The Louisiana Senate has approved a Congressional district map that’s similar to the one currently in place, maintaining just one majority Black Congressional district. The Louisiana House is expected to do the same today. Governor John Bel Edwards could veto the proposals as he believes there should be two majority-minority districts.

22-percent of small businesses nationwide report inflation remains their single most important business problem. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Deciding on a college is a difficult decision for many high schoolers, but Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says Congress is close to approving the College Transparency Act. Cassidy says the C-T-A will provide students with important facts as they decide between different schools…
cut 11 (11) “…to graduate”
Cassidy says the College Transparency Act is in a conference committee and should get House and Senate approval soon.

Dennis Allen is the new head coach of the Saints. Allen has served as the team’s defensive coordinator since 2015 but knows what kind of offense he wants to see….
cut 6 (14) “…situationally”
Allen says finding a starting quarterback will be the most important decision they make.

The Louisiana Senate has approved a new Congressional district map that maintains the status quo and that’s just one majority-minority district. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields authored an amendment that created a second-majority Black voting district by taking voters from Representative Julia Letlow’s 5th district…
cut 12 (11) “…with the law”
But Fields amendment failed on a party-line vote. Republican Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says Fields’s proposal would actually reduce the likelihood of Black candidates being elected in either of the districts.

The latest survey of small businesses by the NFIB finds that 22-percent of owners report inflation is their single most important business problem. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says average selling prices are at their highest reading since 1974…
cut 14 (11) “…2022”

Dennis Allen has big shoes to fill as he succeeds Sean Payton as head coach of the Saints. If his welcome press conference is any indication, Allen is ready to step into them. David Grubb has more…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A record 31 million Americans are expected to place a bet on Sunday’s Super Bowl according to the American Gaming Association. Senior Director of Research, David Forman says after an exciting postseason more folks than ever plan to wager thanks in part to legalized sports betting.
Cut 7 (06) “…all-time records.”
That’s an increase of more than $3-billion from last year.

The Louisiana Senate has approved a Congressional district map that features one majority-Black district. But civil rights groups and black lawmakers say Louisiana should have two majority-Black districts because the state’s population is 33-percent black. The Louisiana House is expected to pass its own Congressional District map also featuring just one majority-Black district.

Millions will place wagers on the Super Bowl. Here’s Brooke Thorington with more…
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The latest survey from NFIB finds that inflation continues to impact small businesses. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says small businesses everywhere are having to raise prices to offset increases of higher labor costs and mititgate supply chain issues. McVea says many small business owners remain pessimistic about future economic conditions, but there is some hope…
Cut 15 (11) “…begin to improve.”
The state surpassed another COVID milestone yesterday as the number of COVID deaths since the pandemic started surpassed 16-thousand in Louisiana.

Senator Bill Cassidy says his College Transparency Act is close to final legislative passage. Cassidy says the bipartisan bill modernizes the college reporting system providing students and families with understandable information about colleges as they determine which school is best for them. He says over 150 organizations have endorsed the legislation…
cut 12 (08) “….youth alliance”
A conference committee is working on the final details of the legislation.

The state health department reports Louisiana has surpassed 16-hundred COVID deaths since the pandemic started as the state reported 64 new COVID-19 deaths today. The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital declined by 30 to 1,538.

A term-limited lawmaker laments the loss of his House district as part of the redistricting process. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

This morning on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster. Baton Rouge area senator Bodi White was a guest and the Republican talked about why the Legislature and the governor have clashed on so many issues…
cut 7 (07) “…opinion’s right”
Edwards has called his relationship with House Speaker Clay Schexnayder as strained.

The Saints are introducing Dennis Allen as the franchise’s new head coach today. Allen gets the promotion from defensive coordinator, a job he’s held since 2015. So who replaces Allen at D-C. Ross Jackson is the publisher of the Locked on Sports podcast and he says there are a couple of in-house candidates…
cut 11 (14) “…at DC”
Allen says he plans to remain heavily involved in the defensive play calling.

The LSU Tigers men’s hoops squad will try to end a three-game losing streak tonight when they face Texas A&M in college station. Injuries have certainly impacted LSU, with several key players either at less than 100 percent or having to take on unfamiliar roles. Will Wade says being banged up is a factor, but the ultimate responsibility for the Tigers’ troubles is on him.

Cut 17 (17) “…of the program.”

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Meanwhile, LSU’s women took care of business on the road last night, beating Ole Miss 68-64. The 14^th-ranked Tigers were led by Khayla Pointer’s second career triple-double. Pointer had 16 points, 11 boards, and 10 assists. LSU hosts number 17 Georgia on Thursday.

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UL-Monroe’s Andre Jones has been named Sun Belt Conference player of the week after averaging 25.5 points, four rebounds, and 3.5 assists in leading the WarHawks to road wins over Arkansas State and Little Rock.

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Dennis Allen was introduced as head coach of the New Orleans Saints this afternoon. Allen served two separate stints under Sean Payton, as an assistant from 2006-2012, and as defensive coordinator since 2015. That defense has thrived under Allen over the past two seasons. As he looks for his replacement, Ross Jackson, managing editor of Canal Street Chronicles says there are a couple of in-house candidates to consider.

Cut 11 (14) “…at DC.”

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Across the halls on Airline Highway, the New Orleans Pelicans are making moves. Multiple reports indicate the Pels are finalizing a blockbuster deal with the Portland Trail Blazers that would send Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky, Didi Louzada and picks to Portland for guard CJ McCollum along with forwards Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell. There are indications that New Orleans isn’t done yet. The Pels host the Rockets tonight looking for their fourth straight win.

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A proposed new Louisiana House District map would move a Black-majority district from central Louisiana to New Orleans’ Mid-City Neighborhood. The district being eliminated is currently occupied by Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox who is not happy about the proposal…
Cut 3 (08) “..five different people.”
The House Governmental Affairs Committee is expected to approve this GOP drawn map tomorrow.

Senate Finance Chairman Bodi White doesn’t expect the Republican-led Legislature will go along with many of Governor Edwards’ proposals in the upcoming legislative session. White says the controversy over how Edwards handled the news that State Police was involved in the death of Black motorist Ronald Greene weakens his influence…
Cut 6 (10) “…even tougher.”
White was a guest on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana on Tuesday morning.

Dennis Allen was introduced as the Saints new head coach today. Allen promises his teams will be tough, smart, and highly competitive…
cut 21 (07) “…has”
Allen admits the biggest decision he’ll make is….who will be the starting quarterback next season.

Joe Burrow will be the first former LSU quarterback to start in a Super Bowl since David Woodley did it in 1982. Burrow and the Bengals arrived in Los Angeles today to continue preparations for Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup against the rams. Joe’s Dad, Jimmy Burrow, appeared on WWL Radio in New Orleans today and talked about how the former Ohio State Buckeye ended up at LSU. He was friends at that time with LSU safeties coach Bill Busch…
cut 13 (08) “…on board”

After what appeared to be an emotional meeting between Governor Edwards and the Legislative Black Caucus last week, over the roadside death of Ronald Greene in State Police custody, the caucus leader says “it’s all good.” Lafayette Representative Vincent Pierre said this to the Baton Rouge Press Club…:
CUT 30 (11) “…did anything wrong.”
But Senate Finance Chairman Bodi White, a Republican from East Baton Rouge Parish, still believes Edwards should have done more after receiving a text message from the leader of state police that there was an in-custody death…
Cut 8 (07) “…what happened.”
White made the comments on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana. No officers have been charged in Greene’s death despite a lengthy federal investigation.

The Saints introduced Dennis Allen as their new head coach today. Allen has served as the team’s defensive coordinator since 2015 and was also an assistant on Sean Payton’s staff when the Black and Gold won the Super Bowl. Allen says he wants to build on the culture of winning that’s already in place.

Two years after winning a national title, Joe Burrow is on the cusp of leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a Super Bowl championship. Brooke Thorington has thoughts from Joe’s Dad…
Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The redistricting session continues at the State Capitol. This afternoon the Senate could pass its version of what the new Congressional maps should look like for the next ten years. Meanwhile, the House has spent the last couple of days discussing new district boundaries for the Louisiana House. Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox is concerned about his district being eliminated and moved to New Orleans. He wonders what that will mean for the minority vote in the Natchitoches area…
cut 5 (12) “….going to be”

This morning on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster. Baton Rouge area senator Bodi White was a guest and the Republican talked about why the Legislature and the governor have clashed on so many issues…
cut 7 (07) “…opinion’s right”
Edwards has called his relationship with House Speaker Clay Schexnayder as strained.

The Saints are holding a press conference this afternoon introducing Dennis Allen as the franchise’s new head coach. Allen gets the promotion from defensive coordinator, a job he’s held since 2015. So who replaces Allen at D-C. Ross Jackson is the publisher of the Locked on Sports podcast and he says there are a couple of in-house candidates…
cut 11 (14) “…at DC”

Most of Louisiana will be rooting for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in Sunday’s Super Bowl. Joe Burrow’s dad, Jimmy, told WWL Radio in New Orleans they can feel the love from all of the LSU fans…
cut 14 (12) “….go Bengals”
Burrow will be the first former LSU quarterback to start in a Super Bowl since David Woodley did it in 1982.

A term-limited lawmaker laments the loss of his House district as part of the redistricting process. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has issued the latest COVID-19 numbers for the state. DOH reports 2583 new cases and 64 new COVID-related deaths since Feb. 7. 294 of those reported cases are reinfections. Louisiana has now surpassed 16 thousand deaths due to COVID-19

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Dennis Allen will officially be introduced as the 11th coach of the New Orleans Saints Tuesday afternoon. One of the most important tasks for Allen will be rebuilding a Saints offense that scored just over 21 points per game last season, its lowest since 2005; the year before Sean Payton took over. Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says don’t be surprised if Pete Carmichael, who has been the team’s offensive coordinator since 2009, stays on in that role under Dennis Allen.

Cut 10 (16) “…certainly makes sense.”

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Jimmy Burrow the father the Joe Burrow was a guest on WWL Radio this morning and the former defensive coordinator coach and NFL player talked about how Joe demonstrated his athletic ability early on. Burrow recalls when Joe was made quarterback in Pee Wee football in third grade and then by fourth-grade coaches put him in some shotgun plays.

Cut 12 (10) “…pretty good.

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The ongoing redistricting session at the State Capitol is sure to cause some hurt feelings. Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox expressed his dismay that his district will be moved to New Orleans, because of population loss in the Natchitoches area…
cut 4 (10) “…rest”
Cox is term-limited and he’s concerned the elimination of his district will hurt the minority vote in the Natchitoches area.

Senate Finance Chairman Bodi White doesn’t expect the Republican-led Legislature will go along with many of Governor Edwards’ proposals in the upcoming legislative session. White says the controversy over how Edwards handled the news that State Police was involved in the death of Black motorist Ronald Greene weakens his influence…
Cut 6 (10) “…even tougher.”
White was a guest on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana on Tuesday morning.

The Saints have called a 2:30 press conference where it’s expected they’ll announce Dennis Allen as the team’s new head coach. Allen was the frontrunner for the position after serving two stints on Sean Payton’s staff, including as defensive coordinator for the last seven seasons. Ross Jackson, host of Locked on Saints, says continuity was key for Mickey Loomis and the front office.
Cut 9 (12) “…the head coach.”

Meanwhile, Las Vegas Police have released a mug shot of running back Alvin Kamara following his arrest on a battery charge. Authorities say Kamara was the aggressor in a fight that occurred Saturday morning inside a Las Vegas nightclub. The victim suffered a fractured eye socket after he was allegedly punched and stomped on by Kamara and his associates. Kamara and the Saints have yet to comment on the situation.