A lawsuit challenging the state’s newest congressional map with two majority-Black districts has been filed. The map stretches the 6^th congressional district from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Lawsuits were filed against previous maps on behalf of Black voters and La-Politics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says this is an inverse of related litigation on the latest map.

Cut 9 (11) “…court order.”

Some of the plaintiffs are supporters of Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves whose seat is at risk.

An LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center study is evaluating whether eating less by intermittent fasting or calorie-counting slows aging or lowers the risk for diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure. Professor Dr. Corby Martin says, participants receive free meals, diet plans, and a personal weight health coach.

Cut 12 (13) “…this trial.” 

House Speaker Mike Johnson says he has spoken with former President Trump about the Southern border crisis and applauded Trump’s use of executive orders to curb illegal crossing. He says President Biden has reversed Trump’s orders and is responsible for the ongoing flood of illegal immigration.

Cut 8 (11) “…to us.” 

A GoFundMe initiative set up by the Homeless Coalition of Central Louisiana to help support the homeless population in central Louisiana. Director Kitty Wynn says the needs are many including hygiene items like shampoo, soap, and lotion. She says the center offers things that many take for granted like washing laundry and showers.

Cut 5 (10) “…you anything.”  

The GoFundMe account is “Help the Homeless in Central Louisiana”

House Speaker Mike Johnson blames President Biden and the Senate for the ongoing crisis at the Mexican border. Johnson says he’s been waiting two months to read the bipartisan Senate legislation and he hopes what he’s hearing about the bill isn’t true.

Cut 6  (15) “…the House.” 

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has requested federal assistance for crawfish farmers who have seen a dramatic decline in production because of last year’s historic drought and the recent freeze. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the state’s crawfish industry needs help…

Cut 13 (07)  “…to be caught.”

The LSU AgCenter estimates the potential losses to be nearly 140 million dollars.

A GoFundMe initiative by the Homeless Coalition of Central Louisiana hopes to raise money to support those who experience homelessness. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

House Speaker Mike Johnson blames President Biden and the Senate for the ongoing crisis at the Mexican border. Johnson says he’s been waiting two months to read the bipartisan Senate legislation.

Cut 6  (15) “…the House.” 

The Homeless Coalition of Central Louisiana is asking for donations Director Kitty the funding is needed to keep their facility open.

Cut 4 (13) “…to Montana.”

A GoFundMe account is listed as “Help the Homeless in Central Louisiana.”

The Special Legislative Session on Crime promised by Governor Landry is expected to begin in a little over two weeks and on the agenda is a new state police troop to help New Orleans.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

According to Forbes Advisor, Louisiana ranks 7^th among the least healthy states in the country. Among the metrics used to rank states were substance abuse, disease risk factors and prevalence, along with lifestyle habits.

Throughout his election campaign, Governor Jeff Landry promised to address one of the state’s top issue – crime. Landry’s New Orleans Transition Council is working on a strategy to implement a new State Police Troop called Troop NOLA. Landry says it’s important to have a sound plan…

Cut 9 (07)  “…before we fire.” 

Troop NOLA which is supported by the NOPD Superintendent would help the city’s overworked police department.

The Homeless Coalition of Central Louisiana is asking for a handout through its GoFundMe initiative to help support the homeless population in the central Louisiana. Director Kitty Wynn says the need of support to provide for the homeless is ongoing…

Cut 3 (12) “….when available.”  

A GoFundMe account “Help the Homeless in Central Louisiana’ has been set up.

LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study to find out whether intermittent fasting and weight loss affect the aging process. Professor Dr. Corby Martin says the first approach is based on the traditional calorie counting…And the second approach intermittent fasting…

Cut 11 (13) “…per day.” 

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has requested federal assistance for crawfish farmers who have seen a dramatic decline in production because of last year’s historic drought and the recent freeze. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is hopeful for an increase in production…

Cut 15 (05) …be more.“

The nation was already facing a truck driver shortage and COVID only exacerbated the issue. The American Trucking Associations estimates the industry has a shortage of 60,000 drivers. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar says federal laws prevent drivers under the age of 21 from driving outside of their state of residence, and insurance for drivers under 25 is a problem. But they’re working to change that

Cut 5 (11) “…twenty-years-old.” 

State Troopers have traditionally been a presence in New Orleans for major events in the city like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl but Governor Jeff Landry wants to take that a step further as his New Orleans Transition Council is suggesting a new State Police Troop. Landry says the new Troop NOLA, which has the support of the NOPD, is needed to keep the whole city safe and protect one of the state’s most valuable assets….

Cut 8 (11) “…next decade.” 

————

Can weight loss affect the aging process? LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting separate studies of Intermittent Fasting and calorie counting to find the answer. In addition to affecting health and possible longevity, Professor Dr. Corby Martin says both methods promote weight loss and overall metabolic health. He says all participants will receive free meals, diet plans, and a personal weight health coach.

Cut 12 (13) “…this trial.” 

The studies are not recommended for those who vape or use tobacco products or who have smoked in the last six months. To enroll in the study, participants can contact 225-763-3000 or visit www.pbrc.edu/dialhealth. Individuals must also be willing to travel to the Baton Rouge site.

During his campaign, Governor Jeff Landry promised to get tough on crime with a focus on New Orleans and announced plans for a special legislative session on crime. Landry’s New Orleans Transition Council suggests a new State Police Troop. Troop NOLA which is supported by the NOPD Superintendent would help the city’s overworked police department.

Cut 7 (10) “…up and running.”

The nation was already facing a truck driver shortage and COVID only exacerbated the issue. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar said the pandemic prompted a generation of drivers to retire early and they are working to have the age limit for drivers lowered and offer more CDL scholarships to reduce the shortage.

Cut 4 (10) “…turnaround.”

The American Trucking Associations estimates the industry has a shortage of 60,000 drivers.

—————————
Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study to see if intermittent fasting and calorie restriction affect aging. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (34) “… 225-763-3000.”
Three people are accused of smuggling tobacco and Suboxone into the Orleans Parish Justice Center earlier this week. Authorities say 22 year old Jada Jefferson put the contraband inside a pair of shoes to get them in to 28 year olds Reishad Womack and Jerome Enclade, who were already incarcerated. Jefferson has been arrested on several drug counts. We’re told the other two will be booked on similar charges.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has requested federal assistance for crawfish farmers who have seen a dramatic decline in production because of last year’s historic drought and the recent freeze. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the state’s crawfish industry needs help…

Cut 13 (07)  “…to be caught.”

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study using two different dietary approaches to see if intermittent fasting and weight loss affect the aging process. Professor Dr. Corby Martin says the first approach is based on the traditional calorie counting…

Cut 10 (10) “…live longer.”

The second approach tests the results of time-restricted eating. To enroll in the study, participants can contact 225-763-3000

————————————-

The shortage of truckers continues to plague the country but programs and initiatives are working to change that. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Chances are pretty good it’s going to rain on your Mardi Gras parade this weekend. Rain will move across the state on Saturday morning and high winds up to 25 miles per hour are also in the forecast. The National Weather Service is predicting up to three inches of rain for southeast Louisiana.

The shortage of truckers continues to plague the country but programs and initiatives are working to change that. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The Special Legislative Session on Crime promised by Governor Landry during his campaign is expected to begin in a little over two weeks and on the agenda is a new state police troop to help New Orleans. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________

Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study to see if intermittent fasting and calorie restriction affect aging. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (34) “… 225-763-3000.”

______________________________________________

The nation was already facing a truck driver shortage and COVID only exacerbated the issue. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar said the pandemic prompted a generation of drivers to retire early and they are working to have the age limit for drivers lowered and offer more CDL scholarships to reduce the shortage.

Cut 4 (10) “…turnaround.”

The American Trucking Associations estimates the industry has a shortage of 60,000 drivers.

Amar says federal laws prevent drivers under the age of 21 from driving outside of their state of residence, and it’s difficult for drivers under the age of 25 to be insured to drive longer distances.  Amar says they are working to change those regulations.

Cut 5 (11) “…twenty-years-old.” 

In 2022 the association offered scholarships for individuals to receive Certified Driver’s License training to reduce the shortage. Amar says the association covered the cost for students to receive their CDL.

Amar says they are also recruiting more female drivers and working on a museum for K-12 students to introduce future generations to the industry.

Cut 6 (09) “…what sticks.”

Amar says depending on what is being hauled and the distance it’s being hauled, truckers can make on average anywhere from $40,000 to $120,000 annually.

__________________________________________

During his campaign, Governor Jeff Landry promised to get tough on crime with a focus on New Orleans and announced plans for a special legislative session on crime. Landry’s New Orleans Transition Council suggests a new State Police Troop. Troop NOLA which is supported by the NOPD Superintendent would help the city’s overworked police department.

Cut 7 (10) “…up and running.”

State Troopers have traditionally been a presence in New Orleans for major events in the city like Mardi Gras, and the Super Bowl but Landry says the new Troop NOLA is needed to keep the whole city safe and protect one of the state’s most valuable assets….

Cut 8 (11) “…next decade.” 

Landry and his council have not yet finalized their strategy for implementing Troop NOLA. They are waiting to hear from NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and her executive staff. Landry says it’s important to have a sound plan…

Cut 9 (07)  “…before we fire.”

_________________________________________________________

Can intermittent fasting and weight loss affect the aging process? LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study using two different dietary approaches to find out. Professor Dr. Corby Martin says the first approach is based on the traditional calorie counting…

Cut 10 (10) “…live longer.”

The study will evaluate the results of participants who eat less and whether it slows aging or decreases diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure over a six-month period.

The second approach tests the results of time-restricted eating also known as intermittent fasting. During this dietary strategy, Martin says individuals limit when they eat throughout the day…

Cut 11 (13) “…per day.” 

The diet isn’t recommended for those who vape or use tobacco products or who have smoked in the last six months.

In addition to affecting health and possible longevity, Martin says both methods promote weight loss and overall metabolic health. He says all participants will receive free meals, diet plans, and a personal weight health coach.

Cut 12 (13) “…this trial.” 

To enroll in the study, participants can contact 225-763-3000 or visit www.pbrc.edu/dialhealth. Individuals must also be willing to travel to the Baton Rouge site.

_____________________________________________________

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has requested federal assistance for crawfish farmers who have seen a dramatic decline in production because of last year’s historic drought and the recent freeze. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the state’s crawfish industry needs help…

Cut 13 (07)  “…to be caught.”

The LSU AgCenter estimates the potential losses to be nearly 140 million dollars due to the combined drought and freeze. Strain says he’s hearing some bad stories from crawfish farmers…

Cut 14 (08) “…no water.

The amount of crawfish harvested so far this year is very small. Strain is hopeful for an increase in production…

Cut 15 (05) …be more.“

Governor Jeff Landry names a former state lawmaker as the new Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Chances are pretty good it’s going to rain on your Mardi Gras Parade this weekend.  Rain will move across the state Saturday morning and high winds up to 25 miles per hour are also forecasted. The National Weather Service is predicting up to three inches of rain for southeast Louisiana. Showers are also forecasted for Sunday in the Pelican State.

Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge David Matlock says he wants to hear from foster parents. He also encourages individuals to reach out to foster parents and offer to help them, with simple things like bringing them a meal or offering to babysit.

Cut 10 (11) “…support it.”

He also wants to meet with former child welfare caseworkers on how to make the job more sustainable.

College students will have to wait longer to find out how much financial aid they will receive because of new FAFSA forms. Ebony Holmes with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance says this could result in financial aid offers not being made until April. She admits it’s not ideal…

Cut 3 (08) “….me financially.”  

It’s a result of the FAFSA Simplification Act passed in 2022.

Governor Jeff Landry named former state lawmaker and Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove as the Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Landry says Dove took the job because he wants to restructure the CPRA …
Cut 7 (07) “…protect our coast.”
Landry also named petroleum engineer Ben Bienvenu as the Commissioner of Conservation.

Three weeks into his position as Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge David Matlock recognizes changes need to be made to better assist children and families. The previous administration struggled with a lack of caseworkers and overwhelming child welfare caseloads.
Cut 9 (12) “…talk to them.”
Matlock says he wants to know what can be done for them to return to DCFS or take suggestions on what can be done to help caseworkers going forward.

College students will have to wait longer before finding out how much financial aid they’ll receive. Changes were made to this year’s FAFSA application and then more changes were needed to fix how it calculates federal student aid. The delay might not be easy for students, but Ebony Holmes with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance says there’s a plus side…
cut 5 (10) “…in funding”

Michael Graham Junior has passed away. He served 14 years on Louisiana’s death row for murdering a Union Parish couple in 1986, but DNA evidence eventually cleared him and he was released from Angola in 2000. Director of Death Penalty Action, Abe Bonowitz, says Graham’s story is an example of a miscarriage of justice…
cut 12 (08) “..it through”
Bonowitz says the Graham family has established a Go Fund Me page in his memory.