LABI reacts to the 2023-24 budget proposed by Governor John Bel Edwards. The total cost of the budget is around $45.7 billion. The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President and CEO, Stephen Waguespack says it’s imperative to have a fiscal balance…:

CUT 10(07)      “…two years.”

The regular legislative session – a short, “fiscal-only” session – begins on April 10.

Pineville Police are taking to the skies in an effort to curb crime. Chief Darrell Basco says their newest drone won’t require an operator to be called in when needed and it’s accessible for the patrol division 24/7. And it’s not your average drone, he says it allows them to see things in real-time…:

CUT 13(09)      “…consumer drone.”

The drone is valued at $12-thousand.

The latest AARP COVID dashboard indicates the early wave of coronavirus cases in nursing homes appears to have peaked. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says, if you have a loved one in a nursing home, ask the facility what their COVID protocols are and do they have enough PPE…:

CUT 05(07)      “…several months.”

Muhl worries about a post-Mardi Gras surge in cases among the elderly, who are most at risk.

Deputies in Calcasieu Parish are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that happened Saturday night in the town of Sparks. Officers say 42-year-old Tyrel Thompson was not wearing a DOT-approved helmet and was riding recklessly, when he went off the road and hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A blood tox sample was taken, because they believe he was impaired at the time of the crash.