2021 was a record-setting year for Louisiana in a bad way. Kevin Gallagher reports on the record number of traffic deaths last year…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Meanwhile, Governor John Bel Edwards’s office announces two-point-six billion dollars in Army Corps of Engineers Funding for Louisiana projects. Edwards says the supplemental disaster relief bill includes over two billion dollars in funding for coastal and other flood protection projects. Millions will also be spent on reinforcing levees.

US Senate candidate and Baton Rouge Democrat Gary Chambers made national headlines this week for his internet campaign ad that shows him smoking marijuana as he lobbies for legalization and decriminalization of pot. During his Ask the Governor show, John Bel Edwards says he’s not a fan of the ad…
cut 11 (09) “….reward him for”
Edwards says he’s attracted to Luke Mixon’s candidacy, he’s the other announced Democratic challenger to Republican Senator John Kennedy.

Many people have questions about COVID vaccines and their effect on fertility. Shreveport OB/GYN Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr. says in men it’s COVID that’s been shown to reduce sperm count, not the vaccine.
Cut 13 (11) “…get vaccinated.”
Weather recommends that everyone who is medically eligible be vaccinated and boosted to avoid serious complications for the COVID.

State transportation officials say 2021 set a new record-high for highway fatalities. Nearly a thousand people died on state roadways last year; topping the previous record of 993, set in 2007. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the 2021 total of 997 fatalities is up 20-percent over last year
Cut 4 (09) “…is just unacceptable.”
Wilson blames the rise in traffic fatalities to an increase in distracted driving.

A cold and windy day is in store for Louisiana today as a result of a powerful cold front that’s still making its way through southeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says portions of southeast Louisiana are under a winter weather advisory from six PM tonight to noon on Friday…
cut 7 (09) “….wintery precipitation”
Keim says the freezing rain will not be significant, as we could see just a light glaze, generally a trace to a few hundredths of an inch.

During his Ask the Governor Show, John Bel Edwards said U-S Senate candidate Gary Chambers campaign ad shows him smoking marijuana is not something people should reward him for. Meanwhile, Edwards spoke highly of the other Democratic challenger to John Kennedy. The governor nearly gave an official endorsement to Luke Mixon…
cut 12 (08) “….a little later”
The primary will be held on November 8th and the general election on December 10th.

Much of the COVID vaccine hesitancy involves adults who are looking to have children. But Shreveport OBGYN Doctor Leonard Weather Junior says it’s extremely important for pregnant women to be vaccinated and boosted and even women who are trying to get pregnant.
Cut 14 (12) “…premature deliveries.”

2021 was a record-setting year for Louisiana in a bad way. Kevin Gallagher reports on the record number of traffic deaths last year…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Louisianans woke up to chilly temperatures this morning. David Grubb reports on how long the winter weather is going to last.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Two Democrats have begun their campaign against republican US Senator John Kennedy and Governor Edwards discusses his impressions of the candidates.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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State transportation officials report 2021 set a new record-high for highway fatalities. Nearly a thousand people died on state roadways last year; topping the previous record of 993, set in 2007. State Secretary of Transportation Shawn Wilson says the 2021 total of 997 fatalities is an alarming number…:

Cut 4 (09) “…is just unacceptable.” 

Preliminary data shows there were 914 crashes on Louisiana roads, resulting in 997 deaths. By comparison, there were 762 crashes and 828 the previous year. Dr. Wilson says it’s a sign that we need to be more cautious while driving…:

Cut 5 (07) “…much more seriously.”

Wilson says traffic accidents are both tragic and too often preventable. He says no amount of state laws can make people slow down, allow more travel time and pay stricter attention the road. However, he says lawmakers are doing everything they can…:

Cut 6 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

Wilson says three things can greatly reduce highway deaths: buckling your safety belt, refraining from driving while impaired, and remaining undistracted while behind the wheel. He says safety in construction zones is also very important. A great number of deaths occur where men are working. _______________________________________

Temperatures took a dive last night as a powerful cold front moved into Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says the winter weather could be here for a while.

Cut 7 (09) “…wintery precipitation.”

A number of areas along the I-10/I-12 corridor can expect freezing rain beginning today and continuing into Friday. The wet weather could make for dangerous road conditions, meaning drivers should be on alert.

Cut 8 (10) “…careful out there.”

Residents should be prepared for a long, cold weekend, and take extra precautions to protect themselves from the frigid weather.

Cut 9 (10)  “…northern locations.”

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On his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about the U.S. Senate race in which Democrats Luke Mixon and Gary Chambers are running against incumbent Republican John Kennedy. Edwards says he’s impressed with Mixon’s credentials as a Naval Academy graduate and his fighter pilot military service.

Cut 10 (12) “…his candidacy.”

Chambers made national headlines earlier this week when he launched a campaign ad on the internet where he was smoking marijuana. Edwards was asked his thoughts on the ad, and he says he hopes it’s one that doesn’t work to his benefit.

Cut  11 (09)  “…reward him for.”  

Edwards says while he signed legislation to decriminalize marijuana if you are found in possession of 14 grams or less and supported medicinal marijuana, however, says he does not endorse the legalization of recreational marijuana. When asked if his comments on Mixon is an endorsement for the Bunkie native is…

Cut 12 (11) “…a little later.”

The primary will be held on November 8^th and the general election on December 10^th.

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Among the misinformation about COVID vaccines is their effect on fertility. Shreveport OB/GYN Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr. says it’s actually just the opposite of the vaccine. Weather says for men it’s COVID that’s been shown to reduce sperm count, not the vaccine.

Cut 13 (11) “…get vaccinated.”

Weather says it’s extremely important for pregnant women to be vaccinated and boosted and even women who are trying to get pregnant.

Cut 14 (12)  “…premature deliveries.”

And there’s an added bonus for pregnant women who are vaccinated, which Weather says just drives the point home for mothers to be to get vaccinated.

Cut 15 (05)  “…protected.”

Weather recommends that everyone who is medically eligible be vaccinated and boosted to avoid serious complications for the COVID.

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UL-Monroe hosts first-place Troy in a Sunbelt Conference showdown Thursday night. The Warhawks snapped a two-game losing streak with a big win at UT-Arlington last Saturday, with only seven players on the roster due to COVID-19. Coach Keith Richard said the victory couldn’t have come at a better time…

Cut  16 (07)  “…homestand.”

Considering that ULM has had at least one player out for every conference game, Richard hopes that he finally has his full roster ready to go.

Cut 17 (11) “ …at full strength.” 

Troy has both depth and talent; assets Richard says the Trojans know how to utilize.

Cut 18 (08) “ …really play together.” 

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LSU sits eighth in the DI Baseball Preseason Top 25. One of the major reasons for their lofty early ranking is the expectation that the Tigers will be one of the best offensive teams in the nation. Aaron Fitt, co-editor of the website believes that The Box will be rocking this season.

Cut 19 (06)_“…be explosive.” 

While sluggers Dylan Crews and Jacob Berry have gotten a lot of buzz, Fitt says the LSU lineup is stacked from top to bottom, making it a nightmare for opposing pitchers.

Cut 20 (16) “…just insane.”  

Media reports say State Treasurer John Schroder has told supporters he will enter the 2023 governor’s race, but Schroder tells our Jeff Palermo he’s not ready to make any public announcement…

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter announces he’s tested positive for COVID. The New Orleans Democrat says he’s experiencing cold-like symptoms and is isolating. Carter who is fully vaccinated urges more people to get vaccinated and wear face masks.

Four people including two children were killed in an overnight house fire in Slidell. Slidell Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann says they found an inoperable smoke detector in the home.

Cut 4 (11) “…save lives.”

The victims have been identified as 33-year old Phoenix Lousteau, her husband 40-year-old Stephen Lousteau, and their daughters, Mackenzie age 10, and Payton age five.

US Congressman Garrett Graves says the federal government has committed more than $2.5 billion to help reinforce Louisiana’s hurricane and flood protection systems. But Graves believes oil-producing regions like Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes received less than their fair share due to presidential politics. He says failure to support Louisiana is a failure to help the nation’s struggling economy.

Cut  11 (12)  “…from Louisiana.”

Firefighters say a family of four were killed in an overnight house fire in Slidell. The fire was first reported around 1:30 in the morning and extinguished around 6 AM.  Slidell Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann…:

CUT 03(07)      “…were children.”

One person was pronounced dead at the scene; three others died later in the hospital. Kaufmann says the house had no working smoke detector, which could have helped them escape the home.

Is State Treasurer John Schroder planning to run for Governor in 2023? At a recent Rotary Club event in Baton Rouge, the Treasurer addressed a report from Lafayette Advertiser reporter Greg Hilburn that he was (quote) “telling supporters he is running for governor”. Mr. Schroder is keeping his cards close to his vest…:

CUT 12(06)      “later this year.”

The Covington Republican spent ten years in the state Legislature, before he was elected State Treasurer in a 2017 special election to replace John Kennedy. He was easily re-elected in 2019.

The Orleans Parish coroner confirms the dismembered remains found last week at a 9^th Ward home ARE those of Julia Dardar, a Slidell mother who went missing just before Christmas. Benjamin Beale is being held for her murder.

US Congressman Garrett Graves announced that the federal government has committed more than $2.5 billion to help reinforce Louisiana’s hurricane and flood protection systems. Graves says, even with these funds, oil-producing regions like Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes received less than their fair share due to presidential politics, citing the Morganza-to-the-Gulf project as a prime example…:

CUT 10(10)      “…seeing right here.”

Graves says failure to support Louisiana is a failure to help the nation’s struggling economy.

Deputies in Calcasieu Parish arrest a 15-year-old for allegedly making a shooting threat against Sulphur High School. The threat was made by phone. Officers were well amid an investigation, when the youth contacted them and fessed up. He is now charged with terrorizing.

An early morning house fire claims four lives in Slidell. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Media reports say State Treasurer John Schroder has told supporters he will enter the 2023 governor’s race, but Schroder tells our Jeff Palermo he’s not ready to make any public announcement…

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Firefighters say four people were killed in an overnight house fire in Slidell’s Eden Isles subdivision. The fire was first reported around 1:30 in the morning and extinguished around 6 AM.  Slidell Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann.

Cut 3 (07) “…were children.”

Three victims were found on the second floor of the home and the fourth on the first floor. One was pronounced dead on the scene and the other three at a local hospital.

Neighbors reportedly heard two loud explosions which woke them to see the house engulfed in flames. It was neighbors that call 9-1-1 and Kauffmann says the explosion was from two propane tanks on the back porch.

Kaufmann says they found a smoke detector that was not functioning in the home and reinforced the message that smoke detectors are critical in warning people to get out of a building in time.

Cut 4 (11) “…save lives.”

Several agencies are investigating the blaze and Kauffmann says it’s been a difficult and emotional morning for everyone involved.

Cut 5 (13) “…accidental fire.”

The victims have been identified as 33-year old Phoenix Lousteau, her husband 40-year-old Stephen Lousteau, and their daughters, Mackenzie age 10, and Payton age five. The blaze remains under investigation.

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Louisiana is preparing for a big change in temperatures as a major cold front will begin moving through this afternoon. National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Berry out of Shreveport, says residents in the northern part of the state can expect freezing conditions beginning tonight.

 Cut 6 (14) “…lower 30s.” 

Berry does believe that the I-20/I-49 corridor should miss out on winter precipitation, but Central Louisiana and areas to the south and southwest of Alexandria could experience a wintery mix.

Cut 7 (12) “…Friday morning.” 

After a warm afternoon today, temps will take a big dive tomorrow, and will stay there for a while. Berry adds that the winds coming with the front will make conditions even colder.

Cut 8 (12) “…tomorrow night.”  

______________________________________________________

US Congressman Garrett Graves announced that the federal government has committed more than $2.5 billion to help reinforce Louisiana’s hurricane and flood protection systems. Graves highlighted $128 million designated for the Comite Diversion project as a major, but long-delayed victory.

Cut 9 (5) “…get it finished.”

Even with the new funds, Graves believes oil-producing regions like Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes received less than their fair share due to presidential politics, citing the Morganza to the Gulf project as the main example.

Cut 10 (10)  “….seeing right here.” 

Graves says failure to support Louisiana is a failure to help the nation’s struggling economy.

Cut  11 (12)  “…from Louisiana.”

_________________________________________________

Is State Treasurer John Schroder planning to run for Governor in 2023? At a recent Rotary Club event in Baton Rouge, the Treasurer addressed a report from Lafayette Advertiser reporter Greg Hilburn that he was (quote) “telling supporters he is running for governor”. Mr. Schroder is keeping his cards close to his vest…:

Cut 12 (06) “…later this year.”  

In a text to supporters, obtained USA Today Network & quoted by Hilburn, Schroder wrote he (quote) “Just wanted to let you know that the Schroder family has met, and we will be entering the governor’s race. Timeline for the announcement is not set yet, but I wanted to let you know.” Schroder tells LRN he’s not prepared to make it official just yet, but swerving the public comes naturally to him…:

Cut 13 (11) “…no matter what I do.”

In his ten years in the state Legislature, the Covington resident gained a reputation for being a “Fiscal Hawk”. He ran for – and won – State Treasurer in a 2017 special election to replace John Kennedy and was easily re-elected in 2019. Talking with LRN, Schroder certainly sounds like he’s running for governor…:

Cut 14 (13)  “…isn’t trusted by many.” 

Schroder says an official announcement will be coming in the weeks ahead.

Media reports say State Treasurer John Schroder has told supporters he will enter the 2023 governor’s race, but Schroder tells our Jeff Palermo he’s not ready to make any public announcement…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

An 87-year-old Livingston Parish man is recovering from injuries sustained when a masked man assaulted & robbed him inside his home. Wyatt Pearson says the man first confronted him outside his home, then attacked him and demanded his money. Once inside the house he was beaten & tied up. Sheriff’s deputies have a good description and say they’ll catch the perp.

The Orleans Parish coroner confirms the dismembered remains found last week at a 9^th Ward home are those of 36-year-old Julia Dardar. Her cause of death is listed as blunt force injuries to the head and neck, as well as asphyxia due to manual strangulation. Benjamin Beale is charged with her death. His bond is set at over a million dollars.

Louisiana is preparing for a big change in temperatures as a major cold front will begin moving through this afternoon. National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Berry in Shreveport says temps will take a big dive tomorrow, and will stay there for a while. He adds that the winds coming with the front will make conditions even colder…:

CUT 08(12)      “…tomorrow night.”

An early morning house fire in Slidell kills four, including two children. Slidell fire Chief Chris Kaufmann says it’s been a difficult and emotional morning for everyone involved.

Cut 5 (13) “…accidental fire.”

The victims have been identified as 33-year old Phoenix Lousteau, her husband 40-year-old Stephen Lousteau, and their daughters, Mackenzie age 10, and Payton age five.

The state reports 2,304 COVID patients in Louisiana hospitals and 144 of those patients are on ventilators. 13-thousand new cases were also added to the statewide total that eclipsed a million this week.  The department of health also reports that 52 new fatalities, 44 of the confirmed deaths are the most reported in one day since September.

Big changes weather-wise are coming to Louisiana. Shreveport National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Berry says residents in the northern part of the state can expect freezing conditions tonight and areas near the I-20/I-49 corridor should miss out on winter precipitation, but areas to the south and southwest of Alexandria could see a dicey mix.

Cut 7 (12) “…Friday morning.” 

Congressman Garrett Graves announced that the federal government has committed more than $2.5 billion to help reinforce Louisiana’s hurricane and flood protection systems. Graves highlighted $128 million designated for the Comite Diversion project, which has been underway since the 1980s, he says this is a major, but long-delayed victory.

Cut 9 (5) “…get it finished.”