It was a big weekend of parades and there are more to come. Tonight there are Lundi Gras festivities and tomorrow there’s a full slate of parades across South Louisiana. Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Sales and Marketing Manager Ian Wallis says they’ll have parades rolling in Thibodaux, Chackbay and Golden Meadow.
Cut 3 (10) “…good time.”

Beginning in August, look for more information on The National Hurricane Center’s cone graphic. The familiar Cone of Uncertainty will still be available, but Department Director Jamie Rhone says
Cut 13 (12) “…particular forecast.”
Rhone says the goal is to give areas away from the coast a better idea of potential wind destruction.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has announced the the state will not participate in the summer E-B-T program. The program uses federal money to help low income families pay for summer food expenses when their children are not in school. DCFS Secretary David Matlock says families deserve a pathway to self-sufficiency and summer EBT is a piecemeal program that does not offer long-term solutions.

The restaurant chain Walk-Ons is moving its corporate headquarters from Baton Rouge to Atlanta….
cut 2 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey believes the special session called by Governor Landry to tackle crime will make a difference.

Cut 4 (12) “…the state.”

Cathey says he’s also in favor of allowing the Attorney General to have an expanded role in prosecuting crimes when local District Attorneys refuse to. The session begins next Monday and wrap on March 6^th.

Federal judge Shelly Dick has ordered the state’s legislative maps to be redrawn because it violates the Voting Rights Act by diluting the strength of the black vote. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross…

Cut 7 (12) “…in Louisiana.”

Cross believes Governor Jeff Landry will have lawmakers address the legislative maps during a regular session because a timeline was not outlined in the ruling.

Walk Ons Sports Bistreaux is relocating its corporate headquarters out of Baton Rouge to Atlanta. UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says the state needs a better tax system to retain businesses and compete with other states.

Cut 11 (11) “…eliminating it.” 

In 2022, the company opened a satellite office in Atlanta which is one of the country’s biggest restaurant industry hubs.

The National Hurricane Center says its forecast maps for tropical storms and hurricanes starting in August will be more colorful to contain information on potential impacts inland from strong winds…

Cut 15 (12) “…that community.”

That’s Jamie Rhone with the National Hurricane Center. The new experimental cone graphics will be available within 30 minutes of an advisory release.

Governor Jeff Landry’s call for a 16-day session for lawmakers to tackle the state’s crime issues starts Monday. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey says  juvenile crime is a major issue. He believes teens who are committing crimes should be tried as adults.

Cut 5 (10) “…crime issues.” 

And while most 17-year-olds who are charged with murder are typically charged as adults, Cathey says it’s still at the discretion of the local district attorney. The session ends March 6^th.

A federal judge has ruled that legislative maps drawn by Louisiana lawmaker violate the Voting Rights Act. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross believes the Republican-controlled legislature would like to avoid redrawing the legislative maps as long as possible.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to do so.”

Walk Ons Sports Bistreaux, a Baton Rouge based franchise, is packing up and moving its corporate headquarters from Baton Rouge to Atlanta to continue its growth trajectory. UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says the state is losing population and businesses as a result of/because of the existing tax burden.

Cut 10 (11) “…winning areas.”

The first Walk Ons restaurant opened a short distance from LSU’s Tiger Stadium in 2003.

The National Hurricane Center will begin using a new experimental cone graphic that will extend inland and describe more than landfall starting August. Dept Director Jamie Rhone says the current cone graphic does not provide a lot of information and most people infer the impact and their risks with too little information… 

Cut 14 (10) “…step forward.”

The new experimental cone graphics will be available within 30 minutes of an advisory release.

Federal judge Shelly Dick ordered the state legislature had to redraw a new Congressional district map now she’s ruled the state must redo the legislative maps approved in 2022, because there are not enough Black majority House and Senate districts. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says it’s unclear when Governor Landry will ask legislators to redistrict their own political boundaries…
cut 8 (09) “….few years’
The next round of statewide legislative races is in 2027.

Next week a special session will begin to address crime in Louisiana. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey says he’s advocating for legislation that will result in more 17-year-olds being charged as adults, instead of juveniles, especially if they are repeat offenders…
cut 6 (11) “…for Louisiana”

Beginning in August, The National Hurricane Center will have a new experimental cone graphic that will provide more information especially for at-risk inland communities. .
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

It was a warm weekend in south Louisiana for the Mardi Gras parades, but it turns colder and breezy today. We also had some severe storms yesterday, golf ball sized hail fell in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. We’re looking at sunny skies for Fat Tuesday with temperatures in the low to mid 60s.

A federal judge has ordered the state’s legislative maps to be redrawn because it violates the Voting Rights Act by diluting the black vote. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s a momentous ruling from Judge Shelly Dick.
Cut 7 (12) “…in Louisiana.”
It’s unclear when legislators will redraw the legislative map.

Beginning in August, look for more information on The National Hurricane Center’s cone graphic. The familiar Cone of Uncertainty will still be available, but Department Director Jamie Rhone says
Cut 13 (12) “…particular forecast.”
Rhone says the goal is to give areas away from the coast a better idea of potential wind destruction.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has announced the the state will not participate in the summer E-B-T program. The program uses federal money to help low income families pay for summer food expenses when their children are not in school. DCFS Secretary David Matlock says families deserve a pathway to self-sufficiency and summer EBT is a piecemeal program that does not offer long-term solutions.

The restaurant chain Walk-Ons is moving its corporate headquarters from Baton Rouge to Atlanta….
cut 2 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Governor Jeff Landry’s special session to address crime in Louisiana will begin next Monday and wrap on March 6th. Monroe Senator Stewart athey believes the legislation Landry is calling for will make a difference in deterring crime.
Cut 4 (12) “…the state.”
The ACLU of Louisiana says the governor’s policy proposals are not evidenced based and lack data to approve sound crriminal justice policy.

The National Hurricane Center says its forecast maps for tropical storms and hurricanes starting in August will be more colorful to contain information on potential impacts inland from strong winds…
cut 15 (12) “…that community”
That’s Jamie Rhone with the National Hurricane Center.

Federal Judge Shelly Dick has ordered the state’s legislative district maps to be redrawn on the grounds that the map drawn in 2022 violates the Voting Rights Act because it dilutes the black vote. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

As revelers get set for the biggest weekend of Carnival Season, there’s been a fatal shooting in New Orleans French Quarter. That’s despite a heavy police presence.  It happened just before two this morning. The man was found dead at the intersection of Chartres and Dumaine, just a block from Jackson Square and two blocks from Cafe’ Dumonde. New Orleans Police describe the deceased as an adult man, but so far have not released his age or name.

Meanwhile, thousands of people from around the world are in Louisiana to let the good times roll this Mardi Gras weekend. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says there are big parades in all parts of the state where revelers can enjoy elaborate floats. He says there’s a Mardi Gras celebration for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for.

Cut 7 (12) “…over Louisiana.”  
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Governor Jeff Landry’s proposed 44 million dollar budget is now in the hands of state lawmakers. There is 198-million dollars in the budget to maintain the temporary $2,000 pay raise teachers received last year. And Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the governor would like to give more money to fill hard to find math and science teaching jobs or teachers in rural areas.

Cut 5 (12) “..type of qualifications”
It’s Super Bowl Weekend and millions of people are expected to place a bet on the big game, many of those in Louisiana. Remember, you must be 21 years old to bet in our state and only in parishes with legalized gambling. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns reminding us all that while it’s fun to place a bet, do so within your means.

Cut  14 (07) “…our message.”

It’s the last weekend of Carnival season in New Orleans and Louisiana state troopers will be out in force assisting New Orleans Police. If you’re bringing children with you, Lieutenant Melissa Matey suggests taking a photo of them in what they’re wearing and be sure to text MARDIGRAS, all caps, all together to 77295.

Cut 11 (13) “…the crowd.”

The Crescent City isn’t the only place for Mardi Gras of course. There are big parades happening in Lake Charles, Houma-Thibodaux, Alexandria, and Shreveport this weekend. And while there’s a chance of heavy rain on Sunday, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says revelers know how to adjust.

Cut 8 (11) “…this year.” 

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The governor’s proposed budget maintains the pay increase teachers received last year, but it continues to be not permanent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A 67 year old Shreveport man has been arrested, after he reportedly hit a person with his vehicle intentionally.  Shreveport Police responded to the alleged assault in the 200 block of East Slattery Boulevard. Charles Meighen is charged with aggravated battery. The victim is expected to make a full recovery.

Governor Jeff Landry’s Administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 44-billion dollar budget. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the proposed budget has more dollars for State Police as the governor wants to add more troopers and form a specific troop to work with the New Orleans Police Department in fighting crime…

Cut 4 (10) “…would be.”
State Police are in New Orleans assisting NOPD for the last weekend of Carnival. Authorities are reminding revelers to use common sense to avoid becoming the victim of a crime. Lt Melissa Matey says you not to carry large amounts of cash, avoid walking in dark areas, and remember there’s safety in numbers so never walk alone.

Cut 10 (10) “…(x2) that point.”

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Revelers will be screaming “throw me something mister” this Mardi Gras weekend in all corners of the Bayou State. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

It’s Super Bowl Weekend and Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says it’s expected more than $23 billion will be legally wagered in the US.

Cut 12 (11)  “…huge weekend”  

It’s Super Bowl Weekend and  the American Gaming Association predicts 68 million people are expected to place a bet on the big game. And gaming officials say more than $23 billion will be legally wagered in the US. As for Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says , says it’s hard to predict how much will be wagered on Super Bowl 58, but he says since sports betting went live at casinos it’s grown every month and boomed even more with mobile wagering.

Cut 13 (12) “…a month.” 

Police in Farmerville and the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office are on the scene of a shooting in that area with multiple victims this morning. It happened in the area of Goldie Street and Georgia street. So far there’s been no word on the number of victims and the extent of their injuries.

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The Landry Administration has presented state lawmakers with a proposed 44-billion dollar budget. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras says the amount of state spending is about the same for next fiscal year as it is this year. He says they didn’t want to increase spending with a temporary sales tax expiring in July 2025…

Cut 3 (10) “…possibly could”  
Thousands of people from around the world will flock to the Bayou State to let the good times roll this Mardi Gras weekend. And Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says New Orleans isn’t the only city that does it big…

Cut 6  (12) “..north Louisiana.”