Washington D-C Mardi Gras returns after a one-year hiatus. David Grubb has more on the popular business and social event…:

The app is free for job seekers.

The app LinkedIn is known for creating connections in the professional world and now a new app, BoomNation, wants to do the same for the trade industry…:
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

WBRZ in Baton Rouge is reporting an LSU student has been arrested for allegedly using the anonymous app YikYok to make a post about an active shooter at the dining hall on campus. LSUPD was made aware of the post Monday and investigators were able to track the threat to 18-year-old Dominic Moore. He faces one count of terrorizing, which is a felony.

Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport is one of 400 sites conducting clinical trials for an oral medication to prevent COVID for those who are exposed by someone in their household. Principal investigator Dr. Joseph Bocchini (Bo-key-nee) Jr. says the trial is looking for qualified participants to look at
efficacy and dosage…:
Cut 11 (10) “be needed”
He says this is a critical advance in outpatient treatment of COVID.

State Wildlife & Fisheries’ annual “Get Out and Fish” events start today where rainbow trout has been stocked in select ponds across the state. LDWF spokesperson Danica Williams says this is a great time of year to cast a line:
Cut 9 (12) “ready to go”
Check locations near you online at “wlf.la.gov”; click on Get Out and Fish!

Willis-Knighten Health System in Shreveport is looking for clinical trial participants to help with a medication to treat COVID..:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

DC Mardi Gras events get underway today and LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says this is a gathering of a Who’s Who in state politics but it’s not all about partying…:
Cut 15 (08) “consultants”

Four friends in the blue collar trade industry who had trouble finding qualified workers have reached out the the brainchild of the popular Waitr app, which was founded in Louisiana. Chris Meaux says they launched an app called BoomNation which is free for job seekers and allows them to search for work…:
CUT 4 (10) “those trades”
BoomNation also has the ability for skilled workers to showcase their work and display photos of their greatest hits.

State Wildlife & Fisheries’ annual “Get Out and Fish” events start today. LDWF spokesperson Danica Williams says 17 sites will be stocked with adult-size rainbow trout; a colder water fish uncommon to Louisiana waters…:
Cut 7 (06) “they’re good eating”
Check locations near you online at wlf.la.gov.

The Willis Knighton Health System in Shreveport is one of 400 sites in the US researching a pill to prevent Covid in people who have been exposed by someone in their house, and they are looking for participants to be part of the study. The Principal investigator is Dr. Joseph Bocchini (Bo-key-nee) Jr…:
Cut 10 (12) “management of COVID”
The Pfizer medication being used has already received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for those who are more susceptible to severe COVID complications.

D-C Mardi Gras activities get underway today as one of the biggest social events of the year for the nation’s capitol returns after a one-year hiatus due to covid. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford…:
CUT 13 (08) “from Louisiana”
He says it’s also a major networking event among elected officials.

The Lake Charles founder of the popular Waitr app has joined an effort to help easily connect skilled trade workers to employers through their smartphone. Christopher Meaux says the app is called BoomNation…:
CUT 5 (10) “they have”
BoomNation was created by a group of friends with roots in the blue-collar trades who wanted to come up with a way businesses could easily find skilled workers in a challenging labor market.

The woman who blew a whistle on sexual misconduct at LSU, then filed a $50-million lawsuit against them has been fired by the university. Sharon Lewis had a high-ranking position in the Tiger Athletics department. She alleges harassment at the hands of former football coach Les Miles. LSU says it can’t comment on specific personnel actions but noted there have been several “reassignments and departures” within the last month.

TigerRag.com broke the news Tuesday that Sharon Lewis, LSU associate athletic director of football recruiting and alumni relations, was fired from the school, months after she filed a lawsuit against the University. Here’s Brooke Thorington.

Cut 2 (30)…”I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Edwards has earmarked funds for pay raises for Louisiana’s teachers and support staffers in his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed raises of $1500 for teachers and $750 for support staff, could increase if the Revenue Estimating Conference recognizes additional funds. Louisiana Association of Educators President, Dr. Tia Mills is looking forward to the session.

Cut 5 (06) “…educators.”

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With mobile sports wagering set to begin this Friday morning at 8 a.m., the Louisiana Gaming Control Board says it’s ready to go in the 55 parishes that voted for gaming last November. Participating sportsbooks will go online just before the busy NFL championship weekend, with the Super Bowl just two weeks away.

After getting a late start with casino gambling, Board Chairman Ronnie Johns is proud that Louisiana has gotten the jump on our neighbor to the east.

Cut 8 (11) “…ahead of Mississippi.”

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US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is stepping down from the bench. Though his replacement won’t change the court’s conservative majority, Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says naming Breyer’s replacement is time-sensitive for progressives and Democrats.

Cut 12 (11) “…by the Senate.”

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The woman who blew a whistle on sexual misconduct at LSU, then filed a $50-million lawsuit against them has been fired by the university. Sharon Lewis had a high-ranking position in the Tiger Athletics department. She alleges harassment at the hands of former football coach Les Miles. Tiger Rag.com broke the story and Editor Adam Hunsaker says he got an email from Lewis’ attorney about her termination..:

CUT 09 (11)      “…continue for some time.”

Lewis was fired by A.D. Scott Woodward on January 5^th.

At least one state teachers union is on board with Governor Edwards proposed budget plan that gives each teacher a $1500 pay raise. Louisiana Association of Educators President Tia Mills says that sum is a good start and a show of good faith by Mr. Edwards. She says even more surplus money could be determined by state revenue estimators – meaning possibly even bigger raises, and she looks forward to the debate in the regular legislative Session, starting in March…:

CUT 05 (06)      “…win for educators.”

Hold on to your phones. Mobile sports wagering is set to go live in Louisiana this Friday. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 01 (32)      “…David Grubb.”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins made it official today; the veteran SPD cop, who’s been serving as interim chief for seven months, will be the new Chief of Police. The city council is expected to approve Wayne Smith’s new position in short order.

Firefighter in Livingston parish were called to a local home, where they successfully saved the lives of two baby goats. The kids were having trouble breathing. Firemen gave them oxygen through a special animals mask, and they’re going to be OK.

Governor Edwards proposed budget for the fiscal year that starts in July contains money for teacher pay raises of $1,500, and $750 for support staff. Reaction so fare is mixed with some calling the figures a pittance and a slap in the face of educators, However, Louisiana Association of Educators President Dr. Tia Mills says it’s a step in the right direction…:

CUT 03(11)      “…our ultimate goal.”

Many of you are more than ready for sports book apps to go live in Louisiana. Well that happens Friday. State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says a lot of moving parts came together to get it done…:

CUT 06(13)      “…ready to go.”

Nine parishes voted to reject mobile sports betting, and the apps available will be geo-fenced so they won’t work there.

The announced retirement of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer has many speculating who the Biden administration will nominate to fill the empty seat, and how quickly that will happen. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the President will likely pick someone middle-aged for the job, as Donald Trump did when he nominated 48-year-old Amy Coney Barrett…:

CUT 13(07)      “…is any indication.”

Mr. Biden has already said he’d appoint the first black woman to the High Court.

Today’s COVID numbers from LDH: 8700 new cases today, with 2200 in the hospital. 72-percent of those are not fully vaxxed. 48 more deaths were reported as well.

Residents of New Orleans are wondering what caused a loud boom over the city Tuesday night. Nearby Belle Chasse Naval Air Station says no supersonic planes were in flight at the time, NASA’s Michoud Assembly facility says it wasn’t them. The FAA, the Coast Guard, the airport … no one has an explanation of what residents heard. Many said it was so loud it shook their home.