Early this morning Russia launched their invasion of Ukraine. U-S Senator Bill Cassidy a released a statement in response saying “Russia has just become a pariah nation. Everything short of involving U.S. forces should be done to punish this action. This should be unrelenting.”

As sports betting continues to evolve, Louisiana remains at the forefront. David Grubb has more on the newest entry into the gaming market…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

EBT cardholders in Louisiana can now purchase groceries online. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Marketa Garner Walters says this is life-changing for recipients with limited transportation. Vendors must apply to the USDA for approval and so far, the only approved online vendor in Louisiana is Walmart.

Cut 14 (07)  “…pretty quickly.”

Delivery fees are not covered by EBT funds.

Among the bills pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session is New Orleans Representative Candice Newell’s (New-elle) effort to lay the groundwork for 10 cannabis production facilities to operate in Louisiana. Currently, only two are allowed to grow in the state and they supply medicinal cannabis.

Cut 7 (09) “…catch up.”

The session begins March 14^th.

After a year off due to COVID, Mardi Gras – and its economic impact on Louisiana – is back. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to travel to Louisiana tomorrow to highlight the millions of dollars Louisiana will receive to improve high-speed internet in rural areas. Harris will hold a press event in the small St. Landry Parish town of Sunset. The Infrastructure Act contains 65-million dollars to expand broadband access in underserved communities.

New Orleans Representative Candicie Newell has filed a bill that authorizes the state Department of Agriculture to create and issue up to ten cannabis production facility licenses. Newell says she wants the state to be prepared for when recreational marijuana is made legal on the state or federal level. She says if the legislation passes, she’ll add a tax component in the next session…
cut 8 (07) “….childhood education”
Newell’s bill and hundreds of others will be discussed in the upcoming regular session.

Coming in 2023, if the Louisiana Gaming Control Board approves, is a betting platform called sporttrade which is like stock market trading, but instead, it involves sporting events. Sporttrade CEO Alex Kane says bettors will not deal with points spread or money lines…
cut 11 (12) “….much simpler”

Russia has launched an attack on Ukraine with airstrikes and tanks rolling across the border. Russian President Vadimir Putin says if other countries attempt to interfere, it would lead to consequences they’ve never seen. Senator John Kennedy is calling on President Biden to impose swift, comprehensive, crippling sanctions on Russia.

If you have a SNAP EBT card you can now purchase groceries online…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

After a year off due to COVID, Mardi Gras – and its economic impact on Louisiana – is back. Merchants, hotels, and restaurants are more than ready for the dollars the next 6 days will bring. LSU economics professor Dr. Dek Terrell says New Orleans alone can expect to rake in over a half-billion in sales. He says where Orleans Parish goes, the state follows…:
Cut 4 (08) “…state of Louisiana.”
Terrell says because of COVID there is still some apprehension out there so 2022 Mardi Gras might not be as big as 2020.

Sports betting exchange Sporttrade plans to begin doing business in Louisiana next year as long as it gets Louisiana Gaming Control Board approval. It’s a platform that works like Robinhood or Coinbase where participants buy and sell interest in games and Sporttrade CEO Alex Kane says based on the popularity of online sports betting in Louisiana, he expects sports exchanges will also do well in the Bayou State…
cut 12 (11) “…beyond our expectations”

Louisiana households currently receiving SNAP benefits, also known as Food Stamps, can now order groceries online at Walmart stores and the state Department of Children and Family Servies expects the program to rapidly spread to other retailers. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says for some EBT cardholders shopping remotely could be life-changing…
cut 13 (06) “….to do it”
There are 419-thousand Louisiana households receiving SNAP benefits.

Tourists will soon begin flowing into Louisiana for the Big Mardi Gras weekend. LSU economics professor Doctor Dek Terrell…
cut 6 (10) “…reluctant to travel still”
Terrell says Louisiana could still see over a billion dollars in sales directly related to Mardi Gras and Carnival events.

As sports betting continues to evolve, Louisiana remains at the forefront. David Grubb has more on the newest entry into the gaming market…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

After a year off due to COVID, Mardi Gras – and its economic impact on Louisiana – is back. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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As sports betting continues to evolve, Louisiana remains at the forefront. David Grubb has more on the newest entry into the gaming market…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

_____________________________________

If you have a SNAP EBT card you can now purchase groceries online. Brooke Thorington has more on the big announcement.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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After a year off due to COVID, Mardi Gras – and its economic impact on Louisiana – is back. Merchants, hotels and restaurants are more than ready for the dollars the next 6 days will bring. LSU economics professor Dr. Dek Terrell says New Orleans alone can expect to rake in over a half-billion in sales. He says where Orleans Parish goes, the state follows…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Terrell says all indications are that visitors from all over the world will flock to the Crescent City between now and Fat Tuesday. He says Louisiana’s other cities also get a big fiscal boost from Mardi Gras…:

Cut 5 (13) “…was $22-million.”

So, will Mardi Gras 2022 be a bona fide financial success? Dr. Terrell says we’ll have to wait and compare it to figures from 2020 (which was a record for revenue generated). He says this first post-pandemic Mardi Gras may fall a bit short…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…reluctant to travel still.”

Louisiana could see over $1-Billion in sales directly related to Mardi Gras and Carnival events.

_______________________________________

Among the bills pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session is New Orleans Representative Candice Newell’s (New-elle) effort to lay the groundwork for 10 cannabis production facilities to operate in Louisiana. Currently, only two are allowed to grow in the state and they supply medicinal cannabis.

Cut 7 (09) “…catch up.”

House Bill 125 authorizes the State Department of Agriculture and Forestry to issue licenses and a portion of those fees go towards background checks on operators and supervision. If the bill passes Newell says she will add a tax component in the next session and earmark where those funds would be dedicated.

Cut 8 (07)  “…childhood education.”

Newell says during the pandemic when so many staples to the state’s economy, like hospitality, and the oil and gas industry, were halted other states who have legalized cannabis were still able to collect revenue from the industry.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the state.”

The bill also requires licensees to have ownership that is at least 51-percent Louisiana residents.

____________________________________________

As sports betting continues to evolve, Louisiana remains at the forefront. After the successful launch of mobile wagering in January, the state will welcome sports wager trading next year. Sporttrade operates much like Robinhood or Coinbase, except with sports instead of stocks. CEO Alex Kane says that brings a completely new dimension to the betting landscape.

Cut 10 (13) “…a sports outcome.”

Sports trading is new to the U-S but has been active in the UK where betting exchanges account for nearly 10 percent of all wagers. Kane says it’s a concept that easy to understand and utilize because bettors no longer have to deal with point spreads or money lines.

Cut  11 (12)  “…much simpler.”  

Sporttrade made its commitment to Louisiana prior to the launch of mobile betting, based on a number of factors. The record-setting debut last month only served to reinforce the company’s decision to set up shop here.

Cut 12 (11) “…beyond our expectations.”

Sporttrade launches in New Jersey and Colorado this summer with a narrow focus on pro and college football and basketball, Major League Baseball, and pro golf.

____________________________________________

EBT cardholders in Louisiana can now purchase groceries online. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Marketa Garner Walters says this is a game-changer for recipients to purchase food online a convenience that was highlighted during the height of the pandemic.

Cut 13 (06) “…to do it.”

In addition to DCFS gaining approval for EBT cardholders, food vendors also must apply to the USDA also. Walters says so far, the only approved online vendor in Louisiana is Walmart.

Cut 14 (07)  “…pretty quickly.”

In addition to convenience Walters says the benefit is life-changing for those who have limited transportation, however, EBT funds cannot be used to pay delivery fees.

Cut 15 (11)  “…pay for that.”

For more information visit dcfs.louisiana.gov

_____________________________________________

LSU football Coach Brian Kelly introduced his new defensive coordinator to the media on Wednesday. Matt House was the D-C at the University of Pittsburgh, F-I-U, and Kentucky. The past three seasons he was the linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and helped them win a Super Bowl. Kelly on why he hired House…

Cut 16 (18)  “…to Matt.”

Kelly says he wants multiple looks defensively…

Cut 17 (18) “ …as possible.” 

House says he hasn’t decided if LSU will be a four-three defense or a three-four. He says he’s still learning about the personnel before he develops a scheme…

Cut 18 (19) “ …we can become.” 

____________________________________________________

The Saints have named defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen and secondary coach Kris Richard as co-defensive coordinators. Current head coach Dennis Allen was the team’s D-C and will continue to call plays. NFL and Saints analyst Mike Detillier says New Orleans’s defense will operate much like it did when Allen was the defensive coordinator…

Cut 19 (12)_“…head coach.” 

Saints analyst Bobby Hebert says despite the reshuffling of coaches, he expects the Saints defense to carry this team again next year…

Cut 20 (22) “ …ten wins.” 

###

The Louisiana Public Service Commission approves Entergy’s request to charge its customers an additional 10-dollars a month for the next 15 years to pay for the damage done to the power grid from four hurricanes and a winter storm. PSC member Foster Campbell voted no because he believes Entergy should also pay part of the repair bill…
Cut 12 (10) “…the people.”  

Fellow PSC member Eric Skrmetta voted for the surcharge

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves predicts another surge in gasoline and electricity prices because of what he calls Russia’s veiled invasion of Ukraine. Graves says Russia is one of the largest net exporters of oil and gas in the world…

 Cut 6 (11) “…electricity bills.” 
Graves says the Ukraine-related sanctions imposed by the U-S and others will cut off Russian energy supplies.

——

AARP data shows an alarming increase in COVID transmission among Louisiana nursing homes for the month of January.  AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says staff cases increased from 102 in December to 55-hundred, and for residents, it went from 54 to 36 hundred.

Cut 3 (04) “…nursing homes.”

Bottcher expects February numbers to decrease as they usually lag two weeks behind statewide numbers.

Governor John Bel Edwards testified before the U-S Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and he asked the committee to support the Shoreline Health Oversight, Restoration, Resilience, and Enhancement Act, that allows Gulf States to receive a share of offshore oil revenues to fund restoration and protection projects, and a stronger relationship with the Army Corps of Engineers.

Cut 11 (11)   “…importance.”  

By a 4-to-1 vote, the Public Service Commission approves Entergy’s request to charge customers an additional 8-to-10 bucks a month, for the next 15 years, to pay for the damage done to the power grid from four hurricanes and a winter storm a year ago. Shreveport area PSC member Foster Campbell was that lone “no” vote. He addressed this to Entergy executives…:

CUT 13(14)      “…explain that to them?”

St. Tammany Parish PSC member Eric Skrmetta voted for the surcharge…:

CUT 14(12)      “…to the money spent.”

Entergy says customers could see the surcharges as soon as May.

The state wide burn ban due to drought conditions has been lifted. Officials ask we keep using caution with any outdoor burning.

AARP data shows an alarming increase in COVID transmission among Louisiana nursing homes for the month of January.  AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says in December four COVID deaths were reported and in January it increased to 49…:

CUT 04(10)      “…previous surges.”

She says it could have been so much worse, but staff and residents were vaxxed and many also boosted.

Baton Rouge Police report one person critically hurt in a shooting that happened today in one of the Capital City’s busy retail areas. Officers say a person was shot inside a tailor shop just off Perkins Road. Few other details are available right now.

People using financial aid cards – commonly called Food Stamp cards – may now use them to buy groceries online at Wal-Mart stores. The Department of Children & Family Services made the policy change announcement today.

Beginning as early as May, Louisiana Entergy customers will see an 8-to-10 dollar surcharge to pay for the repair costs from recent hurricanes and last February’s winter storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the statewide burn ban has been lifted, after parts of the state got some measurable rain, and more is expected in the next 24 hours. The ban is officially rescinded as of 4 pm. Be mindful that your local or parish government may still have a local ban in effect.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves predicts another surge in gasoline and electricity prices because of what he calls Russia’s veiled invasion of Ukraine. Graves wrote a letter to the President expressing his concerns about higher gas prices and implored the Administration to take a different approach instead of opposing domestic energy production in the Gulf of Mexico…:

CUT 08(11)      “…their homes.”

Governor John Bel Edwards testified today before the U-S Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to discuss the state’s work on coastal restoration, and to ask for help achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Edwards says the state’s Climate Action Plan illustrates Louisiana is aggressive in preparing for future natural disasters…:

CUT 10(10)      “…to achieve it.”

The state’s Public Service Commission approves Entergy’s request to charge customers an additional $8 a month for the next 15 years to pay for grid damage caused by the last several hurricanes and one severe winter storm. The lone “no” vote came from Foster Campbell, who says Entergy should pick up at least PART of that tab itself…:

CUT 12  (10)        “…the people.”

PSC member Eric Skrmetta was one of the 4 “yea” votes. He says Entergy has been hit a great many damaging storms, and did a good job getting power back on within days for some parts of southeast Louisiana after Hurricane Ida…:

CUT 15  (11)      “…everything for everybody.”

Entergy says customers could see the surcharges as soon as May.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in the town of Crowley today. LSP confirms one person was shot and killed. The circumstances are as yet unknown. State Police investigate all officer-involved shootings in the state.

Louisiana nursing homes saw a dramatic spike in COVID cases among residents and staff in January. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01  (32)        “…Brooke Thorington.”

Expect slightly cooler, but fair weather for Mardi Gras weekend, with daytime highs Friday Through Monday in the low-to-mid 60’s. Mardi Gras day look for high around 70.

The Public Service Commission approves Entergy’s request to charge its customers an additional eight-dollars a month for the next 15 years to pay for damage done to the power grid. PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell was the lone no vote out of the five-member commission. He says it’s troubling that utility customers will see higher bills, while the Entergy’s CEO enjoys a pay raise…

cut 13 (09) “…$14-million.”

Entergy says two-point-two billion dollars in damages was done to its system following the hurricanes in 2020 and the winter storm in February 2021. The utility company says Hurricane Ida caused another one million dollars. PSC member Eric Skrmetta voted for the surcharge…

Cut 14 (12)  “…to the money spent.” 

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves predicts another surge in gasoline and electricity prices because of what he calls Russia’s veiled invasion of Ukraine. Graves says the Ukraine-related sanctions imposed by the U-S, and others will cut off Russian supplies and the best way to temper energy prices is to let American workers produce American energy.

Cut 7 (12) “…your oil.” 

Russia is one of the largest net exporters of oil and gas in the world…

For the month of January, COVID cases jumped dramatically among nursing home residents to 36-hundred from 54 in Louisiana. But AARP State Director Denise Bottcher credits the high vaccination and boosted rate of 56-percent at keeping deaths from such a dramatic increase. In January it increased to 49 from four in December.

Cut 4 (10) “…previous surges.”