Dennis Allen will assume the reins as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Allen was seen as the front runner to succeed Sean Payton, having served on Payton’s staff as defensive coordinator since 2015. Locked on Saints host Ross Jackson says Allen understands the culture of this team better than any other candidate the Saints spoke with, and that resonated with Mickey Loomis and the rest of the front office…:

CUT 20(24)      “…into their decision.”

COVID seems to be declining in Louisiana. Over 250 fewer people are in the hospital with the virus today than just last weekend. Tulane Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says she does worry about Mardi Gras being a super-spreader that will cause another surge..:

CUT 09(09)      “…it’s outside.”

A Louisiana Workforce Commission program to help train new commercial truck drivers has had an overwhelming response. The Drive Your Future program” offers federal grant money to get driver training. In the first day online, over 200 people applied. Day Two over 1000 signed up. Louisiana Motor Transport Association executive director Renee Amar says She says the life of a trucker may not be for everybody, but there are worse ways to make a living…:

CUT 12(12)      “…job with benefits.”

More information is online at “laworks.net.”

Cincinnati is gearing up for the Super Bowl, featuring former LSU star Joe Burrow, with a Joe Burrow King Cake. Busken Bakery owner Dan Busken describes the tasty treat…:

CUT 13(08)      “…baby Joe Burrow.”

You can order one online at “busken.com.” B-U-S-K-E-N.

COVID cases and hospitalizations continue on a downward trend in Louisiana. Monday the state Department of Health reported 1,568 COVID patients; a decrease of 253 from the weekend, and the fewest since January 6^th. Tulane Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig warns there is a variant that’s been referred to as the sister of Omicron, which is circulating in the U-S, but she believes it will have a hard time making a foothold…:

CUT 08(12)      “…at this point in time.”

Hassig does worry that Mardi Gras will be an Omicron super-spreader event.

After what appeared to be a heated meeting between Governor Edwards and the Legislative Black Caucus, over the roadside death of Ronald Greene in State Police custody, the caucus leader says “it’s all good.” Lafayette Representative Vincent Pierre spoke Monday to the Baton Rouge Press Club…:

CUT 05(11)      “…did anything wrong.”

Pineville Police seek public help in finding 17-year-old Kylie Stokes, who’s been missing since Sunday. She’s a white girl, 105 pounds, 5-feet tall with brown hair & green eyes. If you have information call Pineville Police at 318-442-6603.

The Joe Burrow LSU effect is making an impact at a Cincinnati bakery. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 03(34)      “….Brooke Thorington.”

The chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus says they still have a great relationship with the Governor, despite controversy over how John Bel Edwards responded to Ronald Greene’s death. While speaking at the Baton Rouge Press Club, Lafayette Representative Vincent Pierre says the governor acted appropriately after hearing a motorist died following a violent struggle with State Troopers…:

CUT 04(09)      “…comfortable with that.”

Pierre says the caucus also supports current Louisiana Superintendent, Colonel Lamar Davis.

COVID cases are declining in Louisiana. Monday’s report from LDH was 1568 patients in the hospital; a decrease of over 250 from just the past weekend, and the lowest number in a month. Tulane Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig is cautiously optimistic…:

CUT 07(11)      “…the Delta cases.”

She is concerned Mardi Gras will be a super-spreader event.

A state Workforce Commission program offering assistance in training to be a big rig driver gets an overwhelming response. More from David Grubb…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

A general shortage of parade security for New Orleans led to multiple car burglaries and some auto thefts during the Krewe of Chewbacchus parade last Saturday. There was also a reported gunfight between some teens. No one was reported shot. Police suggest, if you’re going to the city for parades, select safe, secure parking with an attendant.

COVID cases continue to decrease across the state as a whole, but health officials warn that the Omicron variant is still very present in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “….Brooke Thorington.”

The Baton Rouge couple accused of beating their 2-year-old daughter to death and then making up a story that she was abducted plead not guilty. Phillip Gardner and Lenaya Cardwell are both charged with 2^nd degree murder and obstruction of justice in the death of the toddler, Nevaeh Allen, back in September.

A Louisiana Workforce Commission program to help train new commercial truck drivers has had an overwhelming response. The Drive Your Future program, found online at “LAworks.net”, offers applicants a chance to get federal grant money for their driver training. In the first day online, over 200 people applied. Day Two over 1000 signed up. Louisiana Motor Transport Association executive director Renee Amar says LWC is helping fill a shortage that’s been building for years…:

CUT 10(09)      “…across the nation.”

Learning to drive a big rig can take a couple of months and cost around $5000. Driving Your Future offers the chance to get a hand-up on what can become a lucrative career.

Dennis Allen will assume the reins as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Allen was seen as the front runner to succeed Sean Payton, having served on Payton’s staff as defensive coordinator since 2015. Allen was always seen as the frontrunner, so it isn’t a surprise to Locked on Saints host Ross Jackson that he’s now the man in charge…:

CUT 19(10)      “…in Dennis Allen.”

Former LSU Associate Athletic Director Sharon Lewis alleges a male coach exposed himself to her in 2013. That’s according to her attorney Larry English, who appeared this morning on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana. English says the incident was documented when it occurred…:

CUT 09(05)      “…they did nothing.”

English did not identify the coach, but says he has since been hired back at LSU. English says this new development will be part of Lewis’ $50-million suit against the University for firing her as a whistleblower.

After confirming that a deer found in Tensas parish does indeed have Chronic Wasting Disease, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is imposing a feed and carcass export ban on deer in Tensas, Franklin, and Madison parishes. Both bans are currently in effect. Jim LaCour explains the need for the feed ban…:

Cut 06  (11)      “…animals gathering.”

Chronic wasting disease is 100 percent fatal to deer. For more information contact the LDWF.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara faces a felony battery charge after he allegedly injured someone at a Las Vegas nightclub. Vegas police say the incident happened early Saturday morning and the victim reported it Saturday afternoon. Kamara wasn’t arrested until after Sunday’s game, which begs the question, “why?” NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says he wants to hear more details of what exactly happened…:

CUT 04(10)      “…to those questions.”

More arrests are coming in the case of an Alexandria psychiatric nurse practitioner who was paying men to provide him with women, with whom he traded drugs for sex. Rapides parish deputies today arrested 24-year-old Kyle McCall, of Boyce. He’s accused of human trafficking and possession of narcotics.

Police in Baton Rouge say a person involved in a crash early Sunday morning on I-12 was struck and killed by another vehicle while waiting for police on the side of the roadway. Three others were hurt. An investigation is underway.

Former LSU Associate Athletic Director Sharon Lewis alleges a male coach exposed himself to her in 2013. So says her attorney, Larry English, who appeared this morning on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana. English did not identify the coach, but says he has since been hired back at LSU. Lewis filed a 50-million dollar lawsuit against LSU last year claiming her superiors and co-workers retaliated against her and created a hostile work environment after reporting that former head football coach Les Miles allegedly sexually harassed female student workers. English says this allegation will also be part of the lawsuit against LSU…:

CUT 10(08)      “…and it’s documented.”

LRN reached out to the University for Comment. So far, no response.

New Orleans Police arrest a man they say did two carjackings at a Costco last week; including one that left a woman seriously injured. Police say 18-year-old Tyrese Harris will also be charged with the January 5^th murder of a 12-year-old boy.

If you’re hoping to get a break on prices at the pump anytime soon, analysts say they wouldn’t bet on it. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

A Louisiana State Trooper is under arrest for domestic violence. A spokesman for Troop A says 28-year-old Garret Yetman has been with LSP since 2019. Gonzales Police say Yetman was charged with domestic abuse battery, after they responded to a call. He’s been placed on administrative leave.

A lawyer for former LSU associate athletic director Sharon Lewis says a male coach exposed himself to her in 2013. David Grubb has the story…:

CUT 01(36)      “….I’m David Grubb.”

From the state Department of Health, today’s COVID numbers: they report just over 7300 new case. 1568 are in the hospital & about 73-percent of them aren’t fully vaxxed. 48 more deaths with the virus are reports, bringing the state’s pandemic total to nearly 16-thousand.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara faces a felony battery charge after he allegedly injured someone at a Las Vegas nightclub. Las Vegas Metropolitan police say the incident happened late Saturday afternoon, but Kamara still played in yesterday’s Pro Bowl Game in Las Vegas. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Kamara was not charged until after the game…:

CUT 03(06)      “…little bit.”

Gas prices are creeping back up, and AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says even though demand is down,  a gallon of gas in Louisiana is up about $0.15 from a month ago. He says don’t expect a break soon, with spring travel pushing prices up and then summer gas conversion; another price inflation event..:

CUT 14(12)      “…and upgrade.”

He anticipates prices will climb another 50-cents a gallon before fall.

Virtually all of our state is in the grips of frigid winter temperatures, and it’s only going to get colder for a few nights. State Climatologist Barry Keim…:

CUT 04(11)      “…be a hard freeze.”

Keim says a slight warming trend will come in for early next week.

Detectives in Baton Rouge found over 100 stolen catalytic converters in a local couple’s chop shop. Matthew and Brooke Gibson are under arrest; facing numerous charges, including possession of narcotics. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant L’Jean (el-JEAN) McKneely says there’s been an increase in catalytic converter thefts and they are investigating ties to Gibson’s operation…:

CUT 06(10)      “…Texas for sale.”

He says preventing converter theft is tough, because thieves can get one off your car in just minutes.

Caddo Parish deputies report two people hurt today when an auto transport truck collided with a freight train on state Highway 169 in Greenwood. The highway was closed down for quite a long while the accident was cleared. The truck driver was not hurt, but two members of the train crew were taken to the hospital.

Is it too early to enjoy some hot boiled crawfish? No indeed, says Mark Shirley with the LSU Ag Center. With crawfish farmers enduring harsh conditions to deliver one of the state’s signature culinary staples, Shirley says there’s no better time to show support by buying a few pounds…:

CUT 10(12)      “…that they catch.”

Prices for mudbugs are up a bit this year, but then again so is the price of everything else.

The House and Senate Governmental Affairs Committees both approved new Congressional district maps similar to the current one, which means just one majority-minority district. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says, based on the 2020 Census data, she doesn’t believe a second majority-Black district can be drawn and pass legal muster. She says proposals that DID do that would actually reduce the chances of a Black candidate being elected…:

CUT 13(12)      “…majority-minority district.”

In the House Committee, New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis was not happy with a bill moved forward that has only one majority black district. He questions bill sponsor, Speaker Clay Schexnayder, about fairness…:

CUT 15(13)      “…they want.”

The maps passed by the committees next face debate on the House & Senate floors.

COVID. The state Health Department reports today that there are 70 fewer people hospitalized with the virus than yesterday. By number, that’s 1821. About 70-percent of those still in hospital beds are not fully vaxxed. Just over 7000 new cases reported today; mostly the Omicron variant. This leads to hope the pandemic may winding down.

Crawfish season is typically associated with spring and summer backyard boils, but the season actually begins in January. David Grubb tells us why it’s not too early to start grabbing some mudbugs…:

CUT 01(30)      “…David Grubb.”

Though the chances of hazardous wintery precipitation are passing us by, look for hard freezes tonight and Saturday night across Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says get ready…:

CUT 05  (11)        “…the state.”

A slight warming trend will come in for early next week.

Baton Rouge Police bust a couple believed responsible for stealing over a hundred catalytic converters from people’s cars. A thief can get anywhere from $900 to $2500 for a stolen converter, because of the precious metals inside. BRPD spokesman Sgt. L’Jean (EL-jeen) McKneely says Matthew and Brooke Gibson are under arrest and more they hope to make more busts…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…to another wholesaler.”

McKneely says as for preventing someone from stealing one for your car it’s almost impossible because they can be removed in a matter of minutes.

The House and Senate Governmental Affairs committee approves new Congressional district maps. They do not include a second majority-minority district. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 02(35)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A man’s body found in a Natchitoches Parish oxidation pond Thursday has been identified as a missing man from LaSalle Parish. 35-year-old Josh Humphries hadn’t been seen since January 8^th. Natchitoches cops found his car on the 13^th. Though cause of death has not been determine, his death is ruled a homicide. An investigation is underway.