The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will consider whether the state’s ban on nonunanimous jury verdicts should apply retroactively. The state’s split-jury ban went into effect in 2018 and in 2020 the U-S Supreme Court refused to make the law retroactive, but that doesn’t stop the state supreme court from making its own ruling that could lead to new trials for 15-hundred inmates.

The Louisiana Department of Health says the latest COVID data is encouraging, but there’s room for improvement. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A report from NOAA shows parts of Louisiana and Texas could see Gulf of Mexico waters rise 16 to 18 inches by 2050. Natalie Snider, Associate Vice President at the Environmental Defense Fund, says Louisiana is taking an aggressive approach to combat the rise in sea level…
cut 14 (11) “…right direction”

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, hundreds of nursing home patients were stuffed inside an ill-equipped facility in Tangipahoa Parish that lost power. Several died as a result. St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills has filed a bill requiring nursing facilities to have a generator or an alternate electrical power source,,,
cut 6 (13) “…give some latitude”
Mills’ bill will be brought up when the legislature convenes its regular session on March 14th.

The state continues to see a decrease in the number of COVID cases as health officials say the Omicron variant surge is declining however the data still indicates a high transmission rate in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the state’s positivity rate has dropped to 9-percent.
Cut 7 (10) “…days of January. “
The state’s overall fully vaccinated rate is 52-percent and Kanter says 58-thousand people received their first shot last month.

Judges in Acadia, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes are participating in a pilot program that is an effort to keep impaired drivers off the road. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says judges in those parishes will screen individuals convicted for a first or second offense DWI for substance abuse or a mental health disorder…
cut 10 (09) “….down the road”

A new federal government report predicts sea levels could rise as much as a foot over the next 30 years, which raises the level of urgency to protect Louisiana’s coastline…
cut 3 (32) “….I’m David Grubb”

Governor John Bel Edwards reiterates there was no cover-up of the death of Ronald Greene to aid his re-election campaign. Brooke Thorington has more…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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We’re almost at the height of carnival season and health officials offer some advice to protect revelers from COVID. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana continues to attract companies that specialize in developing and producing sustainable materials. David Grubb has the story on the latest to invest in the state.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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On his monthly statewide radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards reiterates there was no cover-up of the arrest & death of Ronald Greene in 2019 to help him with re-election. Edwards was informed by State Police that a man died during an arrest, but says he’s been un-justly slammed by the media…:

Cut 4 (15)  “…Department of Justice.” 

An Associated Press story suggested Edwards knew the circumstances of Greene’s death, that he did NOT die in a car crash and that he went along with a plot to keep it hush-hush until he’d won re-election. Governor Edwards vehemently denies that’s true…:

Cut 5 (14) “…what the truth is.”

Mr. Edwards says the federal Justice Department has been investigating the Greene case for many months, and he looks forward to their findings so guilty parties can be prosecuted and Greene’s family can get closure. He says he especially feels for Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…should never have happened.”

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We’re almost in the thick of Carnival season and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we have more tools to protect ourselves from COVID now, from higher quality masks to vaccines and more therapeutics. Kanter revelers to mask indoors at events and outside when in crowds.

Cut 7 (09) “…their safety.”

Kanter recommends using an N95 mask for better protection.

As with any event, Kanter says you are much safer if you are fully vaccinated and boosted, and it’s not too late to do so.

If you are more vulnerable to have COVID complications Kanter says attending Mardi Gras events is something you should think over before doing so.

Cut 8 (08)  “…there is some risk.”

In 2020 as COVID began spreading in the U.S. Mardi Gras became a super-spreader event. Kanter says he’s optimistic two years later that won’t be the case.

Cut 9 (12)  “…our downswing.”

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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 was a major factor in choosing Louisiana.

Cut 10 (13) “…absolutely world-class.”

In addition, the state has provided Origin with a strong incentive package that includes the services of LED FastStart, tax exemptions, and performance-based bonuses. Bissell also 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.”  

Bissell believes that Louisiana is poised to be a destination for green companies in the future and is proud to be among the very first to take advantage of what the state has to offer.

Cut 12 (11) “…world-scale plant.”

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Another cold front will enter the Bayou State just in time to bring us another chilly weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says highs today will reach into the 70s and there’s a chance of widespread showers.

Cut 13 (08) “…marginal risk.”

Unfortunately, today’s rain won’t be enough to help with the ongoing drought.

Overnight temperatures will drop and Friday morning Keim says there will be a light freeze along the I-20 corridor.

Cut 14 (10)  “…along the coast.”

Keim says the roller-coaster weather continues with mild weather mid-week and chilly temperatures for the weekend.

Cut 15 (07)  “…this winter.”

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Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball coach Bob Marlin is under heavy fire. The Cajuns have lost three games in a row and eight times in their last 10 games, sitting in ninth place in the Sun Belt standings. UL hasn’t been to the NCAA tournament since 2015 and fans are getting impatient. Staring at his second losing season in three years, Marlin still believes his team has time to turn things around.

Cut 16 (15)  “…in the tournament.”

The last seven losses by the Cajuns have come by an average of 5.2 points as they have struggled to close games out. Marlin believes that his team is caught in a vicious cycle where once his team makes a mistake, things begin to snowball. He says a little good luck would go a long way.

Cut 17 (15) “ …turn it around.” 

At the other end of the spectrum is the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, winners of two in a row and tied for second in Conference USA. After being on the road for their last three games, the Bulldogs return home for a pair of home games, with UTEP visiting Thursday and Texas-San Antonio on Saturday. Coach Eric Konkol is glad to be back in front of the home fans.

Cut 18 (17) “ …Assembly Center.” 

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A bill filed for the regular legislative session in March would assure nursing homes have emergency power for disasters and other emergencies. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health says the latest COVID data is encouraging, but there’s still room for improvement. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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With reports that sea levels could rise as much as a foot over the next 30 years, the level of urgency to protect Louisiana’s coastline has risen as well. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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A bill filed for the regular legislative session in March would assure nursing homes have emergency power for disasters and other emergencies. After Hurricane Ida last fall, nursing home residents were taken to – and left in – an uncomfortable warehouse with no lights or cooling. Several died in those conditions.  St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills is the bill’s sponsor. He says MOST nursing homes are already taking care of this, but…:

Cut 4 (09)  “…of energy loss.” 

Mills says he brought the bill after talking with the nursing homes industry, who wish to be proactive in avoiding another tragedy like last summer. His Senate Bill 33 will put into law requirements that nursing homes have a working emergency power system in place. He says the language of the measure covers some other important requirements…:

Cut 5 (12) “…long-term power disruption.”

Mills says the bill will firmly establish clear-cut rules for helping keep the elderly safe and secure after a hurricane, storm, or other power outages. He says his bill if passed, allows nursing homes the time to make sure they can get emergency power systems in place…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…give some latitude. “

Mills’ bill will be brought up when the legislature convenes its regular session on March 14^th.

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The state continues to see a decrease in the number of COVID cases as health officials say the Omicron variant surge is declining however the data still indicates a high transmission rate in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the state’s positivity rate has dropped to 9-percent.

Cut 7 (10) “…days of January. “

The state’s overall fully vaccinated rate is 52-percent which Kanter says needs to increase and he remains hopeful after more than 58-thousand got their first shot last month.

Cut 8 (08)  “…in January.”

Kanter says the numbers are encouraging because it shows that even though late some are realizing the value of vaccinations.

Boosting guidance has changed over the last few months, Kanter says the general public should be boosted five months after their second vaccination dose, and those who are immunocompromised three months after their second dose.

Kanter also reminded residents to use a proper face mask when indoors and outdoors at a crowded venue, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Kanter says the most effective type of face mask is an N95 that the Federal government has sent to the following locations.

Cut 9 (06)  “…Walgreens locations.”

You can also find a list of other locations giving out free N95 masks at Louisiana-Radio-Network-dot-com.

If you test positive for COVID and have questions you can call the COVID-19 Community Support Hotline at 1-877-766-2130

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In an effort to keep impaired drivers off the road, judges in Acadia, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes can offer those with first or second offense DWI convictions to be screened for substance abuse or a mental health disorder. Executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Lisa Freeman…

Cut 10 (09) “…down the road.”

Freeman says screening impaired drivers for the presence of substance use or a mental health disorder is a proven impaired driver countermeasure.

Cut  11 (10)  “…screen for that.”  

If an offender is found to have a substance use problem a condition of sentencing could be seeking treatment for their addiction. Freeman says that’s a win-win for everyone.

Cut 12 (12) “…some other judge.”

Freeman says alcohol is involved in 40-percent of all traffic fatalities in Louisiana.

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The National Ocean service issued a report that projects sea levels to rise by up to a foot within the next 30 years.  As waters get higher, coastal communities become more threatened. Natalie Snider, Associate Vice President at the Environmental Defense Fund, says that the time is now for Louisiana to put plans into action to protect those vulnerable areas.

Cut 13 (12) “…sea-level rise.”

The state has already committed more than $1 billion dollars over the next year for coastal restoration and protection projects that would reconnect the Mississippi River to the wetlands in order to reduce land loss. Snider says the Coastal Master Plan is the type of aggressive approach needed to make an impact.

Cut 14 (11)  “…the right direction.”

With a number of areas of concern, Snider stressed the urgency of taking action. She said that Louisianans should see the Coastal Master Plan put to work in very real ways, with major work projects getting underway in the near future as the state races against the clock in fighting these threats.

Cut 15 (13)  “…that Louisiana needs.”

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LSU takes the court tomorrow night when it hosts Georgia at the P-MAC. After a 15-1 start, the Tigers are just 3-6 since. Back-to-back wins have LSU clinging to fifth place in the SEC standings with six games to play. With three of those against ranked teams, a win over the Bulldogs is a must. To do that, Will Wade says his team has to take care of the little things.

Cut 16 (17)  “…in transition.”

Another key to the game will be keeping Georgia off the free-throw line. The Bulldogs score 16 points per game at the stripe, and with LSU struggling with depth this season, Wade says LSU will have to be disciplined defensively against an aggressive Georgia offense.

Cut 17 (15) “ …very good.” 

While LSU should still make the NCAA tournament, the Tigers do have time to pick up some momentum down the stretch. Even with the devastating injuries the team has suffered over the course of the season, Wade knows his team won’t get any sympathy and that there’s only one way for the Tigers to change the narrative…

Cut 18 (17) “ …just keep winning.” 

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This offseason, ULM underwent a $1.4 million offseason renovation of the university’s baseball facility, which installed a new FieldTurf at Warhawk Field, revamped the team’s locker and weight rooms, among other improvements. Federico says the project has impacted his players as much mentally as it has helped in their on-field prep for the season.

Cut 19 (15)_“… a lot more convenient.” 

After a 26-26 finish last season, Federico has higher expectations for the WarHawks this season, though they were picked to finish ninth in the SunBelt conference preseason poll. Led by returnees Grant Schultz, Trace Henry, and Travis Washburn, Federico believes his team has enough experience to make a jump in the standings.

Cut 20 (12) “ …in each other.” 

Former Livingston Parish teacher Cynthia Perkins has agreed to a plea deal that will result in 41 years in prison for her role in a horrific sex crimes case that also involves her ex-husband, Dennis Perkins, a former Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Cynthia’s attorney Paul Scott says his client has also agreed to testify against Dennis Perkins in his upcoming trial…

Cut 8 (11) “…she’s done.”  
Cynthia Perkins pled guilty to three charges, including second-degree rape.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a 14-year-old female for allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill her 14-year-old ex-boyfriend. Sergeant L’ Jean Mckneely says they learned of the potential crime after an administrator for the website rent-a-hitman-dot-com reached out to their detectives…

Cut 9 (10) “…yesterday afternoon.”
Syrah Resources announces an investment of $176 million to expand its graphite processing facility in Vidalia, making Louisiana one of the leaders in the market for electric vehicle component production.  Mayor Buz Craft says the Syrah the expansion will be felt throughout the area.

Cut 11 (11)   “….business as well.”  

The Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification met today. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says litter is a growing issue and he’s even tried an experiment in his home parish of Plaquemines to discourage littering, by placing trash cans along stops leading to Highway 23.

Cut 4 (11) “…the interstate.”

Nungesser says the task force will meet monthly.

The New Orleans Pelicans will be looking for their eighth straight home win over the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. Last night, the Pels routed the Toronto Raptors, winning 120-90, but the task gets tougher with Memphis, the team with the third-best record in the West and second-best road record in the NBA. After a 1-12 start, New Orleans is 22-22 over its last 44 games.

—

It’s not quite the glory days of the early 90s, but Tulane basketball is on the comeback. In his third season, Ron Hunter has the Wave at 11-11, and 8-5 in the American Athletic Conference. Tulane has a chance at a first-round bye in the AAC tournament and its first postseason bid of any kind since 2014. After a big overtime win over Temple this weekend, Hunter says his team is finally maturing…

Cut 17 (15) “…a veteran team.”

Tulane visits South Florida tonight looking to end a three-game road losing streak. The Bulls have lost six of seven.

—

LSU takes the court tomorrow night when it hosts Georgia at the P-MAC. After a 15-1 start, the Tigers are just 3-6 since. Back to back wins have LSU clinging to fifth place in the SEC standings with six games to play. With three of those against ranked teams, a win over the Bulldogs is a must. To do that, Will Wade says his team has to take care of the little things.

Cut 21 (17) “…in transition.”

—

LSU women’s hoops senior guard Alexis Morris has been named SEC Player of the Week after helping the 11^th-ranked Tigers to three wins last week. Morris averaged 22.7 points per game while shooting 70 percent from behind the three-point line, while also grabbing six rebounds each night. For the season, she’s averaging 16 points, four boards, and three assists.

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And Southern kept its grip on first-place in the SWAC with a 70-58 road win over Texas Southern. Tyrone Lyons led the Jags with 18 points.

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A former Livingston Parish teacher pleads guilty to child sex crimes, while agreeing to testify against her ex-husband; also accused of disturbing crimes against kids. Cynthia Perkins will serve over 40 years. Attorney General Jeff Landry believes her testimony against the former Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy will seal his fate…:

CUT 07(05)      “…holding people accountable.”

Cops in Baton Rouge arrest a 14-year-old girl for allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill her ex. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says she used the website “rentahitman.com”; which is handy for lawmen to catch people who don’t understand it’s not for real…:

CUT 10(10)      “…to kill someone.”

The 9^th grade girl is in juvenile detention. Her name is withheld because she is a minor.

The Governor and Lt. Governor are joining forces to help clean up the state with the Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification. The first meeting took place today and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the blight issue is embarrassing…:

Cut 03  (11)      “….unacceptable.”

Nungesser says there are laws on the books and fines attached for littering, but they aren’t being enforced.

Three teenagers were injured in a crash today on I-12 in St. Tammany Parish. The accident shut down the interstate for hours. State Police say three persons were hurt; one of them was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle.

COVID. The state Department of Health reports just over 1500 new cases, with just a little over a thousand people in the hospital because of it. Virtually all known cases are the Omicron variant of the virus.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a 14-year-old girl for allegedly trying to hire a hitman to kill her 14-year-old ex-boyfriend. Sergeant L’ Jean McKneely says they learned of the potential crime after an administrator for the website “rentahitman.com” reached out to their detectives…:

CUT 09(11)      “…yesterday afternoon.”

On Valentines Day. Bummer.

Syrah Resources says it will invest $176-million to expand its facility in the Concordia Parish town of Vidalia. They make components for electric cars and hybrids. Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft says the investment is most welcome, as are any other interested ventures…:

CUT 13(13)      “…that we can supply.”

Syrah will add 36 new direct jobs and over 50 indirect jobs are projected.

KLFY TV in Lafayette reports overdose deaths in Lafayette Parish are up 300-percent from just three years ago. The coroner recorded over 100 in 2021. The illicitly gotten drug fentanyl is blamed for the majority. The drug is used to cut heroin, coke or meth to increase volume, but even a small amount can potentially kill.

The first meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification was today. Brooke Thorington has more from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

A former Livingston Parish teacher pleads guilty in a child sex crimes case and agrees to testify against her ex-husband who is accused of committing disturbing crimes against kids. Cynthia Perkins pled guilty to three charges, including second-degree rape and production of child pornography. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office is working the case…:

CUT 06(09)      “…right call.”

As part of the plea deal, Cynthia will be called as a witness in Dennis Perkins trial, which is set to begin in May.

The Governor and Lt. Governor are joining forces to help clean up litter across Louisiana. John Bel Edwards and Billy Nungesser authorized the Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification, which met today for the first time. Mr. Nungesser says litter laws go un-enforced, and judges are reluctant to make community service trash pickup sentences…:

CUT 05(10)      “…that are not doing it.”

Baton Rouge Police arrest a 14-year-old girl for trying to hire a hitman to kill her ex-boyfriend. Cops say the girl thought a satirical website called “rentahitman.com” was the real thing and asked to have someone assassinate her former boo. The publisher gave BRPD a call. The 9^th grade girl’s name is withheld, because she is a juvenile.

As sales of electric-gas hybrids soar, one of the leaders in electric vehicle components in making a major investment in Central Louisiana. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…I’m David Grubb.”