Authorities say no fatalities or major injuries are reported after an explosion at the Marathon Refinery plant in Garyville this morning. St. John Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says it happened shortly after 9 am.

Cut 9 (07) “…local facility.”  

Hotard says there are also no reported off-site impacts from the explosion and air quality is being monitored.

A shooting at a club rental in Alexandria kills a 17-year-old male and injures two others. Alexandria Police spokesperson Lt. Lane Windham says they were called to Club 318 just before midnight Saturday after shots were fired inside the building and they are looking into the nature of the event that was held.

Cut 4 (10) “…were safe.”

Two other males a 16-year-old and 19-year old were also shot and had non-life-threatening injuries.

In six weeks, the NCAA men’s Final Four returns to New Orleans. The Superdome has hosted more Final Fours than any other venue, but this is the first since 2012. Governor John Bel Edwards started the unofficial countdown to the championship and touted the impact of the return of one of the nation’s biggest sporting events.

 Cut 6 (11) “…for our economy.” 

The semifinals will be held on April 2nd with the Championship game on Monday, April 4th.

Louisiana Tech is renaming its biomedical engineering building after former long-time president Dr. Dan Reneau, who in 1972 started a biomedical engineering program. University spokesperson Tonya Oaks Smith says Dr. Reneau established the groundwork for future success…

Cut 14 (12)  “…through engineering.”

The Legislative Black Caucus and House Democrats are asking Governor Edwards to veto the Congressional map from the redistricting session. Last year Republicans held a historic veto session, and Edwards convinced enough lawmakers not to support overriding the anti-transgender sports bill. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley…

Cut 9 (10)  “…anymore.”

The UL System Board of Supervisors approves a request by Louisiana Tech to name its Biomedical Engineering Building for former university president Dr. Daniel Reneau. In 1972 Reneau led the push for Tech to start one of the country’s first biomedical engineering programs. University spokesperson Tonya Oaks Smith…

Cut 13 (11) “…for our students.”

The potential conflict between Russia and Ukraine has oil and gas prices on a roller coaster. David Grubb has more on what it could mean for the United States…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

In St. John the Baptist Parish, there are reports of an explosion at the Marathon refinery in Garyville.  The Office of Emergency Preparedness in the parish says the explosion was reported at 9:30 this morning and no further details. Airline Highway in front of the plant is reportedly closed.

Now that the redistricting session is over, the focus is on Governor John Bel Edwards to see if he’ll veto the maps approved by the Legislature. Erik Picolli has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Erik Picolli.” 

A male juvenile was killed in Marrero this morning according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Authorities were dispatched around 7:30 to a shooting in the 1800 block of Betty Street and found a teen suffering from a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

As the markets continue to react to the possibility of a Russian invasion in Ukraine, Louisiana is keeping an eye on the oil and gas markets.  With the U-S already at its limit for oil exports, government officials have been trying to find ways to help meet the increased demand. But Associate director of the Tulane Energy Institute, Eric Smith says that will be a difficult proposition with few allies ready to step up.

Cut 6 (12)  “…in an emergency.”

Saturday, June 4^th is set as demolition day for the Kirby Smith Hall at LSU. Executive Director of Residential Life Pete Trentacoste says there’s even an opportunity for you to purchase a brick from the former residence hall as a souvenir.

Cut  11 (09)  “…procuring one.”  

The 13-story building opened in 1967.

The state Legislature has approved two identical Congressional District maps which contain one majority-minority district, despite calls from Black lawmakers that a second one should be drawn since the African American population has grown to 33-percent. Slidell Republican and Chairwoman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Sharon Hewitt says they looked at adding another majority-minority district but based on the Census data the Black population is not concentrated enough to have two Black majority voting districts

Cut 4 (12) “…upset.”

And we’re now in the thick of Mardi Gras season. New Orleans and Company spokesperson Kelly Schulz says hotel occupancy is increasing and King Cake sales are off the charts this year with bakeries having a hard time keeping up with demand.

Cut 9 (12) “…activities.”

Schulz says hotel occupancy is also in the 80-percent range for next weekend thru Fat Tuesday, but they are hoping that will increase.

Louisiana Radio Network
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The Krewe of Janus (Janice) rolls tonight at 6 PM in Monroe and there’s plenty of excitement for the return of the parade. Throws Lieutenant Hailey Kenly says it was extremely emotional having to cancel last year’s parade and so that makes this year’s event even more special. As Throws Lieutenant for the Krewe of Janus, Kenly is in charge of ordering and distributing throws and knows firsthand there’s more than three million to catch from 28 floats, so be well prepared to carry your loot home.

Cut 12 (07) “..great things.”  

And in last year’s NFL draft not a single player from a Historically Black College or University was taken, something that Grambling football legends James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams are seeking to change by introducing the HBCU Legacy Bowl. With 98 draft-eligible players taking the field at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium tomorrow and more than two dozen NFL scouts expected to be in attendance, Williams is excited about the possibility of the Legacy Bowl helping pro dreams become a reality.

Cut 15 (17) “…that they need.” 

The game airs live on the NFL Network starting at 3 pm.

It’s a big Mardi Gras parade weekend. Brooke Thorington reports the city of New Orleans is ready to let the good times roll…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

And The state Legislature has approved two identical Congressional District maps, but not without significant opposition. The maps contain one majority-minority district, despite calls from Black lawmakers a second one should be drawn, because the Black population has grown to 33-percent. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson…

Cut 3 (10) “..fairly.”

White Republican lawmakers were also upset that the Congressional map splits Grant Parish in half between the fourth and fifth districts and St. Mary Parish between the first and sixth districts.

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The Krewe of Janus (Janice) rolls tonight in Monroe and there’s plenty of excitement for the return of the parade that’s been a staple of the Twin Cities, Monroe, and West Monroe, since 1984. Throws Lieutenant Hailey Kenly says they are prepared with 3.5 million throws for attendees, especially youngsters.

Cut 10 (10)  “…super fun.” 

This year’s theme is Janus goes to Hollywood and rolls at 6 PM

And at last year’s NFL Draft, not a single player from a Historically Black College or University was taken, with only one being selected in 2020. The HBCU Legacy Bowl, created by Grambling football legends James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams, seeks to change that. Williams says that the game will be a showcase for scouts to check out some great undiscovered talent.

Cut 13 (15) “…see the players.”

Williams says providing real post-graduate employment options for the players is also an important aspect of the game’s mission.

Two identical Congressional district maps that maintain one majority-minority district are headed to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

And we’re in the thick of Mardi Gras season and New Orleans and Company spokesperson Kelly Schulz says you can’t underestimate the economic, cultural, emotional, and impact of Mardi Gras 2022. Schulz says there’s plenty of pent-up demand to return to the beloved tradition of carnival season.

Cut 7 (10) “…forward to.” 

The Krewe of Janus rolls tonight at 6 PM in Monroe. The theme of this year’s parade is Janus Goes to Hollywood and Throws Lieutenant Hailey Kenly says the King and Queen’s floats have specialty throws that are quite collectible.

Cut 11 (08)   “….to have.”  

Around 3.5 million are prepared for attendees, especially youngsters.

And last year’s NFL draft saw no picks from a Historically Black College or University. Grambling football legends James’s “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams seek to change that and have created the HBCU Legacy Bowl. One of the things that Williams is most proud of is that dozens of companies are participating in a job fair for these student-athletes. He says he understands that most won’t make an NFL roster, so providing real post-graduate employment options for these players is an essential part of the game’s mission.

Cut 14 (13)  “…they wanna do.” 

The game airs live on the NFL Network starting at 3 pm.

The new Congressional District map is on its way to the governor’s desk, but not without significant opposition. The map contains one majority-minority district, despite calls from Black lawmakers a second one should be drawn, because the Black population has grown to 33-percent. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson…

Cut 3 (10) “..fairly.”

But Slidell Republican and Chairwoman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Sharon Hewitt says they looked at adding another majority-minority district but based on the Census data the Black population is not concentrated enough to have two Black majority voting districts

Cut 4 (12) “…adopted.”

The Legislative Black Caucus has called for Governor Edwards to veto the maps for failure to comply with the Voting Rights Act.

We’re right in the thick of Mardi Gras season and New Orleans and Company spokesperson Kelly Schulz says you can’t underestimate the economic, cultural, and emotional impact of Mardi Gras 2022. Schulz says there’s plenty of pent-up demand to return to the beloved tradition of carnival season.

Cut 7 (10) “…forward to.”

Shulz says revelers have been lining up since early Friday morning for prime spots along parade routes.

The HBCU Legacy Bowl, created by Grambling football legends James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams, seeks to give players another opportunity to be in the spotlight. Williams says he understands most players won’t make an NFL roster, so providing post-graduate employment options for these players is essential.

Cut 14 (13)  “…they wanna do.” 

The Legacy Bowl kicks off at 3pm in News Orleans.

The state Legislature has approved two identical Congressional District maps, but not without significant opposition. The maps contain one majority-minority district, despite calls from Black lawmakers a second one should be drawn, because the Black population has grown to 33-percent.

White Republican lawmakers were also upset that the Congressional map splits Grant Parish in half between the fourth and fifth districts and St. Mary Parish between the first and sixth districts. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment represents Grant Parish…

Cut 5 (09) “…ask me”

Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says St. Mary Parish officials are not happy with having two different Congressmen…

 Cut 6 (12) “…set me” 

The Legislative Black Caucus has called for Governor Edwards to veto the maps for failure to comply with the Voting Rights Act.

We’re officially in the thick of Mardi Gras season and New Orleans and Company spokesperson Kelly Schulz says hotel occupancy in the greater Crescent City is at 80-percent. In addition to lodging Schulz says King Cake sales are off the charts this year and bakeries are having a hard time keeping up with demand.

Cut 9 (12) “…activities.”

The Krewe of Janus (Janice) rolls Saturday night in Monroe and there’s plenty of excitement for the return of the parade that’s been a staple of the Twin Cities, Monroe, and West Monroe, since 1984. Throws Lieutenant Hailey Kenly says they are prepared with 3.5 million throws for attendees, especially youngsters.

Cut 10 (10)  “…super fun.” 

The theme of this year’s parade is Janus Goes to Hollywood.

Two identical Congressional district maps that maintain one majority-minority district are headed to the governor’s desk. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Lafayette Friday, February 25^th. No other details have been released concerning her visit only that Louisiana’s congressional delegation has confirmed her visit to the Hub City.

The Krewe of Janus rolls on Saturday in the twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe. Lieutenant of Throws Hailey Kenly knows firsthand there’s 3.5 million items to catch this year.

Cut 12 (07) “..great things.”  

The parade begins at 6 pm Saturday.

At last year’s NFL Draft, not a single player from a Historically Black College or University was taken, with only one being selected in 2020. The HBCU Legacy Bowl, created by Grambling football legends James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams, seeks to change that. Williams says the game will be a showcase for scouts to see undiscovered talent.

Cut 13 (15) “…see the players.”

The new Congressional District map is close to final passage in the legislature, but not without significant opposition. The map contains one majority-minority district, despite calls from Black lawmakers a second one should be drawn, because the Black population has grown to 33-percent. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson…

Cut 3 (10) “..fairly.”

But Slidell Republican and Chairwoman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Sharon Hewitt says they looked at adding another majority-minority district but based on the Census data the Black population is not concentrated enough to have two Black majority voting districts

Cut 4 (12) “…adopted.”

We’re in the thick of Mardi Gras season and New Orleans and Company spokesperson Kelly Schulz says people were lining up as early as 8 o’clock this morning along parade routes for the evening parades. In addition to anticipation from locals, Schulz says hotel-wise things are indicative of a good turnout from tourists.

Cut 8 (10) “…to New Orleans.”  

A new era of LSU baseball begins at the Box tonight as the Tigers begin a three-game weekend series against the Maine Black Bears with first-year head coach Jay Johnson. Louisiana Tech begins the season with big expectations after hosting a Regional last year and is one of the favorites to win Conference USA this season. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says they have to put last year behind them…

Cut 20 (16) “…want it.”