In the face of criticism from teachers, the governor’s office has signaled they could back a 500-dollar raise on top of the one-thousand dollar salary boost teachers got this year. Last year, we were told Louisiana teachers were paid about 22-hundred dollars below the southern regional average. Louisiana Federation of Teachers legislative director Cynthia Posey says states around Louisiana have done a better job keeping up with the S-R-A…
Cut 4 (05) “…than Louisiana.”
The session deciding the pay bump starts in two weeks.
Governor Edwards announces the creation of a “Climate Initiatives Task Force” that will work on ways to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to slow sea level rise. Edwards showcased his billion dollars a year coastal restoration plan last week, but officials admit it requires a slowing of sea-level rise to work longterm. Edwards’ Chief Resilience Officer Charles Sutcliffe says it’ll have to be a global effort, but…
Cut 14 (12) “…conversation”

There are two days left of parades and partying, but a somber mood has come over Carnival 2020 after a second person was struck and killed by a Mardi Gras float in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Longtime St. Mary Parish lawmaker Butch Gautreaux has died. He was 72.

In the face of criticism from teachers, the governor’s office has signaled they could back a 500-dollar raise on top of the one-thousand dollar salary boost teachers got this year. Louisiana Federation of Teachers legislative director Cynthia Posey applauds Governor Edwards for changing his mind…

Cut 3 (10)  “…and stay there.”  

Mardi Gras safety will be a hot topic in New Orleans in the months ahead after a second person in three days was killed by a float. Some say banning tandem floats is not the answer to preventing further deaths during the rowdy street parades. Others say the city should put up more barricades keeping partygoers off the street. But Endymion Vice President Charles Bruno says more barricades can create a different problem…

Cut 6 (10) “…larger crowd”

The Humane Society of Louisiana is coordinating its fourth annual Mardi Gras Parade Horse Adoption Program. In the past potential adopters could choose from available horses after Carnival season, but with the program’s increased popularity, Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says they are seeing a new trend.

Cut 8 (11) “…few weeks.”

You can visit the Mardi Gras Horses Facebook page for more information.

An Alexandria-based cybersecurity agency has broken down how the 2020 Presidential election could be hacked in a report distributed to the National Association of Secretaries of State. While Louisiana appears to be secure, Ingalls Information Security CEO Jason Ingalls says local level election systems are a likely target.

Cut 11 (09) “…advanced malware attacks.”

The rules and regulations for the state’s industrial hemp program are now finalized and the first license for industrial hemp has been issued.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the timing to have the regulatory framework in place is important to ensure growers are ready for the planting season between mid-April and early May.
Cut 5 (11)  “…of the way.”
As part of the process, applicants have to undergo a background check.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is in effect across the state as we enter the final weekend of the Carnival season. The campaign is a statewide effort and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says law enforcement has earmarked funding to increase patrols during this time period.
Cut 11 (09) “to Belle Chasse”
In 2018- the latest year of stats, two people were killed and 66 injured in alcohol-related crashes in Louisiana from the Friday before Mardi Gras through Fat Tuesday.

A study commissioned by Louisiana’s Board of Regents indicates there is a lack of evidence to warrant the establishment of a law school in Shreveport.  Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says two legislative resolutions asked the board to explore how to expand legal education in north Louisiana.

Cut 6 (10) “…conversation around dental.”

The decision comes just weeks after the board struck down the idea of a dental school in the area.

Mardi Gras isn’t only going down in south Louisiana, CenLa residents are being treated to Alexandria festivities starting tonight and rolling through Sunday afternoon. Saturday is dedicated to the Children’s Parade, and Alexandria Convention and Visitor’s Bureau spokesperson Anne Savage says it’s perfect for a more laid back carnival experience.
Cut 12 (10) “…crowds.”
The festivities wrap up at the Huckleberry Brewing Company at 4PM Sunday with food trucks and live music running throughout the evening.

The rules and regulations for the state’s industrial hemp program are now finalized and the first license for industrial hemp has been issued.  As part of the process, applicants have to undergo a background check.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the rules are guided by federal law.
Cut 4 (12) “…that is hallucinogenic.”
The planting season is between mid-April and early May.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is in effect across the state as we enter the final weekend of the Carnival season. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says the number of impaired drivers on the road increases at this time compared to other parts of the year but…
Cut 10 (10) “…the message”
In 2018- the latest year of stats, two people were killed and 66 injured in alcohol-related crashed in Louisiana from the Friday before Mardi Gras through Fat Tuesday.

A study commissioned by Louisiana’s Board of Regents indicates there is a lack of evidence to warrant the establishment of a law school in Shreveport.  Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the hurdle is people are just not choosing to locate in the Shreveport-Bossier area.  There were a number of scenarios offered from the report showing how to address that issue.
Cut 7 (10) “…ideas or suggestions.”
Reed says a deeper analysis around academic and educational training needs is needed in the area.
Mardi Gras isn’t only going down in south Louisiana, CenLa residents are being treated to Alexandria festivities starting tonight and rolling through Sunday afternoon. Saturday is dedicated to the Children’s Parade, and Alexandria Convention and Visitor’s Bureau spokesperson Anne Savage…
Cut 14 (07) “…is”
The festivities wrap up at the Huckleberry Brewing Company at 4PM Sunday with food trucks and live music running throughout the evening.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is in effect across the state as we enter the final weekend of the Carnival season. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says law enforcement officers are specifically focusing on removing impaired drivers from the roads from now until February 27^th.

Cut 9 (10) “…the road″

In 2018- the latest year of stats, two people were killed and 66 injured in alcohol-related crashes in Louisiana from the Friday before Mardi Gras through Fat Tuesday.

The rules and regulations for the state’s industrial hemp program are now finalized and the first license for industrial hemp has been issued.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says there are a variety of licenses, and…

Cut 3 (10)  “…of last year.”  

Mardi Gras isn’t only going down in south Louisiana, CenLa residents are being treated to Alexandria festivities starting tonight and rolling through Sunday afternoon. Alexandria Convention and Visitor’s Bureau spokesperson Anne Savage says while you’re in town, get your last tastes of king cake.

Cut 13 (11) “…delicious.”

The festivities wrap up at the Huckleberry Brewing Company at 4PM Sunday.

A study commissioned by Louisiana’s Board of Regents indicates there is a lack of evidence to warrant the establishment of a law school in Shreveport.  Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says a deeper analysis around academic and educational training needs is needed in the area.

Cut 8 (08) “…for that community.”

The State Department of Agriculture and Forestry has begun issuing industrial hemp licenses in time for the 2020 planting season. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

In addition to the beads and revelry over the next few days, there will be more law enforcement to keep intoxicated Carnival goers from getting behind the wheel, Brooke Thorington has more.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

___________________________

The rules and regulations for the state’s industrial hemp program are now finalized and the first license for industrial hemp has been issued.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says there are a variety of licenses, including the grower license for the cultivation and handling of hemp.  Also…

Cut 3 (10)  “…of last year.”  

As part of the process, applicants have to undergo a background check.  Strain says it is important to have the regulations in place and says the rules are guided by federal law.

Cut 4 (12) “…that is hallucinogenic.”

Strain says the timing to have the regulatory framework in place is important to ensure growers are ready for the planting season between mid-April and early May.

Cut 5 (11)  “…of the way.”

___________________________________________

A study commissioned by Louisiana’s Board of Regents indicates there is a lack of evidence to warrant the establishment of a law school in Shreveport.  Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the study came as the result of two legislative resolutions wanting the board to explore how to expand legal education in north Louisiana.

Cut 6 (10) “…conversation around dental.”

The decision comes just weeks after the board struck down the idea of a dental school in the area.

Reed says the hurdle is people are just not choosing to locate in the Shreveport-Bossier area.  There were a number of scenarios offered from the report showing how to address that issue.

Cut 7 (10) “…ideas or suggestions.”

Reed says a deeper analysis around academic and educational training needs is needed in the area.

Cut 8 (08) “…for that community.”

____________________________________________________

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is in effect across the state as we enter the final weekend of the Carnival season. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says law enforcement officers are specifically focusing on removing impaired drivers from the roads from now until February 27^th.

Cut 9 (10) “…the road″

In 2018- the latest year of stats, two people were killed and 66 injured in alcohol-related crashes in Louisiana from the Friday before Mardi Gras through Fat Tuesday. Lambert says the number of impaired drivers on the road increases this time of year.

Cut 10 (10) “…the message”

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is a statewide effort and Lambert says law enforcement has earmarked funding to increase patrols during this time period.

Cut 11 (09) “to Belle Chasse”

Lambert says even though carnival time in the state is known for being a huge party it doesn’t mean drinking and driving must be part of equation.

________________________

Mardi Gras isn’t only going down in south Louisiana, CenLa residents are being treated to Alexandria festivities starting tonight and rolling through Sunday afternoon.

Saturday is dedicated to the Children’s Parade, and Alexandria Convention and Visitor’s Bureau spokesperson Anne Savage says it’s perfect for a more laid back carnival experience.

Cut 12 (10) “…crowds.”

This afternoon the Classic Cars and College Cheerleaders parade rolls through town, and is expected to bring big crowds from east Texas, and later tonight, it’s the 26^th annual Taste of Mardi Gras in downtown.

Savage says while you’re in town, get your last tastes of king cake.

Cut 13 (11) “…delicious.”

The festivities wrap up at the Huckleberry Brewing Company at 4PM Sunday with food trucks and live music running throughout the evening.

Cut 14 (07) “…is”

_______________

Cut 15 (07) “…him to recover.”

__________________________

Cut 16  (12)  …dominate” 

________________________________

The State Department of Agriculture and Forestry has begun issuing industrial hemp licenses in time for the 2020 planting season. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Facing criticism that he broke a campaign promise to teachers, Gov. John Bel Edwards reversed course Thursday and proposed a reworked K-12 budget proposal that would include a direct $500 pay hike for public school teachers

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is in effect across the state as we enter the final weekend of the Carnival season. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says law enforcement has earmarked funding to increase patrols during this time period.

Cut 11 (09) “to Belle Chase”

Lambert says even though carnival time in the state is known for being a huge party it doesn’t mean drinking and driving must be part of the equation.

Cleco customers will see a drop on their power bill starting in March with the removal of the storm restoration fee. The fee became part of customers’ statements to pay to fix the damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says its good news for their customers.

Cut 7 (11) “…$45 each year.”

The rules and regulations for the state’s industrial hemp program are now finalized and the first license for industrial hemp has been issued.  As part of the process, applicants have to undergo a background check.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the rules are guided by federal law.
Cut 4 (12) “…that is hallucinogenic.”
The planting season is between mid-April and early May.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is in effect across the state as we enter the final weekend of the Carnival season. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says the number of impaired drivers on the road increases at this time compared to other parts of the year but…
Cut 10 (10) “…the message”
In 2018- the latest year of stats, two people were killed and 66 injured in alcohol-related crashed in Louisiana from the Friday before Mardi Gras through Fat Tuesday.

The coronavirus virus is expected to be in St. Tammany Parish within the next three weeks for study by the Tulane Primate Research Center. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is in effect across the state as we enter the final weekend of the Carnival season. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says law enforcement officers are specifically focusing on removing impaired drivers from the roads from now until February 27^th.

Cut 9 (10) “…the road″

The rules and regulations for the state’s industrial hemp program are now finalized and the first license for industrial hemp has been issued.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says there are a variety of licenses, including the grower license for the cultivation and handling of hemp.  Also…

Cut 3 (10)  “…processor license.”  

The Tulane National Primate Research Center will soon begin work on a vaccine, and more effective diagnostic tools for the coronavirus. The virus is expected to arrive at the St. Tammany Parish based facility in the next two to three weeks, and Associate Director Dr. Skip Bohm says it will likely take a while for their work to come to fruition.

Cut 4 (11_ “…use”)

Governor Edwards announces plans to spend a billion dollars a year building and restoring the coast over the next four years. Edwards’s ambitious coastal restoration plan also calls for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Restore the Mississippi River Delta campaign director Steve Cochran says if the world can begin reducing its greenhouse gas emissions we could begin reversing the effects of coastal land loss.

Cut 10 (09) “…time.”

The Tulane National Primate Research Center will soon begin work on a vaccine, and more effective diagnostic tools for the coronavirus.  Associate Director Dr. Skip Bohm says the Center was chosen for this work due to its long history and expertise biosafety, biocontainment, infectious diseases, and…

Cut 6 (10) “…laboratories.”

Cleco customers will see a drop on their power bill next month with the removal of the storm restoration fee. The fee paid for damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says that some of the money collected from the restoration fee will go toward future storm recoveries.

Cut 9 (11) “…our customers’ costs.”

Over 200 state troopers are descending upon New Orleans this weekend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

State Police continues to investigate yesterday’s incident in LaFourche Parish where a school crossing guard was struck and killed while directing traffic on Highway 20 near Chackbay Elementary School. The crossing guard has been identified as 67-year-old Larry Boudreaux. The driver that hit Boudreaux is 83-year-old Jerry Matt of Thibodaux. No charges have been filed.