Tonight, President Trump will address Congress. Sean Richardson spoke with a local political analyst on what we can expect to hear.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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A very different kind of Mardi Gras parade in Eunice. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Mother Nature is expected to put a damper on Fat Tuesday. Michelle Southern reports.
Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”
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President Donald Trump delivers a primetime address to a joint session of Congress tonight. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says in Trump’s first 44 days in office the President made many changes and is pushing for more and this is his chance to explain why this is the path America should take
Cut 4 (13) “…a lot of attention.”
Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, giving Trump an advantage in promoting his legislative agenda. Hogan says Trump will focus a lot on immigration and foreign policy following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting in the oval office last week.
Cut 5 (10) “…with foreign policy.”
Democrats will present a televised response, delivered by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin. Hogan says a great deal of attention will be given to Slotkin…
Cut 6 (08) “…at the present time”
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It’s a Mardi Gras celebration in the Cajun tradition in Eunice, and it has its big finish today. The Cajun Mardi Gras festival started last Friday and wraps up today with a parade that pays tribute to the heritage and customs of the Acadian people who settled in southwest Louisiana. Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot says it attracts people from not just all across the country, but from all over the world; and he says it’s something that most people have never witnessed in their entire lives.
Cut 7 (08) “…the whole outfit.”
Mayor Fontenot says it’s actually more of a run than a parade.
Cut 8 (07) “…the whole time.”
The participants run through the countryside begging for ingredients for the gumbo that they’ll make at the end. While the weather will likely turn rainy and windy by the end, that’s not going to stop the participants – in fact, nothing has ever stopped them.
Cut 9 (05) “…they had lockdown.”
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With severe weather impacting much of the state today, many cities are adjusting their Mardi Gras parade plans. In Lafayette, Police Sergeant Robin Green says they’re moving up two parades and are cancelling a third.
Cut 10 (14) “…Gras festival parade.”
The independent parade was slated to start immediately after the Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival parade, but the weather will not hold up at that time.
Cut 11 (09) “…expected to start.”
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(Watch for updates in the following story)
As of right now, New Orleans is planning on holding two parades and moving them earlier with the high winds rolling in. The Zulu parade will start to roll at 6:30 a.m., followed by the Rex parade. There will be no marching krewes, bands or truck floats, and both routes are being shortened. The trucker parade has been cancelled and is rescheduled for Sunday morning. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the city is working hard to maintain important traditions.
Cut 12 (10) “…going to try.”
Kirkpatrick says there’s still a chance that she may need to cancel the Zulu and Rex parades altogether.
Cut 13 (13) “…at that point.”
If the parades do roll this morning, Kirkpatrick is urging you to go to the bathroom ahead of time. Due to the forecasted high winds, there will be no porta-potties along the routes.
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Mardi Gras is always a festive occasion in Louisiana. But this year, Mother Nature has other plans. The entire state is bracing for severe weather today. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says in the New Orleans area…
Cut 14 (09) “…finally tapering off.”
And it’s much of the same further west, including Lafayette and Lake Charles. Keim says after noon, winds will start to really pick up.
Cut 15 (05) “…miles per hour.”
A high wind warning is in effect in Southeast Louisiana from nine this morning to nine tonight.
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LSU has moved up to number one in D-1 Baseball’s Top 25 ranking. The 11-and-1 Tigers are ranked ahead of Tennessee who is undefeated on the season. D-1 baseball’s Aaron Fitt on why LSU has a slight edge over the defending national champs…
Cut 16 (18) “…LSU rotation.”
Fitt says LSU’s offense looks very good through the first dozen games of the season. He says Tigers first baseman Jared Jones could be in store for a big season…
Cut 17 (20) “…terrifying presence.”
Second baseman Daniel Dickinson is emerging as a star. The transfer from Utah Valley is leading the Tigers with 21 RBIs. Dickinson didn’t have a single scholarship offer from a Division One school coming out of high school in Seattle, but that didn’t stop him.
Cut 18 (14) “…like that.”
LSU right-handed pitcher Casan Evans was named the Southeastern Conference co-freshman of the week. The Houston product recorded a save against nationally ranked Dallas Baptist and got the win on Friday against Kansas State. Evans was also a very good high school shortstop, but he’s only focusing on pitching at LSU….
Cut 19 (11) “…easier now.”