New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell responds to being filmed ‘flipping the bird’ during the Krewe of Tucks parade. Cantrell says the city was disrespected- she was provoked, and she reacted.

Cut 12 (08) “…the city.”

Cantrell has faced a wave of criticism over the past few months. Cantrell says it was a mistake that she regrets.

Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says he’s considering a run for governor. The Republican from Ascension Parish says he will only get into the race if Congressman Garret Graves decides not to run…

Cut 8 (07)  “…t-shirt on” 

Graves says he’s receiving encouragement to run and told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that expects to decide within the next ten days or so.

It was a week ago today that a Covington, Georgia man went missing from a business trip to Baton Rouge. The wife of Nathan Millard says she last spoke to her husband he was with a client attending an LSU basketball game. Millard was last seen leaving Happy’s Irish Pub at 11:30 walking towards his downtown hotel. Millard’s phone was found blocks away from his hotel. The 42-year-old man was wearing a green baseball cap, black shirt, and blue jeans. He’s 5’9’, weighs approximately 180 pounds and has brown hair.

With federal pandemic protections ending, states can once again reevaluate Medicaid participants annually for eligibility. Tara LeBlanc Executive Director of Louisiana’s Medicaid program says it’s vital for participants to reply to letters and update their contact information.

Cut 5 (06) “…healthcare coverage.”

She says letters will be mailed out over a 12-month period beginning in May.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell responds to being filmed ‘flipping the bird’ during the Krewe of Tucks parade. Cantrell says the city was disrespected- she was provoked, and she reacted.

Cut 11 (08)  “…love you”

Cantrell has faced a wave of criticism over the past few months. She says it was a mistake that she regrets.

COVID protections from the federal government end in April, which means Medicaid recipients will be reevaluated for eligibility. Tara LeBlanc Executive Director of Louisiana’s Medicaid program says they’ll begin mailing pink letters and recipients must respond if they wish to remain enrolled and they’re still eligible.

Cut  4 (10)  “…contact information.” 

The Louisiana Speaker of the House is looking at running for governor. Jeff Palermo spoke with Clay Schexnayder about his political future…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore announces he’s not running governor. Moore, who is a registered Democrat, has served as Baton Rouge’s top prosecutor since 2008. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it appears now that DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson will likely be the lone major Democrat in the race to replace outgoing Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards…”

Cut 10 (06) “…John Bel Edwards did.” 

LaSalle Parish school teacher Danny Cole also says he will run for governor as a Democrat. Wilson has not made an official announcement yet. He’s expected to sometime in March.

Internet outages continue to hinder Southeastern University. UL -System President Dr. Jim Henderson says they’ve identified the suspected cyber incident, and while the inability to communicate digitally is a major inconvenience, he says it could be much worse.

Cut 14 (10)   “…we follow.”

In Lake Charles, a ribbon cutting was held today for a 10-point-eight million dollar culinary, gaming and hospitality teaching center. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

And Firmin the crawfish received a pardon today from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Since 2017 the life of one mudbug is spared annually in Louisiana in recognition of the season kickoff. The chosen crawfish is then allowed to retire and live out their remaining days at a state park and avoid a boiling pot of water. Viva la Firmin.

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore announces he’s not running for governor. Moore, who is a registered Democrat, has served as Baton Rouge’s top prosecutor since 2008. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Moore didn’t have much of a chance with DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson expected to get in…

Cut 9 (07) “…whatsoever.”

Wilson, a Black Democrat from Lafayette, is expected to officially enter the race next month.

As we approach the peak of strawberry season, Springfield strawberry farmer, Trey Harris says production is down from this time last year. But he says the current unseasonably warm temps are speeding things up. And while you might assume strawberry farmers welcome rain, Harris says too much water and fog at this point can affect the taste of strawberries.

Cut 7 (05)  “…like water.” 

He says there are only about 15 strawberry farmers left in Louisiana.

In his final year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards is once again asking Louisiana lawmakers to set a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25 per hour. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Every year he’s been in office, Governor John Bel Edwards has asked legislators to set a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25 an hour. Edwards has been unsuccessful so far, but he’ll try again for his last year in office.  The governor has also put 33 million dollars in his proposed budget to fund a minimum wage increase for some 47 hundred state workers.

Cut 12 (11) “…ten dollars an hour.”

The session begins on April 10^th.

LSU Health New Orleans reports a majority of their post-op total knee replacement patients recovered just as well with Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medications versus opioids to control pain. Professor of Orthopedics Dr. Vinod Dasa (Va-node Dose-ah)…

Cut 13 (09) “…opioid group.” 

The Red Cross says they’ve installed 42,000 smoke alarms in Louisiana homes over the last nine years. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says while the Red Cross is usually reactive to disasters the Home Fire Campaign allows them to be proactive in preventing home fire deaths.

Cut 8 (11)  “…27 lives.”

If you need a free smoke alarm visit SoundtheAlarm-dot org slash Louisiana.

The 37th annual Festival International de Louisiane will take over downtown Lafayette April 26-30. Marketing Director, Carly Viator says attendance growth adds the perfect ingredients for cultural tourism and economic development.

Cut 6 (09)  “…every year.” 

Lafayette native Lauren Daigle will headline the free event.

Festival International de Louisiana announces its 2023 lineup. Teiko Foxx has more on this big music festival in a couple of months…

Cut 1 (25)  “…Teiko Foxx.”

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In his final year in a office, Governor John Bel Edwards is once again asking Louisiana lawmakers to set a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25 per hour. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An LSU Health New Orleans study indicates the majority of their post-op total knee replacement patients recovered just as well with Tylenol and anti-inflammatories versus opioids. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The 37th annual Festival International de Louisiane will take over downtown Lafayette April 26-30. The celebration of cultures from around the world includes music, food, and art. Festival International de Louisiane, Marketing Director, Carly Viator says…

Cut 4 (09)  “…years now.”

Lafayette native, Lauren Diagle along with more than 60 artists from across the world will play at this year’s festival. Viator says…

Cut 5 (10) “…zydeco groups.”

Viator says attendance growth adds the perfect ingredients for cultural tourism and economic development.

Cut 6 (09)  “…every year.” 

The event is free to the public.

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The Red Cross says they’ve installed 2.5 million smoke alarms in Louisiana homes over the last nine years thus making one million homes safer in the Bayou State. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says it was 2014 when their Home Fire Campaign was launched.

Cut 7 (10) “…smoke alarm.”

In addition to responding to blood supply needs and hurricane recovery, the Red Cross also assists those who’ve been displaced from their home due to a fire. Bush says while the Red Cross is usually reactive to disasters the Home Fire Campaign allows them to be proactive in preventing home fire deaths.

Cut 8 (11)  “…27 lives.”

Bush says the program is open to anyone and if you need a smoke detector visit SoundtheAlarm-dot-org slash Louisiana for a free alarm. He says in addition to providing and installing the device they offer education about what to do in case of a fire.

Cut 9 (10)  “…that side.”

The website is SoundtheAlarm.org/Louisiana

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Governor John Bel Edwards will once again support legislation this year to increase the minimum wage. Louisiana is one of 21 states that sets its minimum wage with the federal rate which is $7.25. Edwards says it’s past time to raise the minimum wage…

Cut 10 (09)  “…2023″

Bills are expected to be filed to set a minimum wage in Louisiana above the federal rate. Business groups have lobbied against previous legislation to increase the minimum wage and the Republican-led legislature has voted them down. But that will not stop Edwards in his final year in office…

Cut 11 (09)  “…this year”

Edwards has also put 33-million dollars in his proposed budget to fund a minimum wage increase for some 47-hundred state workers

Cut 12 (11) “…ten dollars an hour.”

The Louisiana Budget Project told the Louisiana Illuminator website that the governor should look to raise the minimum wage for state workers to 15-dollars an hour.

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An LSU Health New Orleans study indicates the majority of their post-op total knee replacement patients recovered just as well with Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medications versus opioids to control pain. Professor of Orthopedics Dr. Vinod Dasa (Va-node Dose-ah) says among 144 patients they compared those who took non-opiate pain relief to those who used opioids.

Cut 13 (09) “…opioid group.” 

Dasa says they specifically looked at patients recovering from total knee replacement because the recovery is considered the most painful. He says that the surgery has improved over time and that also reduces the need for stronger pain relief.

Cut 14 (12)  “…compared to knee replacement.”

Research indicates that 10 to 15 percent of opiates given post-surgery lead to dependency and addiction. So, by adopting a new post-opt pain relief protocol Dasa says they can reduce the potential for opioid dependency and serious side effects like blood clots and infections.

Cut 15 (11)  “…really important.”

Dasa says they are now adopting a new post-op pain relief protocol at LSU Health New Orleans among multi-disciplinaries like OB/GYN, ENT, neurology, etc.

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LSU junior centerfielder Dylan Crews was named the SEC Co-Player of the Week after collecting ten hits in four games and driving in seven runs. Crews also scored nine times and had three doubles in the Tigers 16 to four win over Sam Houston State on Sunday. Coach Jay Johnson says Crews is the best player he’s ever coached and makes the game look easy…

Cut  16 (14)  “…is special.” 

After hitting 18 home runs last season, Brayden Joubert has slugged three dingers in seven games this season. Joubert only had a .246 batting average last season, but he says his preparation is more consistent this year…

Cut 17 (19) “…single game.” 

Top-ranked LSU is at Texas tonight. The Longhorns are 3-and-4 this season. Johnson is hopeful for another big offensive night from his club after scoring 16 runs on Sunday…

Cut 18 (07) “…on Tuesday.”

Cut 19 (17) “…shoot the ball.”

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Cut 20 (17)  “… a huge blessing.” 

After 17-year-old Nykobia (Nah-co-bee-ah) Keller was killed Saturday night while driving on I-110 Baton Rouge police are asking the public for help. They believe a passenger in her car was being targeted. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says they do not have a description of the vehicle that was shooting at Keller and her passenger nor a motive at this time.

Cut 5 (09) “…our investigation.”

Keller is survived by her four-year-old son.

A recent poll, paid for by the Jeff Landry Campaign, shows the attorney general with a huge lead among Republicans and independents in 2023 gubernatorial race. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Landry polling at 48-percent is not surprising because he has good name recognition…:

Cut 10 (10) “…garner media attention.” 

The primary is October 14^th.

The FDA grants emergency use authorization for a combination flu and COVID home test so you can check to see what’s causing your symptoms. LSU Health New Orleans Genetics Specialist Dr. Lucio Miele because vaccines are formulated for variants you should always report your test results to your physician.

Cut 13 (12) “..the COVID virus.” 

The home test can give results in 30 minutes.

Blue Runner Foods, located in Ascension Parish, has named its first female President to lead Louisiana’s only remaining canning company. The maker of canned beans and gumbo for 105 years has been a staple in the southern region. Newly appointed President, Katie Bautsch says she’s excited about her new role.

Cut 6 (07)  “…family’s legacy.” 

The company has been operating in Louisiana since 1918.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Mardi Gras was a big success for New Orleans, despite being marred by acts of violence and crime. The official numbers are still being tallied, but Nungesser says he saw huge crowds in Metairie and New Orleans on Fat Tuesday. He says Mother Nature helped put it over the top…:

Cut 12 (12) “…prior to COVID.”

However, Nungesser says cities (especially New Orleans) must be allowed to get a handle on rising crime or crowds will DWINDLE.

A nationwide study on Parkinson’s Disease among Black people has chosen LSU Health Shreveport. The Director of the Center for Brain Health and Professor of Neurology at LSU Health Shreveport, Elizabeth Disbrow (dis-bro) says the African American population is medically underserved.

Cut 10 (06) “…of it.” 

For more information visit Louisiana Radio Network-dot-com

The first weekend of Lent kickoffs of Crawfish Season here in the Bayou State. And crawfish prices are holding steady, that’s according to Crawfish App co-founder Laney King. King says if you’re planning to have crawfish at your favorite eatery this weekend…

Cut 3 (11) “…$125 a sack.” 

King says prices are back to normal compared to previous seasons.

A comedy, filmed in Donaldsonville, premieres on Netflix today, it’s called “We Have a Ghost.” It’s the story of a family who moves into a fixer-upper and becomes a viral sensation when they reveal a ghost who haunts their home. Aquiles Montalvo (Achilles Mon-tal-vo) an assistant location manager on the film says residents will recognize the Ascension Parish city in a car chase scene.

Cut 6 (07)  “…for a treat.” 

Filming began in July of 2021 and was interrupted by Hurricane Ida and filming resumed in October.

LSU Health Shreveport has been named a new site to study Parkinson’s Disease in African American individuals. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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A West Baton Rouge Parish grand jury indicts a former Addis cop for his role in a New Year’s Eve high-speed chase and car crash that killed two teenage girls. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (29)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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It’s the first Friday of Lent and that means it’s the official kickoff of Crawfish Season here in the Bayou State. And crawfish prices are holding steady, that’s according to Crawfish App co-founder Laney King. King says if you’re planning to have crawfish at your favorite eatery this weekend…

Cut 3 (11) “…$125 a sack.” 

King says prices are back to normal compared to previous seasons. She says prices for the opening weekend this year are down five percent from where they were in 2022.

Weather-wise it’s ideal for opening weekend and King says not only is it great for a boil it’s also promising for future crawfish.

Cut  4 (07)  “…excited about.” 

As we get closer to Easter King believes prices will drop and crawfish will increase in size. As for the season overall…

Cut 5 (08) “…crawfish season.”

To compare prices download the Crawfish App on your smartphone.

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A comedy, filmed in Donaldsonville, premieres on Netflix today, it’s called “We Have a Ghost.” It’s the story of a family who moves into a fixer-upper and becomes a viral sensation when they reveal a ghost who haunts their home. Aquiles Montalvo (Achilles Mon-tal-vo) an assistant location manager on the film says residents will recognize the Ascension Parish city in a car chase scene.

Cut 6 (07)  “…for a treat.” 

When searching for locations for productions, Montalvo says Louisiana offers more diverse options than Hollywood, like historic buildings and swamps…

Cut 7 (08)  “…different possibilities.” 

The film stars David Harbour, who’s best known for his role on Stranger Things, as Ernest the ghost. Montalvo says the production did have a supernatural occurrence shortly after filming began in July of 2021.

Cut 8 (09)  “…doing that.” 

Filming resumed in October 2021.

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A nationwide study on Parkinson’s Disease in African American and Black people has chosen LSU Health Shreveport as a new site location. Nearly one million people in the country are affected by Parkinson’s disease. The Director of the Center for Brain Health and Professor of Neurology at LSU Health Shreveport, Elizabeth Disbrow says finding a sample population to participate is important.

Cut 9 (11) “…genetic counseling.”

90% of genetics studies related to Parkinson’s Disease have involved people of European ancestry, leaving the disease’s genetic impact on Black and African American people underrepresented in current research data. Disbrow says the African American population is medically underserved.

Cut 10 (06) “…of it.” 

Information gathered on the black and African American connections to Parkinson’s Disease is only one piece of a larger global effort to enhance knowledge of genetic information and treatment.

Cut 11 (09)  “…clear diagnosis.”

________________________________

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Mardi Gras was a big success for New Orleans, despite being marred by acts of violence and crime. The official numbers are still being tallied, but Nungesser says he saw huge crowds in Metairie and New Orleans on Fat Tuesday. He says Mother Nature helped put it over the top…:

Cut 12 (12) “…prior to COVID.”

However, Nungesser says cities (especially New Orleans) must be allowed to get a handle on rising crime or crowds will DWINDLE. He says Carnival attendance is already seeing an impact because of it…:

Cut 13 (11) “..with those kids.” 

Nungesser says future Mardi Gras celebrations are at risk, plus the convention and tourism business the city relies on all year. He says groups and governments planning conventions in New Orleans will see the rising crime problem and opt to take their business elsewhere…:

Cut 14 (06)   “…the streets safer.”

Nungesser is upset the Orleans D.A. let 15 people, who were arrested for illegally carrying a gun in the French Quarter, go.

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Cut 15 (08) “…the state.”

Cut  16 (12)  “…minor injuries.”

According to a poll for the governor’s race Jeff Landry has a significant lead over other Republican candidates. The poll conducted by Richard Lipsey was shared with The Advocate. Landry scored 23 percent, Treasurer John Schroder and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt polled at five percent. Retiring DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson also polled at 5 percent. Democrat Gary Chambers, who said he will not run if Wilson does, polled at 20 percent.

A comedy, filmed in Donaldsonville, premieres on Netflix today, it’s called “We Have a Ghost.” It’s the story of a family who moves into a fixer-upper and becomes a viral sensation when they reveal the ghost who haunts their home. Aquiles Montalvo (Achilles Mon-tal-vo) an assistant location manager for the film says residents will recognize the Ascension Parish city in a car chase scene.

Cut 6 (07)  “…for a treat.” 

Filming began in July 2021 but was interrupted by Hurricane Ida, and resumed in October.

A West Baton Rouge Parish grand jury indicts a former Addis cop for his role in a New Year’s Eve high-speed chase and car crash that killed two teenage girls. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”