads guilty to child sex crimes, while agreeing to testify against her ex-husband; also accused of disturbing crimes against kids. Cynthia Perkins will serve over 40 years. Attorney General Jeff Landry believes her testimony against the former Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy will seal his fate…:

CUT 07(05)      “…holding people accountable.”

Cops in Baton Rouge arrest a 14-year-old girl for allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill her ex. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says she used the website “rentahitman.com”; which is handy for lawmen to catch people who don’t understand it’s not for real…:

CUT 10(10)      “…to kill someone.”

The 9^th grade girl is in juvenile detention. Her name is withheld because she is a minor.

The Governor and Lt. Governor are joining forces to help clean up the state with the Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification. The first meeting took place today and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the blight issue is embarrassing…:

Cut 03  (11)      “….unacceptable.”

Nungesser says there are laws on the books and fines attached for littering, but they aren’t being enforced.

Three teenagers were injured in a crash today on I-12 in St. Tammany Parish. The accident shut down the interstate for hours. State Police say three persons were hurt; one of them was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle.

COVID. The state Department of Health reports just over 1500 new cases, with just a little over a thousand people in the hospital because of it. Virtually all known cases are the Omicron variant of the virus.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a 14-year-old girl for allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill her 14-year-old ex-boyfriend. Sergeant L’ Jean McKneely says they learned of the potential crime after an administrator for the website “rentahitman.com” reached out to their detectives…:

CUT 09(11)      “…yesterday afternoon.”

On Valentines Day. Bummer.

Syrah Resources says it will invest $176-million to expand its facility in the Concordia Parish town of Vidalia. They make components for electric cars and hybrids. Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft says the investment is most welcome, as are any other interested ventures…:

CUT 13(13)      “…that we can supply.”

Syrah will add 36 new direct jobs and over 50 indirect jobs are projected.

KLFY TV in Lafayette reports overdose deaths in Lafayette Parish are up 300-percent from just three years ago. The coroner recorded over 100 in 2021. The illicitly gotten drug fentanyl is blamed for the majority. The drug is used to cut heroin, coke or meth to increase volume, but even a small amount can potentially kill.

The first meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification was today. Brooke Thorington has more from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

A former Livingston Parish teacher pleads guilty in a child sex crimes case and agrees to testify against her ex-husband who is accused of committing disturbing crimes against kids. Cynthia Perkins pled guilty to three charges, including second-degree rape and production of child pornography. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office is working the case…:

CUT 06(09)      “…right call.”

As part of the plea deal, Cynthia will be called as a witness in Dennis Perkins trial, which is set to begin in May.

The Governor and Lt. Governor are joining forces to help clean up litter across Louisiana. John Bel Edwards and Billy Nungesser authorized the Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification, which met today for the first time. Mr. Nungesser says litter laws go un-enforced, and judges are reluctant to make community service trash pickup sentences…:

CUT 05(10)      “…that are not doing it.”

Baton Rouge Police arrest a 14-year-old girl for trying to hire a hitman to kill her ex-boyfriend. Cops say the girl thought a satirical website called “rentahitman.com” was the real thing and asked to have someone assassinate her former boo. The publisher gave BRPD a call. The 9^th grade girl’s name is withheld, because she is a juvenile.

As sales of electric-gas hybrids soar, one of the leaders in electric vehicle components in making a major investment in Central Louisiana. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…I’m David Grubb.”

Our Lady of the Lake and Louisiana Children’s Medical Center are investing 245-million dollars into the school, the largest philanthropic gift in the university history. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

In a press conference today, Governor Edwards did not offer to end or ease his emergency declaration for the coronavirus. The governor says the state still has a long way to go in fighting the virus. Right now, fewer than 1200 people are in the hospital with COVID and national experts say the pandemic is becoming endemic.

U.S. Senate candidate Gary Chambers announced today that his campaign has raised nearly six hundred thousand dollars since its launch last month; not bad for a candidate that’s relatively unknown statewide. U.L.-Lafayette political science professor Dr. Pearson Cross says, if Chambers can keep up the fundraising momentum, be may become serious contender…:

CUT 08(08)      “…than we anticipated.”

Chambers is running to replace John Kennedy in the Senate this fall. Most political experts give Kennedy a large advantage.

Caddo Parish deputies arrest a 20-year-old man after he climbed into the bedroom window of a teenage girl he had previously threatened with physical harm. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Bia Rolden says a K-9 found 20-year-old Gaven Coon-Crowley of Benton hiding in the attic, and after some bites and scratches – flushed him out. She says this is not the first time that Coon-Crowley had been in the teen’s house unwanted..:

CUT 16(11)      “…the past.”

Rolden says they do not believe Coon-Crowley was armed when he was arrested this past weekend.

A big economic development announcement, as Our Lady of the lake and the Louisiana Children’s Medical Center will invest nearly a quarter-billion dollars – in cooperation with LSU – to create a cancer center with National Cancer Institute designation. LCMC CEO Greg Feirn says that NCI designation is a big deal; both for research and for patient care..:

CUT 10(06)      “…think LSU.”

There is a statewide burn ban going into effect tomorrow, due to drought all over Louisiana. Just last Saturday, there was a ten-acre grass fire in Livingston Parish. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue asks, if you see someone violating the burn ban, please call your local fire department…:

CUT 14(08)      “…the Fire Marshal order”

The ban will remain in effect until drought conditions improve.

A Natchitoches Parish man is dead and another hurt, after scaffolding they were working on in the town of Cloutierville made contact with an electrical wire. Both men were exposed to over 7-thousand volts. 40-year-old Joshua Ward, of Provencal, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another man received only moderate injury.

Deputies in East Baton Rouge Parish seek the suspect in a weekend murder at a local motel near I-10. The victim is ID’ed at 31-year-old Charlton Henry. The shooter is unknown and still at large.

Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Gary Chambers certainly knows how to get attention, and it appears to be paying off in campaign cash. In online ads, Chambers has recently smoked weed and burned a rebel flag … and he’s raised over $600-thousand since last month for his challenge of Senator John Kennedy this fall. U.L.-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says the radical tactic seems to be working…:

CUT 07(12)      “…about his campaign.”

Kennedy remains the overwhelming favorite to win re-election.