As President Biden preps for his State of the Union Address, US Senator Bill Cassidy says he believes it will clear in tonight’s speech, that the Biden Administration is not alleviating the pains impacting Americans have suffered record high inflation and steep climb in energy prices that began with the closure of the Keystone XL pipeline…:

CUT 13(11)      “…oil & gas industry.”

Cassidy refers to Lisa Cook, the first Black woman to be nominated to the Federal Reserve.

An elderly Shreveport couple was killed Monday afternoon when a Jaguar driven by 81-year-old Louis Flannigan failed to yield to an oncoming big rig along US Highway 84 in Desoto Parish. Trooper Jonathan Odom says Flannigan’s 80-year-old wife Inell was also killed. Odom says they were not wearing seatbelts…:

CUT 07(06)      “…unrestrained.”

Less than a week after it was announced that Art Briles would be Hue Jackson’s offensive coordinator at Grambling, Briles decided to step down, resigning from the staff Monday. Briles’ hiring was met with criticism and outrage from both within and outside of the Grambling community. UL system president Dr. Jim Henderson agrees with Briles’ decision…:

CUT 03(08)      “…that our process works.”

Dr. Henderson said that the UL System has made student safety a priority and that the hiring of Briles sent a message that was inconsistent with that.

Mardi Gras is back, after the pandemic cancelled everything last year. In New Orleans, parades this morning have given way to an afternoon and night of revelry in the French Quarter; leading up to midnight tonight, when rows of mounted cops clear Bourbon Street – making way for the trash pickup and street sweepers. The success of the day is measured largely by the tons of trash picked up.

Ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union tonight, Senator Bill Cassidy says the administration needs to address inflation that’s crushing the middle class.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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An elderly Shreveport couple was killed Monday afternoon when the car 81-year-old Louis Flanigan was driving failed to yield to an oncoming Freightliner along US Highway 84 in Desoto Parish. Trooper Jonathan Odom says, 80-year-old Inell Flannigan, the driver’s wife was also killed.

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Less than a week after it was announced that Art Briles would be Hue Jackson’s offensive coordinator at Grambling, Briles decided to step down, resigning from the staff on Monday. Both Jackson and Grambling athletic director Trayveon Scott said the hiring of Briles was a story of redemption for a talented coach who had made some mistakes. That goes against reports that from 2011 to 2015 Briles ignored or covered up more than 50 sexual and physical assaults by players during his time at Baylor. UL system president Dr. Jim Henderson says while the intentions may have been good, the decision was not.

Cut 5 (12) “…student population.”

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It’s a day of revelry and parades in south Louisiana as thousands are celebrating Mardi Gras Day after COVID-19 and a winter storm kept people inside last year. The King of Rex is James Reiss III. He’s asking that citizens to do only one thing today…

Cut 10 (10) “…Hail Rex.”

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President Biden delivers his first State of the Union Address tonight. Inflation is expected to be the main topic. Rising gas prices have helped trigger inflation and Senator Bill Cassidy says if the President encouraged more domestic oil production, gas prices would come down…
Cut 12 (09) “…gas pump.”
The State of the Union will air at 8 pm tonight.

It’s a day of revelry and parades in south Louisiana as thousands are celebrating Mardi Gras Day after COVID-19 and a winter storm kept people inside last year. New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell turned over a key to the city to the King of Rex…
cut 9 (11) “…needs”
The party will end at midnight, which is when the Lenten season begins.

Former disgraced Baylor football coach Art Briles has resigned from the Grambling football staff. David Grubb has more…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Fat Tuesday festivities are well underway across south Louisiana. Here’s a sample of the Grambling State Marching Band in front of Gallier Hall in New Orleans…
cut 29 (12) “…music blaring”

Over in Eunice, they are celebrating a traditional Mardi Gras, with horseback riders chasing poultry in costume…
cut 1 (33) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

An elderly Shreveport couple was killed yesterday afternoon in a three-vehicle wreck on US Highway 84 in Desoto Parish. 81-year-old Louis Flanigan and his wife 80-year-old wife, Inell Flanigan were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Jonathan Odom says Louis was driving…
Cut 6 (12) “…the Jaguar.”
Odom says the Flanigan’s were not buckled up.

President Biden delivers his first State of the Union address tonight. During the Biden administration, the U.S. has seen skyrocketing fuel prices and inflation, a chaotic pull-out from Afghanistan, continued problems at the southern border, and now the Russia-Ukraine conflict. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the President should use tonight’s speech for some course correction…:
Cut 8 (15) “…foreign policy perspective.”
The State of the Union is at 8 PM.

President Biden’s State of the Union address is tonight, with many speculating what he may tell America and the world. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Former disgraced Baylor football coach Art Briles has stepped down as offensive coordinator at Grambling State saying he did not want to be a distraction. The decision to hire Briles was controversial, because of how his tenure at Baylor ended. He was fired in 2016 after it was learned he and his assistants took no action against players accused of sexual assault.

State Police say 14-year-old Zashawn Dawson of Baton Rouge was killed early Monday morning on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says Dawson was thrown into oncoming traffic from the SUV he was traveling when it was hit by a vehicle driven by 24-year-old Emanual Ruiz of Pride. Scrantz says one of the passengers in Ruiz’s truck, 22-year old Tyler Melancon told officers he was the driver.

Cut  11 (09)  “…the driver.”  

Ruiz is charged with vehicular homicide and Melancon with obstruction of justice.

It’s been six months since Hurricane Ida and Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove says dealing with insurance providers has been a consistent issue for residents.

Cut 14 (09)  “…don’t agree with.”

Dove says residents are anxious to rebuild.

Tonight, President Biden will address the U.S. and the world in his State of the Union speech. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says while he cannot predict what the president may say, he emphasized Biden really needs tonight’s address to “move the needle…”

Cut 9 (13)  “…are historically low.”

The Cajun Tradition of chasing ingredients for gumbo takes place in Eunice today And if the act of chasing a chicken isn’t enough to get your attention, administrative assistant to the mayor, Courtney Elkins says the traditional costumes worn by horseback riders and runners are also a sight to see.

Cut 6 (12)  “…entire face.”

An elderly Shreveport couple was killed in a crash in DeSoto Parish Monday afternoon. State Police say the three-vehicle crash claimed the lives of 81-year old Louis Flanigan and his wife 80-year old Inell Flanigan, and both were unrestrained. Troopers say it happened with Louis Flanigan’s vehicle failed to yield when turning into a driveway and was struck by a truck from behind and then another when it crossed into oncoming traffic.

Six months since Hurricane Ida, Terrebonne Parish is still in recovery mode. David Grubb has the latest on the progress after the storm.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

Tonight President Joe Biden will address the U.S. and the world in his State of the Union speech. The President’s poll numbers are on the decline and U-L-M political science professor Joshua Stockley says Mr. Biden needs to deliver a home run speech…
Cut 7 (15) “…humanitarian crisis.”
The President will speak from the House chamber at the U-S Capitol at 8 pm tonight.

Meanwhile, in Eunice they will chase chickens on horseback as part of an old-style Mardi Gras tradition that continues to live in southwest Louisiana…
cut 5 (06) “…and runners”
The chickens caught will be used to make a large pot of gumbo that hundreds of revelers can enjoy.

Today marks the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Ida and in Terrebonne Parish many residents are still battling with their insurance company over claims. But Parish President Gordon Dove says there are many positives as oil prices are helping to speed up the recovery….
cut 15 (11) “…right now”
Dove says they are also seeing fewer blue roofs as home repairs move along.

State Police arrest three people involved in a fatal crash on I-10 in Ascension Parish that killed a 14-year-old Baton Rouge teen. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they suspect impairment on the driver that caused the crash and one of his passengers has been charged with obstruction. Scrantz says 18-year-old Catara Johnson was a passenger in the other vehicle and was arrested on gun charges…
cut 12 (10) “….firearms”

President Biden delivers his first State of the Union address tonight. Under Biden’s leadership, the U.S. has seen skyrocketing fuel prices and inflation, a chaotic pull-out from Afghanistan, continued problems at the southern border, and now the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Stockley says the President should use tonight’s speech for some course correction…:
Cut 8 (15) “…foreign policy perspective.”
The State of the Union is at 8 PM.

Today marks six months since Hurricane Ida tore its path through southeast Louisiana. Terrebonne Parish saw catastrophic damage, as utilities were knocked offline and roads were covered with debris. But Parish President Gordon Dove says Terrebonne has stepped out of the rubble and moved into recovery.
Cut 13 (11) “…going along fine.”
Dove says homeowners battling with their insurance provider over hurricane damage claims is a big issue.

It’s a day of revelry today in New Orleans as the Mardi Gras celebration reaches its peak. There are parades across south Louisiana. The Bonne Terre parade begins to roll at 11 AM in Houma, the King’s Parade starts at 10 AM in Lafayette. It’s the first of three parades in Lafayette.

And If you want to experience a Mardi Gras like no other, go to Eunice to chase poultry, but in costume. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

President Biden’s State of the Union address is tonight, with many speculating what he may tell Americans and the world. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Former disgraced Baylor football coach Art Briles has stepped down as offensive coordinator at Grambling State saying he did not want to be a distraction. The decision to hire Briles was controversial, because of how his tenure at Baylor ended. He was fired in 2016 after it was learned he and his assistants took no action against players accused of sexual assault.

State Police arrest three people in a suspected drunk driving crash that killed 14-year-old Zashawn Dawson of Baton Rouge early Monday morning on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says the SUV Dawson was traveling in, was attempting to merge back onto the interstate after pulling off to the side and was struck by a truck driven by 24-year-old Emanual Ruiz of Pride.
Cut 10 (09) “…westbound vehicle.”
Investigators suspect Ruiz was drunk and he faces vehicular homicide charges. Another person in Ruiz’s truck was charged with obstruction and a stolen gun was found in the S-U-V, so a person in that vehicle has also been charged.

Traditional Mardi Gras celebrations take place in Eunice today. Administrative Assistant to the mayor Courtney Elkins says the chasing of the chickens gets underway this morning…
cut 4 (11) “…in the gumbo”
Elkins says Fat Tuesday events start at 9 in the morning and continue into the night.

For the first time, the Board of Regents is requesting level-funding for the 22-23 fiscal year, that’s because TOPS enrollment is down. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A two-vehicle crash last night in Acadia Parish has claimed the lives of two men.  20-year-olds Derrick Ceasar Jr. and Tywon Thorn, both of Crowley, were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says their Buick Century crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a Ford Expedition…

Cut 6 (08) “…on the shoulder.”

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Mardi Gras has been a welcome boost to the state, especially in the metro-New Orleans area but also in the Hub City, where President of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot says they’ve seen an influx of tourists, and hotel occupancy is up.

Cut 3 (11) “…Mardi Gras back.”

On Fat Tuesday, Berthelot says they’ll have three parades rolling with things kicking off at 10 am with King Gabriel and culminating with the Independent parade.

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As the Russia-Ukraine crisis continues, so does the steady rise in fuel prices. According to Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for gasbuddy.com, concerns about overseas oil production and increasing demand should keep prices up for a while.

Cut 12 (10) “…a gallon.”

With this conflict coming on the heels of the pandemic, the pace of production has not been able to keep up with demand as countries try to get back to normal. Louisiana currently averages $3.35 per gallon, up 97 cents from a year ago.

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