Candidates for the 2^nd Congressional District special election race signed up to run at the Secretary of State’s office today on the first day of qualifying. The two favorites in the race so far, New Orleans State Senators Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter officially qualified, alongside Baton Rouge community activist and small business owner Gary Chambers. Chambers says not being a career politician will be benefit him…

Cut 13 (07)“.being honest”

The 2^nd covers most of New Orleans along with the River Parishes and parts of north Baton Rouge.

The drawing for tonight’s Powerball is historic, according to Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin it’s the fourth largest in the game’s history with a cash value of 546 million.

Cut 6 (07) “..its history”

The Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane protection project, which will protect Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, is awarded 12.5 million dollars by the Corps of Engineers. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority head Chip Kline says the project as a whole will cost three billion dollars, but it’s a good start…

Cut 3 (06)  “…system.”

The Morganza-to-the-Gulf project was initially forecasted to cost 10 billion dollars, but that price has come down to three billion after the cost was updated in 2019. The state has already pumped 600 million into the project.

The two main candidates seeking to replace outgoing U.S Representative Cedric Richmond as the state’s 2nd District Congressman officially put their names on the March 20th ballot today. New Orleans Senator Troy His main opponent will be New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson.

Carter says during his time in the legislature and away from public office, he’s worked to change lives.

Cut 11 (10) “..for it”

Both legislators have fought to raise the minimum wage and pushed to pass equal pay legislation at the state capitol. Peterson plans to take that fight up to Washington.

Cut 12 (10) “…done it before” 

Qualifying ends on Friday.

Qualifying began this morning at the Secretary of State’s Office and the other Congressional seat voters will choose representation for is in the 5^th District, left vacant after the death of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow in December from COVID. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Julia Letlow is the favorite to win the race. She’s the wife of late Congressman-elect Letlow.

Cut 4 (11) “…gone through”

As Kamala Harris made history being sworn in as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president today she did so decked out in a purple coat designed by a Louisiana native. Harris donned a long purple coat designed by Christopher John Rogers, a Brooklyn based designer, and Baton Rouge native.  Rogers is a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School. He also went on to earn the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s prestigious American Emerging Designer of the Year award in 2020.

The two main candidates seeking to replace outgoing U.S Representative Cedric Richmond as the state’s 2nd District Congressman officially put their names on the March 20th ballot today. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter found it significant that he qualified for this race on the same day a new president was sworn in…

Cut 9 (08) “..being better”

Carter previously served in the Louisiana House of Representatives, the New Orleans City Council and he’s currently a state senator. His main opponent will be New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson. The former chairperson of the Louisiana Democratic Party has served in the state legislature since 1999.

Cut 10 (07) “…has experience”

Qualifying ends on Friday.

Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office suspends the head of the criminal division Pat Magee after an investigation found he engaged in inappropriate conversations that included sexual and unprofessional comments. Magee is suspended for 38 days — but must still report to work. He will not receive a salary during that period Magee will lose more than $20-thousand and take training courses to develop better workplace skills.

LSU remains without a defensive coordinator after Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen receives a promotion and a new contract to stay in New Orleans.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

25,000 National Guardsmen and numerous other security forces are on the ground in D.C. ahead of today’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. The nation’s capital city and Capitol Building are heavily militarized amidst accusations that security was not tight enough in D.C. on January 6^th. Congressman Steve Scalise says that failure must be investigated, and…

Cut 9 (08) “..should be.”

Biden and VP-elect Kamala Harris are expected to be sworn in sometime just after 11 AM.

The State Office of Public Health is looking for retired medical providers who’d be interested in volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Bureau of Community Preparedness interim director Dr. Sundee Winder says they are offering flexible schedules for volunteers and offer mornings, afternoons, and evenings for training and eventually participation.

Cut 15 (08)“…paid.”

Qualifying has begun in the race for both the second and fifth Congressional district special elections. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m matt Doyle”

The White House announced several early morning pardons from President Donald Trump, among the 143 today wrapper and New Orleans Native Dwayne Michael Carter Jr better known as Lil Wayne.   The rapper was charged in Florida on Nov. 17 with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a federal offense that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Inauguration Day festivities are set to get underway in Washington D-C as President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the United States’ 46th president. There are 25-thousand National Guard members in the nation’s capital to help provide security. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise hopes the country can soon reunite again…
cut 8 (10) “….together”

Qualifying has started for the 2nd and 5th district Congressional races. The two main candidates in the 2nd district, New Orleans Senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson, both showed up at 8 AM to get their names on the March 20th ballot. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects others to sign up, but Carter and Peterson are the favorites….
cut 6 (07) “….well known”
The fifth district race will feature Julia Letlow, the wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow.

The state is seeking retired healthcare workers who’d be interested in volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The state health department has told healthcare providers they should not prioritize their own patients when distributing vaccines. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter said in a memo that preferential access to vaccines must immediately cease. An L-D-H spokesperson told the A-P that violators could face fines and limits on future vaccine allocations.

25,000 National Guardsmen and numerous other security forces are on the ground in D.C. ahead of today’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Metairie Congressman and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise…
Cut 7 (08) “…alert.”
The Louisiana State Capitol building is closed today in an abundance of caution because of possible protests.

Meanwhile, candidates for the 2nd and 5th district Congressional seats can sign up today to have their names on the March 20th ballot. The two announced candidates in the fifth district are Republican Julia Letlow and Democrat Candy Christophe. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Luke Letlow voters will return to the polls and vote for his wife…
cut 5 (07) “….odds on favorite”
Pinsonat says in the second district, it looks to be a two-person race, between New Orleans Senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson.

The state Department of Health is seeking retired medical providers to help vaccinate thousands of Louisiana residents. Interim Executive Director of the Bureau of Community Preparedness, Doctor Sundee Winder, says they expect the feds will ramp up the availability of vaccines in the spring or summer and want to be prepared when that happens…
cut 14 (08) “….to us”
Those interesting in volunteering should email D-H-H-O-C-O-3 at l-a-dot-gov.

And LSU is still looking for a defensive coordinator after its latest top candidate, Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen, will remain in New Orleans after getting a promotion and a new contract. Football Analyst Mike Detillier says it’s likely LSU Coach Ed Orgeron has another option…
cut 12 (10) “…very quickly too”

Qualifying begins today at the Secretary of State’s Office for two special Congressional elections on March 20th. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Julia Letlow is the favorite to win the 5th district race. She’s the wife of late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow
Cut 4 (11) “…gone through”
In the 2nd district, Democratic state senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson will qualify and they are the two main candidates.

LSU remains without a defensive coordinator after its top candidate, Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen stays in New Orleans. Nielsen was reportedly working on a contract with LSU to become the Tigers next defensive coordinator, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says coach Sean Payton would not let Nielsen out the door
Cut 10 (08) “…other coaches”
Nielsen has been promoted to assistant head coach and has a new three-year contract.

The State Office of Public Health is looking for retired medical providers who would be interested in volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Bureau of Community Preparedness interim director Dr. Sundee Winder says they need anyone who’s available to augment their current force of vaccinators.
Cut 13 (11) “….pandemic”
Those eligible include physicians, osteopaths, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, paramedics, and EMTs.

The state health department reported yesterday that 267-thousand vaccines have been administered statewide. 35-thousand individuals have received both of their doses.

The first phase of the I-10 widening is complete. About 55 million dollars was spent to widen a 2.8 mile stretch of road from LA 347 to the Atchafalaya Basin, along with adding in some roundabouts on the 347 as well as drainage improvements. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s money well-spent repaving roads first paved in the 50s…

Cut 7 (12) “…Louisiana.”

The project was completed with 10 million dollars in federal FAST START funds.

Two 16-year-olds are believed to have fatally shot each other in New Iberia Sunday night. New Iberia Police Sgt Daesha Hughes says the two teens, currently unidentified were found lying in the road and both were pronounced head on the scene. Hughes says they haven’t figured out a motive yet…

Cut 4 (07) “….one another.” 

An Amite man died and two others are in critical condition after an early morning head-on collision on LA 16 in St. Helena Parish. 69-year-old Clarence Griffin was prounced dead on the scene after his car was struck by 65-year-old Terry MacDonald who crossed the center line. State Police Trooper Jeremy Price says unfortunately for Mr. Griffin…

Cut 14 (12) “injuries.” 

Starting in April American Airlines will offer direct flights out of Alexandria International Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina. The flights will make it easier for military stationed at Fort Polk to connect with their colleagues at North Carolina bases like Fort Bragg and Fort Jackson. England Airpark Alexandria International Executive Director Sandra McQuain also calls it a boon for business.

Cut 10 (08) “…Louisiana”

Officials cut the ribbon today on the first of three phases in the 183 million dollar I-10 widening project. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they widened a stretch from LA 347 at the intersection of I-10 all the way to the Atchafalaya Basin to three lanes.

Cut 6 (11) “..stretch”

The project also included two roundabouts and drainage improvements on LA 347.

New Iberia Police are looking for a motive after two 16-year olds apparently shot and killed each other at close range. New Iberia Police Sgt. Daesha Hughes says they don’t know if the teens knew each other and both were declared dead on the scene Sunday night. She says the community is both saddened and angry over the deaths want answers.

Cut 5  (09) “…had guns” 

Governor John Bel Edwards will attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, representing the Bayou State.

cut 2 (32) ….I’m Brooke Thorington”  

State Police Trooper Jeremy Price says 69-year-old Clarence Griffin of Amite is dead after his vehicle was struck in a head on collision in St. Helena Parish…

Cut 13 (12)“.condition”