A lawmaker wants to change the state’s term-limit law, giving legislators the ability to serve four four-year terms, instead of three. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Bossier Parish deputies arrest a Haughton man for alleged child sex crimes. 55-year-old Conrad Williams was taken into custody after an investigation found evidence he’d taken explicit photos of himself and shared them with minors on social media. His combined bond on all charges comes to nearly a million bucks.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Senator Bill Cassidy says sanctions are beginning to cripple Russia financially and the U.S. should still not commit troops, via air, sea, or ground to assist because Ukraine is not an article five-country with NATO…:

CUT 03(10)      “…prepare for war.”

Cassidy feels the U.S. should send troops into countries neighboring Ukraine, in case Russia’s ambitions should spread.

Swearing off Russian vodka to show solidarity? Acadiana-based J.T. Meleck Distributors suggest you try their Louisiana-made rice vodka. Here’s Meleck’s CEO Mike Fruge…:

CUT 08(12)      “…at the distillery.”

J.T. Meleck is one of the few producers of rice vodka not based in Asia.

Louisiana’s Republican Congressional Delegation are disappointed with President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. Senator John Kennedy says the President has mismanaged the economy, mismanaged Covid, and has forfeited America’s energy independence and Mr. Biden’s plan is to stay the course..:

CUT 12(08)      “…doing it.”

But Democrat District 2 Congressman Troy Carter feels the President laid out a clear plan of how he’ll lower costs for average Americans.

Meanwhile, on the Ukraine invasion by Russia, Senator Bill Cassidy says he and many others favor sanctions against Russia, and weapons support for Ukraine and others at risk…:

CUT 05(12)      “…like Poland.”

Cassidy applauds private companies for also taking steps to discourage Putin’s invasion.

A Lafayette state lawmaker wants to add four more years to term limits for he and his colleagues at the State Capitol. Republican House member Stuart Bishop says it takes years to learn “the ropes” of state government, and many are just getting savvy as their term limits come up…:

CUT 11(11)      “…this anymore.”

This is Bishop’s last term in office and he does not plan on running for a Senate seat, so this legislation would not benefit him personally.

State Police ask us to be on the lookout for Bailey Frederick, a 13-year-old New Iberia girl who MAY be in danger. Bailey was last seen Sunday morning; getting out of a late model gray Dodge or Chrysler sedan. Witnesses say she seemed to be scared. Call the Iberia sheriff’s office … 337-369-3711

A Mardi Gras-related surge? The department of health reports 1469 new COVID cases. 412 are in hospitals statewide. Another 71 virus-related deaths are also reported by LDH.

Ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union tonight, Senator Bill Cassidy says the administration needs to address inflation that’s crushing the middle class.  Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Police in the Acadia Parish town of Church Point say they confiscated five guns during Carnival parades over the Mardi Gras weekend. Cops say they also made numerous arrests for fighting and juvenile drinking. Police Chief Dale Thibodeaux thanks residents for a mostly safe and incident-free holiday.

Less than a week after it was announced that Art Briles would be Hue Jackson’s offensive coordinator at Grambling, Briles decided to step down, resigning from the staff on Monday. The hiring was met with criticism and outrage from both within and outside of the Grambling community. UL system president Dr. Jim Henderson says the U.L. System has made student safety a priority and the hiring of Briles sent a message inconsistent with the values they have worked to promote and rules they have committed to enforce…:

CUT 04(11)      “…issue to us.”

Briles allegedly ignored or covered up more than 50 sexual and physical assaults by players during his time at Baylor.

It’s Mardi Gras Day and, earlier todaty, New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell turned over a key to the city to King Rex…:

CUT 09(11)      “…City of New Orleans needs.”

At midnight tonight, it is all over until next year.

Former disgraced Baylor football coach Art Briles has resigned from the Grambling football staff. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 01(34)      “…David Grubb.”

Speaking of Grambling …

CUT 11(12)      (music fades)

That’s Grambling State’s marching band; performing during the Zulu Parade this morning in New Orleans. It all comes to an end tonight at midnight; bringing on 40 days of Lent.

A traffic crash on Highway 84 in Desoto Parish claims the lives of a Shreveport couple; Louis and Inell Flannigan – ages 81 and 80. State Police Trooper Jon Odom says their car collided with first one, then a second big rig. Odom says impairment is NOT suspected, but blood toxicology tests are routine. He says impairment is often a factor this time of year, so stay sober, designate a sober driver or call an Uber…:

CUT 08(09)      “…lot of times.”

As President Biden prepares tonight’s State of the Union address, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy questions Mr. Biden’s weak domestic energy policies and their effect on our economy. Cassidy says now – with Russia invading Ukraine – we need to move away from Russian oil & gas…:

CUT 14(07)      “…energy future.”

The U.S. had been energy independent until just after Biden took office.

As President Biden preps for his State of the Union Address, US Senator Bill Cassidy says he believes it will clear in tonight’s speech, that the Biden Administration is not alleviating the pains impacting Americans have suffered record high inflation and steep climb in energy prices that began with the closure of the Keystone XL pipeline…:

CUT 13(11)      “…oil & gas industry.”

Cassidy refers to Lisa Cook, the first Black woman to be nominated to the Federal Reserve.

An elderly Shreveport couple was killed Monday afternoon when a Jaguar driven by 81-year-old Louis Flannigan failed to yield to an oncoming big rig along US Highway 84 in Desoto Parish. Trooper Jonathan Odom says Flannigan’s 80-year-old wife Inell was also killed. Odom says they were not wearing seatbelts…:

CUT 07(06)      “…unrestrained.”

Less than a week after it was announced that Art Briles would be Hue Jackson’s offensive coordinator at Grambling, Briles decided to step down, resigning from the staff Monday. Briles’ hiring was met with criticism and outrage from both within and outside of the Grambling community. UL system president Dr. Jim Henderson agrees with Briles’ decision…:

CUT 03(08)      “…that our process works.”

Dr. Henderson said that the UL System has made student safety a priority and that the hiring of Briles sent a message that was inconsistent with that.

Mardi Gras is back, after the pandemic cancelled everything last year. In New Orleans, parades this morning have given way to an afternoon and night of revelry in the French Quarter; leading up to midnight tonight, when rows of mounted cops clear Bourbon Street – making way for the trash pickup and street sweepers. The success of the day is measured largely by the tons of trash picked up.

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.

Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy says it’s time to expel Russian President Vladimir Putin from the international community for attacking Ukraine. Kennedy says it’s time to stand up to Putin’s aggression…:

CUT 06(06)      “…that’s Hitler.”

Kennedy is calling for a stop to all exports to Russia and the U-S should not only sanction Russian banks and government officials but also rich business leaders who keep Putin in power.

A Louisiana native and veteran military commander says Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was whole un-necessary and will put the world in turmoil. Major General Ron Richard (USMC-Retired) says Putin’s seeming worries of Ukraine joining NATO were never really going to happen…:

CUT 12(12)      “…to be a member.”

Baton Rouge Police are investigating a fatal drive-by shooting this afternoon very near the city’s Mall of Louisiana; an area not known for violent crime. BRPD reports several people were hit by gunfire and two persons are dead.

It’s the final weekend before Mardi Gras, which means big fun and hopefully big revenues for Louisiana. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

As part of his anti-litter campaign, Governor Edwards is asking all parade-goers this weekend to please pick up your own trash and dispose of it properly. If you can haul away your beads and cups, you can haul away your trash.

An experienced military commander and Louisiana native says Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is a costly mistake that everyone BUT Putin will have to bear. Major General Ron Richard (USMC-Retired) says Putin’s decision to go into Ukraine was ill-informed and unfounded, but nevertheless unexpected…:

CUT 13(07)      “…western allies.”

Police in Baton Rouge are investigating a drive-by shooting right in front of the Mall of Louisiana; an area of the city not known for violence or crime. Cops say multiple people suffered gunshot wounds, and two person are dead.

A Natchitoches man is behind bars after leading LEOs on a high speed chase and throwing a loaded semi-automatic rifle from the vehicle. 22-year-old Reggie Thompson is now a guest of the parish.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s excited Mardi Gras parades and celebrations are back in full force this year, but he doesn’t want the Carnival season to contribute to the state’s litter problem. Mr. Edwards is asking parade-goers not to leave their trash along the route…:

Cut 04  (09)      “…clean and tidy.”

Lt. Governor Bill Nungesser says hopes are high for a pretty full recovery for Mardi Gras, after the pandemic called it all off last year. While Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans, Carnival celebrations continue to grow across the state. Nungesser says his office will continue to lend its support to draw more attention and in turn more visitors to those areas…:

CUT 10(12)      “…all over Louisiana.”

Louisiana’s tourism industry as a whole has taken a hit over the last couple of years due to the pandemic as well as multiple major storms.