After the failed effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Covington Representative Paul Hollis says he’ll file a bill for the upcoming legislative session to lower the threshold….

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The “Greatest Show on Earth” is back and it’s heading to North Louisiana. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey will begin their North American tour in Bossier City at the Brookshire Grocery Arena, September 29 through 31.  Show Guide Lauren Irving says there will be no animals but it will be a massive playground with two main stages, a 360-degree view with live camera feeds, and unique performances.

Cut 7 (09)  “…seen before.” 

Bossier City is the only stop scheduled for Louisiana.

Governor John Bel Edwards unveiled the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law website that allows Louisianans to view infrastructure projects and funding on Wednesday. Infrastructure Coordinator Jackson Wright says it provides a wealth of information on what’s been implemented so far…

Cut 10 (09)  “…formula funds.”

To view the website, go to infrastructure.la.gov.

Louisiana Urban League along with the National Association of Auto Dealers will launch a new automotive technician apprenticeship program for minorities today. The pilot program will train and employ twelve candidates in New Orleans and nine in Baton Rouge to become licensed auto technicians. LADA’s President, Will Green says the program is off to a great start and trainees have already started skill-building classes.

Cut 5 (05) “…the dealership.”

The program is funded by a grant through the NADA foundation and the local Automobiles Dealer in Louisiana.

If you have comments on the widening of Interstate 10 through Baton Rouge, the Department of Transportation would still like to know and has extended the public comment period. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says the new deadline is this Sunday, March 26^th

Cut 7 (08) “…to those comments.”

Leave comments at “I10Br.com”

From repairs to roads and bridges to updating water systems, learning how state infrastructure funds are awarded and spent in Louisiana, can be accessed by visiting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law website. Infrastructure Coordinator Jackson Wright says the website is an incredible tool for residents to learn about projects that are implemented across the state.

Cut 12 (07)  “…that work.”

Learn more by visiting infrastructure.la.gov.

The Human Services leaders were under pressure by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy during a Senate Finance Committee hearing regarding the number of full-time workers on-site during the workday. Louisiana’s senior senator questioned HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra (Ba-cerra) if the agency was still monitoring VPN data that would indicate if employees were accessing their email or not.

Cut 15 (05)  “…on that.”

Cassidy said for many industries best practice is for employees to return to the job site.

Early childhood educators are learning how to respond in the case of an active shooter. Brooke Thorington has more. Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU Lady Tigers left today for Greenville, South Carolina, where they’ll play Utah on Friday afternoon in a Sweet 16 matchup in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. A rally was held on campus for the team before they left for the airport. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team is two wins away from LSU reaching the final four for the first time since 2008… Cut 11 (11)  “…Geaux Tigers” LSU plays Utah in the Regional semi-final on Friday at 4 PM.

All lanes on Interstate 10 leading to the Calcasieu River Bridge were shut down this morning and a shelter-in-place was issued as a result of a chlorine leak from Bio Lab in Westlake. State Police Sergeant James Anderson says I-10 near the Lake Charles bridge was closed for nearly two hours, before re-opening. Cut 10 (06) “…around this.” 

In a press conference earlier today, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell publicly addressed the recall effort to remove her from office.  More than 67,000 signatures were submitted but only 27,243 of the signatures were deemed valid; far below the 45-thousand needed. Cantrell is optimistic that the city will be able to move forward and refocus. Cut 7 (06)  “…serve everyone.”  Cantrell is the first Black female to be elected as Mayor.

Physical activity can prevent the reoccurrence of colon cancer according to a new study by LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The City of Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy is making a few changes in leadership. Roy announced in a city council meeting held yesterday – he will reassign a new chief for the police and a new chief for the fire department. The reason for the new assignments was not addressed.

A New study by LSU Pennington Biomedical Center shows patients who were more active were able to prevent a reoccurrence of colon cancer. Director of the Cancer Metabolism Program at Pennington, Dr. Justin Brown says post-operative exercise increased the survival rate in many patients and they will continue their research.

Cut 6 (12)  “…in the future.” 

To read the entire study follow a link provided at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com.

The petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell fell way short of the signatures needed to go to a citywide ballot. Governor John Bel Edwards’ office says there were only 27-thousand certified signatures from registered voters in Orleans Parish; far below the 45-thousand needed. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says the NOLATOYA effort began months ago with a bang…:

Cut 13 (10) “…that they needed.” 

Chervenak says certainly some political pressure came to bear from Mayor Cantrell, but he doesn’t suspect any “backroom shenanigans” in the petition’s outcome.

A petition to recall New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell has failed to meet the number of required signatures. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Governor John Bel Edwards unveiled –“Building the Bayou State” – a new website to help Louisianans learn about projects and opportunities in their communities from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The site features BIL progress and priorities, resources and guidelines on how to become involved, and more. To view the website, go to infrastructure.la.gov.

Willis Reed, New York Knicks Great, and Louisiana Legend died yesterday at the age of 80. Reed was instrumental in leading the New York Knicks franchise to their only two championships. Reed spent 10 years playing for the New York Knicks where he averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds per game. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Chairman, Doug Ireland says after retiring, Reed returned to the place he called home – Lincoln Parish.

Cut 9 (11)  “…ever present.”

The cause of death is unknown, but his health had started to decline.

Louisiana homeowners affected by Hurricane Ida are invited to attend the Restore Louisiana Program outreach sessions administered by the Louisiana Office of Community Development to help rebuild and repair homes. The first session will be held Thursday in Lafourche Parish from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the Matthews Government Complex. Executive Director Pat Forbes says they are holding several outreach events to discuss the program.

Cut 10 (11)  “…in shape.”

To complete a survey, call 1-866-735-2001 to speak with an attendant.

A recent study by LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center show physical activity is associated with lower recurrence of colon cancer. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

 The City of Alexandria will have a new Police Chief and new Fire Department chief according to Mayor Jacques Roy. Roy made the announcement during the city council’s meeting on March 21. Ronney Howard currently serves as the chief of APD. The city’s current interim fire chief, Curtis Beauregard, was put in place after former chief Larry King left back in December 2021. The reasoning behind the change is unknown.

Louisiana Office of Community Development is offering assistance to homeowners who still have unmet needs associated with damage from Hurricane Ida through the Restore Louisiana Program. There will be a series of outreach events held across the state – the first stop will be in Lafourche Parish at the Matthews Government Complex from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Executive Director Pat Forbes

Cut 11 (12)  “…as well.”

The first step is to answer a survey at Restore.LA.gov.

Organizers to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell failed to submit enough signatures to go to a citywide ballot.  UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says recall petitions across the country on average usually fall short.

Cut 14 (09)  “…completely different.”

Governor John Bel Edwards office says they only 27 thousand certified signatures.

State lawmakers grilled leaders of the state Office of Motor Vehicles during a legislative hearing about poor customer service complaints. Legislators have heard allegations of staffers responding poorly to customer questions and being told they need to make an appointment. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…

Cut 3 (09) “…want to.” 

The requirement to make an OMV appointment was put in place during the COVID era.

 Ochsner Health – New Orleans is leading the country in genomic testing for cancer drugs to better treat cancer patients. Ochsner Health System Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services, Catherine Oliver says providers can have results in about five days and costs are determined by an individual’s health plan.

Cut 6 (07)  “…minimal cost.” 

Pharmacogenomic testing is only needed once during a lifetime for most patients.

Department of Environmental Quality Secretary  – Chuck Brown is resigning at the end of the month. Brown has led LDEQ since 2016. Brown tells LRN he would rather not say he’s not resigning, but continuing his environmental endeavor in the private sector.

Cut 9 (08)  “…State of Louisiana.”

Assistant Secretary of LDEQ – Roger Gingles will serve as Interim Secretary.

LSU Health New Orleans Match Day numbers show nearly 80 percent of their graduating students are staying in Louisiana to complete their medical training. Richard DiCarlo, Interim Dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine says about 20 to 25 percent of their students will enter a number of specialty fields including psychiatry.

Cut 15 (10)  “…also important.”

Nearly 50 percent of LSU Health New Orleans medical grads will remain in Louisiana to complete their medical training.

The decision to choose residency has arrived for LSU Health graduates and many plans to remain in the state. Brooke Thorington has more from the Interim Dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

 The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for help to locate 59-year-old, Kevin Moore a missing resident of Hammond. Moore was last seen by family members on March 18 while leaving to go to work. He did not show up for work and no one has been able to contact him. Moore drives a white 2019 Chevrolet Spark. Anyone with information should contact Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Louisiana-based Ochsner Health – New Orleans is one of the first hospital systems in the nation to fully integrate standardizing genomic testing for cancer drugs which lowers the risk of adverse side effects.  Pharmacogenomics testing guides physicians on how patients metabolize certain drugs and warns of possible side effects so they may adjust dosage in a way that provides personalized treatments. Ochsner Health System Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services, Catherine Oliver says the process is instrumental in saving lives.

Cut 5 (09) “…decreasing that dose.”

Ochsner launched a pharmacogenomics program that is available to all patients in March 2022.

Secretary of  Louisiana’s Department of Environmental Quality, Chuck Brown will step down from his post on March 31^st. Brown has led LDEQ since 2016 as part of the Edwards administration. As Secretary, managed the state’s environment while working with federal authorities and oversaw LDEQ’s response to the 2016 flood. Brown says he worked hard to advance the department in the direction…

 Cut 8 (09) “…and honest dialog.”

LDEQ Assistant Secretary Roger Gingles has been appointed Interim Secretary.

A bill filed for the upcoming legislative session would require high school juniors and seniors to complete a Financial Literacy course to graduate from high school and qualify for TOPS. The author of House Bill 103, Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello says he has received positive feedback and believes this will move students in the right direction.

Cut 4 (08)  “…currently getting.” 

The current curriculum requires students to complete at least four mathematics credits.

Baton Rouge Police say 45-year-old Derrick Perkins will face more charges for his connection with disposing of the body of Georgia business executive Nathan Millard – found wrapped in a rug in North Baton Rouge on March 6^th. BRPD Sgt L’Jean McKneely says investigators have learned more about Perkins’s involvement.

Cut 6 (08)  “…the information.” 

Perkins also faces charges of simple criminal damage to property and failure to seek assistance.

Neuty the Nutria is safe to live with its Jefferson Parish owners – for now as a decision with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has been finalized. L-D-W-F spokesperson Ed Pratt says the couple will be able to keep the animal under special conditions…

Cut 10 (12) “…the nutria” 

Neuty has been living with his family for more than two years.

The LSU women’s basketball team advances to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2014. Angel Reese was dominant as she had 25 points and 24 rebounds and the Lady Tigers held Michigan to a season-low for points in a 66-42. Reese on the team’s defensive performance…

Cut 12 (13) “…it was fun.” 

LSU will head to Greenville, South Carolina where they’ll play second-seeded Utah on Friday.

Longtime L-A-B-I official Jim Patterson is now the interim President of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Jeff Palermo talked with Jim Patterson about L-A-B-I’s priorities in the upcoming legislative session

 Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

52-year-old Charles Germany of Livingston Parish plead guilty to leaving threatening voicemails for Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy. A warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of interstate transmission of a threat. Germany allegedly threatened to kill Murphy. If convicted, Germany could get up to five years in prison.

Federal regulators approved Canadian Pacific’s acquisition of Kansas City Southern, a major step towards reconstructing the passenger rail service between Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Baton Rouge Area Foundation Vice President John Spain says the future of the project is looking promising.

Cut 8 (07) “…the obstacles.”

The passenger line would include stops in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, LaPlace, Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport, and Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans.

Entergy filed a request with the Public Service Commission for approval to add an additional three gigawatts of solar power to increase its renewable energy. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says this would be a great move for the state’s economy and for companies who would like to invest but want renewable energy.

Cut 13 (10) “…important for them.” 

The proposed additional solar power facilities would – if approved – be built in Iberville and Ouachita parishes, and would bring hundreds of jobs during construction.