Severe weather is expected to move into Louisiana tomorrow and that means Mardi Gras celebrations will be cut short. In New Orleans Marching krewes and truck parades will not parade but Zulu will roll at 7 a.m. and Rex at 9 a.m. but and all parades must wrap up by noon. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says while Mayor LaToya Cantrell has input and influence, she wasn’t the decision-maker in this instance.

Cut 13 (04)  “…of that decision.”

Arnold says not all floats are able to withstand high winds.

Jefferson Parish has cancelled both of their parades. Parish President Cynthia Lee 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.”

Parade times in New Roads, Kaplan, and Franklin have been moved up and Mardi Gras Festival in Cajun Field in Lafayette has been cancelled.

Authorities have made at least one arrest in a shooting that wounded five people after 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 (17)  “…and for poultry.”

The Bird flu has had a significant impact on egg prices and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollands getting prices under control and help farmers who have lost millions. The US is temporarily allowing imported eggs to help ease the prices and allow farmers time to rebuild their supply. Strain says there is not an overnight solution but is confident that in time egg prices should be back under control, and back to normal.

Cut 11 (03) “…gonna be riots.”

The state is forecast to have its first major potential spring weather event and unfortunately it arrives on Fat Tuesday. Meteorologist Mattt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the severe weather threat begins tomorrow morning….

Cut 6 (11) “…there as well.”

Mardi Gras parades will not be rolling in Jefferson Parish tomorrow. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says that’s because the high winds in the forecast will make conditions unsafe.

Cut 3 (11) “…hour is possible.”

While parades in Jefferson Parish are cancelled tomorrow due to the high winds, New Orleans is working to allow some parades to roll.  Zulu will roll at 7 a.m. and Rex at 9 a.m. Marching krewes and truck floats will not be allowed, and all parades must wrap up by noon. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says not all floats are able to withstand high winds.

Cut 14 (12) “…wind as others.”

Lafayette has cancelled Mardi Gras Festival in Cajun Field and the towns of Kaplan, Crowley, New Roads and Franklin have moved their parade times up.

Severe weather is putting a damper on Mardi Gras parades. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In New Orleans, Zulu will roll at 7:00 am and Rex at 9:00am. Marching krewes and truck parades will not be allowed, and all parades must wrap up by noon. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says the city made the most of a tricky situation.

Cut 12 (06) “…the last day.”

In Lafayette, Mardi Gras Festival in Cajun Field has been cancelled. Parade times have been moved up in the towns of Kaplan, Crowley, New Roads and Franklin.

The state is forecast to have its first major potential spring weather event and North Louisiana will be under an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms which could include strong winds, hail and the possibility of tornados. Meteorologist Mattt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport…

Cut 8 (11) “…through sunset.”

In an effort to get egg prices under control after bird flu caused an increase, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with Secretary of U-S Department of Agriculture Brooke Rollands. Strain says imported of eggs will be allowed into the United States temporarily to help and allow poultry farmers time to increase the egg supply.

Cut 10 (15) “…rebuild the population.”

After getting a conviction against a man for sexual battery, Calcasieu Parish prosecutors may need to start again from square one. That’s because the judge has declared a mistrial in the case of 42-year-old Joshua Boyd because of the actions of Sheriff’s Captain Todd Ory during deliberations. Sheriff Stitch Guillory could not go into detail of what those actions are because of the ongoing internal affairs investigation; he says his heart goes out to the victim and her family.

Cut 12 (10) “…through this again.”

A recent study found that a third of restaurants sampled in Lafayette restaurants that claimed to be serving Gulf-caught shrimp were actually serving imported shrimp. Sherry Blanchard, with the Southern Shrimp Alliance, says imported shrimp is less safe.

Cut 3 (14) “…polluted waters.”

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.

A suspect has turned himself in in Monroe in connection with gang-related fights over a shoe release at Pecanland Mall.  24-year-old Rayshawn Hollins is facing a rioting charge.   Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan

Cut 8 (10) “…the stomach area.”

As revelers have fun celebrating at parades this weekend Ochsner Neurology Group Nurse Practitioner Kadyn Brooks says to stay safe, be aware of the risks and symptoms of head injuries.

Cut 14 (06) “…sound sensitivity .”

If you suspect someone has sustained a head injury, seek medical attention without delay.

A new study shows a third of Lafayette restaurants claim their shrimp is Gulf-caught when it’s actually imported. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

After a conversation with a counterpart at a lieutenant governors’ conference, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has been working to promote Mardi as a diverse Statewide Celebration…

Cut 9 (09)  “…didn’t realize it.”

The fun, parades, and celebration of Carnival come with heightened risks for head injuries says Ochsner Neurology Group Nurse Practitioner Kadyn Brooks and reminds revelers to drink responsibly, as alcohol affects balance and coordination.

Cut 13 (12)  “…oncoming traffic.”

With Louisiana’s stronger seafood disclosure law restaurants must explicitly state seafood origins and include disclaimers if serving imported products. Sherry Blanchard, a board member at the Southern Shrimp Alliance says the U-S needs to have higher standards Like Europe and Japan for imported seafood.

Cut 5 (07) “…we will eat anything.”

Where will you be celebrating Carnival? Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser recommends taking in a different part of the state each year since each Mardi Gras celebration throughout the state is different.

Cut 10 (09) “…things and themes.”

Stacy Brown, the president of Visit Shreveport-Bossier says visit Shreveport-Bossier City where they put their 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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”