18-year old Jaden Michael Adroin faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after his alleged jealousy caused him to chase down two men who flirted with his girlfriend. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (35)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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California-based Origin Materials has committed to investing more than $750 million to develop a biomass manufacturing facility in Ascension Parish that will create more than 1000 new direct and indirect jobs. John Bissell, Co-CEO of Origin says the state’s workforce, infrastructure, and potential were major factors in choosing Louisiana.

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker unloaded on his colleagues in the Louisiana House after his proposal to add a second majority-Black district to the state’s Supreme Court map was tabled without debate. Republican Barry Ivey says the Republican-led Legislature is maintaining the status quo in all the maps that are advancing and Ivey is frustrated…

Cut 4 (10) “…upset.”

In response, Alexandria Republican Lance Harris says life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.

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The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is giving Pacific Peninsula Entertainment 60 more days to sell the closed DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City. DiamondJacks shut its doors in May of 2020 and P-2-E attempted to build a new facility in Slidell, but St. Tammany Parish voters shot down that proposal in December. P-2-E has two months to sell Diamond Jacks or board member Julie Berry says they lose the license…

Cut 14 (10) “…this is it.”

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker unloaded on his colleagues in the Louisiana House after his proposal to add a second majority-Black district to the state’s Supreme Court map was tabled without debate.

The major debate in the redistricting session is whether Louisiana should add majority-minority districts to its political maps, because the Black population has grown since the 2010 census. The Republican led-Legislature is maintaining the status quo in all the maps that are advancing and State Rep. Barry Ivey is frustrated…

Cut 4 (10) “…upset.”

Covington Representative Mark Wright made the motion to table, and says being told by Ivey that the House is stupid, lazy, racist and corrupt because they vote against his bills is unacceptable and narcissistic.

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Another cold front will enter the Bayou State just in time for a chilly weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the roller-coaster continues with mild weather mid-week and chilly temperatures for the weekend.

Cut 15 (07) “…this winter.”

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California-based Origin Materials has committed to investing more than $750 million to develop a biomass manufacturing facility in Ascension Parish that will create more than 1000 new direct and indirect jobs. John Bissell, Co-CEO of Origin praised the Capitol Area’s infrastructure, which he says will provide the facility with easy access to materials and services.

Cut 11 (09) “…of our sort.”

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18-year-old Jaden Michael Ardoin of Port Barre faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after following two brothers in his vehicle and allegedly firing shots because the two routinely flirted with his girlfriend. St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Major Eddie Thibodaux says a high-speed chase ensued.

Cut 6 (11) “…the scene”

Wade Edward Smith was killed, and James Preston Allen Vaughn is listed in stable condition.

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The state issues revised COVID guidance for K-12 schools to keep disruptions to a minimum. State epidemiologist Teresa Sokol says if you are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID in the last 90 days you are exempted from having to quarantine after being exposed. Sokol says that another option is the “test to stay” which requires those who are unvaccinated to be tested for COVID twice a day for five days after exposure.

Cut 4 (10) “…of the school.”

LDH is offering three options, including universal masking, for K-12 schools and daycares because full adherence to CDC guidelines presents operational challenges.

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Third Judicial District Attorney John Belton plans to pursue criminal charges against those involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene, but he’s waiting for the U-S Justice Department to complete its investigation. Belton expects the federal D-O-J will complete that investigation soon…

Cut 8 (08) “…will proceed”

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The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will consider whether the state’s ban on nonunanimous jury verdicts should apply retroactively. The U-S Supreme Court has already refused to make the split jury ban law retroactive, but Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the state supreme court can issue its own ruling.  But the Louisiana Attorney General’s office claims overturning the split system verdict retroactively would create havoc because hundreds of old cases would be re-tried…

Cut 10 (10) “…four to six months”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has extended Louisiana’s COVID public health emergency order but has removed the remaining mitigation measures from the order. Governor Edwards did re-emphasize the recommendations for people to wear masks, particularly around large crowds. It’s something to keep in mind as Mardi Gras and festival season approach.

Cut 12 (14) “…remain high.”

Governor John Bel Edwards reiterates there was no cover-up of the death of Ronald Greene to aid his re-election campaign. Brooke Thorington has more…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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We’re almost at the height of carnival season and health officials offer some advice to protect revelers from COVID. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana continues to attract companies that specialize in developing and producing sustainable materials. David Grubb has the story on the latest to invest in the state.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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On his monthly statewide radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards reiterates there was no cover-up of the arrest & death of Ronald Greene in 2019 to help him with re-election. Edwards was informed by State Police that a man died during an arrest, but says he’s been un-justly slammed by the media…:

Cut 4 (15)  “…Department of Justice.” 

An Associated Press story suggested Edwards knew the circumstances of Greene’s death, that he did NOT die in a car crash and that he went along with a plot to keep it hush-hush until he’d won re-election. Governor Edwards vehemently denies that’s true…:

Cut 5 (14) “…what the truth is.”

Mr. Edwards says the federal Justice Department has been investigating the Greene case for many months, and he looks forward to their findings so guilty parties can be prosecuted and Greene’s family can get closure. He says he especially feels for Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…should never have happened.”

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We’re almost in the thick of Carnival season and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we have more tools to protect ourselves from COVID now, from higher quality masks to vaccines and more therapeutics. Kanter revelers to mask indoors at events and outside when in crowds.

Cut 7 (09) “…their safety.”

Kanter recommends using an N95 mask for better protection.

As with any event, Kanter says you are much safer if you are fully vaccinated and boosted, and it’s not too late to do so.

If you are more vulnerable to have COVID complications Kanter says attending Mardi Gras events is something you should think over before doing so.

Cut 8 (08)  “…there is some risk.”

In 2020 as COVID began spreading in the U.S. Mardi Gras became a super-spreader event. Kanter says he’s optimistic two years later that won’t be the case.

Cut 9 (12)  “…our downswing.”

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California-based Origin Materials has committed to investing more than $750 million to develop a biomass manufacturing facility in Ascension Parish that will create more than 1000 new direct and indirect jobs. John Bissell, Co-CEO of Origin says the state’s workforce was a major factor in choosing Louisiana.

Cut 10 (13) “…absolutely world-class.”

In addition, the state has provided Origin with a strong incentive package that includes the services of LED FastStart, tax exemptions, and performance-based bonuses. Bissell also praised the Capitol Area’s infrastructure, which he says will provide the facility with easy access to materials and services.

Cut  11 (09)  “…of our sort.”  

Bissell believes that Louisiana is poised to be a destination for green companies in the future and is proud to be among the very first to take advantage of what the state has to offer.

Cut 12 (11) “…world-scale plant.”

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Another cold front will enter the Bayou State just in time to bring us another chilly weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says highs today will reach into the 70s and there’s a chance of widespread showers.

Cut 13 (08) “…marginal risk.”

Unfortunately, today’s rain won’t be enough to help with the ongoing drought.

Overnight temperatures will drop and Friday morning Keim says there will be a light freeze along the I-20 corridor.

Cut 14 (10)  “…along the coast.”

Keim says the roller-coaster weather continues with mild weather mid-week and chilly temperatures for the weekend.

Cut 15 (07)  “…this winter.”

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Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball coach Bob Marlin is under heavy fire. The Cajuns have lost three games in a row and eight times in their last 10 games, sitting in ninth place in the Sun Belt standings. UL hasn’t been to the NCAA tournament since 2015 and fans are getting impatient. Staring at his second losing season in three years, Marlin still believes his team has time to turn things around.

Cut 16 (15)  “…in the tournament.”

The last seven losses by the Cajuns have come by an average of 5.2 points as they have struggled to close games out. Marlin believes that his team is caught in a vicious cycle where once his team makes a mistake, things begin to snowball. He says a little good luck would go a long way.

Cut 17 (15) “ …turn it around.” 

At the other end of the spectrum is the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, winners of two in a row and tied for second in Conference USA. After being on the road for their last three games, the Bulldogs return home for a pair of home games, with UTEP visiting Thursday and Texas-San Antonio on Saturday. Coach Eric Konkol is glad to be back in front of the home fans.

Cut 18 (17) “ …Assembly Center.” 

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The New Orleans Pelicans will be looking for their eighth straight home win over the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. Last night, the Pels routed the Toronto Raptors, winning 120-90, but the task gets tougher with Memphis, the team with the third-best record in the West and second-best road record in the NBA. After a 1-12 start, New Orleans is 22-22 over its last 44 games.

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It’s not quite the glory days of the early 90s, but Tulane basketball is on the comeback. In his third season, Ron Hunter has the Wave at 11-11, and 8-5 in the American Athletic Conference. Tulane has a chance at a first-round bye in the AAC tournament and its first postseason bid of any kind since 2014. After a big overtime win over Temple this weekend, Hunter says his team is finally maturing…

Cut 17 (15) “…a veteran team.”

Tulane visits South Florida tonight looking to end a three-game road losing streak. The Bulls have lost six of seven.

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LSU takes the court tomorrow night when it hosts Georgia at the P-MAC. After a 15-1 start, the Tigers are just 3-6 since. Back to back wins have LSU clinging to fifth place in the SEC standings with six games to play. With three of those against ranked teams, a win over the Bulldogs is a must. To do that, Will Wade says his team has to take care of the little things.

Cut 21 (17) “…in transition.”

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LSU women’s hoops senior guard Alexis Morris has been named SEC Player of the Week after helping the 11^th-ranked Tigers to three wins last week. Morris averaged 22.7 points per game while shooting 70 percent from behind the three-point line, while also grabbing six rebounds each night. For the season, she’s averaging 16 points, four boards, and three assists.

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And Southern kept its grip on first-place in the SWAC with a 70-58 road win over Texas Southern. Tyrone Lyons led the Jags with 18 points.

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The first meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification was today. Brooke Thorington has more from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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As sales of electric-gas hybrids soar, one of the leaders in electric vehicle components in making a major investment in Central Louisiana. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (33)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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The Governor and Lt. Governor are joining forces to help clean up the state with the Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification. The first meeting took place today and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the blight issue is embarrassing.

Cut 3 (11) “…unacceptable.”

Nungesser says the Governor is raising awareness among state department heads in hopes of bringing more attention to the growing issue. The task force includes representatives from state police, sheriff’s departments, district attorneys, and chambers and they’ll meet monthly.

Nungesser says he’s even tried an experiment in his home parish of Plaquemines to discourage littering by placing trash cans along stops leading to Highway 23.

Cut 4 (11) “…the interstate.”

Nungesser says there are laws on the books and fines attached to littering offenses, but they aren’t being enforced, and community service to pick up trash is not being implemented by judges for those with DUI offenses.

Cut 5 (10) “…not doing it.”

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A former Livingston Parish teacher pleads guilty in a child sex crimes case and agrees to testify against her ex-husband who is accused of committing disturbing crimes against kids. Cynthia Perkins pled guilty to three charges, including second-degree rape and production of child pornography. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office is working the case…

 Cut 6 (09) “…right call” 

As part of the plea deal, Cynthia will be called as a witness in Dennis Perkins’s trial, which is set to begin in May. Landry believes her testimony against the former Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy will seal his fate…

Cut 7 (05) “…accountable.” 

Authorities say Cynthia assisted Dennis Perkins in the sexual assault of a juvenile, filming a juvenile while bathing and lacing desserts with his semen that were handed out to school children in 2019. Her attorney Paul Scott says Cynthia is eager to tell a jury Dennis manipulated her to commit these disturbing acts…

Cut 8 (11) “…she’s done.”  

Cynthia Perkins will be officially sentenced to 41 years in prison on Friday.

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Baton Rouge Police arrest a 14-year-old female for allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill her 14-year-old ex-boyfriend. Sergeant L’ Jean Mckneely says they learned of the potential crime after an administrator for the website rent-a-hitman-dot-com reached out to their detectives…

Cut 9 (10) “…yesterday afternoon.”

The arrestee was booked into juvenile detention for Solicitation for Murder. McNeely says the rent-a-hitman-dot-com website is used by law enforcement for these types of cases…

Cut 10 (10)  “…to kill someone” 

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Syrah Resources announced today that it is investing $176 million to expand its Syrah Technologies graphite processing facility in Vidalia, making Louisiana one of the leaders in the market for electric vehicle component production in the United States. Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft says Syrah has been a great corporate partner and the impact of the expansion will be felt throughout the area.

Cut 11 (12)   “….business as well.”  

Syrah wants to develop the first facility of its type in the United States and says it chose Louisiana for its commitment to new technology and sustainable development. Syrah has already lined up one very high-profile client, and Craft says Vidalia is ready to compete on a global scale as Syrah continues to grow.

Cut 12 (12) “…looking really up.”  

Sales of electric cars have skyrocketed over the past few years, with gasoline-electric hybrid purchases jumping by 76 percent in 2021. That means a greater demand for parts. With Syrah’s plant creating the raw materials used in batteries, Craft says Vidalia has the capability to bring in other related businesses that can take advantage of the unique benefits his city can provide.

Cut 13 (13) “….we can supply.”

The expansion is expected to create 36 new jobs with average annual salaries of $69 thousand, with LED estimating an additional 52 indirect jobs created.