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.

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.”

Early this morning Russia launched their invasion of Ukraine. U-S Senator Bill Cassidy a released a statement in response saying “Russia has just become a pariah nation. Everything short of involving U.S. forces should be done to punish this action. This should be unrelenting.”

As sports betting continues to evolve, Louisiana remains at the forefront. David Grubb has more on the newest entry into the gaming market…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

EBT cardholders in Louisiana can now purchase groceries online. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Marketa Garner Walters says this is life-changing for recipients with limited transportation. Vendors must apply to the USDA for approval and so far, the only approved online vendor in Louisiana is Walmart.

Cut 14 (07)  “…pretty quickly.”

Delivery fees are not covered by EBT funds.

Among the bills pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session is New Orleans Representative Candice Newell’s (New-elle) effort to lay the groundwork for 10 cannabis production facilities to operate in Louisiana. Currently, only two are allowed to grow in the state and they supply medicinal cannabis.

Cut 7 (09) “…catch up.”

The session begins March 14^th.

After a year off due to COVID, Mardi Gras – and its economic impact on Louisiana – is back. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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As sports betting continues to evolve, Louisiana remains at the forefront. David Grubb has more on the newest entry into the gaming market…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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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.” 

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After a year off due to COVID, Mardi Gras – and its economic impact on Louisiana – is back. Merchants, hotels and restaurants are more than ready for the dollars the next 6 days will bring. LSU economics professor Dr. Dek Terrell says New Orleans alone can expect to rake in over a half-billion in sales. He says where Orleans Parish goes, the state follows…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…state of Louisiana.”

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.”

So, will Mardi Gras 2022 be a bona fide financial success? Dr. Terrell says we’ll have to wait and compare it to figures from 2020 (which was a record for revenue generated). He says this first post-pandemic Mardi Gras may fall a bit short…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…reluctant to travel still.”

Louisiana could see over $1-Billion in sales directly related to Mardi Gras and Carnival events.

_______________________________________

Among the bills pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session is New Orleans Representative Candice Newell’s (New-elle) effort to lay the groundwork for 10 cannabis production facilities to operate in Louisiana. Currently, only two are allowed to grow in the state and they supply medicinal cannabis.

Cut 7 (09) “…catch up.”

House Bill 125 authorizes the State Department of Agriculture and Forestry to issue licenses and a portion of those fees go towards background checks on operators and supervision. If the bill passes Newell says she will add a tax component in the next session and earmark where those funds would be dedicated.

Cut 8 (07)  “…childhood education.”

Newell says during the pandemic when so many staples to the state’s economy, like hospitality, and the oil and gas industry, were halted other states who have legalized cannabis were still able to collect revenue from the industry.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the state.”

The bill also requires licensees to have ownership that is at least 51-percent Louisiana residents.

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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.”

Sports trading is new to the U-S but has been active in the UK where betting exchanges account for nearly 10 percent of all wagers. Kane says it’s a concept that easy to understand and utilize because bettors no longer have to deal with point spreads or money lines.

Cut  11 (12)  “…much simpler.”  

Sporttrade made its commitment to Louisiana prior to the launch of mobile betting, based on a number of factors. The record-setting debut last month only served to reinforce the company’s decision to set up shop here.

Cut 12 (11) “…beyond our expectations.”

Sporttrade launches in New Jersey and Colorado this summer with a narrow focus on pro and college football and basketball, Major League Baseball, and pro golf.

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EBT cardholders in Louisiana can now purchase groceries online. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Marketa Garner Walters says this is a game-changer for recipients to purchase food online a convenience that was highlighted during the height of the pandemic.

Cut 13 (06) “…to do it.”

In addition to DCFS gaining approval for EBT cardholders, food vendors also must apply to the USDA also. Walters says so far, the only approved online vendor in Louisiana is Walmart.

Cut 14 (07)  “…pretty quickly.”

In addition to convenience Walters says the benefit is life-changing for those who have limited transportation, however, EBT funds cannot be used to pay delivery fees.

Cut 15 (11)  “…pay for that.”

For more information visit dcfs.louisiana.gov

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LSU football Coach Brian Kelly introduced his new defensive coordinator to the media on Wednesday. Matt House was the D-C at the University of Pittsburgh, F-I-U, and Kentucky. The past three seasons he was the linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and helped them win a Super Bowl. Kelly on why he hired House…

Cut 16 (18)  “…to Matt.”

Kelly says he wants multiple looks defensively…

Cut 17 (18) “ …as possible.” 

House says he hasn’t decided if LSU will be a four-three defense or a three-four. He says he’s still learning about the personnel before he develops a scheme…

Cut 18 (19) “ …we can become.” 

____________________________________________________

The Saints have named defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen and secondary coach Kris Richard as co-defensive coordinators. Current head coach Dennis Allen was the team’s D-C and will continue to call plays. NFL and Saints analyst Mike Detillier says New Orleans’s defense will operate much like it did when Allen was the defensive coordinator…

Cut 19 (12)_“…head coach.” 

Saints analyst Bobby Hebert says despite the reshuffling of coaches, he expects the Saints defense to carry this team again next year…

Cut 20 (22) “ …ten wins.” 

###

The Louisiana Public Service Commission approves Entergy’s request to charge its customers an additional 10-dollars a month for the next 15 years to pay for the damage done to the power grid from four hurricanes and a winter storm. PSC member Foster Campbell voted no because he believes Entergy should also pay part of the repair bill…
Cut 12 (10) “…the people.”  

Fellow PSC member Eric Skrmetta voted for the surcharge

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves predicts another surge in gasoline and electricity prices because of what he calls Russia’s veiled invasion of Ukraine. Graves says Russia is one of the largest net exporters of oil and gas in the world…

 Cut 6 (11) “…electricity bills.” 
Graves says the Ukraine-related sanctions imposed by the U-S and others will cut off Russian energy supplies.

——

AARP data shows an alarming increase in COVID transmission among Louisiana nursing homes for the month of January.  AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says staff cases increased from 102 in December to 55-hundred, and for residents, it went from 54 to 36 hundred.

Cut 3 (04) “…nursing homes.”

Bottcher expects February numbers to decrease as they usually lag two weeks behind statewide numbers.

Governor John Bel Edwards testified before the U-S Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and he asked the committee to support the Shoreline Health Oversight, Restoration, Resilience, and Enhancement Act, that allows Gulf States to receive a share of offshore oil revenues to fund restoration and protection projects, and a stronger relationship with the Army Corps of Engineers.

Cut 11 (11)   “…importance.”  

The Public Service Commission approves Entergy’s request to charge its customers an additional eight-dollars a month for the next 15 years to pay for damage done to the power grid. PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell was the lone no vote out of the five-member commission. He says it’s troubling that utility customers will see higher bills, while the Entergy’s CEO enjoys a pay raise…

cut 13 (09) “…$14-million.”

Entergy says two-point-two billion dollars in damages was done to its system following the hurricanes in 2020 and the winter storm in February 2021. The utility company says Hurricane Ida caused another one million dollars. PSC member Eric Skrmetta voted for the surcharge…

Cut 14 (12)  “…to the money spent.” 

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves predicts another surge in gasoline and electricity prices because of what he calls Russia’s veiled invasion of Ukraine. Graves says the Ukraine-related sanctions imposed by the U-S, and others will cut off Russian supplies and the best way to temper energy prices is to let American workers produce American energy.

Cut 7 (12) “…your oil.” 

Russia is one of the largest net exporters of oil and gas in the world…

For the month of January, COVID cases jumped dramatically among nursing home residents to 36-hundred from 54 in Louisiana. But AARP State Director Denise Bottcher credits the high vaccination and boosted rate of 56-percent at keeping deaths from such a dramatic increase. In January it increased to 49 from four in December.

Cut 4 (10) “…previous surges.”

Entergy is planning to ask the Public Service Commission today they can charge customers more than $3 billion to cover storm repair costs. The PSC sets consumer rates, but companies can seek repair compensation. PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell says it may be time to revisit policies, especially considering Entergy’s ever-increasing profits.

Cut 6 (12)  “…is troubling.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is facing criticism after photos surfaced of her mask less at a Mardi Gras ball. New Orleans spokesperson Beau Tidwell says she only removed the mask to eat, drink and pose for photos but the city’s mask mandate remains in place through the Mardi Gras season…

cut 14 (08) “…this time”

Caddo Parish Republican state Representative Danny McCormick has filed a bill to allow individuals to defend their property during a riot by expanding what can be considered justifiable homicide. He says watching the riots of the spring and summer of 2020 caused him to bring the bill…:

Cut  11 (07)  “…up in Oregon.”  

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has filed her Fairness in Women’s Sports Act again for the March session, the is bill that was vetoed and garnered opposition from the transgender community. Now that some transgender athletes are breaking records previously set by women Mizell says reinforces the need for her bill.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the debate.”

Her bill was vetoed by Governor Edwards who called it mean-spirited. It prompted a veto session, but lawmakers failed to reach a two-thirds majority in the House to override the veto.

Two Jefferson Parish Sheriff Deputies, Issac Hughes and Johnathan Louis face manslaughter charges after investigators say lethal force was not justified in the February 16^th shooting death of Daniel Vallee in Marrero. Sheriff Joe Lopintto says the deputies turned themselves in Monday night and were booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Facility.

Cut 5 (06) “…defense here.”

Lopinto says that force was justified in the incident but not lethal after Valle refused to exit his car and then started the vehicle.

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy supports strong economic sanctions against Russia as reports indicate Russian forces have moved into eastern Ukraine. Cassidy says Louisiana can help play a role in weakening Russia financially as that country relies heavily on revenue from natural gas…

Cut 10 (12)  “…less money.” 

Governor Edwards says Louisiana has an action plan in place for spending $600 million in federal funds to aid in Hurricanes Laura and Delta recovery. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

Two Jefferson Parish Sheriff deputies, Issac Hughes and Johnathon Louis face manslaughter charges after investigators say lethal force was not justified in the February 16^th arrest of Daniel Vallee in Marrero. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Valle was repeatedly asked to get out of his car, but he didn’t cooperate and started the car.

Cut 4 (10) “…this case.”

Lopinto says the two deputies have cooperated with investigators and their testimony matched body cam footage.

Grand Isle Councilman Elgene Gary, faces sexual battery charges related to the assault of two minors. Louisiana State Police Trooper Ross Brennan 78-year old Gary turned himself in Monday and they are asking for assistance.

Cut 14 (11)  “…these families.”

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy supports strong economic sanctions against Russia as reports indicate Russian forces have moved into eastern Ukraine and Cassidy says this establishes Russian President Vladimir Putin as an enemy of freedom. He says sanctions worked against Russia when President Ronald Regan was in office

Cut 9 (12) “…you name it”

President Biden is expected to announce new sanctions against Russia this afternoon. But Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson blames the Biden Administration for not doing more sooner…

Cut 11 (11)   “..this dilemna”  

Johnson says it’s probably too late to avoid a conflict at this point and that the U-S should have supplied Ukraine anti-tank missiles and defense systems.

Governor Edwards announced that Louisiana has an action plan in place for spending $600 million in federal funds to aid in the recovery from Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office charges two of its deputies in the fatal shooting of a man inside a vehicle last week. 29-year-old Isaac Hughes and 35-year-old Johnathan Louis have been booked with manslaughter. They were involved in the shooting of Daniel Vallee. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says their investigation has determined that lethal force was not needed.

A major project to widen Interstate 10 through Baton Rouge calls for even more lane closures and congestion for an already-busy stretch of highway. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says advance planning work begins soon and heavy construction is projected for 2024. In the meantime, he says DOTD is advancing plans to offer commuters in Ascension Parish the option of a commuter train with park-and-ride…:

Cut 6 (04)  “…certain time.”

The I-10 widening project in Baton Rouge is expected to be completed in 2027.

When an Alexandria funeral home was unable to locate nearby relatives of a 94-year-old Air Force veteran who passed away earlier this month, they contacted the baseball coach at Holy Savior Menard High School to see if he could help. Coach Jordan Marks says six members of the team served as pallbearers for Ralph Lambert.

Cut 9 (10)  “…for sure.”