Three Louisiana teachers received a $25 thousand dollar award for their outstanding educator skills. Whitney Thomas reports.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The annual Washington D.C. Mardi Gras gets underway today. Kevin Gallagher reports on the must-attend event for movers, shakers and candidates for office…:

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The Department of Justice says the Louisiana Department of Corrections is violating the 14^th Amendment by holding inmates beyond their release date. Brooke Thorington has more.

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Three south Louisiana teachers are $25 thousand dollars richer for receiving the Milken Educator Award which goes to about 40 elementary educators across the country every year. The three recipients are Prairieville teacher Elise Frederic, Port Allen’s Dereka Duncan, and Lafayette Parish teacher Corrie Campbell. Frederick won the award for her innovative teaching skills with first graders. 

Cut 4 (12)  “…appreciate it.”

Duncan was honored for teaching her fifth graders to challenge themselves beyond expectations, and now they’re dreaming of careers beyond their imaginations.

Cut 5 (13) “…of Louisiana.”

Campbell’s award recognized her ability to do whatever it takes to give her third graders the best learning environment as possible.

Cut 6 (14)  “…more engaging.” 

All teachers who received the award were completely surprised by the huge honor. Students were able to attend the award ceremony as well.

(For photos and videos visit www.milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/elise-fredric)

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The annual Washington D.C. Mardi Gras gets underway today. The event has become a staple for political folk who want to “see-and-be-seen,” network and fund raise.  “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford is in the nation’s capital, and says un-official events started Wednesday, but the Big Show begins this evening…:

Cut 7 (13) “…events take place.”

In addition, he says, there is any number of unofficial receptions, luncheons, and cocktail parties…where deals can be made. Alford says the events all lead to the big celebration, which brings the sights and sounds of a Mardi Gras parade indoors…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…classic Carnival style.”

Lobbyists, lawmakers, and candidates all rub elbows in full formal attire; bringing a bit of Louisiana to the capital city. Alford says a great many people running for office this fall will be in attendance, and it’s not just to “Let the Good Times Roll”…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…raising money.”

Alford says if a person intended to announce a run for office this fall, this would be the place and time do it.

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The Department of Justice says it’s a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment when the Louisiana Department of Corrections holds inmates past their release date. Baton Rouge Defense Attorney Lindsay Blouin (blu-in) agrees and says the pandemic revealed a number of deficiencies within the criminal justice system that should be fixed.

Cut 10 (06)  “…update their status.”

The DOJ says there’s an obligation to incarcerated persons and taxpayers not to keep someone confined longer than they should be. Blouin says the extra days are costly.

Cut 11 (09)  “…thousands of people.”

The ruling says for more than a decade the DOC has been on notice for its over-detention problem and has failed to correct it. Blouin is optimistic the DOC will finally receive adequate funding to modernize its computer system.

Cut 12 (09) “…issues fixed.”

The DOC released a statement they are reviewing the DOJ report and cannot provide a response until the report is reviewed.

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Authorities arrested a 15-year-old female who allegedly called in bomb threats into a restaurant in Opelousas and five schools in St. Landry Parish. Deputy Chief of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Eddie Thibodaux says they got involved yesterday when a bomb threat was made towards Northwest High School. He says the school was evacuated and the search failed to find any devices, and students were allowed to return to class.

Cut 13 (10)  “…received one.”

The final bomb threat was for the Washington Career Center. McAlister’s restaurant in Opelousas also received a bomb threat on Tuesday night.

Thibodeaux says the searches stretched their resources and it wasn’t until after 2 o’clock yesterday that every school was cleared. Multiple agencies responded and Thibodeaux says some kids might think it’s a fun prank the consequences are not amusing.

Cut 14 (10)  “…the departments.”

Thibodeaux says when they have to respond to pranks it diverts their attention away from real emergencies. He urges parents to explain to their children it’s not something to take lightly.

Cut 15 (10)  “…false alarms.”

The minor is charged with three counts of terrorizing in Opelousas and three additional charges are expected from the parish.

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UL-Lafayette men’s basketball returns to the Cajundome tonight and they look to extend their winning streak to seven games as they host the Troy Trojans. Coach Bob Marlin’s team is coming off a 60-51 at Texas State and  he says Troy presents his team another tough challenge…

Cut  16 (12)  “…type game” 

Troy leads the Sun Belt in field goal percentage defense, three-point shooting defense and scoring defense, allowing 62 points a game. Marlin’s team is one of three in the Sun Belt tied for first place with a six-and-two league record…

Cut 17 (18) “…good basketball.” 

Tip off is at 7 PM.

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Louisiana Tech is at UAB tonight. The Bulldogs are 11-9 overall, 4-and-5 in Conference USA as they’ve reached the halfway point of the 20-game league schedule. Tech is in a four-way tie for fifth in the league standings. Coach Talvin Hester says he’s looking for his team to be more consistent…

Cut 18 (17) “…had it” 

Tech lost to UAB earlier this month in Ruston 81-74. Hester says they need to rebound better this time, after giving up 21 offensive rebounds to the Blazers in the first meeting…

Cut 19 (16) “…boxing out”

Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong discusses the fallout after the alleged rape and death of an underage LSU student linked to Reggie’s bar.

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It’s National Passenger Safety Week and passengers are being encouraged to speak up. Whitney Thomas reports.

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The Tigerland bar where 19-year-old student Madison Brooks was with four men who are facing rape charges, has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control board member Scott Wilfong says while the state investigates Reggie’s Bar, it’s out of their hands.

Cut 3 (08) “…take action.” 

It’s not the first time Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors. Wilfong says it happened a few years ago but the board’s current policy is three or more violations in a calendar year a hearing is held.

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Wilfong says Reggie’s isn’t the only bar that’s been cited for serving minors, he says it’s an issue parish-wide. He believes bars should not allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter and that would have a huge impact on underage drinking.

Cut 5 (10) “…the age to 21.”

Wilfong says he’s talked with three members of the metro council and believes they will consider such a proposal of raising the entrance age along with other measures to curtail underage drinking.  The state Alcohol & Tobacco Control board will hold an emergency meeting next month to decide the fate of Reggie’s, after evidence from the investigation is presented.

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In his weekly media availability, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was asked about classified federal documents recently found in President Biden’s office in Philadelphia, and in two homes in Delaware. Cassidy says there’s no good reason for a former Vice President to have such files in his personal possession…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…different residences. Period.” 

Some of the Biden documents date back to when he was in the U.S. Senate. Cassidy says he’d like a proper investigation, and he is OK with waiting for that before any further judgement of the President…:

Cut 7 (13)  “…realize they’re there.” 

The Biden documents discovery comes after the President and Democrats railed against former President Trump about a smaller number of document found in his Florida home. This week, even more federal documents were found in former VP Mike Pence’s home. Does Cassidy feels all should be receive equal scrutiny…:

Cut 8 (14)  “…safe, secure environment.” 

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It’s National Passenger Safety Week and State Police is urging passengers to speak up for their safety when in a dangerous driving situation. Trooper Ross Brennan says vehicle passengers make up 62-percent of traffic fatalities nationwide and the best way to reduce that number is for passengers to make sure everyone in a vehicle is buckled up 

Cut 9 (08) “…properly restrained.” 

Brennan says passengers can also be an extra set of eyes for a driver. 

Cut 10 (11) “…hazardously” 

Brennan says he wants passengers to know they have the power to promote safe driving practices and prevent unsafe ones by speaking up and enforcing better habits.

Cut 11 (11)  “…the nation.”

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says Mardi Gras Krewes will be able to use their full parade routes this year, after COVID and lack of law enforcement officers, forced them to abbreviate their routes. Cantrell announce this morning that the city has secured enough law enforcement officers for Mardi Gras this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…traditional routes.”

Cantrell says it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of multiple first-responder agencies, like the Sheriff’s Association. She says the city has entered into an agreement to provide funding for much-needed outside law enforcement for carnival season.

Cut 13 (07) “…we know it.” 

The parade route for Endymion will be altered due to ongoing renovations at the Superdome.