Four Democrats have officially qualified to run for the 2^nd Congressional District seat to replace Cedric Richmond on the March 20th ballot. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter found it significant that he qualified for this race on the same day a new president was sworn in…

Cut 9 (08) “..being better”

New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson also qualified she’s the former chairperson of the Louisiana Democratic Party and has served in the state legislature since 1999.

Cut 10 (07) “…has experience.”

Baton Rouge community activist and small business owner Gary Chambers, Jr and Jeanette Porter of New Orleans round out the democrats that have qualified so far. Mindy McConnell, a Libertarian from New Orleans, also joined the race. Qualifying ends on Friday.

The state reported 2,536 new COVID-19 cases and 59 fatalities today.

The feds are pitching in 12.5 million dollars to help fund the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane protection project. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

The drawing for tonight’s Powerball is historic, according to Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin it’s the fourth largest in the game’s history with a jackpot of 730 million.

Cut 6 (07) “..its history”

The race is officially on to replace the outgoing Cedric Richmond as Louisiana’s second district Congressional member. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (37) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

And for the 5^th Congressional District, Julia Letlow said she’ll run the seat won by her late husband who died of COVID last month before he was sworn-in. So far Candy Christophe, Chad Conerly, Allen Guillory, and Horace Melton III have officially qualified.

The drawing for tonight’s Powerball, the longest-running in history with 36 draws reaches the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history at 730 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says even though no one’s hit the Jackpot since last fall, always check your numbers, while it might not be the jackpot it could still be a winning ticket.

Cut 8 (12) “…one number”

The Powerball drawing is tonight at 10.

The Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane protection project, which will protect Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, is awarded 12.5 million dollars by the Corps of Engineers. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority head Chip Kline says because the feds have taken so long to appreciate the project’s significance the state has already moved ahead with constructing parts of it.

Cut 4 (08) “….system.” 

The two main candidates seeking to replace outgoing U.S Representative Cedric Richmond as the state’s 2nd District Congressman officially put their names on the March 20th ballot today. New Orleans Senator Troy His main opponent will be New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson.

Carter says during his time in the legislature and away from public office, he’s worked to change lives.

Cut 11 (10) “..for it”

Both legislators have fought to raise the minimum wage and pushed to pass equal pay legislation at the state capitol. Peterson plans to take that fight up to Washington.

Cut 12 (10) “…done it before” 

Qualifying ends on Friday.

Qualifying began this morning at the Secretary of State’s Office and the other Congressional seat voters will choose representation for is in the 5^th District, left vacant after the death of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow in December from COVID. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Julia Letlow is the favorite to win the race. She’s the wife of late Congressman-elect Letlow.

Cut 4 (11) “…gone through”

As Kamala Harris made history being sworn in as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president today she did so decked out in a purple coat designed by a Louisiana native. Harris donned a long purple coat designed by Christopher John Rogers, a Brooklyn based designer, and Baton Rouge native.  Rogers is a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School. He also went on to earn the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s prestigious American Emerging Designer of the Year award in 2020.

The two main candidates seeking to replace outgoing U.S Representative Cedric Richmond as the state’s 2nd District Congressman officially put their names on the March 20th ballot today. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter found it significant that he qualified for this race on the same day a new president was sworn in…

Cut 9 (08) “..being better”

Carter previously served in the Louisiana House of Representatives, the New Orleans City Council and he’s currently a state senator. His main opponent will be New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson. The former chairperson of the Louisiana Democratic Party has served in the state legislature since 1999.

Cut 10 (07) “…has experience”

Qualifying ends on Friday.

Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office suspends the head of the criminal division Pat Magee after an investigation found he engaged in inappropriate conversations that included sexual and unprofessional comments. Magee is suspended for 38 days — but must still report to work. He will not receive a salary during that period Magee will lose more than $20-thousand and take training courses to develop better workplace skills.

LSU remains without a defensive coordinator after Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen receives a promotion and a new contract to stay in New Orleans.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

25,000 National Guardsmen and numerous other security forces are on the ground in D.C. ahead of today’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. The nation’s capital city and Capitol Building are heavily militarized amidst accusations that security was not tight enough in D.C. on January 6^th. Congressman Steve Scalise says that failure must be investigated, and…

Cut 9 (08) “..should be.”

Biden and VP-elect Kamala Harris are expected to be sworn in sometime just after 11 AM.

The State Office of Public Health is looking for retired medical providers who’d be interested in volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Bureau of Community Preparedness interim director Dr. Sundee Winder says they are offering flexible schedules for volunteers and offer mornings, afternoons, and evenings for training and eventually participation.

Cut 15 (08)“…paid.”

Qualifying has begun in the race for both the second and fifth Congressional district special elections. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m matt Doyle”

The White House announced several early morning pardons from President Donald Trump, among the 143 today wrapper and New Orleans Native Dwayne Michael Carter Jr better known as Lil Wayne.   The rapper was charged in Florida on Nov. 17 with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a federal offense that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

The state Capitol in Louisiana will be closed tomorrow quote out of an abundance of caution while President-Elect Joe Biden is sworn-in to office in DC. The Advocate reports a memo from the Louisiana Speaker of the House and Senate President says the building will be closed tomorrow regarding the unknowns of the federal inauguration. Governor Edwards in DC to attend the inauguration.

American Airlines will now be offering direct flights out of Alexandria International Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina. England Airpark, Alexandria International Executive Director Sandra McQuain calls it a big win for Cenla…

Cut 9 (12) “..Louisiana”

The flights will make it easier for military stationed at Fort Polk to connect with their colleagues at North Carolina bases like Fort Bragg and Fort Jackson

Officials cut the ribbon today on the first of three phases in the 183 million dollar I-10 widening project. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says once the entire project is completed it’ll be a big boon to economies in that corridor, and make for smoother hurricane evacuation.

Cut 8 (12) “…harms way”

The project was completed with 10 million dollars in federal FAST START funds.

New Iberia Police are investigating a double homicide that claimed the lives of two 16-year-olds. New Iberia Police Sgt Daesha Hughes says when police arrived, they found the two males in the roadway with gunshot wounds Sunday night.

Cut 3 (09)  “…for both.”

Both were pronounced dead on the scene and their identities have not been released and the case remains under investigation.

New Iberia Police are investigating a double homicide that claimed the lives of two 16-year-olds.  Sgt Daesha Hughes the teens apparently shot each other simultaneously at close range Sunday night. She says when police arrived, they found the two males lying in the roadway. As for a motive, Hughes says it’s under investigation.

Cut 4 (07) “….one another.” 

The victims’ names have not been released.

Officials cut the ribbon today on the first of three phases in the 183 million dollar I-10 widening project. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the near 55 million dollars on the first phase of construction is money well spent, repaving roads first paved in the 1950s…

Cut 7 (12) “…Louisiana.”

The Biden Administration will push to implement a federal minimum wage of 15 dollars an hour, up from the current federal minimum of 7.25 an hour. Louisiana is one of five states to not raise its minimum above the federal. The National Employment Law Project reports 27 states and municipalities have increased their minimum to 15 an hour. Louisiana Budget Project head Jan Moller says it hasn’t resulted in overall job losses…

Cut 9 (11) “…economy.”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry opposes the increase. VP of Governmental Relations Jim Patterson says it would result in lost jobs and increasing the minimum wage would hurt American companies’ ability to compete internationally, thus result in higher prices for goods and services.

Cut 10 (04) “…of it”

It is likely the increase would be phased in over a number of years, but an exact timeline has not yet been revealed.

New Iberia Police are looking for a motive after two 16-year olds apparently shot and killed each other at close range. New Iberia Police Sgt. Daesha Hughes says they don’t know if the teens knew each other and both were declared dead on the scene Sunday night. She says the community is both saddened and angry over the deaths want answers.

Cut 5  (09) “…had guns” 

The victim’s names have not been released.

Republicans are asking Senate Democrats to cancel President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, citing that Trump will already be out of office when the trial begins. House Minority Whip and Metairie Congressman Steve Scalise says the trial would be poking fingers in the eyes of millions of Americans who oppose the impeachment of President Trump at a time when leaders should be toning down the rhetoric.

Cut 12 (06) “.put out.”

Governor John Bel Edwards traveled to DC Monday, to attend the Inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and VP-elect Kamala Harris. 174 members of the Louisiana National Guard are also in DC to ensure the peaceful transfer of power after the January 6^th riot.

Phase One of the 183 million dollar I-10 widening and refurbishing project is complete. Taylor Sharp has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp”  

And organizers of Jazz Fest announce the first weekend of the festival will be October 8^th. The festival was canceled last year due to COVID restrictions.

New Iberia Police are investigating a double homicide that claimed the lives of two 16-year-olds New Iberia Police Sgt Daesha Hughes says when police arrived they found the two teens lying in the roadway Sunday night.

Cut 24 for both :09

Both were pronounced dead on the scene and their identities have not been released.

Republicans are asking Senate Democrats to cancel President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial because Trump will have already left office by the time the trial begins. House Minority Whip and Metairie Congressman Steve Scalise says Congress needs to be investigating how the January 6^th attack on Capitol Hill went so far, and whether Congressional leaders turned down additional security that day…

Cut 13 (10) “….it did”

The Biden Administration will push to implement a federal minimum wage of 15 dollars an hour, up from the current federal minimum of 7.25 an hour. Louisiana is one of five states to not raise its minimum above the federal. The National Employment Law Project reports 27 states and municipalities have increased their minimum to 15 an hour. Louisiana Budget Project head Jan Moller says it hasn’t resulted in overall job losses…

Cut 9 (11) “…economy.”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry opposes the increase. VP of Governmental Relations Jim Patterson says it would result in lost jobs and increasing the minimum wage would hurt American companies’ ability to compete internationally, thus result in higher prices for goods and services.

Cut 10 (04) “…of it”

It is likely the increase would be phased in over a number of years, but an exact timeline has not yet been revealed.

President Donald Trump’s Senate impeachment trial is set to take place after he leaves office, the first time that’s ever happened. Matt Doyle spoke with a leading Republican who opposes the effect…

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

A weekend shooting claims the lives of two 16-year-olds in New Iberia. New Iberia Police Sgt Daesha Hughes says the teens reportedly were shooting at each other close range simultaneously Sunday night. Hughes says they found the bodies of the two teens lying in the roadway and both were pronounced dead on the scene. Their identities have not been released.

LSU Board of Supervisors member Collis Temple Junior says the university should look at ending its relationship with Rouses Supermarkets because of co-owner Donald Rouse’s participation in a pro-Trump rally before the riot on the U-S Capitol. It’s unclear if LSU will end its business relationship with the grocery store chain. Temple believes not doing so would send the wrong message…

Cut 6 (10) “…..social fabric”

Donald Rouse says he attended the rally but was in his hotel when Capitol was stormed.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority completes repair work and upgrades to one and a quarter-mile of levee and beach in Grand Isle that was destroyed last year by hurricanes. CPRA Chief Engineer Rudy Simoneaux says it was a big project.

Cut 16 (11) “…beach”

Their work created 30 acres of beach that sits 4.5 feet above sea level