Will District 6 Congressman Garret Graves run for Governor of Louisiana? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A surge in COVID cases is impacting nursing homes across the country according to the latest AARP COVID dashboard. The four-week period ending on January 22, also showed a spike in nursing home staff COVID cases. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl(maul) staff cases rose more than 15%.

Cut 6 (10)  “…antionawide.” 

The most recent dashboard which covered the four-week period ending on January 22, also showed a spike in nursing home staff COVID cases.

Rapides Parish police launch a new drone program to fight crime. The Pineville Department has added drones to assist in investigations and track criminals. Chief Darrell Basco says before the drone, Basco they would have to send up to four cars to grid and block a search area. Basco says the addition of drones gives law enforcement officers extra accessibility.

Cut 14 (08)  “…piece of equipment.”

The drone is valued at $12,000.

LABI reacts to the 2023-24 budget proposed by Governor John Bel Edwards. The total cost of the budget is around $45.7 billion. A one-cent sales tax was implemented in 2016 to help fund the $2 billion deficit the state was facing. The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President and CEO, Stephen Waguespack says…

Cut 12 (11) “…time dollars.”

The regular legislative session begins on April 10.

Shreveport Police have made arrests in two separate shooting incidents that took place last weekend, during the Krewe of Gemini parade. S.P.D. spokesman Corporal Chris Bordelon says they identified 22-year-old Antoine Ball, of Shreveport, as the suspect in a nonfatal shooting near Fant Parkway on Saturday night. Bordelon says the accused shooter surrendered Thursday afternoon.

Cut 14 (09)  “…turn himself in.”

COVID-19 mandates across the country were found ineffective to stopping the spread of the virus according to a recent research study. Vitor Melo (pronounce: VEE-tor Mellow) conducted the study for George Mason University’s Mercatus Center.  Mellow says his study also looked at whether individuals decided to get COVID shots because a citywide mandate was in place, and found no evidence that was the case…:

Cut 5 (07) “…change their decision.”

Tangipahoa Parish law enforcement has solved a 13-year-old cold case after a witness decided to come forward. 30-year-old Montrey Paige Senior has been arrested for the murder of 22-year-old Jamin (jay-men) Robinson. Tangipahoa Parish Chief Deputy, Jimmy Travis, says in 2010 Robinson was found on the side of the road in Independence and originally they thought he was a victim of a hit and run.

Cut 10 (04)  “…to the head.”

The truck driving shortage continues to put a strain on the trucking industry -creating a gap between professional CDL-licensed drivers and delivering goods. Programs have been set up to assist in closing the gap. The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) Director Renee Amar says that there is no single solution that will help with the shortage but dedication is a must.

Cut 9 (09)  “…daily bases.”

Legislation to will be presented by Alexandria Representative Jay Luneau to keep auto insurers from charging female drivers more in an upcoming session. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A two-vehicle in Calcasieu parish claimed the life of two people around 8:20 pm on Feb. 21. According to Louisiana State Police Troop D, the accident involved a pickup truck and a motorcycle near the intersection of Victoria Drive and Hwy 171. A male and female occupant driving the motorcycle was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Organizers of the recall petition to oust New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell have enough signatures to move forward. Cantrell’s controversies have plagued her leadership while in office. Vice Chair of Nolatoya Recall, Eileen Carter, says they are ready to move forward with the recall.

Cut 14 (07)  “…can do.”

Once the petition is certified, it will move forward to Governor John Bel Edwards.

Today is the first day of lent. Many will feast on seafood, fruits, and vegetables over the next 40 days. With Louisiana being the seafood capital, how will supply keep up? Gulf Seafood Institute chairman and owner Harlon’s LA Fish, in Kenner. Harlon Pearce…:

Cut 7 (04) “…great year coming up.”

Fat Tuesday celebrations are underway across Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Details have been released in Saturday’s fatal shooting of a 16-year-old from Texas during the Krewe of Gemini Parade in Shreveport. Police say the victim and his friends were chasing each around the vehicle they arrived in with plastic swords when another 16-year-old obtained a handgun and shot the victim. The juvenile suspect was detained at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is facing backlash after being caught on video making obscene gestures during the Krewe of Tucks parade over the weekend. Cantrell has taken heat for alleged actions while in office. New Orleans political analyst Clancy Dubos believes the recent incident will play into the narrative of disapproval with taxpayers.

Cut 11 (06)  “…to the office.”

Cantrell has not publicly addressed the matter.

15-year-old Tammy Call from Leesville High School disappeared 33 years ago and seven years later, her remains were found in the Sandy Hill area. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft has taken to social media to encourage anyone with information to contact them. Craft says they found her book bag but the case grew cold.

Cut  4 (12)  “…happened to her” 

Anyone with leads is asked to share on their Facebook post about the cold case.

A digital display moment of Mayor LaToya Cantrell has put her in the line of scrutiny again. Cantrell made an obscene gesture at float riders in the Krewe of Tucks parade over the weekend. The video shows Cantrell shouting “I love you” and giving “the finger”. New Orleans political analyst Clancy Dubos says it is common for float designs to be cynical.

Cut 10 (10)  “…Mardi Gras parade.”

Cantrell has not publicly addressed the issue.

The cold case of 15-year-old Tammy Call who disappeared from Leesville High School 33 years ago has resurfaced. Call’s remains were found seven years later in the Sandy Hill area. On the anniversary of her disappearance, Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft made a post on social media to encourage anyone with information to contact them.

Cut 3 (12) “…they may know.” 

He says all leads can help solve the case.

Today will be a nice warm and partly cloudy Mardi Gras. State Climatologist Barry Keim (Kime) says the weather will be pleasant for parade goers.

Cut 13 (11)  “…or low 80′s.”

Expect temperatures to range in the low-to-mid 80s, but you may find it a bit humid…:

Mardi Gras 2023 celebration is quickly coming to a close. It is Tuesday in other parts of the world but it is Fat Tuesday in the south. A traditional celebration bringing people from all over the world.

Cut 6 (06)  “…never enough” 

Today is the last day of parades until next January. It will be an early Mardi Gras in 2024 as Fat Tuesday next year is February 13th.

The celebration of Mardi Gras goes beyond tradition for Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.  His great aunt Aminthe (ah-men-eth) Nungesser founded the Krewe of Iris and led the initiative for women to have the right to march in Mardi Gras – 106 years ago.

Cut 4 (11)  “…over 3,700.”

The City of Eunice celebrates Courir de Mardi Gras – the largest annual event dating back to the 19^th century. Not your typical Mardi Gras with doubloons and beads – chasing chickens and colorful costumes have become a great attraction for revelers from around the world. City of Eunice Events Coordinator, Courtney Elkins says attendance is growing and the city is excited to welcome revelers.

Cut 9 (11)  “…this weekend.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is facing backlash after being caught on video making obscene gestures during the Krewe of Tucks parade over the weekend. Cantrell has taken heat for alleged actions while in office. New Orleans political analyst Clancy Dubos believes the recent incident will play into the narrative of disapproval with taxpayers.

Cut 11 (06)  “…to the office.”

Expect a partly cloudy Mardi across south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it will be a nice day for parades. Warm air coming in off the Gulf of Mexico will make for ideal weather for Fat Tuesday – with temperatures ranging up into the low-to-mid 80s today, but you may find it a bit humid…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…in New Orleans.”

Authorities say the person who was fatally shot last night on the Bacchus parade route is a male between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. Four other victims treated and released ranged in age from a four-year-old girl to 24-year-old female.

N-O-P-D Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says a suspected shooter, a 21-year-old male, has been arrested….

Cut  4 (11)  “…from the scene” 

In St. Martin Parish a single-vehicle crash killed two Breaux Bridge residents. Trooper Thomas Gossen says Shortly after 1 p.m. they were notified of the crash on State Highway 328. He says the driver 41-year-old Christopher Thibodeaux and his 16-year-old nephew Carter Potts were both killed.

Cut 8 (08)  “…overturn.” 

LSU AgCenter health educators say sitting for long periods can contribute to heart disease and long-term health problems. AgCenter Nutrition Specialist, Elizabeth Gollub says a few simple alterations can improve a sedentary lifestyle. Gollub recommends standing during online meetings, and if you’re corresponding with someone in your office walk over to them instead of sending an email.

Cut 12 (12) “…helpful also.”

She says just move around more during your work hours to improve you circulation and overall health.

Five people were shot – one fatally in New Orleans on Sunday night along the route of Bacchus parade leading-up to Mardi Gras. The shooting took place in uptown New Orleans on St. Charles Avenue. One of the injured victims is a juvenile girl, who reportedly is in stable condition. Police say a 21 year old suspected shooter has been arrested.

Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus recent weekend retreat addressed issues affecting women and children. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Lawmakers will vote on whether to increase salaries for teachers and staff in an upcoming legislative session. Governor Edwards is proposing $2,000 for teachers and $1,000 for support staff. Louisiana Federation of Teachers Cynthia Posey say it is vital that lawmakers invest in education so students have qualified and quality educators.

Cut 14 (11)  “…classes now.”

A head-on crash in Terrebonne Parish kills two and seriously injures two others. Trooper Ross Brennan says that shortly after 4 p.m. yesterday on Highway 57 near Dulac, Craig and Cookie Boudreaux were traveling south in a Silverado and a Mitsubishi driven by 60-year-old Jorge Hernandez was traveling north.

Cut 6 (12)  “…and children.” 

Last night one person was fatally and four others suffered non-life threatening injuries in a shooting along the Bacchus parade route in uptown New Orleans last night. Gunfire rang out at around 9:30 PM last night and witnesses say everyone near the scene took cover to avoid getting hit by bullets. NOPD Deputy Chief Hans Ganthier ….

Cut 3 (08) “…that end.” 

One of the shooting victims is a young girl. A suspect has been taken into custody.

 Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus held its first-weekend retreat in more than a decade. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says cybersecurity and children, and how the problem has grown since the pandemic were discussed. Barrow says they learned about how children are groomed online and human trafficking.

Cut 5 (05) “…very scary.”

Governor Edwards is proposing a $2,000 increase for teachers and $1,000 for support staff in the upcoming legislative session. But he wants to give them even more if the Revenue Estimating Conference finds a surplus. Legislative Director for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Cynthia Posey says the REC will meet in May.

Cut 13 (13)  “…increases in.”

A new, privately-funded toll bridge connecting Caddo and Bossier parishes – moves forward with permit approval. Attorney William Bradford speaks for Alabama-based infrastructure construction company Tim James, Inc. – says with the expansion of commerce in southern Caddo and Bossier, the bridge will provide a quick option for motorists…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…south Caddo Parish.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking a three-thousand dollar raise for teachers. The legislature has passed pay increases for teachers and staff over the last three years, but Legislative Director for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Cynthia Posey says those raises are not going to take home pay, it’s going towards increased health insurance premiums. And she says each year lawmakers require more out of teachers with new programs, but they aren’t rewarded salary-wise.

Cut 15 (05)  “…our educators.”

Lawmakers will address teacher pay raises in the upcoming legislative session.

The Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus recently held a weekend retreat. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says the retreat allowed lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to work collaboratively on issues to benefit both women and children…

Cut 6 (12)  “…and children.” 

Barrow says some of the topics discussed, the increased use of fentanyl and cybersecurity issues.

A project to build a proposed a new, privately-funded toll bridge across the Red River – connecting Caddo and Bossier parishes – moves forward with permit approval. Attorney William Bradford speaks for Alabama-based infrastructure construction company Tim James, Inc. He says they have already secured cooperative Endeavor Agreements with officials in both parishes, and the next step is approvals and permits from the Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers…:

Cut 7 (07) “…environmental assessments.”

Bradford says commerce is growing fast in southern Caddo and Bossier, and the bridge will provide a quick connect option for motorists…:

LSU AgCenter health educators say sitting for long periods can contribute to heart disease and long-term health problems. AgCenter Nutrition Specialist, Elizabeth Gollub says a few simple alterations can improve a sedentary lifestyle. Gollub recommends standing during online meetings, and if you’re corresponding with someone in your office walk over to them instead of sending an email.

Cut 12 (12) “…helpful also.”

She says just move around more during your work hours to improve you circulation and overall health.