The Attorney General’s Office and and Orleans Parish District Attorney sign an agreement that the two sides believe will lead to a safer Big Easy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
Two and a half months after Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams and his mother were carjacked, the four suspects, three of them under 18 years old, entered a not guilty plea in court yesterday. The incident happened around ten pm October 16^th in the Lower Garden District. All four suspects are being tried as adults. They each face up to 99 years if convicted.

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After his visit to the southern border of Texas on Sunday, Governor Jeff Landry is looking to send National Guard troops there to boost border patrols. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan says it’s unclear what effect our national guard soldiers could have on improving border security.

Cut 11 (11) “…anything else” 
Meanwhile State Senate President Cameron Henry, a Republican from Metairie said yesterday that a mission like the governor is suggesting would cost up to three million dollars and that lawmakers would need to agree to finance it.

With three major cruise lines calling the Port of New Orleans home, Pot NOLA has been setting passenger records when it comes to cruises since the pandemic. Add that to all the city itself has to offer and you’ll find The Big Easy is easily one o the most popular pre and post-cruise destinations in the country. Port Spokesperson Kimberly Curth says it’s a competitive marketplace but…

Cut 9 (06)  “…this market.”

Governor Jeff Landry said he’ll talk with state legislative leaders about sending Louisiana National Guard troops to the Lone Star state to boost border patrols. Landry visited the southern border with other Republican governors on Sunday. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says state leaders are getting involved in a hot-button issue on Capitol Hill…

Cut 10 (09) “…attention too.”
Meanwhile State Senate President Cameron Henry, a Republican from Metairie said yesterday that a mission like the governor is suggesting would cost up to three million dollars and that lawmakers would need to agree to finance it. The proposed deployment is an escalation of Landry’s hardline immigration stance that comes amid a greater number of people crossing into the US through Mexico. It also comes as Texas National Guard and state police have been prevent US Border Patrol agents from accessing a 47 acre area in Eagle Pass known as Shelby Park and rom using the park to process immigrants.

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Port of New Orleans cruise passenger numbers are back to pre-pandemic levels with one point two million passenger movements. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Due to the shortage of truck drivers, the Louisiana Motor Transport Association is encouraging more women to join the workforce with the initiative “Women in Motion.” Executive Director of LMTA Renee Amar says only 10 percent of truck drivers are women and despite a common myth about ability behind the wheel….

Cut 5 (11) “…incredible drivers.” 

The Port of New Orleans has rebounded since the pandemic with nearly one point two million cruise passenger movements last year. Spokesperson Kimberly Curth says cruises are back and better than ever.

Cut 7 (12) “…they could.”

King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and will be stepping away from royal duties as he undergoes treatment. Even though few details about his cancer were released LSU History Professor Meredith Veldman says it’s notable they went public with his diagnosis.

Cut 13 (09)  “…modern life.”

The monarch was recently hospitalized for an enlarged prostate that was ruled benign and it was during that time that another issue of concern was found and he was diagnosed with cancer.

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To combat the ongoing truck driver shortage, there are initiatives to encourage more women to join the profession. Brooke Thorington explains…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Mandeville police are searching for a teenager wanted in connection with the shooting of a boy during the Krewe of Eve Parade there on Friday. Authorities say 17 year old Tyryn Bailey is wanted on several charges including Attempted Second Degree Murder. We’re told the shooting victim’s injuries were not life-threatening.

If you’re getting ready to head out, be sure to 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.

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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. 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”

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.” 

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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.

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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.”
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.