Louisiana’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway now through February 13^th in an effort to save lives. And while most of the attention is on New Orleans, there were no accidents reported in the Crescent City last year. But there were fatal accidents in Acadia, Ascension, Caddo, East Baton Rouge, St. Charles, Tangipahoa, and Webster Parishes during carnival season in 2022. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson GregFischer says there’s a responsible way to celebrate safely. He says make plans for a sober driver.

Cut 11 (13) “…just wait.”

Before you leave the house to catch some beads you’ll want to check to see if your intended parade time has been altered and Slidell National Weather Service Meteorologist Danielle  Manning says don’t forget to take your raincoat with you.

Cut 4 (11) “… Saturday night.”

———

The Louisiana Tech community is mourning the loss of one of its students. A police investigation is underway after 18-year-old Austin Johnson of Bossier City was shot in the chest in what authorities believe to be a tragic accident.  It happened in a fast food drive through. We’re told Johnson was taken to a local hospital for treatment and then airlifted to LSU-Shreveport, where he later passed away.

We’re all thinking Mardi Gras here, but it’s also tax season.   The IRS started accepting online tax returns on January 29^th, but many Louisianans don’t think about taxes until after Mardi Gras.  CPA Kevin Willis says if you’re going to hire a tax preparer, be sure you vet them carefully…

Cut 15 (08) …advantage of you.“

You can check CPA credentials on the Louisiana CPA Board’s website. LRN

Get out your rain gear and be aware that Mardi Gras Parade times have been either moved or canceled today due to the threat of heavy rain this weekend. Slidell National Weather Service Meteorologist Danielle Manning says rain chances are filtering into the southeast this morning.

Cut 3 (13) “…for Sunday.”

Before you leave the house to catch some beads you’ll want to check to see if your intended parade time has been changed.

A shooting incident left one person injured in a McDonald’s parking lot in Mandeville last night. Police there say they responded to shots fired around 9:30 last night where they found the victim who has been shot. So far there’s no word on the condition of the victim. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the shooting to come forward.

____________________________

Louisiana’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway now through February 13^th in an effort to save lives. During the 2022 Mardi Gras holiday, 11 people were killed and 120 people were hurt in crashes that involved a driver who had been drinking, according to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Greg Fischer says Mardi Gras is one of the deadliest times to be on the roads and alcohol impairment isn’t the only problem.

Cut 10 (09) “…all distractions.”
Time to start thinking about filing your taxes…but there is some good news. CPA Kevin Willis says while there are no major changes this year, the standard deduction has gone up and if use your vehicle for work, kept track or your milage, and can deduct your milage, there’s welcome news…

Cut 13 (08)  “…ever remember”

With heavy rainfall anticipated many parade times have been changed or canceled. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Tech community is mourning the loss of one of its students. A police investigation is underway after 18-year-old Austin Johnson of Bossier City was shot in what is believed to be a tragic accident in a fast food drive through.  We’re told he was taken to a local hospital for treatment and then airlifted to LSU-Shreveport, where he later passed away.

———-

While parade goers are snagging necklaces 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.”

46-year-old Jefferey Dixon of Bunkie faces attempted murder and arson charges in connection with a house fire earlier in the week. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says when the Bunkie Fire Department responded to a house fire Tuesday evening, they found the back porch engulfed in flames and one of the residents safely outside.

Cut 6  (06) “…set fire.” 

The Humane Society of Louisiana plans to make sure the good times keep rolling for more than a dozen Mardi Gras parade horses this year. HSLA partners with Cascade Stables which brings in horses to meet the demand of Mardi Gras krewes. President Jeff Dorson says the program has had 100 percent success since 2017 and he hopes to find homes for more horses.

Cut 5 (11) “…stable now.” 
A lawsuit challenging the most recent congressional has been filed on behalf of twelve plaintiffs who identify themselves as non-African American voters. The map in question was passed by the legislature in a special session last month Monroe attorney Paul Hurd, says he hopes the unconstitutional nature of the 6^th district is as apparent to the court as it is to his clients.

Cut 14 (11) “…and we will.

————–

Louisiana’s Special Legislative session on crime will begin in about two weeks and Governor Jeff Landry has been speaking to lawmakers about possibly expanding the death penalty. The state’s last death row execution was in 2010. And with the recent shortage on lethal injection drugs, many wonder how Louisiana can make it happen. Governor Landry.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to death.”

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. You’ll recall the killing sparked days of unrest across the city, resulting in more than 200 protestor arrests. A mistrial was declared in the trial yesterday about six hours of deliberations. So far there’s no word on a retrial date.

The nation was already facing a truck driver shortage and COVID only exacerbated the issue. The American Trucking Associations estimates the industry has a shortage of 60,000 drivers. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar says federal laws prevent drivers under the age of 21 from driving outside of their state of residence, and insurance for drivers under 25 is a problem. But they’re working to change that

Cut 5 (11) “…twenty-years-old.” 

State Troopers have traditionally been a presence in New Orleans for major events in the city like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl but Governor Jeff Landry wants to take that a step further as his New Orleans Transition Council is suggesting a new State Police Troop. Landry says the new Troop NOLA, which has the support of the NOPD, is needed to keep the whole city safe and protect one of the state’s most valuable assets….

Cut 8 (11) “…next decade.” 

————

Can weight loss affect the aging process? LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting separate studies of Intermittent Fasting and calorie counting to find the answer. In addition to affecting health and possible longevity, Professor Dr. Corby 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.” 

The studies are not recommended for those who vape or use tobacco products or who have smoked in the last six months. 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.

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.”

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.

—————————
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.”
Three people are accused of smuggling tobacco and Suboxone into the Orleans Parish Justice Center earlier this week. Authorities say 22 year old Jada Jefferson put the contraband inside a pair of shoes to get them in to 28 year olds Reishad Womack and Jerome Enclade, who were already incarcerated. Jefferson has been arrested on several drug counts. We’re told the other two will be booked on similar charges.

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.”

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

Cut 10 (10) “…live longer.”

The second approach tests the results of time-restricted eating. To enroll in the study, participants can contact 225-763-3000

————————————-

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.”

Chances are pretty good it’s going to rain on your Mardi Gras parade this weekend. Rain will move across the state on Saturday morning and high winds up to 25 miles per hour are also in the forecast. The National Weather Service is predicting up to three inches of rain for southeast Louisiana.

Cardell Hayes has been found guilty of manslaughter in the 2016 killing of former Saints star Will Smith. A jury reached the verdict just after midnight last night. Hayes was found not guilty of the attempted manslaughter of Smith’s wife Racquel. Defense attorneys have said they will appeal the manslaughter conviction.

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

Cut 7 (08) “…the other.” 

Brown says the facility will be able to produce up to 400 million square feet of dry veneer every year. He says the construction process will be split into stages and expects it to start later this year.

——

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. President Biden says they want to examine the impact LNG exports have on energy costs, energy security and the environment. Louisiana Bucket Brigade director Anne Rolfes applauds the decision.

Cut 3 (12) “….took action”  

But not everyone agrees.  Economist Loren Scott says this decision jeopardizes the state’s economic growth…

Cut 4 (12) “..pulled the trigger”

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.

Former Orleans Parish District Attorney Harry Connick Senior passed away Thursday. He was the longest-serving DA in New Orleans from 1973 to 2003.  Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says some of Connick’s cases went as high as the US Supreme Court and were overturned for violations of not turning over favorable evidence to the defense.

Cut 11 (08) “…handled.”

Harry Connick Senior was 97 years old.
————

A leading manufacturer of building materials has announced plans to invest $75 million dollars to expand and modernize its Oakdale facility in Allen Parish. Boise Cascade Vice President Mike Brown says the company expects to create 30 new direct jobs and Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will create 77 new indirect jobs. Brown says the expansion of the Oakdale facility will increase production and upgrading machines and technology will mean increase efficiency.

Cut 8 (11) “…new dryer.” 
Brown says the facility will be able to produce up to 400 million square feet of dry veneer every year. He says the construction process will be split into stages and expects it to start later this year.

Cut 9 (13) “…new equipment.”

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

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
Governor Jeff 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 is no stranger to state government as she held multiple roles in the late Governor Mike Foster’s administration.

———
Former Orleans Parish District Attorney Harry Connick Senior passed away Thursday. He was the longest-serving DA in New Orleans from 1973 to 2003.  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.”

Authorities say the bodies of 67 year old John Moss and his wife Christina Moss of the same age were found inside of a burning home in Leesville on Thursday. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the Moss’s were going through a divorce and were in court earlier that morning. Authorities believe John shot his wife before starting the fire and then turned the gun on himself.

Cut  14 (12) “…and determine.”