In an effort to have children educated sooner, one lawmaker files a bill to make kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana.  Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Utilities reported to the Public Service Commission this morning on last week’s winter storm response. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Currently, it is not mandatory to send your child to kindergarten in Louisiana, but one Senator wants to change that to get more children enrolled in pre-K education. Baton Rouge Senator and Chairmen of the Senate Education Committee Cleo Fields has pre-filed legislation to make kindergarten a requirement.

Cut 3 (10)  “…the state.” 

According to Louisiana’s Early Childhood and Education Commission, birth to five years of age is critical for brain development. Fields wants to aid educational outcomes for children as early as possible.

Cut 4 (11) “…first grade.” 

Fields says we need to concentrate on learning sooner so all children will have the advantage of pre-K and kindergarten education before, they walk into first grade. Fields says but first we must make kindergarten a requirement.

Cut 5  (11)  “…through twelve.” 

If the bill is approved children who turn age five on or before September 30^th will be required to enroll in kindergarten.

________________________

Utility providers went before the Public Service Commission today to explain last week’s winter storm power outages and the poor communication to customers about those outages.

Entergy CEO Phillip May says Tuesday the grid faced significantly more demand than it had supply and they were given 30 minutes by a regulator to begin rolling blackouts.

Cut 6 (10) “…resort”

That super-regional regulator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, operates an energy market in 15 states throughout the center of the country. Nearly all of those states were caught in last week’s polar vortex.

May says part of the problem last week was that they could not source enough natural gas to maintain a normal level of power production.

Cut 7 (10) “…supply”

Providers acknowledged that natural gas prices for February were far higher than they usually are, and that will be passed on to customers. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta…

Cut 8 (09) “…before then”

______________________

Senator Bill Cassidy spoke with members of the media on a zoom conference to discuss his vote to impeach former President Donald Trump.  Despite some criticism, Cassidy says he’s at peace with his decision.

Cut 9 (08) “…people objecting”

After Cassidy’s vote, the Louisiana GOP voted to censure him, but Cassidy says that’s only a small portion of the Republican Party and that a lot of Republicans say they respect his decision.

Cut 10 (11) “…went into it” 

In regards to how this vote will impact his political career, Cassidy says honoring his constitutional oath is more important.

Cut 11 (10) “…consequesnces.”

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A former well-known Monroe staple passed away Monday at the age of 72. Shirley was the sole elephant at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo for 22 years after she arrived in 1977.  As requirements changed for keeping elephants in captivity, Zoo Director Tom Pearson says they opted to let Shirley retire.

Cut 12 (12) “ …years.” 

Pearson says since elephants are herd animals, Shirley relocated to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee where she defied the odds as the Sanctuary’s oldest elephant after her previous circus life and then her residency in Monroe.

Cut 13 (08)“…circus.”

Pearson says at the Sanctuary, Shirley was able to roam vast the grounds with other elephants and had little human interaction. He says about 10 years ago however one of her former caretakers in Monroe, Solomon James, was allowed to visit on her birthday.

Cut 14 (11) “…thrilled”

At the time of her passing, Shirley held the record for the second oldest elephant in North America.

The next Louisiana Gubernatorial race is more than two years away but the top potential candidates are on their way to assembling large campaign war chests. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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If you receive unemployment, Medicaid or SNAP you’re also eligible to receive free mobile internet service. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Potential 2023 Gubernatorial Race contenders Attorney General Jeff Landry and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser are off to a strong fundraising start with the election more than two years away.

Landry is sitting on two million dollars and Nungesser has a million in a half in the bank. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the two statewide elected Republicans are strong early favorites.

Cut 3 (10)  “…candidates” 

The reported numbers cover the end of the 2020 fundraising period.

Other Republicans rumored to be contemplating a run include Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt and State Treasurer John Schroder, but each is only sitting on six-figure sums…

Cut 4 (07) “…found out.” 

Hewitt claimed 215,000 dollars cash on hand while Schroder has 550,000 in the bank. Another potential Republican, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves, has a federal election war chest that can’t be used in state races.

Pinsonat says with Governor Edwards term-limited there’s no easy answer for Democrats in 2023, but Edwards two wins prove you can’t count the party out…

Cut 5  (10)  “…win” 

Pinsonat says two early Democrats being floated are Norco Senator Gary Smith and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields.

________________________

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is asking residents to reconsider the use of heat lamps to keep pets and animals following several fires last week, including one in Bossier Parish that claimed the lives of seven horses. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says even outside, heating lamps can be hazardous.

Cut 6 (15) “…over the heat lamp.”

Rodrigue says there was also a fire involving a heating lamp in the Houma area that killed a dog and another one in Livingston Parish. Rodrigue says the fires could be due to the lamps being placed near flammable objects like a blanket…

Cut 7 (11) “…on fire”

Rodrigue says that if animals are able to be brought inside, then that’s the best option for warmth.

Cut 8 (12) “…not advisable.”

______________________

A 56-year old Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being allegedly shot multiple times by his daughter in Benton Monday night. Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Bill Davis says they were called to Burt Wich’s home in Benton around 5 pm.

Cut 9 (11) “…murder”

22-year old Kalee (pronounced Kallie) Wich is being held at the Bossier Maximum-Security Facility in Plain Dealing.

Davis says Deputy Wich, who lives alone was getting ready to go assist a friend with storm damage when his daughter Kalee arrived.

Cut 10 (09) “…the least” 

Davis says Deputy Wich is in stable condition at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport and was up walking around this morning after being shot multiple times.

Cut 11 (08) “…to work.”

Davis says the gun used in the shooting was not the deputy’s service revolver. The investigation is ongoing.

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Thanks to a COVID Relief bill those receiving unemployment, Medicaid or SNAP Benefits are now eligible to receive free mobile internet service. Q Link Wireless is one of the phone providers participating in the program and CEO Issa Asad (EE-sa Ah-sod) says you can even keep your current phone and number.

Cut 12 (10) “ …in need.” 

Asad says to sign up for the benefit you can visit QLinkWireless.com, He says once approved you’ll receive service in two to three days.

Cut 13 (06)“…no bill”

The Emergency Broadband Benefit program passed by Congress begins on February 25th and lasts until the end of the year, after that Asad says you can roll over into the LifeLine program.

Cut 14 (09) “…unlimited”

Louisiana officials are asking residents who suffered damage during last week’s winter weather to report it, as the state plans to submit that information to the federal government. Taylor Sharp has more

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

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Louisiana Strawberry farmers are pulling up tarps and surveying damage from last week’s winter storms. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is seeking information via survey on damage.la.gov from anyone who sustained damage from the winter weather, which could potentially lead to federal assistance.  GOHSEP Spokesperson Mike Steele says filling out a survey will help speed up the recovery process.

Cut 3 (11)  “…recovery process” 

 Steele says that reporting the damage will also help state officials determine where the most damage occurred.

Cut 4 (10) “…assistance may be available.” 

 Steele explains that this doesn’t guarantee federal assistance but it could certainly help.

Cut 5  (11)  “…benefit us” 

Steele wants Louisiana residents to understand that this should not replace reporting damage to your insurance agency.

________________________

Strawberry farmers are surveying crops after last week’s winter storm and it appears 30 to 35 percent of the crop is lost according to one farmer. Owner of Harris Farmers in Springfield, Trey Harris says despite covering the berries, the length of the storm also impacted the crops.

Cut 6 (09) “…stems.”

Harris says the last time a winter storm impacted the crops this bad was four years ago, his first season in the strawberry business. Harris says but the December 2017 snow gave them enough time to recover because it takes 21 days for a bloom to produce a strawberry.

Cut 7 (10) “…coming in”

As for prices on strawberries, Harris says they should stay up for a while because of lack of volume, and it’s not just Louisiana that’s having issues with strawberries.

Cut 8 (09) “…volume.”

Harris says the peak of the season is mid-April giving farmers time to salvage their season.

______________________

A Bienville Parish man was fatally shot Sunday morning by a truck driver after allegedly attempting to break into his 18-wheeler. Bienville Sheriff John Ballance says 35-year-old Jonathan Raney of Ringgold kicked in the front door of a liquor store, then targeted a nearby semi…

Cut 9 (12) “…window out”

Raney did not enter the liquor store after kicking in its front glass door.

Ballance says the truck driver woke up and warned Raney to leave… 

Cut 10 (06) “…shot” 

The driver was parked at the store’s parking lot overnight with permission.

Ballance says the driver fired four shots and they believe the shooting was justified.  

Cut 11 (09) “…break in”

Ballance speculates Raney’s erratic behavior was the result of drug use but says they are awaiting toxicology results to determine if that is the case.  

_____________________________

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office releases new details about a fatal shootout at a Gretna gun store on Saturday.

Sheriff Joe Lopinto says video evidence and witness reports show 27-year-old Jamal Williams was not confrontational while in the store, and was exiting the premises after being asked to unload his weapon by staff when he fired a round out the door and across the street, then turned around and shot his first victim…

Cut 12 (03) “ …happened” 

Williams held a concealed carry permit, had no major criminal history, and was allegedly at the store with his brother and a minor to purchase ammo, and was in the store for seven minutes before he began shooting.

Lopinto says contrary to their initial impressions…

Cut 13 (11)“…training”

Two people were fatally shot, 59-year-old Veronica Billiot a customer who was the first victim in the spree, and 47-year-old store employee Noah Fiscbach, who was shot while lying on the ground.

Video shows Williams exiting and entering the store and moving through the building exchanging fire with store employees before being shot in the parking lot. Lopinto says it could’ve been worse…

Cut 14 (12) “…day”

Beginning today pregnant women are eligible to be vaccinated in Louisiana, but some question is it safe to do so. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Teacher unions are celebrating as K-12 educators can receive a COVID vaccine starting today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

The C-D-C says Louisiana suffered a 53 percent increase in drug overdose deaths between July of 2019 and 2020 compared to the previous one-year period. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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As pregnant women become eligible to be vaccinated for COVID in Louisiana today, many expectant mothers question if it is safe? West Jefferson Medical Center OB/GYN Dr. Jennifer Bigelow says always talk to your personal physician first, but they are recommending it.

Cut 4 (08)“…vaccine.”

COVID vaccine clinical trials for pregnant women are currently underway to gather more data. Bigelow says being pregnant puts you in a higher risk group if you contract COVID.

Cut 5 (10)“…progressed.”

Another concern among those of childbearing age is that the vaccine can affect fertility. Bigelow says there is no evidence-based research indicating it does.

Cut 6 (08) “…future.”

Bigelow also recommends that nursing mothers and women planning to get pregnant be vaccinated for COVID when eligible.

________________________

Nearly half a million additional Louisianans are eligible for the COVID vaccine starting today and that includes over 50,000 K-through- 12 teachers. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says this will go a long way towards getting education back to some sense of normalcy.

Cut 7 (07)  “…open.”

Along with teachers those 55 and older with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and an expanded class of healthcare workers also became eligible.

Carter says even with vaccinating teachers education won’t return to normal until the pandemic ends, but this does help facilitate more in-person teaching.

Cut 8 (12) “..safe”

The LFT has been lobbying state leaders to give teachers access to the vaccine as early as last December.

Carter says now that teachers are eligible the next step is making sure they are getting vaccinated.

Cut 9 (09) “..vaccine.”

State Superintendant of Education Cade Brumley says teachers will not be required to take the vaccine.

_____________________________

Louisiana suffered the nation’s largest spike in drug overdose deaths in the period between July 2019 and July 2020. That’s according to data from the C-D-C. Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich says the state’s drug overdose death number has been rising the last seven years, despite optimism it would slow.

Cut 10 (08) “…down.”

Louisiana now has the 8th highest rate of overdose deaths in the nation at 37 per 100,000. West Virginia leads the nation at 62 per 100,000.

It was a 53 percent increase in overdose deaths, 1,720 in total. Cvitanovich says it was largely driven by increased use of opiates like Fentanil and its concentrated form Carfentanil.

Cut 11 (09) “..potent”

South Carolina saw the next highest spike in the nation at only 43 percent.

Cvitanovich says there’s a lot that’s being done to fight the addiction epidemic domestically but it’s still pouring into the US from Mexico and China.

Cut 12 (07) “…people.”  (2x)

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One lawmaker is hoping to change the state motto in the next legislative session. St. Tammany Parish Representative Richard Nelson wants “We Live and Die for Those We Love,” to be the new state proverb.

Cut 13 (10) “…the seal.”

Nelson says the current state motto of “Union, Justice and Confidence” is not very well known even though it appears on the state flag.

Nelson says he was first intrigued by the slogan “We Live and Die for Those We Love” when it appeared on his law degree. He has since found it on state landmarks.

Cut 14 (06) “…capitol.” 

Nelson hopes if the new motto is adopted that it’s gradually phased into use and that current displays of “Union, Justice and Confidence” remain intact.

Cut 15 (05)“…over time.”

Nelson says it’s only appropriate when new state buildings are constructed that the motto be used, and current structures are not altered.

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For the first time since 1994, the LSU men’s basketball team hit the century mark in an SEC game as the Bayou Bengals blew out Auburn 104-80 on Saturday afternoon at the PMAC. Five players scored in double figures led by freshman Cam Thomas. Trendon Watford had a double-double and so did Josh Leblanc who has 12 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Coach Will Wade says it was great team effort…

Cut 16 (16) “…on the block.”

LSU held Auburn to 37-percent shooting and for the third consecutive game the Tigers shot better than 50-percent. Wade says on his improved offense…

Cut 17 (16) “..doing”

Saturday’s win improves LSU’s record to 9-4 in the SEC and they are tied for second place with Arkansas. The Tigers are at Georgia tomorrow and Wade says it will be difficult to beat the Bulldogs on their home floor

Cut  18 (18) “…ready to go.”

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It was a tough day at the ballpark for the LSU Baseball team has they lost to Air Force for the first time in school history giving up three runs in the ninth in a six to five loss to the Falcons. Air Force scored three runs in the ninth as Ty Floyd and Aaron George each walked two hitters and freshman third baseman Will Hellmers committed three errors at the hot corner. Coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 19 (20) “…didn’t make” 

The loss drops LSU’s record to 1-and-1 after winning the season opener on Saturday six to one. The Tigers only have 14 hits after two games and Mainieri says the hitting will need to improve…

  cut 20  (26) “…go forward” 

Several roads across North Louisiana are impassable as a result of yesterday’s freezing rain. Jeff Palermo reports several vehicles have slid off the roadway on Interstate 20…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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K-12 teachers in Louisiana are still not eligible to receive a COVID vaccine but Governor Edwards says that is likely to change “relatively soon”. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (31) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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State Police says I-20 is a solid block of ice and it’s resulted in jack-knifed 18-wheelers and several vehicles sliding off the highway. Trooper Brent Hardy says thankfully no serious injuries have been reported

Cut 3 (11)  “…roadway” 

Hardy says the two winter storms have produced a four to five-inch block of ice and even Troopers who train to drive in these conditions are struggling…

Cut 4 (09) “…stay off.” 

Hardy says many of the motorists that have been stranded after sliding off the road, said they were driving around to look at winter scenery

Cut 5  (09)  “…in jeopardy” 

________________________

After days for thousands of customers without power and frigid temperatures Entergy Louisiana Spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says they hope to have power restored for Baton Rouge customers by the end of the day. As for customers in North Louisiana that received a bout of freezing rain last night…

Cut 6 (09) “…customers.”

Residents in Louisiana are seasoned to power outages due to hurricanes, but not lengthy outages when freezing temperatures are involved. Scardigli says restoration with an ice storm is much different because ice accumulation involves individual lines and poles that are pulled down by ice and trees.

Cut 7 (12) “…at once”

Entergy, along with CLECO and SWEPCO, are asking customers to conserve power to avoid overloads, due to historic demand. Utility providers have also conducted rolling blackouts to reduce usage this week. As the frigid temperatures continue, Scardigli says more rolling blackouts are possible.

Cut 8 (10) “…the line”

_______________________

Governor Edwards says he will make an announcement “relatively soon” on expanding COVID vaccine eligibility to K-12 teachers and staff.  

Teachers unions are demanding teachers be vaccinated, but Edwards says the current priority groups are federal recommendations based on our demographics. 

Cut 9 (12) “…we have”

In the Southeast US only Arkansas and Alabama have made teacher’s fully eligible to receive the vaccine.  

Edwards says making teachers eligible right now wouldn’t mean they would immediately get vaccinated given our low supply. He compared the current situation to a funnel. 

Cut 10 (12) “…prioritized” 

528,000 Louisianans have received at least their first COVID vaccine dose.  

Edwards is optimistic teachers won’t have to wait for much longer.  

Cut 11 (08) “…increasing.”

This week’s vaccine allocation has been delayed due to the winter weather. 

_____________________________

The winter storm has passed but freezing cold temperatures are here to stay for the next few days.  

National Weather Service Shreveport forecaster Gary Chatelain says tomorrow morning the I-20 corridor will once again break record lows with temps in the teens.  

Cut 12 (09) “ …you know” 

A hard freeze warning is in effect from tonight into tomorrow morning as far south as I-10. 

Chatelain says roads across north Louisiana are still an icy mess but we’ll be treated to some dry weather and sunshine even if temps remain in the thirties into the weekend.  

Cut 13 (09)“…sun”

Chatelain says temperatures will begin rising once this blanket of frigid air gets pushed out east.  

Cut 14 (11) “…weekend”

A 15 mile stretch along I-20 East in Bossier and Webster Parishes is closed after commercial vehicles jackknifed last night causing approximately 45 motorists to be trapped. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins tells KSLA-TV that the city could be without water for 48 hours due to the second round of winter weather. Matt Doyle has more…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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State Police says treacherous road conditions led to 45 people getting stuck on a stretch of Interstate 20 in Bossier and Webster parish for six to eight hours last night. Trooper Brent Hardy says there were multiple crashes…

Cut 3 (11)  “….back up” 

There were no serious injuries, but Hardy says multiple agencies were needed to assist those trapped overnight.

Cut 4 (13) “…stranded.” 

Hardy stresses the importance of staying off roadways until this storm passes and leave them open for essential workers.

Officials say be prepared just in case you are stranded. Hardy says if you must drive, drive slowly

Cut 5  (13)  “…slowly.” 

I-20 Eastbound remains close for about a 15-mile stretch as they work to remove those vehicles from the interstate.

________________________

Northwest Louisiana is getting hammered by a combination of frigid temperatures and a messy mix of sleet and snow.  

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announced much of the city could be without water for the next 48 hours. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick… 

Cut 6 (09) “…town.”

City and parish roads have been declared “unpassable” which means they are drivable but dangerous. Chadwick says thankfully residents are playing it safe.  

Cut 7 (08) “…point”

Chadwick asks motorists to try and avoid driving into or through northwest Louisiana at this time. She says successfully navigating the area is a coin flip.  

Cut 8 (12) “…travel”

Power outages are also growing and Chadwick says there are concerns the numbers could grow even faster the longer this weather event goes on.  

_______________________

All roads in Beauregard Parish and LA Highway 10 in Allen Parish have been deemed impassable due to the ongoing winter storm.  

State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says yesterday the sun melted much of the ice along those roads, but… 

Cut 9 (12) “…roadway.”

Designating a road “impassable” means officials highly discourage non-emergency travel. 

Senegal says despite the hazardous road conditions they are seeing an uptick in traffic coming into the region from across the Texas border.  

Cut 10 (12) “…warmth” 

Millions remain without power in the Lone Star state after the winter storm wrecked their electrical grid.  

__________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says today’s winter weather is challenging Louisiana with power outages, water outages, and hundreds of wrecks on the roadways. Edwards says State Police have worked about 350 weather-related crashes

Cut 11 (09) “…those crashes.”

It’s an especially challenging time for Shreveport as the city is experiencing low water pressure. Edwards says he’s aware of the situation

Cut 12 (12) “ …water pressure.” 

Edwards says the power and water issues, along with road closures are all linked…

Cut 13 (12)“…real issues too”

Many major throughways are still closed across Louisiana as the deep freeze continues. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

The winter storm is responsible for at least two deaths, both of them in Lafayette Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Roads and bridges across much of the state are still shut down as Louisiana settles in for a week-long deep freeze.

Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says in south Louisiana many interstates are still closed, like the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and parts of I-10 and 12 in Baton Rouge…

Cut 3 (12)  “….open” 

Crews are out working in Baton Rouge to try and open those crucial routes.

Up in the Shreveport-Bossier and Monroe areas Mallet says the consistently cold temperatures produced a different set of problems.

Cut 4 (11) “..impassable” 

Mallet says for the most up-to-date information on the status of state roads vist 5-1-1-LA-Dot-Org, or…

Cut 5  (09)  “…get out.” 

________________________

This history-making winter weather has been responsible for at least two deaths in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says both fatalities took place in Lafayette Parish.

Cut 6 (09) “…very tragic.”

The other death occurred in the city of Lafayette. Lafayette Police Sergeant Wayne Griffin says 74-year-old Mary Guillory died after leaving a residence at around 1 AM this morning…

Cut 7 (07) “…extreme weather condition”

Guillory may have suffered from dementia.

Governor John Bel Edwards is also concerned about more deaths related to carbon monoxide poisoning as people without power use generators to keep the heater on

Cut 8 (12) “…garage.”

_______________________

The winter storm allowed for new record low temperatures to be set. National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist C.S. Ross says the mercury in Shreveport dropped to one degree today. The previous record low was 20 degrees for February 16th.

Cut 9 (06) “…years ago.”

Ross says Monroe also set a record low temp this morning at 16 degrees this morning, the previous record was 25 degrees for the day and Lake Charles set a new low with 16 degrees.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like temps will get above freezing for the area and help melt any of the frozen precipitation.

By late this evening Ross says sleet and snow will sweep across north Louisiana bringing another round of dicey weather for the area.

Cut 10 (11) “…problems.” 

While the majority of power outages Monday and Tuesday were in the southern part of the state due to ice and sleet, Ross says this second round of winter weather could create outages in north Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “…developing.”

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Entergy has been directed by the Mid-Continent System Operator to initiate rolling power outages for some customers in southwest Louisiana.  Entergy Louisiana Vice President of Distribution Operations John Hawkins says the blackouts are due to this historic winter storm and freeze.  

Cut 12 (08) “ …for us.” 

MISO is in charge of the power grid for the region.  

It’s a drastic move but Hawkins says these record low temperatures have forced their hand.  

Cut 13 (10)“…grid”

The blackouts will last for an undetermined amount of time.  

Cut 14 (09) “…possible”

Entergy is asking customers to reduce power consumption by lowering thermostats to 68 degrees, open drapes when the sun is shining, don’t allow warm air to leave your home, and delay dish and laundry wash loads until further notice. 

Valentine’s Day is Sunday and dining with your sweetheart will be different with the limited capacity, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t show love to your favorite eatery. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_______________________________________

Louisiana could get hit with a major winter storm on Monday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest dining days of the year for the restaurant industry but with limited capacity due to the pandemic, Wendy Waren with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says many members have creative options for their patrons this year.

Cut 3 (12)  “…to go”

Behind Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day is the second busiest day of the year traditionally for restaurants.

In Louisiana, Valentine’s Day usually competes with Mardi Gras Parades but that’s not the case this year. Waren says however many restaurants are offering to-go options to celebrate carnival at home or for touring house floats by car.

Cut 4 (08) “…home.” 

Waren says if you haven’t made reservations for Valentine’s you might want to pick up the phone and do so ASAP. She says if you can’t get seated you might want to look at some to-go options and still support your favorite local restaurant…

Cut 5  (11)  “…that way.” 

___________________________________________________

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says confidence is increasing that the northern half of the state could be hit by two major winter storms next week. Meteorologist C-S Ross says a mix of wintery precipitation is expected to arrive Sunday morning and the storm system will intensify

Cut 6 (10) “..remain possible.”

That means freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Ross says several inches of snow may fall in Shreveport, Monroe, and Alexandria on Monday. He says high temperatures will stay below freezing that day for those cities and dangerous wind chills are also expected Monday and Tuesday.

Cut 7 (08) “…below zero.”

Ross says the I-20 corridor could see single-digit low temperatures for Tuesday morning. He says freezing rain is in the forecast for south Louisiana on Monday and Tuesday morning will also be very cold south of Alexandria

Cut 8 (06) “…into the teens”

It will warm up in south Louisiana on Wednesday but another winter storm could arrive in north Louisiana on that day.

_____________________

The Louisiana Family Forum has found the new longest-married couple in the state: a pair out of Gonzales who’ve been married for 80 years.

LFF President Gene Mills says 101-year-old Gail is a Catholic and 99-year-old Patsy Richardson is Baptist, and both are both highly active in their faith.

Cut 9 (08) “..coexistence”

Mills says there’s a lot everyone could learn from these two centenarians.

Cut 10 (11) “. ..benefits” 

This year’s search for the longest-married couple turned up over 18 couples who’ve been married for more than 70 years. Mills says they will be celebrated.

Cut 11 (06) “..of fame”

Those in the top ten list will receive a proclamation from the Governor and a King Cake.

_______________________________________________

Pelican Waste has set up a GoFundMe for the two sanitation workers who spotted a car from an Amber Alert earlier this week in St. Martin Parish and helped rescue a kidnapped 10-year-old.

The fund has raised over 4,500 dollars for Dion Merrick and Brandon Antoine and Pelican spokesperson Monica Camille says they deserve it.

Cut 12 (12) “  acts” 

Camille says the kidnapping was a shock, but Merrick and Antoine’s heroics were not.

Cut 13 (13)“. caliber”

The GoFundMe has a 10,000 dollar goal…

Cut 14 (11) “.with it”

Senator Bill Cassidy’s reversal on the question of whether it is constitutional to impeach a President who is out of office came as a surprise to many. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

State, industry, parish, and Congressional leaders met today at the Capitol to discuss forming a united front to oppose the Biden Administration’s recent oil and gas policies. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Senator Bill Cassidy’s vote calling the impeachment of former President Trump constitutional was a surprising move.

The vote was a reversal on the issue for the Senator and triggered a strong condemnation from the state GOP.

Cut 3 (08)  “…this”

Cassidy defended the vote, saying the Trump legal team did a terrible job Tuesday while the House managers presenting the Democrats’ case were well prepared.

Stockley says this may be Cassidy, recently reelected to a six-year term, expressing a more independent streak that he was known for before his first term in the US Senate.

Cut 4 (11) “…vote” 

Stockley does not expect the Senator to see much of an overall dip in popularity despite voting against Trump, who is still quite popular in Louisiana.

Cut 5  (10)  “…tenable” 

Cassidy says his support for the constitutionality of impeaching a President who is out of office is not an indicator of how he will ultimately vote over the question of whether the former President incited an insurrection on January 6^th.

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An arrest has been made in the Quawan Charles case. The St. Mary Parish 15-year-old was found in a wooded area of Iberia Parish last November. Iberia Sheriff Tommy Romero says they arrested one of the last people to see Charles alive, 37-year-old Janet Irvin

Cut 6 (11) “…of a minor.”

Irvin’s exact role in Charles’s death is not known. One autopsy says he might have drowned himself during a psychotic episode possibly brought on by marijuana.  Romero says based on numerous interviews, forensic evidence, and their autopsy report they arrested Irvin in Lafayette Parish…

Cut 7 (06) “…Mrs Irvin”

Irvin has been charged with failure to report a missing child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Attorneys for Charles’s family say Irvin picked up Charles from his home in Baldwin without parental permission. Charles was reported missing on October 30th and his body was found on November 3rd. Romero says immediately after the arrest he spoke with the parents of Charles

Cut 8 (06) “…case closed.”

Irvin’s bond has been set at 400-thousand dollars.

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A Legislative committee met today hoping to build a coalition of parties interested in reversing the Biden Administration’s recent oil and gas policies.

State Department of Natural Resources Secretary Thomas Harris spoke on behalf of Governor Edwards’ Administration. He says lowering domestic oil and gas production won’t lower overall carbon emissions.

Cut 9 (08) “..from”

Parish Presidents, members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, oil and gas industry leaders, and state lawmakers all testified at the hearing against the revoking of the Keystone XL Pipeline permit and moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters.

Harris says the Edwards Administration supports lowering carbon emissions and wants to present an alternate plan to do so to the Biden Administration.

Cut 10 (10) “. …conerns” 

Edwards recently spoke with the person tapped to be the Biden Administration’s Energy Secretary.

Some are calling for a more forceful response from Governor Edwards. Harris says that’s counterproductive.

Cut 11 (11) “..heard”

The Biden Administration says these restrictions on domestic oil and gas production are key to helping the country hit carbon neutrality by 2050, thus limiting catastrophic levels of future global temperature increase.

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Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott expects the Legislature will seek to reform the way the state collects sales taxes when the legislative session begins in April. Scott says a task force has been working to bring the state’s sales tax collection system in line with the rest of the country.

Cut 12 (11) “   go to” 

It’s a touchy subject as many parish leaders do not want to give up direct control of their sales tax collections. Scott says that’s because local governments rely heavily on those revenues.

Cut 13 (09)“. high”

Scott says even if the Legislature passes an item to reform and centralize sales tax collections, voters will have the last say.

Cut 14 (09) “.this fall”