2:30 LRN Newscast February 25

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.”

If you’re going to parades between now and Fat Tuesday, Governor John bel Edwards has a message: pack out your trash. The Governor is happy to see Mardi Gras return as the pandemic winds down, but he’s concerned for the huge amounts of litter parades create. He just asks that you pick up your own and toss it in the trash.

 

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, and make him an international pariah. Fellow Senator Bill Cassidy says tougher sanctions than what President Biden has imposed are called for…:

CUT 08(13)      “…fell apart.”

A decorated Marine Corp general and Louisiana native shares his view of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Major General Ron Richard – now retired – says while we watch what Russia’s doing, we must also keep close watch and China and its aggression toward Taiwan. He worries the U.S. has “grown soft”…:

CUT 14(13)      “…a stark difference.”

12:30 LRN Newscast February 25

U.S. Senator John Kennedy says it’s time to make Russian President Vladimir Putin a pariah. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Retired Marine Corps General and native Louisianan Ron Richard says Putin’s decision to go into Ukraine was ill-informed and unfounded, but nevertheless unexpected…:

CUT 13(07)      “…western allies”

 

The big Mardi Gras weekend means LOTS of parades all across our state, and while Governor John Bel Edwards is happy to see festivities back after the pandemic, he’s still worried about the trash we leave behind. Mr. Edwards recently launched a Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force which will provide policy solutions this summer to address the state’s litter issues. The governor also wants US to be mindful of litter at Mardi Gras parades…:

CUT 05(03)      “…don’t pollute.”

..and now today’s markets…

Rain is moving out of the state, bringing us slightly warmer and more pleasant weather for parades Saturday. Look for highs in the 50’s and 60’s. Mardi Gras? Sunny and near 70.

11:30 LRN Newscast February 25

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.

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. Edwards is asking revelers to NOT leave their trash along the route…:

CUT 04(09)      “…clean and tidy.”

 

A Monroe state Representative files legislation that, if passed, would require pharmacists to fill so-called off-label medications. Republican lawmaker Mike Echols says off-label drugs are any that are prescribed for a patient that have not been approved by peer groups or the FDA. He says, during the pandemic, a number of doctors reported good results with treating COVID patients with Ivermectin, but official focus was placed on using the vaccines – not any therapeutic drugs – so pharmacists refused to fill them. Echols says it’s not for the FDA, the AMA or the CDC to decide what legal meds your doctor and pharmacist can provide you, and his bill would put that into state statutes…:

CUT 28(09)      “…those relationships.”

Police in New Orleans say a teen shot Thursday night on the Krewe of Muses parade route was trying to break up a fight. NOPD says witnesses report the boy was shot several times and is now in serious condition. An investigation is underway.

4:30 LRN Newscast February 24

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is worried about rising prices as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Strain says Ukraine has some of the most fertile soil in the world and is a major exporter of wheat and grain and now the supply for these bread-making ingredients is tightening…:

CUT 13 (08)     “…very significant”

Strain says Russia is a major exporter of natural gas, which is needed to produce fertilizer, and the cost of that is already sky high.

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee says they’ve been receiving intelligence for some time the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a real possibility…:

CUT 07(13)      “…real threat.”

 

The director of the LSU’s Center for Energy Studies says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not good for our wallet. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Leesville Police are investigating the death of a 13-year-old boy who went missing last week. James Foraker’s remains were found Wednesday during a search of some local woods where he liked to hang out. Police say the boy’s death appears to be a suicide, but they are conducting a full investigation.

3:30 LRN Newscast February 24

The Russian invasion of Ukraine spurs more concerns from Louisiana’s Congressional delegates. Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson says the Biden White House needs to hit Vladimir Putin with harsh sanctions as quickly as possible…:

CUT 09(09)      “…since World War II”

Johnson says the U.S. doesn’t have what’s needed to put boots on the ground to defend Ukraine right now, but bipartisan action from Congress and Biden will do a lot to deter Russia.

The principal of West St. Mary High School, in Baldwin, is arrested for theft. St. Mary Sheriff’s deputies say 41-year-old Donald Sanders III allegedly took somewhere between 1-thousand and 5-thousand dollars from the school. His bail has not yet been set.

 

The invasion of Ukraine has given already high inflation a boost. Gasoline prices are already spiking. LSU energy policy expert David Dismukes says the statewide average cost is $3.31, and it could hit $4.00 if high demand for gas continues…:

CUT 04(11)      “…prices go.”

Meanwhile the state’s Public Service Commission asks companies who provide power, water, cable TV and internet to be on guard against cyber-attack, as Russia’s aggression may not be limited to airstrikes and troops. New Orleans PSC Member Lambert Boissiere says instability like this is prime time for cyber criminals seeking to disrupt business…:

CUT 06(09)      “…power flowing.”

A St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputy is fired and arrested on dozens of counts of child pornography and sexual abuse involving animals. Corporal Chris Cassidy had been a deputy since 2006.

2:30 LRN Newscast February 24

Shreveport-Bossier Congressman Mike Johnson says U.S. action to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine must be swift. Brooke Thorington has more….:

CUT 02(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

LSU energy policy expert David Dismukes says the Russian invasion is certain to aggravate inflation…:

CUT 03(10)      “…even worse.”

 

The Public Service Commission is urging Louisiana utilities, electric, gas, and water to step up their vigilance against cyber attack, amid the instability in Ukraine. New Orleans area PSC member Lambert Boissiere says Russia’s aggression may not be limited to only military actions…:

CUT 05(08)      “…computers these days.”

New COVID numbers from the Department of Health show fewer than 1000 new cases of the virus, with just over 600 people statewide in the hospital. About 70-percent of those are not fully vaxxed.

The LSU baseball team lost one to Louisiana Tech last night; the first time that’s happened since 1998. The #15 ranked Bulldogs beat the 8th-ranked Tigers 11-6, giving Tech a 4-and-0 start. Tech broadcaster Dave Nitz says more big games are ahead for Tech, so celebrations will have to wait…:

CUT 10(12)      “…next week.”

4:30 LRN Newscast February 23

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.

3:30 LRN Newscast February 23

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.”

2:30 LRN Newscast February 23

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.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast February 22

Two Jefferson Parish Sheriff deputies are charged with manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a Marrero man last week. Brooke Thorington reports the shooting came as deputies surrounded Daniel Vallee’s SUV…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Lafayette Police are investigating a fatal crash yesterday that claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy. It happened Monday afternoon, and closed down a busy intersection on Louisiana Avenue for quite some time. The boy died from injuries sustained in the wreck. The investigation of the crash is ongoing.

 

Louisiana’s delegates in Congress are speaking up, as Russia appears to be invading eastern Ukraine. Senator Bill Cassidy says economic sanctions backed Russia down when Reagan was in office…:

CUT 09(12)      “…you name it.”

Congressman Mike Johnson, from Shreveport, says the Biden White House has done too little, too late…:

CUT 11(11)      “…this dilemma.”

Johnson believes the U.S. should have supplied Ukraine with anti-tank missiles and defense systems.

Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain has been sentenced to four life sentences, plus another 30 years; his punishment after being found guilty of aggravated rape and incest. The 60-year-old Strain served as St. Tammany Parish’s top LEO from 1995 to 2016.