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.

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.

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 8^th-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.”

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 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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.

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee says even with the Biden Administration is announcing a new set of sanctions aimed at Russian banks and technology firms and possibly new export controls also but feels it’s too little too late.

Cut 8 (10) “…in the US.” 

As U-S for boots on the ground in Ukraine, Johnson says we don’t have the capability of doing that right now.

It was a big night for La Tech Wednesday as they knocked off the 8^th ranked LSU Tigers on the diamond. Bulldog announcer David Nitz says the crowd showed up early and it was an electric atmosphere and a sign of things to come.

Cut 11 (16)   “…at Louisiana Tech.”  

The score was 11-6.

The Public Service Commission is urging Louisiana utilities, electric, gas, and water to step up their vigilance on cyber security as a result of the unrest caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Most cyber-attacks are financially motivated, but PSC member Lambert Boissiere says attackers are also looking to disrupt businesses.

Cut 6 (09) “…power flowing.”

–

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

Cut 7 (13) “… a real threat.”

–

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.”

–

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent the price of a barrel of crude oil above 100-dollars for the first time since 2014. Gasoline prices are also expected to rise. According to Louisiana Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.31. Executive Director for the Center for Energy Studies at LSU, David Dismukes says gasoline prices could exceed four dollars a gallon, if demand remains high…
cut 4 (11) “…prices go”
The Public Service Commission is urging Louisiana utilities, electric, gas, and water to step up their vigilance on cyber security as a result of the unrest caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. PSC member Lambert Boissiere
Cut 5 (08) “…computers these days.”

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.

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.”
The Gaming Control Board still needs to approve the sporttrade platform.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sparked oil prices to soar past 100-dollars this morning for the first time since July 2014. Executive director at the Center for Energy Studies, David Dismukes, says inflation is already high and the invasion will only push prices higher

Cut 3 (10) “…even worse”

EBT cardholders in Louisiana can now purchase groceries online at Walmart. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Marketa Garner Walters says in addition to being convenient it’s life-changing for those who have limited transportation, however, EBT funds cannot be used to pay delivery fees.

Cut 15 (11)  “…pay for that.”

New Orleans Representative Candice Newell’s (New-elle) wants to lay the groundwork for more for cannabis facilities to operate in Louisiana if recreational marijuana is legalized. During the pandemic when so many Louisiana staples were halted, states with legalized cannabis still collected revenue from the industry.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the state.”

She’s introducing such legislation in March.

After a year off due to COVID, Mardi Gras – and its economic impact on Louisiana is back. LSU economics professor Dr. Dek 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.”