COVID cases continue to decrease across the state as a whole, but health officials warn that the Omicron variant is still very present in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A state Workforce Commission program offering assistance in training to be a big rig driver gets an overwhelming response. More from David Grubb…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The Joe Burrow LSU effect is making an impact at a Cincinnati bakery. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus says they still have a great relationship with the governor despite controversy over how John Bel Edwards responded to Ronald Greene’s death. While speaking at the Baton Rouge Press Club, Lafayette Representative Vincent Pierre says the governor acted appropriately after hearing a motorist died following a violent struggle with State Troopers

Cut 4 (09)  “…with that.” 

Black lawmakers and Edwards held a private meeting last Tuesday after an Associated Press report suggested Edwards was involved in a cover-up of Greene’s death, who died while in State Police custody in May of 2019, the same year the governor was up for re-election. Pierre says the U-S Attorney’s office has publicly said the governor did not interfere with the investigation into Greene’s death…

Cut 5 (11) “…did anything wrong.”

Pierre says the caucus also supports current Louisiana Superintendent, Colonel Lamar Davis…

Cut 6 (13)  “…Greene family “

Davis has led State Police since October 2020 and has implemented new policies to prevent excessive force incidents and he’s also worked to increase diversity among State Police leadership.

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COVID cases and hospitalizations continue on a downward trend in Louisiana. On Monday the state reported 1,568 COVID patients a decrease of 253 from the weekend and the fewest since January 6^th. Tulane Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says we are better off than where we were a few weeks ago.

Cut 7 (11) “…Delta cases.”

Hassig says when cases are on the downside of a surge, we tend to see cases and then hospitalizations, like we did with previous surges and fatalities are the last to show a decline.  On Monday the state reported 48 additional fatalities.

As for the next surge, Hassig says there is a variant that’s been referred to as the sister of Omicron which is circulating in the U-S, but she believes it will have a hard time making a foothold.

Cut 8 (12)  “….point and time.”

And by the time carnival season is in full swing in New Orleans, Hassig says she’s hopeful it will not develop into a super spreader event because of the vaccination rates of adults in the area, along with vaccine or testing requirements for parade participants. She says the big question remains among attendees.

Cut 9 (09)  “…outside.”

Hassig says she anticipates the crowds will be large because Mardi Gras was canceled last year.

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A Louisiana Workforce Commission program to help train new commercial truck drivers has had an overwhelming response. The Drive Your Future program, found online at “LAworks.net”, offers applicants a chance to get federal grant money for their driver training. In the first day online, over 200 people applied. Day Two over 1000 signed up. Louisiana Motor Transport Association executive director Renee Amar says LWC is helping fill a shortage that’s been building for years…:

Cut 10 (09) “…across the nation.”

Learning to drive a big rig can take a couple of months and cost around $5000. Driving Your Future offers the chance to get a hand-up on what can become a lucrative career. The national driver shortage stands at roughly 80-thousand. The huge response to LWC’s Drive Your Future so far could mean the federal grant money is used up quickly. Amar says the LMTA also has a fund to assist drivers with training expense…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…our scholarship program.”  

Amar says the shortage of truckers is a large part of supply chain issues across the USA. She says the life of a trucker may not be for everybody, but there are worse ways to make a living…:

Cut 12 (12) “…job with benefits.”

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Even though the Saints aren’t in the Super Bowl it is fair to say Louisiana has some Tigers and Rams in the fight. In honor of quarterback Joe Burrow, a Cincinnati bakery has added a Bayou State staple to their menu with a slight twist. Dan Busken of Busken Bakery describes their take on a traditional New Orleans King Cake.

Cut 13 (08) “…baby Joe Burrow.”

Busken a third-generation baker in Ohio has also been educating Bengal fans about what it means if your slice of the cake contains a Baby Joey. Their version is called a ‘King of the Jungle Cake’ and it’s proved lucky so far.

Cut 14 (06)  “…be true.”

Busken Bakery is even shipping their King Cake if you want to go all stripes for your Super Bowl party. As for what Burrow thinks of his influence on the Cincinnati twist on the beloved pastry…

Cut 15 (06)  “…or gets one.”

To order a King of the Jungle Cake visit busken.com that’s B-U-S-K-E-N.

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After getting off to the program’s best start in 20 years, the LSU men’s basketball team is stuck in a downward spiral, losing six of its last seven games, including three straight. The Tigers will try to pull out of their dive Tuesday night in College Station against Texas A&M. LSU beat the Aggies 70-64 for its last win, but coach Will Wade says the Tigers have to play a lot better than they have to get this victory.

Cut 16 (22)  “…on the road.”

Injuries have certainly impacted LSU, with several key players either at less than 100 percent or having to take on unfamiliar roles. Wade says that his squad being banged up is a factor, but the ultimate responsibility for the Tigers’ troubles is on him.

Cut 17 (17) “ …of the program.” 

One troubling pattern for the Tigers has been falling behind early, though LSU has fought its way back into several games in the second half. For Wade, one of the keys for turning things around is keeping opponents from going on extended runs so they don’t have to come back.

Cut 18 (11) “ …at the end.” 

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Dennis Allen will assume the reins as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Allen was seen as the front runner to succeed Sean Payton, having served on Payton’s staff as defensive coordinator since 2015. Allen was always seen as the frontrunner, so it isn’t a surprise to Locked on Saints host Ross Jackson that he’s now the man in charge.

Cut 19 (10)_“in Dennis Allen.” 

Allen was previously the head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2012-2014, compiling an 8-28 record. During this past season, he filled in for Payton as Coach, leading the Saints to a shutout victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jackson says Allen understands the culture of this team better than any other candidate the Saints spoke with, and that resonated with Mickey Loomis and the rest of the front office.

Cut 20 (24) “ …into their decision.” 

The state Office of Motor Vehicles will help fight human trafficking on Louisiana roadways with a new campaign. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher..”

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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter will accompany U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh today as he meets with local leaders to discuss workforce development. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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LSU fans and, more significantly, players are about to reap the benefits of a historic agreement for the football program. David Grubb has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Almost two years into the pandemic, behavioral health experts warn of the long-term mental health impacts that COVID has made on society. Patrick Bordnick, Dean of Tulane University’s School of Social Work says the mental consequences of the pandemic won’t go away overnight.

Cut 4 (12)  “…years to come.” 

According to Tulane research mental health challenges have risen 33 percent since the pandemic, and more than a quarter of those surveyed reported prior mental health issues. Bordnick says they know from previous traumas there’s a high rate of substance abuse relapse under stressful events.

Cut 5 (11) “…more severe.”

Before the pandemic, Bordnick says there was already a shortage of mental health providers and it’s only become exacerbated. Bordnick hopes their research highlights the dire need for more assistance and reminds those suffering to be kind to themself.

Cut 6 (10)  “…all of us”

The study also recognizes gains made towards telehealth and the need to increase access to mental health services.

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The state Office of Motor Vehicles is getting involved in the fight against human trafficking. Called “If You Suspect, Speak!” the campaign will place billboards along the state’s busiest highways reminding travelers to report anything suspicious that could be a sign something is not right. OMV spokesman Matt Boudreaux…

Cut 7 (15) “…and report it.”

Boudreaux says motorists make stops – for gas, food, lodging or even night life – in which they might encounter a person who is a victim of human traffickers. He says there are signs to look out for…:

Cut 8 (11)  “….to speak for themselves.”

The billboards will reinforce the message; asking travelers to report suspected trafficking and victims by calling 888-373-7888, or by texting HELP or INFO to 233733 (BEFREE). Boudreaux says, if you think you’ve encountered a human trafficker and one or more victims call the number, but do NOT intervene…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…potentially themselves.”

The campaign will also feature messages on gas station pump TV’s. Boudreaux says if you witness an actual crime call 911, then the trafficking hotline.

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U. S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is in New Orleans today meeting with state and local officials to discuss workforce development and the trillion-dollar infrastructure bill. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says discussions with the secretary will include the need to hire locally when restoring infrastructure.

Cut 10 (09) “…and rebuilding.”

Roundtable discussions at Delgado Community College will also include nonprofit leaders that focus on post-disaster workforce issues. Carter says for example it’s Louisianans that should help rebuild areas of the state impacted by natural disasters.

Cut  11 (11)  “…rebuilding Louisiana.”  

Another aspect of workforce development Carter wants to highlight is the need to fund organizations that assist the formally incarcerated with employment.

Cut 12 (09) “…reenter the workforce.”

Walsh’s visit also highlights congressional legislation for the creation of the Office of Climate Resilience to build a necessary workforce to rapidly respond to the worsening climate crisis.

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LSU is the first college football program to partner with sports apparel giant Fanatics and OneTeam that will allow fans to purchase fully customizable jerseys of their favorite players, with the athletes earning dollars for each one sold. Athletic department spokesperson Cody Worsham says this makes LSU more competitive in the new world of NIL.

Cut 13 (11) “…to help launch.”

LSU players jumped at the chance to participate, with the Tigers voting to fully opt-in to the program in less than a day’s time. Worsham says with LSU being the first to join, others will be quick to follow.

Cut 14 (09)  “…they will now.”

Worsham says that this is a win-win deal for the university and the players, with the exposure of one of the nation’s premier athletic programs paired with the extraordinary talents of these student-athletes.

Cut 15 (07)  “…the LSU brand.”

The customizable Nike jerseys will feature the name and number of every player, and will be available both online and in the LSU sports shop prior to the start of the 2022 season.

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The struggles continue for the LSU men’s basketball team as the Fighting Tigers lost to Vanderbilt 75-66 on Saturday. The Commodores led by as many as 21 points in the second half and knocked down 13 three-pointers, while LSU only made three-three pointers. LSU Coach Will Wade says they didn’t follow the game plan on defense and it led to open shots for Vandy…

Cut 16 (15)  “…doing that”

Tari Eason led LSU with 16 points, Eric Gaines added 14 points and Darius Days had a double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds. Wade’s team has now lost three straight…

Cut 17 (17) “ …this slump” 

The Tigers have lost six of their last seven heading into a game tomorrow night at Texas A-and-M. Wade was asked about the confidence of his team after the loss in Nahsville…

Cut 18 (13) “ …our now” 

Crawfish season is typically associated with spring and summer backyard boils, but the season actually begins in January. David Grubb tells us why it’s not too early to start grabbing some mudbugs…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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The House and Senate Governmental Affairs committee approves new Congressional district maps. They do not include a second majority-minority district. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Louisianans awoke to freezing temperatures this morning, with a major cold front moving through the state. State climatologist Barry Keim says don’t expect things to get much warmer anytime soon.

Cut 3 (10) “…be really cold.”

The cold conditions are expected to stick around for at least another week, and Keim says to get prepared for a harsh weekend.

Cut 4 (11) “…a hard freeze.”

When the work week begins morning temperatures are expected to remain in the 30s but should warm up a bit throughout the day. But for this weekend, Keim says to be prepared, stay warm, and take care of the three Ps…

Cut 5 (11) “…the state.”

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Detectives say 101 stolen catalytic converters were found in an East Baton Rouge couple’s chop shop, and Matthew and Brooke Gibson are facing numerous charges, including possession of narcotics. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says there’s been an increase in catalytic converter thefts and they are investigating ties to Gibson’s operation.

 Cut 6 (10) “…Texas for sale.” 

The couple was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile because their child was found in the home along with the stolen items and narcotics.

Catalytic converters, which are part of a vehicle’s exhaust system, contain precious metals like platinum and palladium ranging in value from $900 to $2,500. McKneely says as for preventing someone from stealing one for your car it’s almost impossible because they can be removed in a matter of minutes.

Cut 7 (11) “…leave the area.” 

According to State Farm insurance, theft claims for catalytic converters rose almost 300-percent from July of 2020 to July 2021 in the US. McKneely says with the Gibson operation they hope to make more arrests.

Cut 8 (10) “….wholesaler.”  

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Louisiana hasn’t hit the peak of crawfish season, but that doesn’t mean that mudbugs aren’t on the menu. Mark Shirley, LSU AgCenter and crawfish specialist, says the recent wave of cold temperatures may have slowed the growth of this year’s harvest, but it hasn’t stopped it.

Cut 9 (12) “…but they’re there.”

With crawfish farmers enduring harsh conditions to deliver one of the state’s signature culinary staples, Shirley says there’s no better time to show support by buying a few pounds.

Cut 10 (12)  “…that they catch.” 

The cost of business in crawfish farming has gone up, with everything from the price of bait to labor and transportation costs rising. Shirley says that consumers have to expect the price of the tasty crustaceans to go up as well.

Cut  11 (9)   “….10 years ago.”  

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The House and Senate Governmental Affairs Committees approved new Congressional district maps similar to the current one, which means just one majority-minority district. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says based on the 2020 Census data she doesn’t believe a second majority-Black district can be drawn…

Cut 12 (11) “…District 2″  

Before Hewitt’s map proposal was approved, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee rejected several other bills that would have created a second-majority minority district. Hewitt says those proposals would actually reduce the chances of a Black candidate can be elected…

Cut 13 (12) “…majority-minority district”

House Governmental Affairs also approved a congressional map that does not create a second majority-minority district. The vote was 13-to-5 in favor of House Speaker Clay Schexnayder’s proposal which features one majority-minority district but changes current existing lines to reflect population changes. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis voted against it…

Cut 14 (13)  “…of choice” 

Black lawmakers say two of the six Congressional districts should be majority-minority because 33-percent of the state’s population is African-American. Schexnayder took several questions from Black lawmakers on why his map doesn’t have a second majority-Black seat. Here’s one from Duplessis…

Cut 15 (13) “…they want” 

The full House and Senate will vote on these proposals next week.  If lawmakers approve a new Congressional map without a second majority-minority, lawsuits are likely.