The Legislature’s very contentious special session on Redistricting could end today. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 01(35)      “….David Grubb”

State officials warn northeast Louisiana anglers casting a line into the Ouachita River to NOT eat their catch. Officials with the Department of Health and Wildlife & Fisheries say levels of mercury found in fish swimming the river makes them unsafe for human consumption.

Attorneys for nursing home operator Bob Dean, of Baton Rouge, say he has dementia and should not have to sit for depositions. Dean is facing numerous lawsuits after his decision to evacuate 843 residents to a warehouse from seven of his facilities during Hurricane Ida, which led to the deaths of 15 residents. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says his attorneys may be successful in keeping Dean from testifying…:

CUT 07(09)      “…be liable.”

Texts and phone calls between Dean and Health Department officials are rambling and at times make little sense. Dean’s nursing home licenses have been revoked.

More than 50 parades roll from tonight through Fat Tuesday across the state. Revelers seem very ready to party, after COVID cancelled Mardi Gras last year. New Orleans Mardi Gras historian Arthur Hardy says it’s hoped this year will give tourism a big boost…:

CUT 12(07)      “…good now.”

Attorneys for the owner of the seven nursing homes that evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida, says he has dementia and cannot be deposed. Brooke Thorington has more..:

CUT 02(34)      “…Thorington.”

Sports betting in Louisiana is off to a brisk start. The Gaming Control Board reports the state’s 13 legal sports book operations took in over $49-million in wagers in just the final four days of January. Six companies now operate online app-based sports betting as well.

The state legislature is expected wrap up its special session on redistricting today. The session officially must end Sunday at 6 p.m. Lawmakers have been split along racial and party lines on the subject of adding more majority-black voting districts to the maps for Congress, legislature, BESE, state courts and more. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says it got testy between members several times…:

CUT 04(14)      “…were anticipated.”

Alford says the REAL question is: once the session ends, what will the Governor do…? Veto them? Sign them? Either way he expects them to be challenged in court.

With more than 50 parades set to roll from tonight until Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras 2022 is one of the most anticipated events since COVID forced the beloved pastime to go on hiatus last year. Mardi Gras Guide publisher and carnival aficionado Arthur Hardy says revelers are more excited than ever…:

CUT 10(04)      “…going finally.”

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey lets his colleagues have it after the Louisiana House votes to table his proposal to add a second majority Black district to the state Supreme Court map. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana will receive approximately $75 million over the next five years to build electric vehicle charging stations. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s critical because car manufacturers will be making more EVs in the future and Louisiana needs to be prepared so citizens can take advantage of their value.

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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 Tuesday night near Melville because the two routinely flirted with his girlfriend. St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux says investigators were able to secure video footage from the gas station where the two brothers interacted with Ardoin’s girlfriend.

Cut 7 (12) “…incident happened.”

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The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is giving Pacific Peninsula Entertainment 60 more days to sell the closed Diamond Jacks Casino in Bossier City. Diamond Jacks 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. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says this is P-2-E’s last extension…

Cut 12 (07) “..this again.”

P-2-E has two months to sell Diamond Jacks or they lose the license.

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An 18-year old in St. Landry Parish man faces first-degree murder charges, after allegedly shooting two men who’d flirted with his girlfriend in a jealous rage. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02         (34)   “…Brooke Thorington.”
Legal experts and auditors tell WBRZ TV in Baton Rouge that Louisiana State Police violated laws when the agency allowed top officials to get their cell phones wiped in the wake of Ronald Greene’s death. Law requires public records be preserved at least 3 years. The Number Two man at LSP reportedly had his phone wiped within a year of the Greene incident.

Baton Rouge Republican House member Barry Ivey went on a tear against GOP colleagues in the House, after his state Supreme Court map – which included an additional majority black district – was tabled without any discussion or debate. Ivey says it’s indicative of why then state ranks near the bottom so often. He says lawmakers are too stupid to work together…:

CUT 05         (10)   “…don’t want to solve them.”

Covington republican Representative Mark Wright made the motion to table Ivey’s bill. He says Ivey calling them stupid, lazy, corrupt and racist is just unacceptable. Alexandria GOP Member Lance Harris says (quote) “life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.”

COVID number continue to fall. The state Department of health reports 1872 new cases of the virus, but fewer than 1000 people in the hospital statewide. 49 new deaths are reported; mostly among people with one or more co-morbidities that made them more vulnerable.

Baton Rouge state Representative Barry Ivey unloads on colleagues, after they table his state Supreme Court map without discussion. It would have added a majority black district. Ivey says he’s learned if legislation doesn’t have the backing of deep-pocketed special interest groups it will not pass…:

CUT 03(10)      “…all the time.”

GOP Covington Representative Mark Wright moved to table Ivey’s bill. Alexandria Republican Lance Harris says of the matter, “life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.” The Redistricting session ends Sunday, but lawmakers may be finished by tomorrow evening.

Shreveport Police are investigating the city’s 11^th homicide of the year; a man found shot and dying outside a home on Mansfield Road Wednesday. The victim is identified as 30-year-old Tomel Henry. Cops are seeking a suspect, 27-year-old Archille Holmes Jr. for the crime. Shreveport Crimestoppers offers a reward for help in catching Holmes.

Deputies in St, Landry Parish say jealous rage led a Port Barre man to commit murder. SLPSO Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux says 18-year-old Jaden Ardoin fired on two men who’d been flirting with his girlfriend. Wade Smith was shot and killed – allegedly by Ardoin – Tuesday night. He also shot and wounded James Preston Vaughn. Thibodaux says it’s sad that a rage could affect so many lives…:

CUT 08(10)      “…for a murder.”

Another arrest in the case is expected.

The state will get $75-million federal dollars to help build an electric vehicle charging infrastructure. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the money will flow over a five-year period, and the stations will likely go in where existing fuel pumps are found…:

CUT 10(08)      …an opportunity.”

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey blasts House colleagues who voted to table his proposal to for a second majority black district to the state Supreme Court map. Michelle Southern has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “….Michelle Southern.”

The National Weather Service issues a Tornado Watch for parishes in Northeast Louisiana until 6 tonight. Strong showers and thunderstorms are moving through the area; bringing the possibility of damaging winds and twisters. Remember a “watch” means decent odds of a tornado; “warning” means twisters are imminent.

Louisiana will receive approximately $75 million over the next five years to build electric vehicle charging stations. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s critical because car manufacturers will be making more EVs in the future and Louisiana needs to be prepared so citizens can buy with confidence, knowing they can recharge somewhere other than home…:

CUT 09(09)      “…alternative fuel stations.”

Wilson says the cost to operate an EV will be more affordable than current automobiles and will also help reduce carbon emissions.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is giving Pacific Peninsula Entertainment 60 days to find a buyer. Diamond Jacks closed last May and attempted to move their license to Slidell, but St. Tammany Parish voters rejected that. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Foundation Gaming is in talks to buy the facility and he hopes that happens…:

CUT 13(13)      “…local government.”

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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Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey lets his colleagues have it after the Louisiana House votes to table his proposal to add a second majority Black district to the state Supreme Court map. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

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18-year old Jaden Michael Ardoin 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 (34)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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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 he’s learned if legislation doesn’t have the backing of deep-pocketed special interest groups it will not pass…

Cut 3 (10) “…all the time.”

Ivey, who has been in the state legislature since 2013, says it’s unlikely he’ll file another bill.

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 Ivey is frustrated…:

Cut 4 (10) “…upset.”

Ivey says the redistricting session is a microcosm of why the state ranks at the bottom in so many rankings because the House is too stupid to work together…:

Cut 5 (10) “…solve ’em.”

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

Covington Representative Mark Wright made the motion to table, he says being told by Ivey that the House is stupid, lazy, racist, and corrupt because they vote against his bills is unacceptable and narcissistic. Wright says he made the motion after Ivey couldn’t say how he voted last year on legislation to expand the number of Supreme Court justices. Wright says she couldn’t take Ivey’s bill seriously.

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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 Tuesday night near Melville because the two routinely flirted with his girlfriend. St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux says a high-speed chase ensued.

 Cut 6 (10) “…the scene.” 

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

Thibodaux says investigators were able to secure video footage from the gas station where the two brothers interacted with Ardoin’s girlfriend.

Cut 7 (12) “…incident happened.” 

Thibodaux says it’s unfortunate that a jealous rage sparked such an incident that’s impacted so many lives.

Cut 8 (10) “…for a murder.”  

Another arrest is expected today.

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Louisiana will receive approximately $75 million over the next five years to build electric vehicle charging stations. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s critical because car manufacturers will be making more EVs in the future and Louisiana needs to be prepared so citizens can take advantage of their value.

Cut 9 (09) “…fuel stations.”

Wilson says DOTD is going to create a grant program so they can deploy charging stations in areas where there’s already infrastructure in place to build upon.

Cut 10 (08)  “…an opportunity.” 

Along with utility providers and public spaces.

Wilson says EVs are going to mainstream sooner than later, and Louisiana needs to be prepared, by providing ample charging stations along routes for residents.

Cut 11 (06)   “….rural communities.”  

Wilson says the cost to operate an EV will be more affordable than current automobiles and will also help reduce carbon emissions.

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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. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says this is P-2-E’s last extension…

Cut 12 (07) “..this again.”  

An attorney representing P-2-E told the board they are in talks with Foundation Gaming to buy the Diamond Jacks casino property. Johns hopes that will happen…

Cut 13 (12) “…local government.”

The gaming control board could have requested that P-2-E give the license back to the state. But the process of re-selling the license and the new owner building a property for gaming could take four to five years. So P-2-E has two months to sell Diamond Jacks or board member Julie Berry says they lose the license…

Cut 14 (09)  “…this is it.” 

A Baton Rouge lawmaker Barry Ivey unloaded on his colleagues in the House after his proposal to add a second majority-Black district to the state’s Supreme Court map was tabled without debate. Ivey a Republican says the redistricting session is a microcosm of why the state often ranks at the bottom because the House is too stupid to work together…

Cut 5 (10) “..solve ‘em.”

Alexandria Republican Lance Harris countered by saying life does not give you what you want, it gives you what you deserve.

The Gaming Control Board is giving Pacific Peninsula Entertainment 60 more days to sell DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City which shut its doors in May of 2020. P-2-E attempted to build a new facility in Slidell, but St. Tammany Parish voters killed the proposal. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns…

Cut 12 (07) “..this again.”  

18-year-old Jaden Michael Ardoin of Port Barre faces first-degree and attempted murder charges after chasing two brothers and allegedly firing shots Tuesday night near Melville because they flirted with his girlfriend. St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux Wade Edward Smith was killed, and James Preston Allen Vaughn was injured. Investigators were able to secure video footage from the gas station where it all began.

Cut 7 (12) “…incident happened.” 

Another arrest is expected today.

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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