Two people are dead and three others injured after a shooting in New Orleans’ Central City area last night. Four men and one woman were hit in the drive-by; two were pronounced dead at the scene. This is the 84^th shooting incident in New Orleans in the past 30 days.

Medical experts now say timely CPR most likely saved Damar Hamlin’s life moments after he collapsed onfield Monday. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can be trained to perform this life-saving procedure…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

Jeff Landry’s campaign for Governor is off to a fast start. Campaign staffers says he has about $5-million campaign cash-on-hand, and another $1.5-million in Leadership PAC funds. Landry campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says perhaps the biggest gun in Landry’s arsenal is the endorsement of the state Republican Party and the support that comes with that…:

CUT 14(11)      “…named Jeff Landry.”

Senator Bill Cassidy announced he’s a “no” weeks ago. Senator John Kennedy said he’s not running this week. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will announce HIS decision next Tuesday. Also reportedly mulling it over: Congressman Garret Graves, Treasurer John Schroder, and state lawmakers Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson. Few Democrats are talking about running for governor…yet.

Louisiana has been clamoring to get a Buc-ee’s for years…and one may be coming soon. The Ruston city council will vote Monday on an incentive package that could mean the roadside mega convenience store/restaurant/truck stop being built next to I-20.

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. His attorney says he was at work at his job and couldn’t make it. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says if a job gets in the way of holding public office, then you have to make a decision…:

CUT 08  (08)        “…needs to resign.”

Spears term ended in December. He did not seek re-election after serving two terms. His case goes to trial in June.

It’s 12^th Night, or King Day if you prefer; the official start of the Carnival season that ends with Mardi Gras. Now through then, we all enjoy traditional King Cakes. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…for everybody.”

Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 21^st this year.

As of today, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is the only major declared candidate for Louisiana Governor in 2023. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says the Landry Campaign has a good head start on potential challengers…:

CUT 13  (09)        “…Leadership PAC

Senator Bill Cassidy announced he’s a “no” weeks ago. Senator John Kennedy said he’s not running this week. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will announce HIS decision next Tuesday. Also reportedly mulling it over: Congressman Garret Graves, Treasurer John Schroder, and state lawmakers Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson.

Attorney General Jeff Landry issued an opinion today saying that, the way he interprets state law, would not require in-person doctor visits for access to medical marijuana. This comes after the Medical Marijuana Commission said they would be required, which could limit availability in remote areas.

Law enforcement shut down both sides of US 190 just west of the Mississippi River after a crash that involved a tanker truck that veered into oncoming traffic during the noon hour. DOTD traffic cameras showed the jackknifed truck blocking both sides of the highway. Emergency responders landed an AirMed helicopter at the scene, but there is currently no word on injuries.

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with payroll fraud after attending only one meeting in 2022. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

The recent collapse of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on field, and the quick use of CPR to revive him, has some talking about the importance of learning CPR themselves. Red Cross state director Ed Bush…:

CUT 05(12)      “…uptick in classes”

Find out how at “RedCross.org/CPR.

Today is 12^th Night, or King’s Day for some. The official, start of Carnival season and time to cut loose on some King Cake. Publisher of New Orleans’ “Mardi Gras Guide” Arthur Hardy says it’s been a busy day in the Crescent City…:

CUT 09(09)      “…in New Orleans.”
Everyone has their own favorite flavor and baker, but most agree to disagree and just enjoy the eats.

Medical experts say CPR most likely saved Damar Hamlin’s life moments after he collapsed on the field Monday. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can be trained to perform this life-saving procedure.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with payroll fraud after attending only one meeting in 2022. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says it was actually a trainer who administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on Hamlin,

Cut 3 (06) “…gentleman alive.” 

The situation proved just how important it is that individuals are properly trained in the procedure because at any time you could encounter someone in need. Bush says since the early 1900s the Red Cross has been the leading expert on CPR instruction…

Cut 4 (09)  “…super easy.” 

Bush says you can find a listing of CPR classes by visiting RedCross.org/CPR.  And while it’s a skill you hope you never have to use; Bush says hopefully awareness of just how important it is will prompt more individuals to get trained.

Cut 5 (12) “…uptick in classes”

Bush says basic training for CPR averages a few hours versus certification classes that are more in-depth.

_______________________________________________

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says Spears has committed a crime…

Cut 6 (07)  “…with it” 

Based on the charge, Spears could face a fine of up to one-thousand and up to two years in prison. D’Aquilla says Spears was compensated for the eleven meetings he missed…

Cut 7 (07)  “…that’s a crime”

D’Aquilla says they had a similar incident with former school board member Edward Brooks, who missed numerous meetings from 2016 to 2020 and it was pled down to a misdemeanor theft charge after he reimbursed the school system.

Spears attorney says Spears could not attend the meetings because he works at a chemical plant in Ascension Parish. But D’Aquilla says if a job gets in the way of holding public office, then you have to make a decision..

Cut 8 (08)  “..needs to resign” 

Spears term ended in December. He did not seek re-election after serving two terms. His case is set to go to trial in June.

___________________________________________

Louisiana is letting the good times roll by kicking off Carnival season with King’s Day. Publisher of New Orleans’ “Mardi Gras Guide”, Arthur Hardy says the celebration is just getting started.

Cut 9 (09) “…in New Orleans” 

King cake is eaten on January 6th in honor of the Epiphany, which historically marks the arrival of the three wise kings in Bethlehem who delivered gifts to the baby Jesus. Hardy says this tradition holds something special and memorable.

Cut 10 (09) “…for everybody” 

Typically, King cake is made with a rich, brioche dough and a wide array of fillings, such as cinnamon, chocolate, and cream cheese. Each cake is topped with the traditional green, gold, and purple sprinkles. Hardy says there is no right or wrong way to enjoy King cake.

Cut 11 (12)  “…fun desert.”

_________________________________________________________

As of today, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is the only major declared candidate for Louisiana Governor in 2023. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says fundraising is running full-speed ahead; anticipating a large field of fellow candidates…:

Cut 12 (07) “…get our message out.”

Senator Bill Cassidy announced he’s a “no” weeks ago. Senator John Kennedy said he’s not running this week. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will announce HIS decision next Tuesday. Also reportedly mulling it over: Congressman Garret Graves, Treasurer John Schroder, and state lawmakers Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson. Littlefield say the Landry Campaign has a good head start on challengers…:

Cut 13 (o9) “…in our Leadership PAC.” 

Perhaps the biggest gun in Landry’s arsenal: the endorsement of the state Republican Party and the support that comes with that…:

Cut 14 (11)   “…named Jeff Landry.”

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla (duh-QUILL-uh) says Spears was paid for the eleven meetings he failed to attend…:

CUT 07(07)      “…that as a crime.”

Spear’s attorney says his client was at work and couldn’t make it. If convicted, he could get up to two years in prison.

As of today, Republican Attorney General is the only major declared candidate for Louisiana Governor in 2023. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says fundraising is running full-speed ahead; anticipating a large field of fellow candidates…:

CUT 12(07)      “…our message out.”

He says they have just over $5-million cash in hand, plus PAC and party money.

Medical experts say CPR most likely saved Damar Hamlin’s life after he collapsed on the football field. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can be trained to perform this life-saving procedure…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

A Calcasieu Parish man, who’d JUST been released from the parish jail on one charge, is now back IN, after returning and attacking the jail building. 39-year-old Ken Hunt threw rocks at the glass then pushed the glass in. His next stay with the parish is for criminal damage to property.

The U-S House meets today and for the fourth straight day, they’ll try to elect a new Speaker of the House. GOP leader Kevin McCarthy is facing opposition from members of the conservative Freedom Caucus. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise could be an alternative choice, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says McCarthy and Scalise are political allies and friends…

Cut 9 (10)  “…of Representative McCarthy.”
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says the Red Cross is the leading expert on CPR instruction…

Cut 4 (09)  “…super easy.” 

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with payroll fraud after attending only one meeting in 2022. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Fans attending Pelicans and Saints games in recent weeks are returning to their vehicles to find their windows busted and items stolen. A spokesperson for the two teams say they are on radar of the NFL and NBA because of the rampant car burglaries. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they plan to put a stop to it…
cut 15 (08) “…delete it”
The Pelicans host the Nets at the Blender tonight.

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says Spears has committed a crime…
Cut 6 (07) “…with it”
Spears attorney says his client was at work when the meetings were held.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital West Red Cross Ed Bush says it was actually a trainer who administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on Hamlin,
Cut 3 (06) “…gentleman alive.”
Bush says since the early 1900s the Red Cross has been the leading expert on CPR instruction.

Dry January is an opportunity for individuals to give up alcohol for a month and see how it affects their mental and physical health. Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Jennifer Creedon says many realize they’ve been drinking more than they thought.
Cut 10 (11) “…maybe thought.”
Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli announced she’s doing Dry January.

So far, a Democrat hasn’t announced their candidacy for governor. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and current state Democratic Party chair Katie Bernhardt have been mentioned as potential candidates and poll on Bernhardt was conducted Thursday.

Cut 5 (09) “…for Democrats.”

East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore is another possibility.

The U.S. House struggles electing Majority leader Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker, some speculate House Minority leader and District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise is a possibility. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says Scalise might be reluctant to do so…:

Cut 7 (12) “…with Representative McCarthy.”

Saints and Pelicans fans are extremely frustrated after attending games and finding their cars have been broken into. NOPD Interim Superintendent Michell Woodfork says they will increase patrols during events at the two venues.

Cut 14 (13)  “…Smoothie King Center”

The Pels host the Nets tonight and the Saints play Sunday in the Dome against the Panthers.

Dry January is trending it’s an opportunity for individuals to give up alcohol for a month and see how it affects their health Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Jennifer Creedon if you believe you might have a drinking problem, reach out to your doctor.

Cut 12 (07) “…disorders.”

She also advises finding a support group for Dry January and beyond if you need assistance.

After 11 attempts the U.S. House will try again today to elect a House Speaker, but could Kenner Congressman Steve Scalise be a possible alternate candidate to lead the House? More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State Trooper Justin Chaisson is no longer with the agency after an investigation found he fled the scene of a boating crash while off duty. LSP says he was fired for violating the state police’s code of conduct, which includes conduct unbecoming of an officer and making false statements.

We’ve heard of several Republicans considering running for governor, but is there a clear frontrunner for Democrats? DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson is said to be seriously considering a run. Chair of the State Democratic Party Katie Bernhardt is another possibility and East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore.  Moore says he’s been approached about running for governor but says he’s very happy with his current job.

Cut 6 (10)  “…love doing.” 

Dry January is an opportunity for individuals to give up alcohol for a month and see how it affects their mental and physical health. Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Jennifer Creedon says many realize they’ve been drinking more than they thought.

Cut 10 (11) “…maybe thought.” 

The U-S House Convenes again today and a for fourth straight day they will try to elect a new Speaker of the House. GOP leader Kevin McCarthy is facing opposition from members of the conservative Freedom Caucus. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise could be an alternative choice, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says McCarthy and Scalise are political allies and friends…
cut 9 (10) “….of Representative McCarthy”

Fans attending Pelicans and Saints games in recent weeks are returning to their vehicles to find their windows busted and items stolen. A spokesperson for the two teams say they are on radar of the NFL and NBA because of the rampant car burglaries. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they plan to put a stop to it…
cut 15 (08) “…delete it”
The Pelicans host the Nets at the Blender tonight.

Several Republican names have been mentioned for the 2023 governor’s race but who are the possible Democrats running?
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. Spears attorney says Spears could not attend the meetings because he works at a chemical plant in Ascension Parish. If convicted, Spears could face a fine of up to one-thousand dollars and up to two years in prison.