A voting rights bill that Democrats and civil rights leaders say is needed to protect democracy fails in the U-S Senate. Republicans oppose the legislation. Outgoing chairman of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, Baton Rouge Representative Ted James, says Republicans are making it hard for people to cast a vote because they believe the last Presidential election was stolen…

Cut 10 (11)  “….to vote.” 

After three years of work, and at a cost of $150 million, the new terminal at Lafayette Regional Airport is officially open. Executive Director Steven Picou couldn’t be happier with today’s debut.

Cut 3 (12) “…passengers walking through.”

The facility was completed in three years, on-time and on budget.

American Electric Power is investing $100-million to develop a transmission control center at Resilient Technology Park in Shreveport. And like the state, Governor John Bel Edwards says AEP has made a commitment to net carbon emissions by 2050.

Cut 8 (11) “…going forward.”  

The control center is expected to create 20 direct jobs and 63 indirect jobs.

Louisiana will see the coldest temperatures of the Winter over the next few days as overnight lows will drop below freezing for most of the state through Sunday morning. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says do not leave candles or space heaters unattended….

Cut 14 (11)  “…with others.” 

The State Fire Marshal’s office says so far in 2022 ten people, including two children, have lost their lives in home fires.

Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand in Shreveport for the announcement of American Electric Power’s investment of $100-million to develop a transmission control center in the city.  The governor also announced that AEP’s new 77-thousand square foot facility will be the first business to locate in the Resilient Technology Park in Shreveport.

Cut 7 (11) “…reliable electricity.” 

Louisiana will see the coldest temperatures of the Winter over the next few days as overnight lows will drop below freezing for most of the state through Sunday morning. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says space heaters can keep you warm, but they are fire hazards if not used properly…

Cut 13 (10) “…curtains.”

Senate Republicans were successful in blocking a voting rights bill supported by Democrats and civil rights leaders. Jeff Palermo has local reaction…

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Jazz Fest Organizers announce the lineup for the 2022 festival that’s scheduled for April 29^th to May 8^th. The Who, Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Buffett, Luke Combs, Lionel Richie, The Black Crows, and Erykah Badu are among the headliners. This will be the first Jazz Fest since 2019.

A voting rights bill that Democrats and civil rights leaders say is needed to protect democracy fails in the U-S Senate. Republicans oppose the legislation. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says this effort isn’t about protecting the right to vote, it’s about Democrats wanting to federalize elections to their advantage…

Cut 9 (09) “…Delaware.”

Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand in Shreveport for the announcement of American Electric Power’s plan to develop a $100-million transmission control center in the city.  Edwards says the investment will create 20 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $115 thousand.

Cut 6 Louisiana’s northwest region. :11

Among the misinformation about COVID vaccines is their effect on fertility. Shreveport OB/GYN Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr. says it’s actually just the opposite of the vaccine. Weather says for men it’s COVID that’s been shown to reduce sperm count, not the vaccine.

Cut 13 (11) “…get vaccinated.”

Weather says it’s extremely important for pregnant women to be vaccinated and boosted and even women who are trying to get pregnant to reduce miscarriages and premature births.

Temperatures took a dive last night as a powerful cold front moved into Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says the winter weather could be here for a while.

Cut 7 (09) “…wintery precipitation.”

Keim recommends taking precautions to protect people, plants, pets, and pipes.

The cold front has arrived in Louisiana and expect temps to drop today if they haven’t already in your neck of the woods. State climatologist Barry Keim says residents should be prepared for a long, cold weekend, and take extra precautions to protect themselves from the frigid weather.

Cut 9 (10)  “…northern locations.”

Among the misinformation about COVID vaccines is their effect on fertility. Shreveport OB/GYN Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr. says it’s actually COVID that can drop a man’s sperm count for several months and if a pregnant woman contracts COVID her chances of miscarriage and or premature labor increase substantially. Weather says the vaccine has an additional benefit for pregnant women.

Cut 15 (05)  “…protected.”

Weather says everyone, should be vaccinated and boosted. Call 2-1-1 for the nearest vaccination site.

2021 was a record-setting year for Louisiana in a bad way. Kevin Gallagher reports on the record number of traffic deaths last year…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn has a text from State Treasurer John Schroeder to one of his supporters saying that he will run for governor in 2023. But Schroeder tells Louisiana Radio Network he has yet to make a final decision, but he is considering a run for the governor’s mansion.

Louisianans woke up to cooler temperatures this morning. David Grubb reports on how long the winter weather is going to last.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards’s office announces two-point-six billion dollars in Army Corps of Engineers Funding for Louisiana projects. Edwards says the supplemental disaster relief bill includes over two billion dollars in funding for coastal and other flood protection projects. Millions will also be spent on reinforcing levees.

2021 set a new record-high for highway fatalities in Louisiana at 997. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says lawmakers are doing everything they can.

Cut 6 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

On his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about the U.S. Senate race in which Democrats Luke Mixon and Gary Chambers are running against incumbent Republican John Kennedy. Edwards says he’s impressed with Mixon’s credentials as a Naval Academy graduate and his fighter pilot military service.

Cut 10 (12) “…his candidacy.”

Edwards fell short of a full endorsement of Mixon and also spoke unfavorably of Chambers recent internet ad where he’s smoking marijuana.

The state set a record for highway traffic fatality deaths with 997 in 2021. That’s according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation. There were 828 deaths in 2020. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s a sign we need to be more cautious while driving…
cut 5 (07) “….much more seriously”
Wilson says three things can greatly reduce highway deaths: buckling up, do not drink and drive, and remaining undistracted while behind the wheel.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for tonight through Friday morning for much of southeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says any accumulation is expected to be light, but even a glaze of ice on bridges could result in hazardous travel…
cut 8 (08) “….careful out there”
Keim says all of Louisiana should prepare for a cold few days coming up.

Two Democrats have begun their campaign against republican US Senator John Kennedy and Governor Edwards gives his impressions of the candidates.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn has a text from State Treasurer John Schroeder to one of his supporters saying that he will run for governor in 2023. But Schroeder tells Louisiana Radio Network he has yet to make a final decision, but he is considering a run for the governor’s mansion.

2021 was a record-setting year for Louisiana in a bad way. Kevin Gallagher reports on the record number of traffic deaths last year…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Meanwhile, Governor John Bel Edwards’s office announces two-point-six billion dollars in Army Corps of Engineers Funding for Louisiana projects. Edwards says the supplemental disaster relief bill includes over two billion dollars in funding for coastal and other flood protection projects. Millions will also be spent on reinforcing levees.

US Senate candidate and Baton Rouge Democrat Gary Chambers made national headlines this week for his internet campaign ad that shows him smoking marijuana as he lobbies for legalization and decriminalization of pot. During his Ask the Governor show, John Bel Edwards says he’s not a fan of the ad…
cut 11 (09) “….reward him for”
Edwards says he’s attracted to Luke Mixon’s candidacy, he’s the other announced Democratic challenger to Republican Senator John Kennedy.

Many people have questions about COVID vaccines and their effect on fertility. Shreveport OB/GYN Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr. says in men it’s COVID that’s been shown to reduce sperm count, not the vaccine.
Cut 13 (11) “…get vaccinated.”
Weather recommends that everyone who is medically eligible be vaccinated and boosted to avoid serious complications for the COVID.

State transportation officials say 2021 set a new record-high for highway fatalities. Nearly a thousand people died on state roadways last year; topping the previous record of 993, set in 2007. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the 2021 total of 997 fatalities is up 20-percent over last year
Cut 4 (09) “…is just unacceptable.”
Wilson blames the rise in traffic fatalities to an increase in distracted driving.

A cold and windy day is in store for Louisiana today as a result of a powerful cold front that’s still making its way through southeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says portions of southeast Louisiana are under a winter weather advisory from six PM tonight to noon on Friday…
cut 7 (09) “….wintery precipitation”
Keim says the freezing rain will not be significant, as we could see just a light glaze, generally a trace to a few hundredths of an inch.

During his Ask the Governor Show, John Bel Edwards said U-S Senate candidate Gary Chambers campaign ad shows him smoking marijuana is not something people should reward him for. Meanwhile, Edwards spoke highly of the other Democratic challenger to John Kennedy. The governor nearly gave an official endorsement to Luke Mixon…
cut 12 (08) “….a little later”
The primary will be held on November 8th and the general election on December 10th.

Much of the COVID vaccine hesitancy involves adults who are looking to have children. But Shreveport OBGYN Doctor Leonard Weather Junior says it’s extremely important for pregnant women to be vaccinated and boosted and even women who are trying to get pregnant.
Cut 14 (12) “…premature deliveries.”