1:30 PM Newscast Feb 28

Louisiana’s seafood disclosure law, first enacted in 2008, was recently strengthened. Since the beginning of this year, restaurants have been required to explicitly state their seafood’s origins and include disclaimers if serving imported products. 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.”

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.”

Granted, most Mardi Gras visitors head to New Orleans but we know it’s something that the whole state celebrates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

After talking to a counterpart at a lieutenant governor’s conference, Lt Governor Billy Nungesser wants to promote Mardi Gras as a statewide celebration. He says even those who regularly take in Carnival celebrations in New Orleans should expand their horizons.

Cut 11 (11) “…of the state.”

He wants others to know there are many family friendly parades and events.

4:30 PM Newscast Feb 27

Six people were arrested after a huge pot bust in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says it was great work by the multi-jurisdictional Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit.

Cut 13 (06)  “…on the street.”

Four of the six arrested have bonded out, one is still behind bars and one has been turned over to ICE for deportation.

In April when the regular legislative session begins, lawmakers will consider next fiscal year’s budget and it may look a lot like the current one. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says there are a lot of unknowns pending the outcome of the vote on Amendment 2 next month but they had to prepare a budget that does not include the provisions contained in that amendment.

Cut 10 (14) “…one-time stipend.”

If you’re looking for a cycling friendly place, look at a well-known campus in Acadiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The price of live and boiled crawfish in Louisiana has dropped for the fourth consecutive week According to Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King…

Cut 8 (10) “…$3 per pound.”

LRN PM Newscall Feb 27

Believe it or not, there are some areas in Louisiana where it’s safe to ride a bicycle – and one of those is on a major college campus in Acadiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With crawfish season officially kicking off next week, crawfish prices continue to drop just in time for Mardi Gras.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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U-L Lafayette received a silver award from the League of American Bicyclists for fostering a bike-friendly campus. It is the only Louisiana school recognized in the recent Bicycle Friendly University awards.  The University’s Office of Sustainability and Community Engagement, led by Gretchen Vanicor, says collaboration with local governments and student groups is key to their success.

Cut 3 (14) “…in and around campus.”

Student leaders of the bike club Geaux Bike support biking improvements, including promoting the repair station, organizing community rides, and aiding the award application. Vanicor emphasized the importance of safe connections between areas on campus.

Cut 4 (10) “…intermural areas.”

Vanicor noted that infrastructure improvements enhance the quality of life for students and the broader community.

Cut 5 (09) “…better place for everyone.”

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The price of live and boiled crawfish in Louisiana has dropped for the fourth consecutive week leading up to Mardi Gras weekend. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King, live crawfish now averages $3.75 per pound.

Cut 6 (07) “…a pound now.”

King noted that boiled crawfish cost around $6.19 per pound.

Cut 7 (14) “…favorite crawfish app.”

The decline is due to an abundant supply, driven by mild temperatures in South Louisiana. King anticipates further price drops as peak crawfish season arrives in March and April.

Cut 8 (10) “…really concerned about.”

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When the regular legislative session gets underway in April, lawmakers will be considering Governor Landry’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says the budget proposal could change by the time lawmakers gavel into session; but for now, it looks a lot like this current fiscal year budget.

Cut 9 (11)  “…get it legally.”

Barras says there are a lot of unknowns, given Amendment 2 that citizens will be voting on late next month. As such, they had to prepare a budget that does not include the provisions contained in that amendment.

Cut 10 (14) “…one-time stipend.”

Barras says along with the passage of the tax reform plan last November, the passage of Amendment 2 would lead to better predictability in forming future budgets.

Cut 11 (10) “… going forward.”

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A huge pot bust in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit executed four search warrants, including at a suspected stash house, and it resulted in a huge seizure.

Cut 12 (12) “…and body armor.”

Six people were arrested. Four have bonded out, one is still behind bars and one has been turned over to ICE for deportation. Carnline says it was great work by the multi-jurisdictional RADE Unit.

Cut 13 (06)  “…on the street.”

Carnline says a common misconception these days is that marijuana is legal and is harmless. He says this is high-grade marijuana, and chronic users do more aggressive things.

Cut 14 (04) “…look at it.”

3:30 PM Newscast Feb 27

A huge pot bust in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit executed four search warrants, including at a suspected stash house, and it resulted in a huge seizure.

Cut 12 (12) “…and body armor.”

Six people were arrested. Four have bonded out, one is still behind bars and one has been turned over to ICE for deportation

The regular legislative session gets underway in April and lawmakers will be considering Governor Landry’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says the budget proposal could change by then but for now, it looks a lot like this current fiscal year budget.

Cut 9 (11)  “…get it legally.”

Just in time for Mardi Gras, crawfish prices are dropping.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The League of American Bicyclists recognizes ULL with a silver award for fostering a bike-friendly campus. The University’s Office of Sustainability and Community Engagement, led by Gretchen Vanicor talked about the importance of infrastructure improvements that enhance the quality of life for students and the broader community.

Cut 5 (09) “…better place for everyone.”

2:30 PM Newscast Feb 27

Lawmakers will consider Governor Jeff Landry’s budget when the regular legislative session gets underway in April, but first voters will have the chance to vote on tax changes with Amendment 2 on March 29th. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says along with the passage of the tax reform plan last November, the passage of Amendment 2 would lead to better predictability in forming future budgets.

Cut 11 (10) “…as we’re going forward.”

Louisiana is considering tax breaks for student-athletes earning money from name, image, and likeness deals to remain competitive in college athletics. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin’s bill would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.

Cut  (08) “…everything we do.”

If you’re looking for a cyclist friendly place to ride your bike, look at a well known campus in Acadiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Crawfish prices are dropping. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King, live crawfish now average $3.75 per pound and boiled…

Cut 7 (10) “…you can expect.”

4:30 PM Newscast Feb 26

A pair of Louisiana representatives are calling on tariffs of rice imports. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A crash in St. Landry Parish claimed the life of an unborn child. It happened just before eight yesterday morning on U.S. Highway 190 at Louisiana Highway 743. State Police say an 18-wheeler being driven by 51-year-old Albert Jenkins of Lafayette was traveling south on 743. At the same time, a 2024 Kia Seltos was heading west on 190.

Cut 3 (07) “…freightliner’s logging trailer.”

The crash remains under investigation.

Public sector workers no longer affected by the repealed windfall elimination provision and government pension offset are getting a retroactive Social Security payment, dating back to the beginning of last year. Senator Bill Cassidy, who worked to get WEP and G-P-O repealed, says this is great news.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that past payment.”

A new poll is an encouraging sign for Senator Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid. Cassidy has a 69-percent approval rating among Republicans including a 64-percent approval rating from those who identify themselves as conservative. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says one catalyst behind those numbers is Cassidy’s support of President Trump and his agenda, including his cabinet nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Cut 14 (10) “…that, of course.”

3:30 PM Newscast Feb 26

A new poll bodes well for Senator Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Just as Iraq completes the purchase of 88-thousand metric tons of U.S. rice, completing its commitment in a 2024-25 memorandum of understanding, Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Congressman Clay Higgins are asking the White House to impose tariffs of up to 100-percent on rice imports from five countries – India, Thailand, China, Pakistan and Vietnam.

Cut 8 (10) “…really concerned about.”

Letlow says these tariffs are especially important in protecting Louisiana rice producers.

A tragic crash in St. Landry Parish claimed the life of an unborn child Tuesday morning at Hwy 190 and Hwy 743. State Police say an 18-wheeler being driven by 51-year-old Albert Jenkins for reasons unknown failed to yield at a stop sign and drive into the path of a 2024 Kia Seltos which hit the 18-wheeler. The Kia’s driver who was pregnant was properly restrained.

Cut 4 (07) “…was uninjured.”

The crash remains under investigation.

Dr. Mark Johnson, former the director of the Doctor of Ministry program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary will be the 10th president of Louisiana Christian University (LCU). Vice Chairman of the Search Committee Tommy Kiker says Johnsons official start date is set for June 1st, but says he isn’t wasting anytime and is already on campus getting to work.

Cut 11 (14) “…between now and June one.”

2:30 PM Newscast Feb 26

A crash in St. Landry Parish just before eight yesterday morning claimed the life of an unborn child. State police say an 18-wheeler being driven by 51-year-old Albert Jenkins of Lafayette traveling south on Hwy 743 failed to yield at an intersection with Hwy 190 and traveled in the path of a 2024 Kia Seltos was heading west on 190. Though properly restrained the Kia’s driver, who was pregnant, suffered critical injuries. In light of the tragedies, State Police reminds drivers…

Cut 5 (06) “…save lives.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Congressman Clay Higgins are asking the White House to impose tariffs of up to 100-percent on rice imports from five countries – India, Thailand, China, Pakistan and Vietnam. Letlow says tariffs are especially important in protecting Louisiana rice producers.

Cut 7 (09) “…our rice producers.”

Public sector workers will start seeing bigger Social Security payments. Senator Bill Cassidy who worked to get the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset repealed, delivered the news to those affected.

Cut 12 (12) “…will be more.”

A new poll showing Senator Bill Cassidy has a 69 percent approval rating among Republicans is an encouraging sign for his re-election bid. Four years ago, Cassidy was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says, had Cassidy voted against Robert F Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services, not only would that have sunk his nomination, but it would likely ended Cassidy’s own re-election chances.

Cut 15 (09) “…contentious it’s been”

 

1:30 PM Newscast Feb 26

A new poll is an encouraging sign for Senator Bill Cassidy’s re-election bid. Cassidy has a 69-percent approval rating among Republicans. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says one catalyst behind those numbers is Cassidy’s support of President Trump and his agenda, including his cabinet nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Cut 14 (10) “…that, of course.”

A crash in St. Landry Parish claimed the life of an unborn child. It happened just before eight yesterday morning on U.S. Highway 190 at Louisiana Highway 743. State Police say an 18-wheeler being driven by 51-year-old Albert Jenkins of Lafayette was traveling south on 743. At the same time, a 2024 Kia Seltos was heading west on 190.

Cut 3 (05) “…approaching Kia.”

A pair of Louisiana representatives are calling on tariffs of rice imports. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana Christian University (LCU) has a new President. Vice Chairman of the Search Committee Tommy Kiker says Dr. Mark Johnson, formerly the director of the Doctor of Ministry program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, views his presidency as a divine calling. Kiker says Johnson who will be the 10th LCU president was the strongest candidate to meet the needs of the university.

Cut 10 (08) “…bridges with alumni”

4:30 PM Newscast Feb 25

Catholics in Louisiana and all around the world are praying for Pope Francis, who is hospitalized with respiratory issues. He was in critical condition, but his condition has been upgraded to serious. Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh), who hosts a daily Catholic talk show syndicated by EWTN, says Pope Francis, who’s currently the third oldest serving pope, is not out of the woods just yet.

Cut 6 (04) “…last few years.”

The regular legislative session is less than two months away, and the soaring cost of insurance is expected to be one of the big issues. Ben Riggs with Real Reform Louisiana contends that in addition to severe storms that cause huge financial losses, the huge premiums can be attributed to Louisiana’s lax regulation of the insurance industry.

Cut 4 (15) “…bunch of standards.”

Warm temperatures have returned, and the cold weather appears to be behind us. So how did Louisiana’s strawberry crop do with a historic snowfall and last week’s freezing weather. Darryl Poche (po-SHAY) is the co-owner of Landry-Poche Strawberry Farm in Livingston Parish…

Cut 12 (16) “…10-percent.”

McNeese men’s basketball is regular season champs of the Southland Conference for a second straight season. The Cowboys are now 34-2 in Southland Conference games under Wade. Christian Shumate has been a major part of the Cowboys success as he had his 39th career double-double last night, 19 points and 10 rebounds. The senior says it’s been a great ride…

Cut 11 (14) “…our fans.”

The Cowboys have two more regular season games on the road and then the Southland Conference Tournament starts in Lake Charles on March 9.