President Biden’s State of the Union address is tonight, with many speculating what he may tell America and the world. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Former disgraced Baylor football coach Art Briles has stepped down as offensive coordinator at Grambling State saying he did not want to be a distraction. The decision to hire Briles was controversial, because of how his tenure at Baylor ended. He was fired in 2016 after it was learned he and his assistants took no action against players accused of sexual assault.

State Police say 14-year-old Zashawn Dawson of Baton Rouge was killed early Monday morning on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says Dawson was thrown into oncoming traffic from the SUV he was traveling when it was hit by a vehicle driven by 24-year-old Emanual Ruiz of Pride. Scrantz says one of the passengers in Ruiz’s truck, 22-year old Tyler Melancon told officers he was the driver.

Cut  11 (09)  “…the driver.”  

Ruiz is charged with vehicular homicide and Melancon with obstruction of justice.

It’s been six months since Hurricane Ida and Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove says dealing with insurance providers has been a consistent issue for residents.

Cut 14 (09)  “…don’t agree with.”

Dove says residents are anxious to rebuild.

Tonight, President Biden will address the U.S. and the world in his State of the Union speech. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says while he cannot predict what the president may say, he emphasized Biden really needs tonight’s address to “move the needle…”

Cut 9 (13)  “…are historically low.”

The Cajun Tradition of chasing ingredients for gumbo takes place in Eunice today And if the act of chasing a chicken isn’t enough to get your attention, administrative assistant to the mayor, Courtney Elkins says the traditional costumes worn by horseback riders and runners are also a sight to see.

Cut 6 (12)  “…entire face.”

An elderly Shreveport couple was killed in a crash in DeSoto Parish Monday afternoon. State Police say the three-vehicle crash claimed the lives of 81-year old Louis Flanigan and his wife 80-year old Inell Flanigan, and both were unrestrained. Troopers say it happened with Louis Flanigan’s vehicle failed to yield when turning into a driveway and was struck by a truck from behind and then another when it crossed into oncoming traffic.

Six months since Hurricane Ida, Terrebonne Parish is still in recovery mode. David Grubb has the latest on the progress after the storm.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

Tonight President Joe Biden will address the U.S. and the world in his State of the Union speech. The President’s poll numbers are on the decline and U-L-M political science professor Joshua Stockley says Mr. Biden needs to deliver a home run speech…
Cut 7 (15) “…humanitarian crisis.”
The President will speak from the House chamber at the U-S Capitol at 8 pm tonight.

Meanwhile, in Eunice they will chase chickens on horseback as part of an old-style Mardi Gras tradition that continues to live in southwest Louisiana…
cut 5 (06) “…and runners”
The chickens caught will be used to make a large pot of gumbo that hundreds of revelers can enjoy.

Today marks the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Ida and in Terrebonne Parish many residents are still battling with their insurance company over claims. But Parish President Gordon Dove says there are many positives as oil prices are helping to speed up the recovery….
cut 15 (11) “…right now”
Dove says they are also seeing fewer blue roofs as home repairs move along.

State Police arrest three people involved in a fatal crash on I-10 in Ascension Parish that killed a 14-year-old Baton Rouge teen. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they suspect impairment on the driver that caused the crash and one of his passengers has been charged with obstruction. Scrantz says 18-year-old Catara Johnson was a passenger in the other vehicle and was arrested on gun charges…
cut 12 (10) “….firearms”

President Biden delivers his first State of the Union address tonight. Under Biden’s leadership, the U.S. has seen skyrocketing fuel prices and inflation, a chaotic pull-out from Afghanistan, continued problems at the southern border, and now the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Stockley says the President should use tonight’s speech for some course correction…:
Cut 8 (15) “…foreign policy perspective.”
The State of the Union is at 8 PM.

Today marks six months since Hurricane Ida tore its path through southeast Louisiana. Terrebonne Parish saw catastrophic damage, as utilities were knocked offline and roads were covered with debris. But Parish President Gordon Dove says Terrebonne has stepped out of the rubble and moved into recovery.
Cut 13 (11) “…going along fine.”
Dove says homeowners battling with their insurance provider over hurricane damage claims is a big issue.

It’s a day of revelry today in New Orleans as the Mardi Gras celebration reaches its peak. There are parades across south Louisiana. The Bonne Terre parade begins to roll at 11 AM in Houma, the King’s Parade starts at 10 AM in Lafayette. It’s the first of three parades in Lafayette.

And If you want to experience a Mardi Gras like no other, go to Eunice to chase poultry, but in costume. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

President Biden’s State of the Union address is tonight, with many speculating what he may tell Americans and the world. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Former disgraced Baylor football coach Art Briles has stepped down as offensive coordinator at Grambling State saying he did not want to be a distraction. The decision to hire Briles was controversial, because of how his tenure at Baylor ended. He was fired in 2016 after it was learned he and his assistants took no action against players accused of sexual assault.

State Police arrest three people in a suspected drunk driving crash that killed 14-year-old Zashawn Dawson of Baton Rouge early Monday morning on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says the SUV Dawson was traveling in, was attempting to merge back onto the interstate after pulling off to the side and was struck by a truck driven by 24-year-old Emanual Ruiz of Pride.
Cut 10 (09) “…westbound vehicle.”
Investigators suspect Ruiz was drunk and he faces vehicular homicide charges. Another person in Ruiz’s truck was charged with obstruction and a stolen gun was found in the S-U-V, so a person in that vehicle has also been charged.

Traditional Mardi Gras celebrations take place in Eunice today. Administrative Assistant to the mayor Courtney Elkins says the chasing of the chickens gets underway this morning…
cut 4 (11) “…in the gumbo”
Elkins says Fat Tuesday events start at 9 in the morning and continue into the night.

For the first time, the Board of Regents is requesting level-funding for the 22-23 fiscal year, that’s because TOPS enrollment is down. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A two-vehicle crash last night in Acadia Parish has claimed the lives of two men.  20-year-olds Derrick Ceasar Jr. and Tywon Thorn, both of Crowley, were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says their Buick Century crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a Ford Expedition…

Cut 6 (08) “…on the shoulder.”

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Mardi Gras has been a welcome boost to the state, especially in the metro-New Orleans area but also in the Hub City, where President of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot says they’ve seen an influx of tourists, and hotel occupancy is up.

Cut 3 (11) “…Mardi Gras back.”

On Fat Tuesday, Berthelot says they’ll have three parades rolling with things kicking off at 10 am with King Gabriel and culminating with the Independent parade.

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As the Russia-Ukraine crisis continues, so does the steady rise in fuel prices. According to Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for gasbuddy.com, concerns about overseas oil production and increasing demand should keep prices up for a while.

Cut 12 (10) “…a gallon.”

With this conflict coming on the heels of the pandemic, the pace of production has not been able to keep up with demand as countries try to get back to normal. Louisiana currently averages $3.35 per gallon, up 97 cents from a year ago.

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A two-vehicle crash last night in Acadia Parish has claimed the lives of two men.  20-year-old Derrick Caesar Jr. and 20-year-old Tywon Thorn, both of Crowley were pronounced dead at the scene, after their sedan crossed the center line and hit an SUV head-on. Neither were wearing a seatbelt, nor was the driver of the other vehicle (who sustained moderate injuries). State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says the SUV had too many people aboard and most of them – including children – weren’t restrained…:

CUT 08(09)      “..results are pending.”

This is the fourth fatal crash, with a total of six deaths, investigated by Troop I since the start of 2022.

A fatal crash early this morning in Ascension Parish closed Interstate 10 West down for several hours. State Police in Troop A say a pickup lost control and flipped over near the Highway 22 Sorrento exit. The driver was killed. The crash is under investigation.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, gasoline and diesel prices keep going upward. GasBuddy.com senior fuel analyst Patrick DeHaan warns us to be prepared for some tough months ahead, as the U.S. enters conditions that could push gasoline prices up by anywhere from 25-to-75 cents by Memorial Day. Louisiana currently averages $3.35 per gallon; up 97 cents from a year ago…:

CUT 14(07)      “…in recent years.”

The state Department of Health reports just 668 new cases of the coronavirus; the Omicron variant. Statewide, there are 586 people in the hospital with the virus. Of those, about 68-percent are not fully vaxxed. LDH also reports 25 more deaths of persons with the virus; bringing the statewide total for the whole pandemic to just over 16,600.

As the Russia-Ukraine crisis continues, so does the steady rise in fuel prices. With this conflict coming on the heels of the pandemic, the pace of production has not been able to keep up with demand as countries try to get back to normal. GasBuddy.com senior fuel analyst Patrick DeHaan says it’s only made a bad situation worse…:’

CUT 13  (12)        “…anytime soon.”

DeHaan says we could see gas go up another 25-to-75 cents by Memorial Day.

Lafayette is happy to see Mardi Gras return, after the pandemic cancelled everything last year. Convention & Visitors Commission head Ben Berthelot says it’s a great place for more family-oriented Mardi Gras…:

CUT 04  (08)        “…of Mardi Gras tomorrow.”

For the first time, the Board of Regents is requesting level-funding for the 22-23 fiscal year, that’s because TOPS enrollment is down. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The New Orleans Saints will journey across The Pond this season to play in the NFL’s annual series of international games. This season will mark the Saints’ third trip to London. Their opponent team has not yet been determined. Other NFL games will be played in Munich and in Mexico City.

We’re entering a perfect storm for high prices at the pump. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “….David Grubb.”

Police in the Iberville Parish town of Plaquemine say an unattended 3-year-old, left in a parked car, somehow managed to get it in gear and drive through the front of a Dollar General store. No one was hurt. Mom initially said the car did that by itself and the kid was with her, but surveillance video reveal that was lie. She was cited for improper supervision of a minor.

The Tangipahoa Sheriff’s office arrests two men for the murder of a local teen last summer. Elijah Washington and Travon Washington – both 20 – are charged with killing 14-year-old Taysia Folse, and leaving her body in a grassy area near Ponchatoula last June. Deputies say Crimestoppers tips led to the men’s arrests.

A decrease in enrollment and TOPS participation among Louisiana public colleges and universities raises concerns among Board of Regents members. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says for the first time ever they’re not asking for more TOPS funding this year. Dr. Reed says this isn’t necessarily a Louisiana problem and the National Clearing House estimates a million fewer college students in the nation right now…:

CUT 11(09)      “…floods, et cetera.”

Looks like Mardi Gras Day will be a nice one. Sunshine is expected with highs statewide ranging in the mid-60’s to near 70 degrees.

Mardi Gras has been a welcome boost to the state, especially in the metro-New Orleans area but also in the Hub City, where President of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot says they’ve seen an influx of tourists, and hotel occupancy is up.

Cut 3 (11) “…Mardi Gras back.”

Like other areas of the state, Berthelot says the pandemic has severely hurt the hospitality industry and he’s hopeful now that carnival season has been such a boost to the industry that it’s just the beginning for 2022.

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A two-vehicle crash last night in Acadia Parish has claimed the lives of two men.  20-year-old Derrick Ceasar Jr. and 20-year-old Tywon Thorn, both of Crowley were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says their Buick Century crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a Ford Expedition. It is unknown at this time whether either or both of the drivers were impaired at the time, and toxicology reports are pending.

Cut 7 (08) “…remains to be seen.”

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A decrease in enrollment and TOPS participation among Louisiana public colleges and universities raises concerns among Board of Regents members. Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed says for the first time ever they’re not asking for more TOPS funding this year. TOPS recipients can delay enrollment for up to one year and Reed says they want to find out as to what’s keeping students from enrolling or even possibly postponing their higher education.

Cut 10 (09) “…off track.”

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As the Russia-Ukraine crisis continues, so does the steady rise in fuel prices. According to Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for gasbuddy.com, concerns about overseas oil production and increasing demand should keep prices up for a while.

Cut 12 (10) “…a gallon.”

DeHaan warns drivers to be prepared for some tough months ahead as the U-S enters a perfect storm that could push gasoline prices up by anywhere from 25 to 75 cents by Memorial Day. Louisiana currently averages $3.35 per gallon, up 97 cents from a year ago.

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