08:30 Newscast February 25, 2015

North Louisiana could get multiple inches of snow today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (26) “reporting”

A winter storm warning remains in effect for parishes along the I-20 corridor and several parishes to the south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory.

Yesterday, President Obama vetoed the bill authorizing construction of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline. The president, on several occasions, stated that he would veto the bill if it passed both houses of Congress. A two-thirds majority of both the Republican controlled House and Senate is needed to override the veto. It appears an override attempt will fall short.

A plan which would create a uniform policy for Louisiana’s colleges in how they deal with sexual assault claims has been approved by the Board of Regents. Higher education commissioner Joe Wallo says the policy is a process that first starts with evaluating the complaint…

cut 12 (07) “by campus”

He says colleges must work with local law enforcement on response efforts and also ban retaliation against someone who files a sexual misconduct complaint.

Viking Cruises announces they’ll begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans beginning in 2017. The specialty-built riverboats will have a full complement of luxury amenities and host up to 300 passengers. Port of New Orleans President Gary LaGrange says there will be amazing itineraries planned…

cut 14 (07) “that they can reach”

Viking’s new service will result in the creation of 417 new direct jobs for Louisiana-based operations and vessel crews with an average salary of $40,000.

07:30 Newscast February 25, 2015

A winter storm warning remains in effect for parishes along the I-20 corridor as a significant snowfall is expected. Traveling along I-20 has not been easy the last couple of days, and Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service, says the situation will only get worse with more sleet and snow…

cut 8 (08) “still there”

Several parishes to the south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory. There are reports of snow and freezing rain in northwest Louisiana.

The Board of Regents approved a plan which would create a uniform policy for Louisiana’s colleges in how they deal with sexual assault claims. Higher education commissioner Joe Wallo says they are all about letting the students know leaders are there to help and to listen…

cut 11 (08) “be recourse”

He says higher ed institutions have to develop a protocol to follow when someone comes forward with a sexual assault allegation.

The three physician team that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson must be assembled today. Legal analyst Tim Meche says says these examinations are meant to determine whether Benson is capable of making reasonable decisions concerning his care of his person and his property…

cut 5 (12) “he trusts”

The physician team must report their findings by March 13.

Viking Cruises announces they’ll begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans. The plan is to have the operation going by 2017. Port of New Orleans President Gary LaGrange:

cut 13 (11) “our restaurants”

The move means hundreds of jobs and a boost to the state’s tourism industry according to Governor Bobby Jindal.

06:45 Sportscast February 25, 2015

LSU basketball took care of business last night by easily beating Auburn 84-61. It was the Tigers 20th win of the year and Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it was important for them to avoid another bad loss to Auburn as they look to lock-up an at-large berth in the upcoming NCAA Tournament…

cut 16 (12) “resume killers”

LSU got another big game last night from Jarell Martin, who scored 25 points. LSU’s next game is Saturday at home against Ole Miss.

McNeese State shot 52.5-percent from the field last night as they defeated Central Arkansas 77-60 in Southland Conference basketball action. The Cowboys were lead by Keelan Garrett, who knocked down five 3-pointers on his way to a game high 25 points. McNeese stands with a 5-10 conference record and will next host Nicholls State Saturday afternoon.

Today is the deadline for the three physician team to be assembled that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson in the legal fight involving his former heirs. Legal analyst Tim Meche says doctors will first sit down with Benson and ask him questions to test his memory…

cut 4 (10) “ruled that out”

He says these examinations are meant to determine whether Benson is capable of making reasonable decisions concerning his care of his person and his property. The physician team has until March 13 to report their findings.

In college baseball yesterday, it took 17 innings to decide it, but McNeese State edged UL-Lafayette 5-4 at Tigue Moore Field in Lafayette. Tyler Day picked up the win for the Cowboys and credit Austin Briggs with the save. Logan Stoelke takes the loss for the Cajuns. A total of 15 pitchers were used in the game.

06:30 Newscast February 25, 2015

The parishes along the Louisiana-Arkansas border are under a winter storm warning today as a significant snowfall is expected. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service, says they are expecting more than a light dusting…

cut 7 (09) “we can expect”

Several parishes along I-20 and to the south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory.

Today is the deadline for the three physician team to be assembled that will perform the court ordered psychiatric examination of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson in the legal fight involving his former heirs. Legal analyst Tim Meche says doctors will first sit down with Benson and ask him questions to test his memory…

cut 4 (10) “ruled that out”

The physician team has until March 13 to report their findings.

The Board of Regents approved a plan which would create a uniform policy for Louisiana’s colleges in how they deal with sexual assault claims. Higher education commissioner Joe Wallo says higher ed institutions have to develop a protocol to follow when someone comes forward with a sexual assault allegation…

cut 10 (08) “fair treatment”

Wallo says all of their campuses are engaging in some type of education and prevention programs with their students when it comes to sexual assault, but they wanted to work to create a common expectation.

17:30 Newscast February 24th, 2015

The parishes along the Louisiana-Arkansas border are under a winter storm warning thru most of tomorrow as a significant snowfall is expected. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service, says they are expecting more than a light dusting…:
CUT 7 (09) “we can expect”
Several parishes along I-20 and to the south of the interstate are under a winter weather advisory. Mayeaux says the road conditions along I-20 will be even worse that it has been the last couple of days.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has reached $2.15 cents, a two cent jump from the day before. American Automobile Association fuel analyst Don Redman says gas prices have been on the rise for a month and it’s not a surprise…:
CUT 6 (08) “spring time”
The statewide average a month ago was a $1.88.

The Board of Regents approved a plan which would create a uniform policy for Louisiana’s colleges in how they deal with sexual assault claims. Higher education commissioner Joe Wallo says higher ed institutions have to develop a protocol to follow when someone comes forward with a sexual assault allegation…:
CUT 10 (08) “fair treatment”
Wallo says colleges must work with local law enforcement on response efforts and also ban retaliation against someone who files a sexual misconduct complaint.

Viking Cruises announces a major venture to begin offering trips along the Mississippi River from the Port of New Orleans. The plan is to have the operation going by 2017 when two boats launch per year which take passengers on a journey upriver from The Big Easy to St. James, East Baton Rouge, West Feliciana Parish and on up to Memphis, Tennessee and Minnesota. The move means hundreds of jobs and a boost to the state’s tourism industry according to Governor Bobby Jindal.

 

16:30 Newscast February 24th, 2015

A winter storm warning is in effect for parishes in Louisiana along the Arkansas border until 6pm Wednesday. The National Weather Service in Shreveport says snow accumulations could be as much as 4 inches. Winter weather advisories are also posted throughout the I-20 corridor to central Louisiana.

Gas prices keep going up as analysts projected as the statewide average is 2 cents higher than the day before at $2.15 a gallon. Don Redman with the American Automobile Association says we pay more at the pump when refineries make the switch from the winter blend of gasoline to the summer blend. He says union strikes at two Louisiana refineries are also factoring into the price, but it shouldn’t lead to large increases…:
CUT 8 (07) “this spring”
The statewide average a month ago was a $1.88.

The four candidates for governor were in Shreveport for a forum today and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne was the only candidate to come out in support of Common Core. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Dardenne’s stance on Common Core is not something that he took lightly..:
CUT 14 (09) “might occur”
Dardenne said, “Now is not the time for Louisiana to retreat.”

A Campti man was busted by ATC agents accused of operating an illegal bar out of his home. ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert says 42-year-old Robert Williams was caught selling beer and mixed drinks to people in his house. He says this type of illegal bar is called a good house..:
CUT 11 (07) “can go”
Williams faces two charges of operating without alcohol permits.

 

15:30 Newscast February 24th, 2015

Gas prices are going up the closer we get to spring. Don Redman with the American Automobile Association says we’re paying $2.15 cents a gallon which is up from $1.88 a month ago, but a return to $3.00 a gallon is not expected…:
CUT 7 (08) “coming months”
He says pump prices go up as refineries switch from the winter to summer blend gas.

Governor Bobby Jindal today along with Viking Cruises announce New Orleans would be the home-port for the cruse line’s first North American river cruise itineraries. The Mississippi River cruises will operate from from docking facilities near the French Quarter in New Orleans. Vikins new service will result in the creation of 416 new director jobs for Louisiana-based operations and vessel crews.

Winter storm advisories remain in effect for North Louisiana today, as the National Weather Service says there’s the potential for 4 inches of snow to fall in Northwest Louisiana after midnight. NWS-Shreveport meteorologist Mario Valverde says lower temperatures look to continue and interact with the moisture in the sky…:
CUT 3 (10) “and snow”
DOTD is urging people to stay off the roadways in frozen precipitation areas.

Congress today sent President Barack Obama legislation that would have approved the building of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline. The White House sent a message that Mr. Obama vetoed the Republican bill. Lawmakers may try to override the veto but it’s not likely they have the 2/3rds majority votes to do so.

 

14:30 Newscast February 24th, 2015

Gas prices have been on the rise for one month now. Jeff Palermo on the reasons why you are paying more at the pump…:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

Northwest Louisiana is bracing for yet another round of severe winter weather. There are 5 parishes in northwest Louisiana under a winter storm warning from midnight tonight through 6pm tomorrow for now up to 4 inches. Northeast Louisiana parishes could also see some snow and are under winter storm watches and advisories. State officials say if you must travel keep an extra flashlight in your vehicle and water in your vehicle in case of emergency.

Four gubernatorial candidates got together today in Shreveport and on the issue of Common Core, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is the only one who says he supports it. UL-Lafayette Political Science professor Pearson Cross says there are many leaders who do support the controversial education standards and Dardenne is likely keeping his mind and ears open on the issue…:
CUT 13 (08) “right now”
Cross says this clearly separates Dardenne from the other candidates.

A man from Campti is in trouble because he was busted on social media bragging about charging people to enter his home where he was providing alcohol. State Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Troy Hebert says under cover agents went to 42-year-old Robert Williams house and paid to get in…:
CUT 10 (09) “wind of it”
Hebert says you can’t charge people money to enter your house and sell beer.

 

13:30 Newscast February 24th, 2015

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for five Northwest Louisiana parishes through 6pm Wednesday with snow expected to fall up to 4 inches in some areas. Several parishes south of I-20 and into the Monroe area and Northeast Louisiana are under a winter weather advisory and winter storm watch. NWS-Shreveport meteorologist Mario Valverde says it doesn’t look like temperatures will get too far away from freezing to melt the ice…:
CUT 5 (10) “to re-freeze”
Louisiana State Police say that’s when black ice on the road commonly appears which is the most dangerous type. If you’re in areas where frozen precipitation has fallen please don’t travel if you don’t have to.

As wintry conditions linger, DOTD says crews of over 1200 people have been working to address any affected bridges and roadways in these areas.

Gas prices were falling for months last year into the new year but they are slowing creeping back up. The American Automobile Association says the current statewide average for a gallon of regular is now $2.15 cents which is up two cents from yesterday. The statewide average a month ago was a $1.88.

State Alcohol and Tobacco Control agents have arrested a Campti man for allegedly running an illegal bar out of his home. Eric Gill has more…:
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

 

12:30 Newscast February 24th, 2015

The four candidates for governor were in Shreveport for a forum today and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne was the only candidate to come out in support of Common Core. When asked about the education standards, Dardenne said, “Now is not the time for Louisiana to retreat.” UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this may be a good move for Dardenne right now…:

CUT 12 (07) “abandoned it”
Cross predicts that Common Core will be one of the bigger issues during this gubernatorial election.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a winter storm warning for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster Parishes as those areas could be looking at close to 4 inches of snow. Areas further east including Monday are under winter weather advisories and watches into tomorrow. The Department of Transportation says they’ve used 2500 gallons of de-icing liquid, over a million pounds of salt and say there is plenty left as crews address affected bridges and roadways.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has reached $2.15 cents, after jumping two cents from the previous day. American Automobile Association fuel analyst Don Redman says gas prices have been on the rise for a month and it’s not a surprise…:
CUT 6 (08) “spring time”
The statewide average a month ago was a $1.88.

Governor Bobby Jindal will be in New Orleans today to make an economic development announcement at the Port around 1:30.