The U-S Department of Justice says the Louisiana Department of Corrections is violating inmates constitutional rights by routinely holding them past their release dates. The report highlighted a four-month period last year where 27-percent of the people released from state custody were held past their release dates. The report says this unconstitutiional practice costs Louisiana over two-point-five million dollars a year…
cut 11 (09) “….thousands of people”
Defense attorney Lindsey Blouin says the department of corrections needs more money to update their computer system.

A 15-year-old has been taken into custody after allegedly calling in bomb threats to a restaurant in Opelousas and five different schools in St. Landry Parish. Deputy Chief of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, Eddie Thibodaux, says some kids might think it’s a fun prank, but the consequences are not…
cut 14 (10) “….the departments”

Washington Mardi Gras gets underway today in D-C as Governor John Bel Edwards and numerous other elected officials and business leaders from Louisiana conduct meetings with federal officials. But there is also some partying and LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Washington Mardi Gras ends with a formal ball on Saturday night…
cut 8 (09) “…Carnival style”

Students and teachers at Cohn (CAH-n) Elementary School in Port Allen are celebrating fifth grade science teacher Dereka Duncan’s achievement of receiving 25-thousand dollars as she is a recipient of the Milken Educator Award….
cut 5 (13) “…state of Louisiana”
Duncan is one of three Louisiana teachers to receive the Milken Educator Award.

The U-S Department of Justice says the Louisiana Department of Corrections regularly violates the Fourteenth Amendment when it holds inmates past their release date. Baton Rouge Defense Attorney Lindsay Blouin (blu-in) says the pandemic revealed a number of deficiencies within the criminal justice system that should be fixed.
Cut 10 (06) “…update their status.”
The D-O-C says it’s reviewing the D-O-J report, which says between January and April last year, nearly 27-percent of the people released from state custody were held past their release date.

A 15-year-old female is in custody after allegedly calling bomb threats to a restaurant in Opelousas and five different schools in St. Landry Parish. Deputy Chief of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Eddie Thibodaux urges parents to talk to their kids about the repercussions of calling in false complaints…
cut 15 (10) “…false alarms”

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…:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

While the Tigerland Bar Reggie’s is being investigated for serving minors involved with the alleged sexual assault of Madison Brooks, the state has suspended their liquor license.   East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong says bars should not allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter.

Cut 5 (10) “…the age to 21.”

In his press briefing 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.” 

Classified documents were discovered this week in the home of former vice President Mike Pence.

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 in the U.S.

Cut 11 (11) “…the nation.”

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.”

Trouble for notorious Tigerland bar Reggie’s in Baton Rouge; its liquor license is suspended after 4 underage youths were served – and likely overserved – and then went on to allegedly gang rape an LSU co-ed. Scott Wilfong is on the local Alcoholic Beverage Control board. He says Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors before. He says an investigation is warranted…:

CUT 04(12)      “…the license.”

He says state and local lawmakers should consider measures to curtail underage drinking. Police say 19-year-old Madison Brooks had a blood alcohol level of .319 when she was hit and killed by a car, after the suspects in her attack dropped her on the roadside.

Ouachita Parish deputies are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in West Monroe Wednesday. A requested welfare check of the home revealed that Zane Brantley and Gwen Brantley were both dead. They says it looks like one killed the other, then themselves.

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

CUT 02(32)      “…Whitney Thomas.”

The National Weather Service confirms that an EF1 tornado hit the town of Ventress in Pointe Coupee Parish last night. The twister tossed multiple mobile homes onto their side and even tore one apart. Three people were treated for minor to moderate injuries.

The Baton Rouge Tigerland bar, where 19-year-old student Madison Brooks got drunk with four men accused of raping her, 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 03  (08)        “…take action.”

Reggie’s has been cited before for serving minors. Wilfong says the age to even ENTER a bar should be 21.

I’d call this a big “oops”. The state’s Legislative Auditor says LSU accidentally overpaid head football coach Brian Kelly by #1-million last summer. Kelly received supplemental payments that are in his contract, but the university paid him twice by mistake. They also found other irregularities in coaching staff pay and in the Tiger athletic Foundation. The full audit is available online.

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. Does he think this also applies to fellow Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence; both accused of doing the same? He says “absolutely”…:

CUT 08(14)      “…safe, secure environment.”

It’s National Passenger Safety Week and State Police say it’s OK for passengers to speak up and help the driver to see and avoid possible hazards. Trooper Ross Brennan…:

CUT 10(11)      “…hazardously.”

Brennan says buckle up.

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 a notorious bar…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Lawmen in Opelousas have given the all clear after five separate bomb threats closed five St. Landry parish schools. Those being Northwest High, Opelousas High, Washington Trade School, Center for Academic Programs (CAPS), and St. Landry Accelerated. Deputies says they found no dangerous devices at any of the schools, and allowed classes to resume just after 1.

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 09(08)      “…properly restrained.”

He says passengers can also assist the driver by being extra eyes and ears.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewe parades will return to their original routes this year, now that the city has secured sufficient police to patrol them. Mayor LaToya Cantrell 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.”

Only Endymion’s route will be shortened due to work going on at the Superdome.

Two of the men accused in the rape investigation of LSU student Madison Brooks have posted bond. 28-year-old Everett Lee and 18-year-old Casen Carver both charged with principle to third-degree rape have posted bond. The 17-year-old who is accused of third-degree rape, has not had a bond hearing, and remains in a juvenile facility, and 18-year-old Kaivon Washington also charged with third-degree rape, remains behind bars. Brooks was killed shortly after the suspects dropped her off in a subdivision along Burbank Drive.

While the Tigerland Bar Reggie’s is being investigated for serving minors involved with the alleged sexual assault of Brooks, the state has suspended their liquor license.   East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Beverage Control Board member Scott Wilfong says bars should not allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter.

Cut 5 (10) “…the age to 21.”

When asked about the discovery of classified documents found in former offices and homes of President Biden, Senator Bill Cassidy says he’d like a proper investigation, and he is OK with waiting for that before any further judgment of the President…:

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

And this week top secret documents were also found in former Vice President Mike Pence’s home.

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.”

Two of the four men accused of raping 19-year-old LSU student Madison Brooks before her death have posted bond. 28-year-old Everett Lee and 18-year-old Casen Carver both charged with principle to third-degree rape have posted bond. The 17-year-old who is accused of third-degree rape, has not had a bond hearing and remains in a juvenile facility, and 18-year-old Kaivon Washington also charged with third-degree rape, remains behind bars.

The Tigerland bar where Brooks was with the four men accused of sexual assault has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  East Baton Rouge Alcoholic Tobacco Control Board member Scott Wilfong says it’s not the first time Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors, 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.

Cut  4 (12)  “…the license.” 

In his weekly press conference, 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 Biden’s documents date back to when he was in the U.S. Senate. And this week, top secret documents were found in former Vice President Mike Pence’s home.

The Tigerland bar where 19-year-old student Madison Brooks partied with four men – who are facing rape charges – has had their liquor license suspended by the state.  East Baton Rouge Alcohol  & Tobacco Control Board member Scott Wilfong says, while the state investigates Reggie’s Bar, it’s out of their hands…:

CUT 03(08)      “…take action.”

Of the entire group of four young men and the victim, Brooks, only one was over 21. It’s not the first time Reggie’s has been cited for serving minors. Police say the men raped an intoxicated Brooks and dumped her near a busy roadway, where she was hit by traffic and killed.

The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office is responding to damage reports from a possible tornado last night in Ragley. In Pointe Coupee Parish, a suspected twister tossed several mobile homes over in the town of Ventress. One home was literally torn open. So far no serious injuries have been reported.

A new study from the Public Affairs Research Council shows a pretty small number of us use public transit, like buses. PAR President Steven Procopio says that about 1-percent He says public transit is primarily for those who cannot afford a vehicle of their own, but it also serves an important need…:

CUT 14(07)      “…workforce as well.”

PAR doesn’t take a position on public transit; good or bad. They simply provide information for taxpayers to make informed decisions.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports continued job growth for the state. Data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows seasonally adjusted non-farm employment for December 2022 was at 1.9 million jobs. LWC spokesman Mark Jones says that’s an increase of over 4000 jobs in one month…:

CUT 10(09)      “…22 consecutive months.”

He says UNemployemt is also at a record low3.5-percent.

Bond has been set for three of the four men accused of raping an LSU student after a night of heavy drinking. Madison Brooks was hit by a car the same night and killed. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Two of the suspects have bonded out of prison, while Reggie’s liquor license has been suspended by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control due to the seriousness of of the allegations and the potential threat to public safety.

New employment numbers from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an increase of 48-hundred jobs from November to December in Louisiana. Mark Jones with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says every metro area in the state added jobs over the year, with Lafayette gaining 42-hundred jobs in 2022…
cut 12 (11) “…different things”
The Monroe area added only 200 jobs in 2022.

Louisiana received three F grades from the American Lung Association which grades states for its tobacco control efforts. Senior director of Advocacy Ashley Lyerly says the state is spending just over five million dollars on tobacco prevention programs this fiscal year…
cut 6 (120 “…..tobacco use”