The Louisiana Department of Health is concerned about people catching more than just beads as the flu virus is widespread in the state.   Assistant state health officer, Doctor Joseph Kanter, says the latest numbers indicate that 11.8% of healthcare visits are for flu-like symptoms.

Cut 7 (04) “is only 4%.”

Kanter encourages those celebrating Fat Tuesday to take extra precautions in avoiding the spread of the virus.

The man accused of fatally shooting LSU Basketball player Wayde Sims is seeking a reduction in his bail of 350,000 dollars. This comes from a brief from 20-year-old Dyteon Simpson, who claims he’s “totally remorseful”. So, is that likely to result in a lower bail that Simpson could potentially post?

Cut 10 (12) “…change it.”

That’s legal analyst Franz Borghardt who says such changes, historically, are incredibly rare.

Louisiana is joining a pilot program that will give those seeking addiction treatment the ability to see the “ratings” of a treatment facility on a range of different services they provide. Department of Health Communications Director Bob Johannessen says Shatterproof will fill in prospective patients on the facility’s capabilities, compared to their needs.

Cut 13 (11) “…they need.”

The Office of Behavioral Health will work with Shatterproof to determine the ratings. The pilot program will last two years.

Why catch beads when you can run around and try to catch chickens?  That’s what is happening to celebrate Mardi Gras today in Eunice.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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The man who allegedly shot LSU Basketball player Wayde Sims says he’s “totally remorseful”, and wants a lower bail. Matt Doyle talked to a legal analyst about his chances…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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 Next year those who suffer from addiction in Louisiana will have the ability to check out treatment facilities with a Yelp like rating. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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While many may associate Mardi Gras with catching beads, in small towns like Eunice, the focus is on chasing chickens.  Participants will dress in costume as part of a 12-mile chicken run, with some on horseback.  Captain of the Eunice Mardi Gras Pat Frey says the country version of the Mardi Gras has been going for 123 years.

Cut 4 (09) “…prepared the gumbo.”

Frey says a when it comes to gumbo at the Eunice Mardi Gras, they do it big.

Cut 5 (08) “…after the run.”

There are a few limitations on the run.  You have to be 18 to participate and have to be in costume.  Frey says there run happens regardless of the weather conditions, and they expect about 800-1000 join in on the festivities.

Cut 6 (09) “…Mardi Gras in Eunice.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is concerned about people catching more than just beads as the flu virus is widespread in the state.   Assistant state health officer, Doctor Joseph Kanter, says the latest numbers indicate that 11.8% of healthcare visits are for flu-like symptoms.

Cut 7 (04) “is only 4%.”

Kanter encourages those celebrating Fat Tuesday to take extra precautions in avoiding the spread of the virus.

Cut 8 (11) “…spreading a virus.”

The flu shot takes about a week or two to hit its full effectiveness.  Kanter says it appears that flu season is right around its peak, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get vaccinated if you haven’t already.

Cut 9 (12) “…the flu shot″

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The man who stands accused of fatally shooting LSU Basketball player Wayde Sims is seeking a reduction in his bail of 350,000 dollars. This comes from a brief from 20-year-old Dyteon Simpson, who claims he’s “totally remorseful”. So, is that likely to result in a lower bail that Simpson could potentially post?

Cut 10 (12) “…change it.”

That’s legal analyst Franz Borghardt who says such changes, historically, are incredibly rare.

Borghardt says even worse for Simpson’s case, the letter itself and the claim of remorse may actually hurt his case for a lower bail, because it sounds awfully close to admitting to committing a fairly heinous crime.

Cut 11 (09) “…the bond”

Simpson described himself as a father of a five-month-old who is “very productive and independent.”

Borghardt says bail is not meant to be a punitive measure, but rather a tool used to keep a potential flight risk or public safety threat contained until the proceedings are completed.

Cut 12 (11) “…and about ”

Sims was allegedly shot by Simpson near the Southern University campus in Baton Rouge after Sims reportedly stepped in to defend his friend in a fistfight last year.

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Louisiana is joining a pilot program that will give those seeking addiction treatment the ability to see the “ratings” of a treatment facility on a range of different services they provide. Department of Health Communications Director Bob Johannessen says Shatterproof will fill in prospective patients on the facility’s capabilities, compared to their needs.

Cut 13 (11) “…they need.”

Johannessen says the ratings are Yelp esque, but not determined by online, public participation. The Office of Behavioral Health will work with Shatterproof to determine the ratings.

Participation in the rating system from addiction treatment centers is voluntary, but Johannessen says chose to participate likely are doing so for a good reason…

Cut 14 (09) “…high rating.”

The pilot program will last two years, and includes New York and Massachusetts.

Johannessen says addiction is a difficult struggle, but having this kind of information available will make at least one part of the recovery process easier to handle.

Cut 15 (12) “…to make.”

The rating system will go live in 2020.

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The LSU baseball team went from being ranked number one or two to not even in the top ten in a couple of the major college baseball polls following their three losses in Texas. Coach Paul Mainieri says it was a bad weekend at the ball park…

Cut 16  (15) “weekend for us” 

The Tigers were not very competitive on Friday and Saturday against the Longhorns.  In game two of the series, freshman pitcher Landon Marceaux allowed six runs and failed to get past the second inning. Mainieri says he still has faith in the promising right-hander…

 cut 17 (20)   “through it” 

Mainieri says there were some positives from the weekend. He says getting sophomore right-hander Ma’Khail Hilliard back on the mound for the first time this season, after experiencing shoulder soreness was a plus…

Cut 18 (23)  will be” 

32-year-old Tashonty Toney remains in jail on a 510-thousand dollar bond after New Orleans Police say he plowed into a group of bicyclists on Saturday night, killing two and injuring seven. Detectives suspect Toney was impaired and he’s facing counts of vehicular homicide and several other charges. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Toney faces a lengthy prison sentence

Cut 12 (07)   “…each count.”

The Louisiana Board of Regents will award grants to ten college campuses in an effort to reduce textbooks for students. Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Communication Meg Casper Sunstrom says the total amount distributed is $67,500.

Cut 6 (08) “…about 15,000 students.”

An estimated 36,000 convicted felons who’ve been out of jail for at least five years can now register to vote thanks to a state law that went into effect March 1st. To register, an eligible felon must get a certification letter from Probation and Parole. Voters Organized to Educate Director Checo Yancy says you can’t really be a fully citizen of a nation if you don’t have the right to vote for your representatives.

Cut 10 (08)“…me.”

It’s a cold Lundi Gras and temperatures will fall into the low-to-mid 20s tomorrow morning with freeze warnings being issued for even more of the state. National Weather Service forecaster Mario Valverdesays the wind will die down and clear skies will allow for below freezing temperatures for much of the state…

Cut 4 (06) “…of fall″

The Louisiana Board of Regents will award grants to ten college campuses in an effort to reduce textbooks for students. Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Communication Meg Casper Sunstrom says they believe this effort could save more than one-million dollars over three years for 15-thousand students and they plan to track the results…

Cut 8 (11) “…the project continues.”

32-year-old Tashonty Taylor remains in jail on a 510-thousand dollar bond after New Orleans Police say he plowed into a group of bicyclists on Saturday night, killing two and injuring seven. Detectives suspect Toney was impaired and he’s facing counts of vehicular homicide and several other charges. Loyola University Law Professor Dane doesn’t expect Toney to receive any favortism just because he’s the son of a New Orleans police officer. Ciolino predicts a sentence of 5 to 30 years…

Cut 14 (08)  “…pay your debt”

Some felons who’ve been out of jail in Louisiana for at least five years have the right to vote as a result of a law that passed last year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

It’s a cold Lundi Gras and temperatures will fall into the low-to-mid 20s tomorrow morning with freeze warnings being issued for even more of the state. National Weather Service forecaster Mario Valverde…

Cut 3 (11) “…little colder.”

An estimated 36,000 convicted felons who’ve been out of jail for at least five years can now register to vote thanks to a state law that went into effect March 1st. To register, an eligible felon must get a certification letter from Probation and Parole. Voters Organized to Educate Director Checo Yancy says it took five years of lobbying, but…
Cut 9 (09) “…a veteran”
Yancy served 20 years in Angola.
32-year-old Tashonty Taylor, son of an NOPD officer, remains in jail on a 510-thousand dollar bond after New Orleans Police say he drunkenly plowed into a group of bicyclists on Saturday night, killing two and injuring seven. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino predicts a 5 to 30 year sentence.
Cut 14 (08) “…pay your debt”
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It’s the first week of March, but it feels more like January. Jeff Palermo has more on this artic blast…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
A Greenwood man allegedly murdered his cousin on Sunday and is now in jail facing second degree charges. Police investigators say 76-year-old Jerold Barron was in an argument with his 47-year-old cousin Terry Lee, when Barron shot Lee in the chest sometime around 7 last night. The dispute allegedly centered on living arrangements in the house that was owned by Barron.

The Louisiana Board of Regents will award grants to ten college campuses in an effort to reduce textbook expenses for students.  Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Communication Meg Casper Sunstrom says textbook costs can sometimes be a factor in whether a student is successful in a course.

Cut 7 (12) “…for electronic textbooks.”

It’s a cold Lundi Gras and temperatures will fall into the low-to-mid 20s tomorrow morning across the northern parishes. National Weather Service forecaster Mario Valverde says the cold weather is the result of an arctic airmass that’s brought heavy snow to the Midwest and now into the northeast. He says this polar vortex is a reminder Spring officially doesn’t start for another two weeks…

Cut 5 (11)“…cold air”

Office of Juvenile Justice says they’re ready to start taking in 17-year-olds, who, starting this month, if arrested will be sent to the Juvenile Justice System.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

It’s the first week of March, but it feels more like the middle of January. Jeff Palermo has more on this cold blast…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
The weekend may be in the rear view mirror, but the celebration of Mardi Gras continues. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says there are many ways to celebrate in each part of the state. It’s not always all about catching plastic beads.
Cut 13 (12) “…of the state.”
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The Louisiana Board of Regents will be awarding grants to ten schools in an effort to find ways to make textbooks more affordable. Board of Regents Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Communication Meg Casper Sunstrom says the total amount distributed is $67,500.
Cut 6 (08) “…about 15,000 students.”
Non-violent 17-year-olds who are arrested, starting this month, will no longer be treated as an adult, but put through he juvenile justice system. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says while they don’t expect to get any new arrivals until mid-month, it’ll be a smooth process because they won’t be treated any differently.
Cut 10 (08) “…the population.”
Louisiana was previously part of a small minority of states to prosecute minors as adults in all cases.

It’s a cold Lundi Gras and temperatures will fall into the low-to-mid 20s tomorrow morning across the northern parishes. National Weather Service forecaster Mario Valverde says forecast lows along I-10 could also dip below freezing on the morning of Fat Tuesday. He says the wind will die down and the clouds will move out, which will allow for the below freezing temperatures for a good portion of the state…
Cut 4 (06) “…of fall″
Non-violent 17-year-old offenders will now be sent through the juvenile justice system. Critics of raising the age have pointed out that the juvenile system spends more money on programs to help young offenders than would be spent on a 17-year-old in adult jail. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says he hopes the state can provide them the funding to keep the program effective.
Cut 11 (11) “…moving forward”
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the LSU AgCenter has rejected a proposal by the Department of Agriculture that would allow GB Sciences and LSU to begin growing medical marijuana in a large scale, permanent facility. LSU cited their concern that the Department of Ag was exceeding their authority in the agreement, and thus rejected it. Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says he believed the grower who works with the AgCenter, GB Sciences, was ready to advance to the next phase.
Cut 7 (11) “to do.”
Multiple people are injured after a suspected impaired driver crashed his vehcile into the back of another on highway 167 at highway 696 in Vermillion Parish over the weekend. 67-year-old John Greene of Kaplan has been arrested as a result. The force of the impact pushed 39-year-old Andrew Reed’s car into the ditch, where it hit an embankment. After the incident, Greene blew a .115 BAC, which is above the legal limit.

Medical marijuana grower GB Sciences, in partnership with LSU, is close to moving into a large scale permanent growing facility.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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 Office of Juvenile Justice says they’re ready to start taking in 17 year olds, who starting this month, if arrested will be sent to the Juvenile Justice System.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The celebration of Mardi Gras continues throughout the state.  Kevin Barnhart talked with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser to find out what to expect.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Parade goers need to bundle up for a frigid Fat Tuesday.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the temperatures are going to reach below freezing in Shreveport, Alexandria, and Lafayette. He says the big easy isn’t off the hook either…

Cut 4 (06) “…53.”

New Orleans will also face 15 mile per hour winds Monday and Tuesday as parades roll by.

Keim says there is good news though as the rain front should have passed through by then…

Cut 5 (04) “…tuesday.”

Keim says anyone braving the cold will need a little more than a bottle of wine to keep them warm this Tuesday, but it shouldn’t be unbearable…

Cut 6 (07) “…dress accordingly.”

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Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain has sent a proposal that would allow GB Sciences and LSU to begin growing medical marijuana in a large scale, permanent facility. The Commissioner says State Police still need to finish background checks for the program, but if that checks out the growing could be set to significantly increase in scale.

Cut 7 (11) “to do.”

Strain says once the LSP background check is wrapped up, LSU will be put in charge of keeping an eye on the entire grow operation run by GB Sciences.

Cut 8 (08) “…begin.”

At that point, GB will grow a final product, package it, and label it, and Strain says there will be one more test, and then it will be available for patients who have a prescription for the treatment.

Cut 9 (09) “…of thing″

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Anyone 17-year-old who is arrested, starting this month, will no longer be treated as an adult, but put through he juvenile justice system. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says while they don’t expect to get any new arrivals until mid-month, it’ll be a smooth process because they won’t be treated any differently.

Cut 10 (08) “…the population.”

Louisiana was previously part of a small minority of states to prosecute minors as adults in all cases.

With a larger population comes costs concerns. Critics of raising the age have pointed out that the juvenile system spends more money on programs to help young offenders than would be spent on a 17-year-old in adult jail. Bueche says he hopes the state delivers enough cash to maintain the program’s effectiveness.

Cut 11 (11) “…moving forward”

Despite in increase in costs to the system, Bueche says it’s worth it. The doctor says the juvenile justice system is far better equipped to help rehabilitate young people.

Cut 12 (10) “…services.”

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The weekend may be in the rearview mirror, but the celebration of Mardi Gras continues.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says there are many ways to celebrate in each part of the state.  It’s not always all about catching cheap plastic beads.

Cut 13 (12) “…of the state.”

Nungesser says while the President may pardon a turkey each Thanksgiving, Louisiana has its own spin on that tradition during Mardi Gras with crawfish.

Cut 14 (11) “…kickoff crawfish season.”

Nungesser says you may stumble upon some unique throws at different celebrations around the state.

Cut 15 (13) “…think of next.”

Mardi Gras celebrations continue around the state.  In Lafayette, the weekend festivities got kicked off last night, with parades today.  Executive Director of Convention and Visitors Commission Ben Berthelot says over the years, the Mardi Gras festivities have grown with more options for those coming in from out of town to be a part of the festivities.

Cut 5 (10)“…a dull moment.”

Authorities suspect the plane that lost contact with the tower Thursday shortly after launching from the Shreveport Downtown Airport may be located just north of the airport in the Red River. Caddo Parish Spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the plane launched at 1037am, and authorities say no one saw what happened next.

Cut 9 (12) “…radio.”
The FAA has now confirmed two people were killed in the crash.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves has been named the top Republican on the newly reformed Climate Crisis panel. The panel will focus on threats posed by climate change, but will likely feature a partisan split on the origin of the threat. Graves, who agrees that sea rise poses a threat to the nation, says the appointment will give him a platform to raise awareness of Louisiana’s vulnerabilities.

Cut 12 (11)   “…crisis.”

Louisiana has declared a state of emergency as the Mississippi River approaches flood levels. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says this precaution is taken to speed up any support process needed for areas throughout the Bayou State…

Cut 6 (09) “…state level”