A lawsuit challenging the state’s newest congressional map with two majority-Black districts has been filed. The map stretches the 6^th congressional district from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Lawsuits were filed against previous maps on behalf of Black voters and La-Politics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says this is an inverse of related litigation on the latest map.

Cut 9 (11) “…court order.”

Some of the plaintiffs are supporters of Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves whose seat is at risk.

An LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center study is evaluating whether eating less by intermittent fasting or calorie-counting slows aging or lowers the risk for diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure. Professor Dr. Corby Martin says, participants receive free meals, diet plans, and a personal weight health coach.

Cut 12 (13) “…this trial.” 

House Speaker Mike Johnson says he has spoken with former President Trump about the Southern border crisis and applauded Trump’s use of executive orders to curb illegal crossing. He says President Biden has reversed Trump’s orders and is responsible for the ongoing flood of illegal immigration.

Cut 8 (11) “…to us.” 

A GoFundMe initiative set up by the Homeless Coalition of Central Louisiana to help support the homeless population in central Louisiana. Director Kitty Wynn says the needs are many including hygiene items like shampoo, soap, and lotion. She says the center offers things that many take for granted like washing laundry and showers.

Cut 5 (10) “…you anything.”  

The GoFundMe account is “Help the Homeless in Central Louisiana”

House Speaker Mike Johnson blames President Biden and the Senate for the ongoing crisis at the Mexican border. Johnson says he’s been waiting two months to read the bipartisan Senate legislation and he hopes what he’s hearing about the bill isn’t true.

Cut 6  (15) “…the House.” 

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has requested federal assistance for crawfish farmers who have seen a dramatic decline in production because of last year’s historic drought and the recent freeze. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the state’s crawfish industry needs help…

Cut 13 (07)  “…to be caught.”

The LSU AgCenter estimates the potential losses to be nearly 140 million dollars.

A GoFundMe initiative by the Homeless Coalition of Central Louisiana hopes to raise money to support those who experience homelessness. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

The shortage of truckers continues to plague the country but programs and initiatives are working to change that. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Special Legislative Session on Crime promised by Governor Landry during his campaign is expected to begin in a little over two weeks and on the agenda is a new state police troop to help New Orleans. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study to see if intermittent fasting and calorie restriction affect aging. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (34) “… 225-763-3000.”

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The nation was already facing a truck driver shortage and COVID only exacerbated the issue. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar said the pandemic prompted a generation of drivers to retire early and they are working to have the age limit for drivers lowered and offer more CDL scholarships to reduce the shortage.

Cut 4 (10) “…turnaround.”

The American Trucking Associations estimates the industry has a shortage of 60,000 drivers.

Amar says federal laws prevent drivers under the age of 21 from driving outside of their state of residence, and it’s difficult for drivers under the age of 25 to be insured to drive longer distances.  Amar says they are working to change those regulations.

Cut 5 (11) “…twenty-years-old.” 

In 2022 the association offered scholarships for individuals to receive Certified Driver’s License training to reduce the shortage. Amar says the association covered the cost for students to receive their CDL.

Amar says they are also recruiting more female drivers and working on a museum for K-12 students to introduce future generations to the industry.

Cut 6 (09) “…what sticks.”

Amar says depending on what is being hauled and the distance it’s being hauled, truckers can make on average anywhere from $40,000 to $120,000 annually.

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During his campaign, Governor Jeff Landry promised to get tough on crime with a focus on New Orleans and announced plans for a special legislative session on crime. Landry’s New Orleans Transition Council suggests a new State Police Troop. Troop NOLA which is supported by the NOPD Superintendent would help the city’s overworked police department.

Cut 7 (10) “…up and running.”

State Troopers have traditionally been a presence in New Orleans for major events in the city like Mardi Gras, and the Super Bowl but Landry says the new Troop NOLA is needed to keep the whole city safe and protect one of the state’s most valuable assets….

Cut 8 (11) “…next decade.” 

Landry and his council have not yet finalized their strategy for implementing Troop NOLA. They are waiting to hear from NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and her executive staff. Landry says it’s important to have a sound plan…

Cut 9 (07)  “…before we fire.”

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Can intermittent fasting and weight loss affect the aging process? LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study using two different dietary approaches to find out. Professor Dr. Corby Martin says the first approach is based on the traditional calorie counting…

Cut 10 (10) “…live longer.”

The study will evaluate the results of participants who eat less and whether it slows aging or decreases diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure over a six-month period.

The second approach tests the results of time-restricted eating also known as intermittent fasting. During this dietary strategy, Martin says individuals limit when they eat throughout the day…

Cut 11 (13) “…per day.” 

The diet isn’t recommended for those who vape or use tobacco products or who have smoked in the last six months.

In addition to affecting health and possible longevity, Martin says both methods promote weight loss and overall metabolic health. He says all participants will receive free meals, diet plans, and a personal weight health coach.

Cut 12 (13) “…this trial.” 

To enroll in the study, participants can contact 225-763-3000 or visit www.pbrc.edu/dialhealth. Individuals must also be willing to travel to the Baton Rouge site.

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Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has requested federal assistance for crawfish farmers who have seen a dramatic decline in production because of last year’s historic drought and the recent freeze. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the state’s crawfish industry needs help…

Cut 13 (07)  “…to be caught.”

The LSU AgCenter estimates the potential losses to be nearly 140 million dollars due to the combined drought and freeze. Strain says he’s hearing some bad stories from crawfish farmers…

Cut 14 (08) “…no water.

The amount of crawfish harvested so far this year is very small. Strain is hopeful for an increase in production…

Cut 15 (05) …be more.“

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is investigating a fatal boating incident. Agents recovered the body of 42-year-old Derek Green of Pineville from Vernon Lake Sunday Afternoon. He was not wearing a personal floatation device. 2 minors in the boat with Green reported him missing immediately after a wave knocked him out of this boat Sunday morning. The two say Green resurfaced a few times but then wasn’t seen again. Several agencies assisted in the search.

There’s a point-four-five cent state sales tax that will sunset next year and Senator Bill Cassidy says this is not the time to add expenses to the state budget when they could be losing income.

Cut 13 (12) “…pocket.” 

The change to party primaries will only apply to Congressional, state school board, Public Service Commission, and state Supreme Court judicial elections.

Despite opposition from truckers, the House and Senate Transportation Committees approve of Governor Jeff Landry’s funding plan for a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A king cake thief broke into Bittersweet Confections bakery in New Orleans last week and stole cash, a case of vodka, and seven king cakes. Owner Cheryl Scripter says while the action is disheartening, she says the support from individuals who stop by the store is overwhelming…

Cut 5 (12) “…my face.”  

We’re seeing a slight uptick in gas prices. Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says the oil market is also reactionary to world news and depending on the United States’ response to three servicemen being killed in a drone attack in Jordan, we could see even higher prices.

Cut 8 (12) “…world stage.” 

With the recent closed primary changes in Louisiana, about 28 percent of Louisiana voters who are unaffiliated will be able to vote in the party primary of their choice but not both. Individuals who are registered as an Independent, Libertarian, or Green Party will not be allowed to vote in the primary elections. Senator Bill Cassidy says this excludes thousands of voters from the primaries.

Cut 12 (09)  “…the election.”  

Bittersweet Confections bakery social media post reminded followers of operating hours to purchase their sweet treats but one individual paid the bakery a visit on his own time. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

The LSU Lady Tigers lost to Mississippi State 77-73. The loss drops LSU’s record to 18-4 and 5-3 in the SEC. The Lady Tigers returned two starters from last year’s national championship team. Coach Kim Mulkey…

Cut 10 (10) “…things get tough.”

An Avoyelles Parish man was killed Saturday after he allegedly made bomb threats to his neighbors and destroyed property then barricaded himself in his Evergreen home. Master Trooper Casey Wallace says State Police negotiators and SWAT assisted the sheriff’s office and negotiated with 36-year-old Joshua Nugent for several hours before gunfire was exchanged.

Cut 13 (11) “…looking for.” 

Louisiana has not executed anyone since 2010 but Governor Jeff Landry will push for legislators to find new ways to carry out executions in next month’s special session. Landry says the session will focus on crime and highlight the suffering of victims’ families.

Cut 6  (07) “…the criminals.” 

The state has had trouble obtaining the drugs to carry out executions.

To increase public awareness of police misconduct, The ACLU of Louisiana has launched a comprehensive dashboard of police killings and violence. Because there are no mandates for law enforcement to report misconduct, ACLU Data Analyst Elijah Appelson says policing data is difficult. They hope the public will gain a better understanding of the prevalence of police violence in Louisiana and that local agencies can do their own analysis with the data.

Cut 11 (09) “…their community.”

Governor Landry’s K-12 Education Policy council has released its recommendations. Erin Bendily with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy who served on the council says they recommend bolstering teacher recruitment efforts and providing flexible state funding for teacher compensation that would school systems to meet their greatest local workforce needs…

Cut 5 (10) “…that area”  

Louisiana currently has 59 people on death row and has not executed anyone since 2010 but Governor Jeff Landry says there are families across the state that have suffered tremendously from the loss of a loved as a result of crime. He says the state has promised those families justice.

Cut 8 (08) “…our contracts.” 

Landry opposed granting clemency to more than 50 death row inmates last year.

And plans to push for legislators to find new ways to carry out executions in next month’s special session.

Someone who bought a Pick 4 lottery ticket in Port Allen Sunday is about to be $100,000 richer. The winning ticket was purchased at the Bros Food mart on North Alexandria. If you purchased a ticket, check your numbers. You have 180 days – that’s around 6 months from the date of drawing to claim your prize.

The ACLU of Louisiana has launched a comprehensive dashboard of police killings and violence. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Governor Landry’s K-12 Education Policy has released its recommendations for improving education in Louisiana including options to traditional public schools. Erin Bendily with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy says they are optimistic the education savings accounts pushed by Republicans will be approved this year …

Cut 4 (10) “..home schooling options”

Authorities say the bodies of John and Christina Moss, both 67-years-old, were found inside of a Leesville house fire Thursday apparently victims of a murder-suicide. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the Moss’s were in court that morning for divorce proceedings. He says authorities believe John shot his wife before starting the fire and then turned the gun on himself.

Cut  14 (12) “…and determine.”

Former Orleans Parish District Attorney Harry Connick Senior passed away Thursday. He was the longest-serving DA in New Orleans, but Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Connick had some ups and downs in his legal career and even faced federal charges himself.

Cut 10 (12) “…evidence.”

He was 97.

A proposed 10 billion dollar Liquefied natural gas export terminal project in Cameron Parish is in jeopardy because of a decision by the President. Jeff Palermo explains…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Landry has named Susan Bonnett Bourgeois of Covington as the new Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development saying she is exactly what the department needs to move Louisiana’s economy forward. Bourgeois isn’t new to state government having held multiple roles in the late Governor Mike Foster’s administration.

Authorities say the bodies of 67-year-old John Moss and his wife Christina Moss of the same age were found inside of a Leesville house fire as a result of a murder-suicide Thursday. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says deputies determined the fire was intentionally set and…

Cut 13 (07) “..structure fire.” 

The investigation is ongoing.

Former teacher and coach at St. Thomas More High School, Lafayette, Angel Rafael Cardona pleaded guilty on a child pornography charge Friday.  In a plea deal Cardona pleaded guilty to enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and will serve at least 10 years in prison. Information presented in court showed in June of 2023, Cardona began an online conversation with a user identified as a 13-year-old girl but was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.

The Biden Administration is placing a pause on pending liquefied natural gas export terminals, which puts in jeopardy the construction of the 10-billion dollar Calcasieu Pass 2 terminal project in Cameron Parish. Economist Loren Scott says the U-S ships LNG to Europe so they don’t have to count on Russia for natural gas. And Scott says if U-S limits what they supply to Europe, they’ll be forced to use coal fire power plants which will lead to even more pollution….

Cut 5 (07) “…worldwide” 

Boise Cascade, a leading manufacturer of building materials, announces plans to invest $75 million dollars to expand and modernize its Oakdale facility in Allen Parish. Vice President Mike Brown says the expansion of the facility will increase veneer production by 30 percent. He says upgrading machines and technology will also increase efficiency.

Cut 8 (11) “…new dryer.” 

Boise Cascade, a leading manufacturer of building materials, announces plans to invest $75 million dollars to expand and modernize its Oakdale facility in Allen Parish. Vice President Mike Brown says the company expects to create 30 new direct jobs and…

Cut 7 (08) “…the other.” 

Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 77 indirect new jobs, for a total of 107 potential new jobs.

Governor Landry has named Susan Bonnett Bourgeois of Covington as the new Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development saying she is exactly what the department needs to move Louisiana’s economy forward to compete with our Southern neighbors. Bourgeois isn’t new to state government having held multiple roles in the late Governor Mike Foster’s administration. Bourgeois currently serves as President of SBB Consulting and President Emeritus of Northshore Community Foundation.

The LSU Lady Tigers lost to top ranked South Carolina on Thursday night and a king cake was murdered on national TV before the game. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Former Orleans Parish District Attorney Harry Connick Senior passed away Thursday. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the DA’s office is much different today compared to when Connick was at the helm.

Cut 12 (10)  “…Jason Williams.”  

He was 97.