Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves has been named the top Republican on the newly reformed Climate Crisis panel. The panel, which has no subpoena or legislative authority, was brought back to life by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi amidst calls by a new wave of progressive lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for a powerful committee that would flesh out the details of the Green New Deal. Graves says the GND doesn’t pass the laugh test and looks forward to it being discussed at the panel.

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Authorities suspect the plane that lost contact with the tower yesterday shortly after launching from the Shreveport Downtown Airport may be located just north of the airport in the Red River. The plane was headed to Vernon, Texas, and KEEL is reporting it contained one passenger and the pilot. When asked whether anyone had survived the incident, Caddo Parish Spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says they have not heard from anyone on the flight.

Cut 11 (08)   “…on board.”

Lafayette is a celebration hotspot for carnival season with more festivities kicking off tonight.  Matt Doyle has the story.

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Louisiana has declared a state of emergency as the Mississippi River approaches flood levels. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says being prepared for flooding is imperative and it can start by going online…

Cut 8 (12) “…severe weather.”