Tragic news out of Ruston as an 18-year-old Louisiana Tech Student died after what appears to be an accidental shooting. Ruston PD responded to reports of gunshots in the Cane’s drive thru around 2 a m Friday. When the arrived, they found Austin Johnson suffering from a gun shoot wound to his chest. He was transported to a Shreveport hospital but succumbed to his injury. 19-year-old Matthew Embry was arrested on a charge of negligent homicide. The investigation is ongoing.

46-year-old Jefferey Dixon of Bunkie faces attempted 2^nd Degree Murder and Aggravated Arson charges, he also faces Violation of a Protective Order and Simple Burglary charges in connection with a house fire Tuesday. And while few details were released about the victim, State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue the resident in the home stated they heard a sound, smelled smoke, and found the porch in flames.

Cut 7 (08) “…unnerving.” 

While parade goers are snagging beads this Mardi Gras season, Louisiana law enforcement officers are stepping up patrol to catch impaired drivers during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign through February 13. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Greg Fischer says too many people are getting hurt and killed in accidents involving impaired drivers during Mardi Gras season.

Cut 9 (11) “…Mardi Gras.”

During Mardi Gras 2022, 11 people were killed and 120 people were hurt in crashes that involved a person who had been drinking.

A lawsuit has been filed against the most recently passed congressional map, claiming it racially segregates Louisiana voters. Here’s Brooke Thorrington.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A jury could not reach a verdict in a lawsuit accusing Baton Rouge Police of using abusive tactics and faking evidence while responding to protests following the 2016 shooting death of Alton Sterling. A mistrial was declared in the trial yesterday about six hours of deliberations. So far there’s no word on a retrial date.

———

The Humane Society of Louisiana plans to make sure the good times keep rolling for more than a dozen Mardi Gras parade horses looking to be adopted following the end of carnival season. President Jeff Dorson says it helps save horses who are brought into the area to accommodate equine demand during Mardi Gras.

Cut 4 (12) “…terrible ending.”
Dorson says they’ve got photos, bios, information about each horse’s personality, and which parade they trotted in on a Facebook page. And to make sure all horses are placed in good homes…

Cut 6 (12) “…adoption fee.”

You can find more information on their Facebook page at Humane Society of Louisiana’s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.

A lawsuit challenging the most recent congressional has been filed on behalf of twelve plaintiffs who identify themselves as non-African American voters. Monroe attorney Paul Hurd says like the congressional map in the 1990s that created a Z-shaped district, this map is drawn along racial lines, not communities of interests.

Cut 13 (11)  “…unconstitutional.”
State Transportation and Calcasieu Bridge Partners have reached a new agreement on a public-private partnership to construct a new Interstate-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles. DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue says tolls charged to motorists have also decreased from the original plan.

Cut 10 (12) “…before.”

——=—

Louisiana’s Special Legislative session on crime will begin in about 2 weeks and Governor Landry has been speaking to lawmakers about possibly expanding the death penalty. Landry says Louisiana is obligated to the victims…

Cut 7 (11) “…should receive.”

The state’s last death row execution was in 2010.

A 61-year-old Monroe woman has been arrested for allegedly allowing people to sell narcotics out of her residence. Police first received an anonymous tip in June of last year. Rosie Lee Jenkins, known as “Momma Rose,” allegedly accepted narcotics and money in exchange for allowing the illegal sales. She has been charged with Letting a Disorderly Place.

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.” 

The newest congressional map with two majority black districts is the subject of a lawsuit. La-Politics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says while it seems like the congressional map based on the 2020 Census has been back and forth, it’s nothing new, the same thing happened with the congressional map from the 1990 Census. As for the weight of the newest litigation…

Cut 11 (11) “…have to see.”

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”

A 61-year-old Monroe woman has been arrested for allegedly allowing people to sell narcotics out of her residence. Police first received an anonymous tip in June of last year. Rosie Lee Jenkins, known as “Momma Rose,” allegedly accepted narcotics and money in exchange for allowing the illegal sales. She has been charged with Letting a Disorderly Place.

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. La-Politics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says politics are involved with the suit, as some of the plaintiffs are supporters of Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves.

Cut 10 (09) “…new lines.”

Qualifying dates for the November 5^th election are June 17^th through the 19^th.

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.” 

The Homeless Coalition of Central Louisiana is asking for a handout through its GoFundMe initiative to help support the homeless population in Central Louisiana. Director Kitty Wynn says the need for support to provide for the homeless is ongoing…

Cut 3 (12) “…when available.”  

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. The LSU AgCenter estimates the potential losses to be nearly 140 million dollar. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says he’s hearing some bad stories from crawfish farmers…

Cut 14 (08) “…no water.

A lawsuit has been filed against the latest congressional map approved by the state legislature that contains two majority-Black districts. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (00)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

House Speaker Mike Johnson blames President Biden and the Senate for the ongoing crisis at the Mexican border. When asked if he was trying to stall the bipartisan senate legislation as a political favor to former President Trump this was Johnson’s response.

Cut 7 (10) “…Biden.” 

A 61-year-old Monroe woman has been arrested for allegedly allowing people to sell narcotics out of her residence. Police first received an anonymous tip in June of last year. Rosie Lee Jenkins, known as “Momma Rose,” allegedly accepted narcotics and money in exchange for allowing the illegal sales. Authorities reportedly provided the witness with a recording device and involved the witness in controlled purchases of narcotics which eventually led to Jenkins’ arrest last week.

She has been charged with Letting a Disorderly Place.

More than a thousand people experienced homelessness statewide on a single night in January 2023, according to Housing Urban Development and the Homeless Coalition of Central Louisiana is asking for help through its GoFundMe initiative. Director Kitty Wynn says they help homeless people from across the country and additional funding is needed to keep their facility open.

Cut 4 (13) “…to Montana.”

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________

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.”

_________________________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.”