On Thursday, House member Barry Ivey blasted GOP colleagues for tabling his state Supreme Court map, to add more minority districts, with zero discussion. So far, NO maps that increase minority voter strength of any kind have passed.  “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says the REAL question is: once the session ends, what will the Governor do…?

Cut 6 (11)  “…State Police controversy.”

Alford thinks court challenges of the district maps passed are inevitable.

Attorneys for nursing home operator Bob Dean say he has dementia and can’t sit for depositions. Dean faces numerous lawsuits after his decision to evacuate residents to a warehouse from seven facilities during Hurricane Ida, which killed 15 people. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says a judge will have to make the decision.

Cut 9 (04)  “…found liable.”

Online sportsbooks took in nearly $40 million during the first four days of operation in Louisiana, but gaming auditor for State Police, reports six companies reported collective losses of nearly $9 million as they pushed incentives. Wade Duty, executive director of the Louisiana Casino Association, says you can expect promotions to return with every major sporting event throughout the year.

Cut 15 (12)  “…football season.”

More than 50 parades roll from tonight through Fat Tuesday in Louisiana. After COVID cancelled Mardi Gras last year there’s pent-up demand to let the good times roll and Mardi Gras Guide Publishers Arthur Hardy says they hope it’s going to be a boost the tourism industry.

Cut 12 (07) “…good now.”

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey lets his colleagues have it after the Louisiana House votes to table his proposal to add a second majority Black district to the state Supreme Court map. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

18-year old Jaden Michael Ardoin faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after his alleged jealousy caused him to chase down two men who flirted with his girlfriend. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

A Baton Rouge lawmaker unloaded on his colleagues in the Louisiana House after his proposal to add a second majority-Black district to the state’s Supreme Court map was tabled without debate. Republican Barry Ivey says he’s learned if legislation doesn’t have the backing of deep-pocketed special interest groups it will not pass…

Cut 3 (10) “…all the time.”

Ivey, who has been in the state legislature since 2013, says it’s unlikely he’ll file another bill.

The major debate in the redistricting session is whether Louisiana should add majority-minority districts to its political maps because the Black population has grown since the 2010 census. The Republican led-Legislature is maintaining the status quo in all the maps that are advancing and Ivey is frustrated…:

Cut 4 (10) “…upset.”

Ivey says the redistricting session is a microcosm of why the state ranks at the bottom in so many rankings because the House is too stupid to work together…:

Cut 5 (10) “…solve ’em.”

Alexandria Republican Lance Harris says life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.

Covington Representative Mark Wright made the motion to table, he says being told by Ivey that the House is stupid, lazy, racist, and corrupt because they vote against his bills is unacceptable and narcissistic. Wright says he made the motion after Ivey couldn’t say how he voted last year on legislation to expand the number of Supreme Court justices. Wright says she couldn’t take Ivey’s bill seriously.

_______________________________________

18-year-old Jaden Michael Ardoin of Port Barre faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after following two brothers in his vehicle and allegedly firing shots Tuesday night near Melville because the two routinely flirted with his girlfriend. St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux says a high-speed chase ensued.

 Cut 6 (10) “…the scene.” 

Wade Edward Smith was killed, and James Preston Allen Vaughn is listed in stable condition.

Thibodaux says investigators were able to secure video footage from the gas station where the two brothers interacted with Ardoin’s girlfriend.

Cut 7 (12) “…incident happened.” 

Thibodaux says it’s unfortunate that a jealous rage sparked such an incident that’s impacted so many lives.

Cut 8 (10) “…for a murder.”  

Another arrest is expected today.

______________________________________________

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 take advantage of their value.

Cut 9 (09) “…fuel stations.”

Wilson says DOTD is going to create a grant program so they can deploy charging stations in areas where there’s already infrastructure in place to build upon.

Cut 10 (08)  “…an opportunity.” 

Along with utility providers and public spaces.

Wilson says EVs are going to mainstream sooner than later, and Louisiana needs to be prepared, by providing ample charging stations along routes for residents.

Cut 11 (06)   “….rural communities.”  

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 more days to sell the closed DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City. DiamondJacks shut its doors in May of 2020 and P-2-E attempted to build a new facility in Slidell, but St. Tammany Parish voters shot down that proposal in December. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says this is P-2-E’s last extension…

Cut 12 (07) “..this again.”  

An attorney representing P-2-E told the board they are in talks with Foundation Gaming to buy the Diamond Jacks casino property. Johns hopes that will happen…

Cut 13 (12) “…local government.”

The gaming control board could have requested that P-2-E give the license back to the state. But the process of re-selling the license and the new owner building a property for gaming could take four to five years. So P-2-E has two months to sell Diamond Jacks or board member Julie Berry says they lose the license…

Cut 14 (09)  “…this is it.” 

A Baton Rouge lawmaker Barry Ivey unloaded on his colleagues in the House after his proposal to add a second majority-Black district to the state’s Supreme Court map was tabled without debate. Ivey a Republican says the redistricting session is a microcosm of why the state often ranks at the bottom because the House is too stupid to work together…

Cut 5 (10) “..solve ‘em.”

Alexandria Republican Lance Harris countered by saying life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.

The Gaming Control Board is giving Pacific Peninsula Entertainment 60 more days to sell DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City which shut its doors in May of 2020. P-2-E attempted to build a new facility in Slidell, but St. Tammany Parish voters killed the proposal. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns…

Cut 12 (07) “..this again.”  

18-year-old Jaden Michael Ardoin of Port Barre faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after chasing two brothers and allegedly firing shots Tuesday night near Melville because they flirted with his girlfriend. St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux Wade Edward Smith was killed, and James Preston Allen Vaughn was injured. Investigators were able to secure video footage from the gas station where it all began.

Cut 7 (12) “…incident happened.” 

Another arrest is expected today.

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey lets his colleagues have it after the Louisiana House votes to table his proposal to add a second majority Black district to the state supreme court map. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Two men alleged to be involved in the incident that resulted in Saints running back Alvin Kamara being arrested in Las Vegas have been booked. Police are looking for a third man thought to be Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Lammons. The felony battery charges against Kamara could mean one to five years in prison if convicted.

On his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards stated again that he was not involved whatsoever in a coverup of the 2019 arrest and death of black motorist Ronald Greene. The Justice Department is investigating the matter and Edwards says he feels for Greene’s mother Mona Hardin.

Cut 6 (11)  “…should never have happened.”

Another cold front will enter the Bayou State just in time to bring us another chilly weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says highs today will reach into the 70s and there’s a chance of widespread showers.

Cut 13 (08) “…marginal risk.”

You’ll want to be weather aware today and pay attention to any watches and warnings. And unfortunately, today’s rain won’t be enough to help with the ongoing drought.

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will consider whether the state’s recent ban on non-unanimous guilty verdicts for felony cases should be retroactive.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

35-year old Wendell Sanchez of Gonzales was sentenced to 35 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to twice raping an 11-year-old girl whom authorities said became pregnant with his child. Prosecutors say it allowed Sanchez to avoid two potential life sentences and also avoided putting the victim on the stand.

Third Judicial District Attorney John Belton plans to pursue criminal charges against those involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene, but the U-S Attorneys Office asked him not to move forward with state charges, because it may impede the federal investigation.

Cut 7 (12) “…my case” 

Greene died in Union Parish where Belton has jurisdiction.

The department of health has changed quarantine requirements in schools if there’s an exposure. One option, according to State epidemiologist Teresa Sokol says if there’s universal masking, they require no contact tracing or quarantine after exposure regardless of vaccination status.

Cut 5 (06) “…layer of protection.”

LDH is changing quarantine requirements in an effort to reduce disruptions in the classroom.

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

Cut 3 (07) “…the safe side.”

The second option is a test to stay, after an exposure and the third is universal masking.

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 6 (12) “…federal government” 

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will consider whether the state’s ban on nonunanimous 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 9 (10) “…federal constitution”

In an effort to keep repeat DWI drivers off the road, judges in Acadia, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes can offer those with first or second convictions to be screened for substance abuse or a mental health disorder. Executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Lisa Freeman says screening is a proven impaired driver countermeasure.

Cut  11 (10)  “…screen for that.”  

Even though COVID cases numbers indicate the state is on the downside of the Omicron surge State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter urges residents to wear N95 masks when they are in crowds to avoid transmission. Free N95 masks are being distributed at the following locations.

Cut 9 (06) “…Walgreens locations.”

St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills files a bill requiring nursing homes to have emergency power incase of a disaster or other emergency situations. While most long-term care facilities have such back up power in place, he wants it on the books and to cover specifics

Cut 5 (12) “…long-term power disruption.”

The bill is in response to the tragic evacuation to a warehouse during Hurricane Ida that claimed 15 lives.

A report from NOAA shows parts of Louisiana and Texas could see Gulf of Mexico waters rise 16 to 18 inches by 2050. Natalie Snider, Associate Vice President at the Environmental Defense Fund, says Louisiana is taking an aggressive approach to combat the rise in sea level…

Cut 14 (11)  “…the right direction.”
Judges in Acadia, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes are participating in a pilot program in an effort to keep impaired drivers off the road. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says judges in those parishes will screen individuals convicted for a first or second offense DWI for substance abuse or a mental health disorder…

Cut 10 (09) “…down the road.”
Alcohol is involved in 40-percent of all traffic fatalities in Louisiana.

A bill filed for the regular legislative session in March would assure nursing homes have emergency power for disasters and other emergencies. St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills is the bill’s sponsor. He says MOST nursing homes are already taking care of this, but…

Cut 4 (09)  “…of energy loss.” 

Mills says he brought the bill after talking with the nursing homes industry, who wish to be proactive in avoiding another tragedy like last summer at a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish.

While COVID cases continue to drop in the Omicron surge State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the state’s overall fully vaccinated rate is 52-percent which he says needs to increase. But Kanter remains hopeful after more than 58 thousand got their first shot last month.

Cut 8 (08)  “…in January.”

NOAA issued a report that projects sea levels to rise by up to a foot within the next 30 years. Natalie Snider, Associate Vice President at the Environmental Defense Fund, says the time is now for Louisiana to put plans into action to protect vulnerable coastal communities.

Cut 13 (12) “…sea-level rise.”

In an effort to keep repeat DWI drivers off the road, judges in Acadia, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes can offer those with first or second convictions to be screened for substance abuse or a mental health disorder. Executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Lisa Freeman says screening is a proven impaired driver countermeasure.

Cut  11 (10)  “…screen for that.”  

A bill filed for the regular legislative session in March would assure nursing homes have emergency power for disasters and other emergencies. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health says the latest COVID data is encouraging, but there’s still room for improvement. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________

With reports that sea levels could rise as much as a foot over the next 30 years, the level of urgency to protect Louisiana’s coastline has risen as well. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

____________________________________

A bill filed for the regular legislative session in March would assure nursing homes have emergency power for disasters and other emergencies. After Hurricane Ida last fall, nursing home residents were taken to – and left in – an uncomfortable warehouse with no lights or cooling. Several died in those conditions.  St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills is the bill’s sponsor. He says MOST nursing homes are already taking care of this, but…:

Cut 4 (09)  “…of energy loss.” 

Mills says he brought the bill after talking with the nursing homes industry, who wish to be proactive in avoiding another tragedy like last summer. His Senate Bill 33 will put into law requirements that nursing homes have a working emergency power system in place. He says the language of the measure covers some other important requirements…:

Cut 5 (12) “…long-term power disruption.”

Mills says the bill will firmly establish clear-cut rules for helping keep the elderly safe and secure after a hurricane, storm, or other power outages. He says his bill if passed, allows nursing homes the time to make sure they can get emergency power systems in place…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…give some latitude. “

Mills’ bill will be brought up when the legislature convenes its regular session on March 14^th.

_______________________________________

The state continues to see a decrease in the number of COVID cases as health officials say the Omicron variant surge is declining however the data still indicates a high transmission rate in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the state’s positivity rate has dropped to 9-percent.

Cut 7 (10) “…days of January. “

The state’s overall fully vaccinated rate is 52-percent which Kanter says needs to increase and he remains hopeful after more than 58-thousand got their first shot last month.

Cut 8 (08)  “…in January.”

Kanter says the numbers are encouraging because it shows that even though late some are realizing the value of vaccinations.

Boosting guidance has changed over the last few months, Kanter says the general public should be boosted five months after their second vaccination dose, and those who are immunocompromised three months after their second dose.

Kanter also reminded residents to use a proper face mask when indoors and outdoors at a crowded venue, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Kanter says the most effective type of face mask is an N95 that the Federal government has sent to the following locations.

Cut 9 (06)  “…Walgreens locations.”

You can also find a list of other locations giving out free N95 masks at Louisiana-Radio-Network-dot-com.

If you test positive for COVID and have questions you can call the COVID-19 Community Support Hotline at 1-877-766-2130

_____________________________________________

In an effort to keep impaired drivers off the road, judges in Acadia, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes can offer those with first or second offense DWI convictions to be screened for substance abuse or a mental health disorder. Executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Lisa Freeman…

Cut 10 (09) “…down the road.”

Freeman says screening impaired drivers for the presence of substance use or a mental health disorder is a proven impaired driver countermeasure.

Cut  11 (10)  “…screen for that.”  

If an offender is found to have a substance use problem a condition of sentencing could be seeking treatment for their addiction. Freeman says that’s a win-win for everyone.

Cut 12 (12) “…some other judge.”

Freeman says alcohol is involved in 40-percent of all traffic fatalities in Louisiana.

____________________________________________

The National Ocean service issued a report that projects sea levels to rise by up to a foot within the next 30 years.  As waters get higher, coastal communities become more threatened. Natalie Snider, Associate Vice President at the Environmental Defense Fund, says that the time is now for Louisiana to put plans into action to protect those vulnerable areas.

Cut 13 (12) “…sea-level rise.”

The state has already committed more than $1 billion dollars over the next year for coastal restoration and protection projects that would reconnect the Mississippi River to the wetlands in order to reduce land loss. Snider says the Coastal Master Plan is the type of aggressive approach needed to make an impact.

Cut 14 (11)  “…the right direction.”

With a number of areas of concern, Snider stressed the urgency of taking action. She said that Louisianans should see the Coastal Master Plan put to work in very real ways, with major work projects getting underway in the near future as the state races against the clock in fighting these threats.

Cut 15 (13)  “…that Louisiana needs.”

_____________________________________________

LSU takes the court tomorrow night when it hosts Georgia at the P-MAC. After a 15-1 start, the Tigers are just 3-6 since. Back-to-back wins have LSU clinging to fifth place in the SEC standings with six games to play. With three of those against ranked teams, a win over the Bulldogs is a must. To do that, Will Wade says his team has to take care of the little things.

Cut 16 (17)  “…in transition.”

Another key to the game will be keeping Georgia off the free-throw line. The Bulldogs score 16 points per game at the stripe, and with LSU struggling with depth this season, Wade says LSU will have to be disciplined defensively against an aggressive Georgia offense.

Cut 17 (15) “ …very good.” 

While LSU should still make the NCAA tournament, the Tigers do have time to pick up some momentum down the stretch. Even with the devastating injuries the team has suffered over the course of the season, Wade knows his team won’t get any sympathy and that there’s only one way for the Tigers to change the narrative…

Cut 18 (17) “ …just keep winning.” 

_____________________________________________

This offseason, ULM underwent a $1.4 million offseason renovation of the university’s baseball facility, which installed a new FieldTurf at Warhawk Field, revamped the team’s locker and weight rooms, among other improvements. Federico says the project has impacted his players as much mentally as it has helped in their on-field prep for the season.

Cut 19 (15)_“… a lot more convenient.” 

After a 26-26 finish last season, Federico has higher expectations for the WarHawks this season, though they were picked to finish ninth in the SunBelt conference preseason poll. Led by returnees Grant Schultz, Trace Henry, and Travis Washburn, Federico believes his team has enough experience to make a jump in the standings.

Cut 20 (12) “ …in each other.” 

Former Livingston Parish teacher Cynthia Perkins has agreed to a plea deal that will result in 41 years in prison for her role in a horrific sex crimes case that also involves her ex-husband, Dennis Perkins, a former Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Cynthia’s attorney Paul Scott says his client has also agreed to testify against Dennis Perkins in his upcoming trial…

Cut 8 (11) “…she’s done.”  
Cynthia Perkins pled guilty to three charges, including second-degree rape.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a 14-year-old female 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 rent-a-hitman-dot-com reached out to their detectives…

Cut 9 (10) “…yesterday afternoon.”
Syrah Resources announces an investment of $176 million to expand its graphite processing facility in Vidalia, making Louisiana one of the leaders in the market for electric vehicle component production.  Mayor Buz Craft says the Syrah the expansion will be felt throughout the area.

Cut 11 (11)   “….business as well.”  

The Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification met today. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says litter is a growing issue and he’s even tried an experiment in his home parish of Plaquemines to discourage littering, by placing trash cans along stops leading to Highway 23.

Cut 4 (11) “…the interstate.”

Nungesser says the task force will meet monthly.