An Associated Press report shows Governor Edwards knew that State Troopers were involved in a violent struggle with Ronald Greene but didn’t say anything despite conflicting reports about Greene’s death.

Cut 2 (40)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

The governor’s office also announced that Kevin Richard will replace Kimberly Lewis as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Lewis has accepted a position at LSU.

A federal judge in Washington has invalidated a Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale over concerns it will harm the climate by producing more planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says its disappointing Judge Rudolph Contreras supports the Biden Administration’s energy policy…

Cut 4 (08) “…all doubled.” 

Online sports wagering is now available in the in 55 parishes that approved it in Louisiana. The ease of access to gaming through mobile devices is of particular concern to Robert Henson, Program Manager at the Office of Behavioral Health, which treats addictive gambling disorders…

Cut 8 (12) “…a casino per se.”  
For help with compulsive gambling, call 877-770-7867.

An Associated Press report has found out that Governor John Bel Edwards knew within hours Ronald Greene died after a violent, lengthy struggle with State Troopers. The May 2019 arrest happened as Edwards was up for re-election that he won over Republican businessman Eddie Rispone with 51-percent of the vote. Support among black voters helped the governor secure a second term. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says many supporters are likely disappointed Edwards didn’t do more after hearing details about Greene’s arrest…

Cut 10 (09)  “…his legacy” 

When video of the arrest was made public two years later, Edwards called the troopers’ actions unprofessional, disturbing, and even used the word criminal. Greene’s arrest remains under a federal investigation, no charges have been filed.

Mobile sports betting is now online in Louisiana and Robert Henson with the Office of Behavioral Health, which treats addictive gambling disorders, says approximately one percent of the US population has some type of gambling disorder and says you should be aware of the warning signs.

Cut 7 (11) “…the truth out.” 

Mardi Gras parade participants in New Orleans must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test 72 hours before they roll. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says krewe captains must also enforce mask requirements for balls which fall under the indoor mask mandate.

Cut 5 (08) “…let’s do it.”

Mardi Gras parades were canceled last year due to the ongoing pandemic.

An Associated Press report has found out that Governor John Bel Edwards knew within hours Ronald Greene died after a violent, lengthy struggle with State Troopers, but Greene’s family was told he died in a car crash at the end of a police chase. Greene’s deadly May 2019 arrest occurred as Edwards was up for re-election. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it could have been damaging to Edwards if it became public that Greene died after he was beaten by troopers…

Cut 9 (07) “…point though.”

After the AP released video of the arrest, Edwards called the troopers’ actions unprofessional and disturbing and even used the word criminal. Greene’s arrest remains under a federal investigation, no charges have been filed.

The state reports 2,088 COVID hospitalizations which are down 99 from Thursday and 62 new fatalities.

Robert Henson, with the Office of Behavioral Health at LDH, treats addictive gambling disorders and with mobile sports wagering online in Louisiana he advises a few precautions.

 Cut 6 (10) “…time doing it.” 

Parade participants must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test 72 hours before the procession in New Orleans this year. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says Mayor LaToya Cantrell attended the Mardi Gras Advisory Council meeting and wanted to assure attendees that Carnival is a go this year.

Cut 4 (10) “…we’re going.”

Health officials in New Orleans say despite the high prevalence of omicron they believe Carnival can be held safely.

Parade riders and other participants, like marching bands and dance troupes, must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test 72 hours before the procession in New Orleans. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says city leaders are doing all they can to keep the event safe and allow the parades to roll.

Cut 3 (08) “…COVID free.”

Health officials in New Orleans say despite the high prevalence of omicron they believe Carnival and be held safely.

You may now place your mobile bets in Louisiana. Eric Ramsey of the PlayUSA.com network says Louisiana could be uniquely positioned to be a major player in the mobile betting market.

Cut 5 (11) “…that Louisiana does.”

Law enforcement officials in Southwest Louisiana announce a new Human Trafficking Task Force. Brandon Brown, U.S. Attorney for the state’s Western District says, all too often, the victims are overlooked and tend to “fall through the cracks.” He says the task force is there to help them…:

Cut 8 (14)  “…their families.”

So far, the CDC has reported five flu pediatric deaths in the US for the 21-22 flu season and State Epidemiologist Teresa Sokol says one of the five deaths involved a child in Louisiana. The state has been keeping records of pediatric flu deaths since 2015.

Cut 12 (09) “…against flu.”

And she says the last reporting week indicated a decline in flu cases in Louisiana.

You can now place your mobile sports bets in Louisiana. In November 2020, 55 parishes voted to legalize sports betting and today the digital dollars begin to flow. Eric Ramsey of the PlayUSA.com network expects plenty of people who’ve never placed a bet before to get in on the action.

Cut 4 (09) “…for one thing.” 

Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso announces the formation of the South West Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force. He says he was moved by a discussion he had with one woman who was a trafficking victim, who felt her cries for help were going un-heard…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…gonna listen to you.”

The task force will educate the community how to recognize trafficking and offer victims assistance.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health in addition to COVID cases on the downward trend, the most recent reporting week also shows flu cases declining. State Epidemiologist, Teresa Sokol the majority of flu cases in the US and Louisiana have been detected as the H3N2 variety.

Cut  11 (09)  “…young children.”  

The Louisiana Children’s Code gives district attorneys the authority to prosecute juveniles as adults in cases such as violent crimes, for example, murder, attempted murder, and aggravated burglary or battery committed with a firearm. District Attorney Don Landry is enforcing that and says it’s not just their charges that are impacted.

Cut 15 (11)  “…detention facility.”

Landry is the district attorney in Acadian, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports an estimated 280 million fish were killed in inland waters due to Hurricane Ida. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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For the first time since 2004, the LSU athletic department lost money. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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In addition to property damage, an estimated 280 million fish were killed in inland water in Louisiana due to Hurricane Ida. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Inland Fisheries Fish Kill Coordinator Robby Maxwell says while the numbers are alarming it’s a regular occurrence with storms.

Cut 3 (10) “…south Louisiana.”

By comparison, an estimated 200 million were killed after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Maxwell says the inland waters of the fish kill from Ida spanned 1.8 million acres. And from a storm in size similar to Ida, with Laura in 2020, Maxwell says they saw an area of about 9 million acres of fish kill.

Cut 4 (13) “…and sitting.”

Fish kills are a result of high winds and storm surges that create low-oxygen conditions. Maxwell reminds fishing enthusiasts that there are plenty of areas of the state that have fish and Louisiana will remain the Sportsman’s Paradise.

Cut 5 (11) “…of years.”

For more information about or to report fish kills to visit LDWF’s website.

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A 65-year-old Church Point woman becomes the 13th person to die from a home fire in Louisiana this year. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they are investigating the cause of the deadly blaze that took place this morning in the Acadia Parish town…

 Cut 6 (11) “…escape the home.” 

Rodrigue says an official cause of the fire remains undetermined but they are looking at several potential causes including an electrical manufacturing related to house wiring…

Cut 7 (11) “…unattended candle.” 

Rodrigue says the home also lacked working smoke detectors…

Cut 8 (07) “…save lives.”  

Rodrigue says Operation Save A Life can help provide a home with working smoke alarms. Go to the State Fire Marshal’s Office website for more information.

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The LSU athletic department lost money during the 2021 fiscal year. While revenues were down nearly $39 million, Tiger Rag-dot-com editor Adam Hunsucker says it could have been worse…

Cut 9 (11) “…9.6 million.”

One of the most impacted areas was giving, as LSU saw a 52 percent decrease in donations to the athletic department. Hunsucker says that purse strings tightened during the pandemic, but boosters will be back.

Cut 10 (14)  “…will be better.” 

After several layoffs, pay reductions, and other staff and cost-cutting measures during the downturn, Hunsucker sees signs that LSU is regaining its financial strength.

Cut  11 (15)   “…be better”

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State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the Omicron surge has peaked in Louisiana, but there’s still a lot of COVID circulating in the state. But Kanter says the number of COVID cases will remain high for the next few weeks…

Cut 12 (07) “…we are now.”  

The Louisiana Health Department reported another 75-hundred new COVID cases today. The highest percentage of new cases is from northwest Louisiana, which is 16-percent. Statewide, nearly 20-percent of the new cases are among those 5 to 17.

Kanter says it will take a few weeks before we see significantly lower number of new daily COVID cases…

Cut 13 (10) “…person to person”

Kanter says he’s optimistic the state is heading in the right direction in the fight against the Omicron variant…

Cut 14 (11)  “…week prior.” 

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12^th-ranked LSU takes on Arkansas tonight, looking to rebound after their one-point loss at Florida. The Razorbacks come in hot, having won three of four including back-to-back routs of Alabama and Mississippi State. Arkansas plays small and shoots a lot of threes, having made an SEC-high 177 this year. Tigers coach Kim Mulkey understands the challenge for her big frontcourt.

Cut 15 (18) “…all over the floor.” 

A 65-year-old Church Point woman becomes the 13th person to die from a home fire in Louisiana this year. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they are investigating the cause of the deadly blaze that took place this morning in the Acadia Parish town…

 Cut 6 (11) “…escape the home.” 

Rodrigue says the home also lacked working smoke detectors.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the resignation of Deputy Chief of Staff Dr. Adren Wilson who has led the Office of Programs and Planning within the Office of the Governor since 2018. Wilson has been named the new executive director of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance in the Obama Foundation. He will begin his new post in March.

And the state reports 75-hundred new COVID cases, 48 fatalities and 2,187 hospitalizations, that’s a decrease of 23 from Wednesday.

An estimated 280 million fish were killed in inland water in Louisiana due to Hurricane Ida. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Inland Fisheries Fish Kill Coordinator Robby Maxwell says by comparison, an estimated 200 million were killed after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Maxwell says the inland waters of the fish kill from Ida spanned 1.8 million acres. And from a storm in size similar to Ida, Laura in 2020 had an area of about 9 million acres in Louisiana of fish kills.

Cut 4 (13) “…and sitting.”

In addition to property damage, an estimated 280 million fish were killed in inland water in Louisiana due to Hurricane Ida. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Inland Fisheries Fish Kill Coordinator Robby Maxwell says while the numbers are alarming it’s a regular occurrence with storms.

Cut 3 south Louisiana:10

By comparison, an estimated 200 million were killed after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

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.

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 on 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.

The Caddo Parish DA’s office charges 33-year old Ureka Rochelle Black with murder and attempted murder in connection with a September 24^th incident in which her were two children were allegedly thrown into Cross Lake. The 10-month-old child died as a result and his 5-year old brother survived. A conviction would bring an automatic life sentence.

Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport is one of 400 sites conducting clinical trials for an oral medication to prevent COVID illness for those who are exposed to the virus by someone in their household. Principal investigator Dr. Joseph Bocchini (Bo-key-nee) Jr. says this is a critical advance in outpatient therapy.

Cut 10 (12) “…management of COVID.”

For more info visit Willis-Knighton’s website and search COVID clinical trials.

D-C Mardi Gras activities get underway today as one of the biggest social events of the year for the nation’s capital returns after a one-year hiatus because of COVID. Governor John Bel Edwards will be in attendance and LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says however several high-profile elected leaders are skipping the event this year…

Cut 14 (11)  “..vaccine requirement.”

Closer to home State Wildlife & Fisheries’ is encouraging you to “Get Out and Fish” today. LDWF spokesperson Danica Williams says 17 sites were stocked with adult-size rainbow trout before dawn at the following ponds.

Cut 8 (13)  “…in Minden, Louisiana.”

Ages 16 and older must have a valid Louisiana fishing license.

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

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Tiger Rag.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. Brooke Thorington

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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When Governor Edwards revealed his proposed budget for the fiscal year that would begin in July funds are earmarked for teacher raises of $1,500 and for support staff $750. President of the Louisiana Association of Educators Dr. Tia Mills says it’s a step in the right direction.

Cut 3 (11) “…ultimate goal.”

Even before the pandemic, Louisiana was experiencing a teacher shortage and the demands of COVID prompted even more to leave the profession. In the last legislative session, the Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Recovery Task Force was formed, and Dr. Mills says the shortage is due to multiple factors.

Cut 4 (08) “…as such.”

The proposed raises of $1,500 and $750 for teachers and support staff, respectively could increase if the Revenue Estimating Conference recognizes additional funds. Dr. Mills says she’s looking forward to the session.

Cut 5 (06) “…educators.”

Lawmakers will discuss the budget during the regular session that begins in March. Final approval of the state’s budget will most likely happen in early June.

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Mobile sports wagering is set to go live in Louisiana, outside of the nine parishes that voted it down, beginning this Friday, January 28.

Ronnie Johns, Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,  praised the collaborative efforts among agencies as the state prepares to go live.

 Cut 6 (13) “…ready to go.” 

Johns says at this point, there’s nothing in the way of operators to begin to accept wagers this Friday, ahead of one of the busiest sports betting weekends of the year.

Cut 7 (10) “…gonna go live.” 

Johns is proud of the fact that Louisiana has gotten a leg up on our neighbors to the east in the competition for sports betting revenues in the region.

Cut 8 (11) “…ahead of Mississippi.”  

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Tiger Rag.com reports Sharon Lewis who filed a 50-million dollar Title IX lawsuit against the university last year is no longer employed by the school. Lewis alleges in her lawsuit that she was retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment allegations made against former coach Les Miles. Tiger Rag Editor Adam Hunsucker got a statement from Lewis’ attorneys over her firing…

Cut 9 (11) “…some time.”

Tiger Rag has learned Athletic Director Scott Woodward fired Lewis on January 5th. LSU will not comment on the specific reason why Lewis was let go, but they say there have been 40 personnel changes within the LSU athletic department. Baton Rouge civil rights attorney Jill Craft says LSU will have to show her termination is not because of the lawsuit…

Cut 10 (12)  “…unlawful reason.” 

Hunsucker says despite the strained relationship between LSU and Lewis, the former track athlete will likely continue as the president of LSU’s National L Club Board of Directors…

Cut  11 (10)   “…over that”

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Liberal U-S Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is stepping down from the bench. And while the court will remain majority conservative, Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says naming Breyer’s replacement is time-sensitive for progressives and democrats.

Cut 12 (11) “…by the Senate.”  

Ciolino says expect President Biden to name someone who’s middle-aged to replace Breyer, much like Donald Trump did with his appointment of Justice Amy Coney Barrett when she was 48.

Cut 13 (07) “…any indiction.”

On the campaign trail, Biden promised to appoint the first Black woman to the supreme court.

After Brett Kavanagh and Barrett’s appointments, there were talks of stacking the court and adding more justices. Biden appointed a commission to look into it and Ciolino says their report was not well received at the White House or Congress.

Cut 14 (09)  “…to happen.” 

83-year old Breyer was appointed in 1994 by President Bill Clinton.

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