Tonight, President Trump will address Congress. Sean Richardson spoke with a local political analyst on what we can expect to hear.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A very different kind of Mardi Gras parade in Eunice. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Mother Nature is expected to put a damper on Fat Tuesday. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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President Donald Trump delivers a primetime address to a joint session of Congress tonight. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says in Trump’s first 44 days in office the President made many changes and is pushing for more and this is his chance to explain why this is the path America should take

Cut 4 (13) “…a lot of attention.”

Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, giving Trump an advantage in promoting his legislative agenda. Hogan says Trump will focus a lot on immigration and foreign policy following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting in the oval office last week.

Cut 5 (10) “…with foreign policy.”

Democrats will present a televised response, delivered by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin.  Hogan says a great deal of attention will be given to Slotkin…

Cut 6 (08) “…at the present time”

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It’s a Mardi Gras celebration in the Cajun tradition in Eunice, and it has its big finish today. The Cajun Mardi Gras festival started last Friday and wraps up today with a parade that pays tribute to the heritage and customs of the Acadian people who settled in southwest Louisiana. Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot says it attracts people from not just all across the country, but from all over the world; and he says it’s something that most people have never witnessed in their entire lives.

Cut 7 (08) “…the whole outfit.”

Mayor Fontenot says it’s actually more of a run than a parade.

Cut 8 (07) “…the whole time.”

The participants run through the countryside begging for ingredients for the gumbo that they’ll make at the end. While the weather will likely turn rainy and windy by the end, that’s not going to stop the participants – in fact, nothing has ever stopped them.

Cut 9 (05)  “…they had lockdown.”

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With severe weather impacting much of the state today, many cities are adjusting their Mardi Gras parade plans. In Lafayette, Police Sergeant Robin Green says they’re moving up two parades and are cancelling a third.

Cut 10 (14) “…Gras festival parade.”

The independent parade was slated to start immediately after the Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival parade, but the weather will not hold up at that time.

Cut 11 (09) “…expected to start.”

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(Watch for updates in the following story)

As of right now, New Orleans is planning on holding two parades and moving them earlier with the high winds rolling in. The Zulu parade will start to roll at 6:30 a.m., followed by the Rex parade. There will be no marching krewes, bands or truck floats, and both routes are being shortened. The trucker parade has been cancelled and is rescheduled for Sunday morning. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the city is working hard to maintain important traditions.

Cut 12 (10) “…going to try.”

Kirkpatrick says there’s still a chance that she may need to cancel the Zulu and Rex parades altogether.

Cut 13 (13)  “…at that point.”

If the parades do roll this morning, Kirkpatrick is urging you to go to the bathroom ahead of time. Due to the forecasted high winds, there will be no porta-potties along the routes.

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Mardi Gras is always a festive occasion in Louisiana. But this year, Mother Nature has other plans. The entire state is bracing for severe weather today. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says in the New Orleans area…

Cut 14 (09) “…finally tapering off.”

And it’s much of the same further west, including Lafayette and Lake Charles. Keim says after noon, winds will start to really pick up.

Cut 15 (05) “…miles per hour.”

A high wind warning is in effect in Southeast Louisiana from nine this morning to nine tonight.

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LSU has moved up to number one in D-1 Baseball’s Top 25 ranking. The 11-and-1 Tigers are ranked ahead of Tennessee who is undefeated on the season. D-1 baseball’s Aaron Fitt on why LSU has a slight edge over the defending national champs…

Cut 16 (18) “…LSU rotation.”

Fitt says LSU’s offense looks very good through the first dozen games of the season. He says Tigers first baseman Jared Jones could be in store for a big season…

Cut 17 (20)  “…terrifying presence.”

Second baseman Daniel Dickinson is emerging as a star. The transfer from Utah Valley is leading the Tigers with 21 RBIs. Dickinson didn’t have a single scholarship offer from a Division One school coming out of high school in Seattle, but that didn’t stop him.

Cut 18 (14)  “…like that.”

LSU right-handed pitcher Casan Evans was named the Southeastern Conference co-freshman of the week. The Houston product recorded a save against nationally ranked Dallas Baptist and got the win on Friday against Kansas State. Evans was also a very good high school shortstop, but he’s only focusing on pitching at LSU….

Cut 19 (11) “…easier now.”

Mardi Gras parades will not be rolling in Jefferson Parish tomorrow. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says parades by the Krewe of Argus and the Elks Krewe of Jeffersonians have been called off due to high winds. Sheng says this is not a decision that she wanted to make, but the possibility of 60 mile an hour gusts left her with no other choice.

Cut 5 (14) “…work with us.”

New Orleans. meanwhile, is working to fit in its parades. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and the Krewe of Rex will still hold their parades – Zulu at 7 a.m. and Rex at 9 a.m. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says while Mayor LaToya Cantrell certainly has input and influence, she’s not the final decision-maker in this instance.

Cut 23 (04) “…of that decision.”

Authorities have made at least one arrest in a shooting that wounded five people after the Mardi Gras parade in Franklinton last night. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (24) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with U-S Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollands on how to deal with the effects of bird flu and how to get egg prices under control.

Cut 9 (19)  “…and for poultry.”

Mother Nature is picking the wrong day to inundate Louisiana with severe weather. Meteorologist Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says severe weather is forecast to move across North Louisiana, but could it possibly extend south into Central Louisiana.

Cut 7 (05) “…south of I-10.”

Either way, that’s going to put a damper on Mardi Gras parades for Fat Tuesday as Carnival season draws to a close. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng has cancelled both of tomorrow’s parades due to high winds. Sheng says if those wind speeds are high enough to keep buses and Entergy crews off the roads, they’re certainly high enough to make conditions for a parade unsafe.

Cut 4 (14) “…tents, chairs, tarps.”

While parades in Jefferson Parish have been called off for tomorrow, we’re still awaiting official word from New Orleans on the status of its parades. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says with tomorrow being the end of Carnival season, rescheduling parades is much more tricky.  

Cut 25 (09) “…do to reschedule.”

Arnold says while some floats are built to withstand high winds, others are a lot older and are less likely to do so. A little further west, parade times have been moved up in the towns of Kaplan, Crowley, New Roads and Franklin with severe weather moving in.

Fat Tuesday could be marred by severe weather. Meteorologist Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the severe weather threat begins tomorrow morning….

Cut 6 (11) “…there as well.”

As such, the weather is putting a damper on Mardi Gras parades. In Jefferson Parish, President Cynthia Lee Sheng says high winds in the forecast will make parade conditions unsafe; and thus, all parades tomorrow are cancelled. 

Cut 3 (11) “…hour is possible.” 

President Sheng says if those wind speeds are high enough to keep buses and Entergy crews off the roads, they’re certainly high enough to make conditions for a parade unsafe. Parade times have been moved up in the towns of Kaplan, Crowley and Franklin.

While Lafayette will be the first city in Louisiana to get a Buc-ee’s, Ruston won’t be too far behind. Infrastructure work will get underway next week for the new Buc-ee’s there, with travel center construction starting in about five weeks, Mayor Ronny Walker says the store will benefit all facets of the city.

Cut 12 (08) “…taxes also.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s frustrated that veterans are having trouble getting services from the Veterans Administration; and thus, he’s introducing two bills to address it. The first one is called the VetPAC Act, which would create a policy advisory commission to review the Veterans Health Administration.

Cut 14 (12) “…to patient care.”

The other bill is the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act, which would create an independent organization to assess the quality of care.

The application window for the new L-A GATOR scholarship program is now open. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With a measles outbreak threatening the state, Congressman Troy Carter is urging Louisiana residents to take precautions. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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While Lafayette will be the first Louisiana city with a Buc-ee’s, it will soon have company. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The application window for the new L-A GATOR program is now open. It opened at nine Saturday morning. L-A GATOR is the state’s new program that provides education scholarship accounts to families. Germain Gilson, the assistant superintendent of the office of school choice, says besides being Louisiana residents, students need to meet one of these requirements.

Cut 4 (13) “…the previous year…”

…or their family earns no more than two and a half times the federal poverty level. Gilson says the program will only have a limited amount of money, which will be determined by the legislature in the upcoming budget session, and the money will be awarded on a priority basis.

Cut 5 (14) “…are a priority.”

Gilson says the money does not necessarily have to be used for private school tuition.

Cut 6 (12) “…or uniforms.”

Students who will be attending public school are ineligible for the L-A GATOR program.

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U.S. Congressman Troy Carter is urging Louisiana residents to take precautions against a potential measles outbreak in the state. He emphasizes the importance of vaccination, citing the highly contagious nature of the disease and the risk it poses, especially to unvaccinated people.

Cut 7 (08) “…moving forward.”

He also calls on healthcare providers and public health officials to increase awareness and accessibility to vaccinations. Given the recent rise in measles cases across the country, Carter stresses the urgency of proactive measures to prevent further spread.

Cut 8 (10) “…through vaccination.”

Carter encourages community members to stay informed, follow public health guidelines, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.

Cut 9 (05)  “…next steps might be.”

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Ruston will begin infrastructure work next week for the new Buc-ee’s, with travel center construction starting in about five weeks, Mayor Ronny Walker announced. He called the project a major economic boost for Ruston, Grambling, and the region.

Cut 10 (15) “…it’s a huge plus.”

Walker says Ruston is investing 8-million-dollars to improve the I-20 Tarbutton Road interchange, expected to take 10-12 months, while Buc-ee’s construction will take 12-15 months.

Cut 11 (09) “…handle all the traffic.”

Walker says the benefits of the store go beyond just the city of Ruston that the store will bring to the area.

Cut 12 (08) “…taxes also.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s frustrated that veterans are having trouble getting services from the Veterans Administration. Therefore, he’s doing something about it.

Cut 13 (07)  “…care veterans receive.”

The first one is called the VetPAC Act, which he’s introducing along with Hawaii Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono. It would create a policy advisory commission to review the Veterans Health Administration, which would be an independent commission of 17 members.

Cut 14 (12) “…to patient care.”

The other bill he’s introducing is the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act.

Cut 15 (11) “…to other providers.”

Cassidy is introducing that bill with Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn.

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The seventh-ranked LSU Lady Tigers coughed up a 15-point third quarter lead lost to unranked Ole Miss, 85-77. It was LSU’s second consecutive loss and only their fourth loss of the season. Senior Aneesah Morrow scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, making it her 100th career double-double. After the game, Morros said despite the loss, it’s still a very special milestone.

Cut 16 (19) “…in this generation.”

The Lady Tigers were without superstar Flau’Jae Johnson, who was out with inflammation in her shin. Coach Kim Mulkey said especially since the game meant nothing in terms of their seed in the SEC Tournament, it was her decision to keep Johnson out of the game.

Cut 17 (21)  “…decided after Alabama.”

LSU finishes the regular season with a record of 27-and-4, 12-and-4 in the SEC. After a double-bye, they play next on Friday; their opponent is yet to be determined.

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Former LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell is expected to be a top-ten pick in the NFL draft, but some question whether he can play tackle in the NFL because of his short arms. He measured 32 5/8 inches at the NFL draft combine on Sunday. NFL teams prefer tackles with 34 or 35 inch arms. Campbell is confident he can play offensive tackle in the NFL…

Cut 18 (18)  “…different defenders.”

Campbell was a three-year starter at LSU. In his final 30 games, he allowed only two sacks while playing in the toughest conference in America. Campbell puts his resume up against any of the other tackles…

Cut 19 (17) “..separates me.”

The Saints have the ninth overall selection in the NFL draft. Campbell confirms one of the teams he spoke with at the Combine was the Black and Gold. He says it would be an honor to play for the Saints…

Cut 20 (14) “…everything to me.”

Mardi Gras is not just for New Orleans. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who’s riding in the Krewe of Bacchus parade Sunday evening, says there are Mardi Gras parades throughout the whole state, and each celebration is different.

Cut 10 (09) “…things and themes.”

Stacy Brown, the president of Visit Shreveport-Bossier, says Mardi Gras is something that the region greatly embraces.

Cut 6 (09) “…Louisiana as well.”

In fact, there will be two parades in Shreveport-Bossier City this weekend.

Cut 7 (08) “…of Highland parades.”

Carnival season wraps up on Fat Tuesday there with a children’s parade in the parking lot at Pierre Bossier Mall. Brown says in all, the Mardi Gras parades are a huge economic driver for the region.

Mardi Gras is the time when doctor’s offices see the most patients needing treatment for head injuries. Common causes include tripping on curbs, falling off floats, or getting hit while scrambling for beads. Ochsner Neurology Group Nurse Practitioner Kadyn Brooks says always be aware of your surroundings,

Cut 12 (11) “…with your head.”

As Mardi Gras approaches, do you know where your shrimp is coming from? A study found that one-third of restaurants sampled in Lafayette that claimed to be serving locally-caught shrimp were actually serving imported shrimp instead, in violation of a new state law. Sherry Blanchard, a board member at the Southern Shrimp Alliance, says the law also enhances enforcement by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 4 (13) “…by the retailers.”

It’s the weekend before Mardi Gras — do you know where your shrimp is coming from? A new study shows one-third of restaurants in Lafayette claim their shrimp is locally caught when it’s actually imported. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Mardi Gras isn’t just for New Orleans – it’s something that the whole state celebrates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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It’s the weekend before Mardi Gras — do you know where your shrimp is coming from? At some restaurants, the answer might be a tad misleading. A study found that in Lafayette, one-third of restaurants sampled that claimed to be serving locally-caught shrimp were actually serving imported shrimp instead. Sherry Blanchard, a board member at the Southern Shrimp Alliance, imported shrimp is a lot less safe.

Cut 3 (14) “…polluted waters.”

Louisiana’s seafood disclosure law, first enacted in 2008, was recently strengthened. As of the beginning of this year, restaurants must explicitly state seafood origins and include disclaimers if serving imported products. Blanchard says the law also enhances enforcement by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 4 (13) “…by the retailers.”

Blanchard says the U-S needs to have higher standards Like Europe and Japan for imported seafood.

Cut 5 (06) “…we will eat anything.”

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Mardi Gras is a celebration that the entire State of Louisiana gets into, not just New Orleans. That includes the cities on the opposite end of the state – Shreveport and Bossier City.

Cut 6 (09) “…Louisiana as well.”

Stacy Brown, the president of Visit Shreveport-Bossier, says there will be two parades this weekend.

Cut 7 (08) “…of Highland parades.”

Brown says Shreveport-Bossier City puts its own spin on Mardi Gras throws.

Cut 8 (11) “…of great things.”

Carnival season in Shreveport-Bossier City wraps up on Fat Tuesday with a children’s parade in the parking lot at Pierre Bossier Mall. Brown says in all, the Mardi Gras parades are a huge economic driver for the region.

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One big misconception is that Mardi Gras is strictly a New Orleans staple. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has been working to dispel that notion. He got the idea to promote Mardi Gras as a family-friendly statewide celebration after talking to a counterpart at a lieutenant governor’s conference.

Cut 9 (09)  “…didn’t realize it.”

Nungesser says each Mardi Gras celebration throughout the state is different.

Cut 10 (09) “…things and themes.”

Nungesser says even those who regularly take in Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans should expand their horizons.

Cut 11 (11) “…of the state.”

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Mardi Gras in Louisiana is a time of fun, parades, and celebration, but it also comes with risks—especially head injuries. Common causes include tripping on curbs, falling off floats, or getting hit while scrambling for beads. Ochsner Neurology Group Nurse Practitioner Kadyn Brooks says to stay safe, be aware of your surroundings,

Cut 12 (11) “…with your head.”

Brooks says to drink responsibly, as alcohol affects balance and coordination.

Cut 13 (12)  “…oncoming traffic.”

Brooks says know the symptoms of head injuries and if you suspend a head injury to go to an urgent care facility.

Cut 14 (06) “…sound sensitivity.”

One big misconception is that Mardi Gras is strictly a New Orleans staple. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has been working to dispel that notion. He got the idea to promote Mardi Gras as a family-friendly statewide celebration after talking to a counterpart at a lieutenant governor’s conference.

Cut 9 (09)  “…didn’t realize it.”

Celebrations are also happening this weekend in Shreveport and Bossier City. 

Cut 6 (09) “…Louisiana as well.”

Stacy Brown, the president of Visit Shreveport-Bossier, says there will be two parades this weekend.

Cut 7 (08) “…of Highland parades.”

And there will be one more parade on Fat Tuesday with a children’s parade in the parking lot at Pierre Bossier Mall.

It’s the weekend before Mardi Gras — do you know where your shrimp is coming from? A new study shows one-third of restaurants in Lafayette claim their shrimp is locally caught when it’s actually imported. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Mardi Gras is now just days away, and Carnival parades are ramping up in earnest this weekend. Sunday evening, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will be aboard one of the floats in the Krewe of Bacchus parade – as will NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal. Nungesser says Shaq will be on float in front of his – and that’s a good thing, because he says he cannot compete with the former LSU star.

Cut 6 (08) “…is for Louisiana.”

A Lake Charles man’s sexual battery conviction was thrown out and the judge declared a new trial after an incident during jury deliberations involving a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s captain. Sheriff Stitch Guillory says this throws out the conviction of 42-year-old Joshua Boyd.

Cut 10 (10) “…uphold the conviction.”

A man is convicted in a murder-for-hire in Terrebonne Parish. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tonight marks the final time ULM’s Keith Richard (REE-shard) will coach his team in Fant-Ewing Coliseum. Richard is retiring at the end of the season, following 15 years as a head coach at his alma mater. Richard also played at ULM, was a grad assistant and an assistant coach.

A Kaplan man faces mandatory life in prison following his conviction in a murder-for-hire plot in Terrebonne Parish. Beaux Cormier (korm-ee-AY) was found guilty of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with the 2021 murder-for-hire deaths of his sister and her neighbor. Terrebonne Parish Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert says they decided not to seek the death penalty.

Cut 15 (07) “…death penalty case.”

Several gang members are under arrest and several more are still on the loose in connection with fights at Pecanland Mall and Hibbett Sports in Monroe. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan says it’s strong in their gang-culture to post videos to social media, and police have the technology to monitor those outlets.

Cut 9 (13)  “…individuals to justice.”

A new trial was granted in a sexual battery case in Calcasieu Parish after the verdict was thrown out after an incident involving a CPSO captain. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Carnival parades are ramping up this weekend with Mardi Gras now just days away, and it looks like the weather is going to cooperate. Temperatures statewide will be in the low to mid-70s tomorrow and in the 60s on Sunday. There is, however, a chance for thunderstorms late in the day on Fat Tuesday.