LRN PM Newscall 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 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (33)…I’m David Grubb.”  

______________________________________

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 take responsibility for their own garbage…

Cut 3 (11) “…when you’re celebrating”

Edwards is asking parade-goers not to leave their trash along the route…

Cut 4 (09) “…tidy”

Edwards recently launched a Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force which will provide policy solutions this summer to address the state’s litter issue. The governor also wants people to focus on reducing litter at Mardi Gras parades…

Cut 5 (03) “..don’t pollute”

__________________________________________________

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 6 (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…

Cut 7 (08) “…assets here.” 

Kennedy says Russia should also be removed from the SWIFT financial system, which is an international payment system.

Senator Bill Cassidy is also calling for tougher sanctions than what President Biden has imposed

Cut 8 (13) “…fell apart” 

Cassidy does not believe the U-S should send troops but strengthen U-S forces in NATO countries.

_______________________________________________________

After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Mardi Gras is back. As the head of the state’s tourism industry, the return of visitors and their wallets is a welcome sight for Nungesser, especially after Louisiana businesses missed out on millions last year due to the pandemic.

Cut 9 (13) “…incredible numbers.”

While Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans, Carnival celebrations continue to grow throughout 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. While others have predicted a slow and steady return to normal, Nungesser believes the state is poised to make a big comeback over the next few months.

Cut 11 (10)   “…to those numbers.”  

__________________________________________

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 seeming worries of Ukraine joining NATO were never really going to happen…:

Cut 12 (12) “…to be a member.”  

In his career, Richard (pron: ree-shard) has served in Vietnam, commanded Camp Lejeune and much more. He has seen his share of military action and intrigue. During an appearance on “Talk Louisiana” with Jim Engster, Richard says Putin’s decision to go into Ukraine was ill-informed and unfounded, but nevertheless unexpected…:

cut 13 (07) “…western allies.”

Richard says recent events have made nations unfriendly to the West and to democracy bolder, and more likely to aggression. Richard says, while we watch what Russian will do, 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.”