Bond has been set at 510-thousand dollars for 32-year-old Tashonty Toney, who is a son of a New Orleans police officer. N-O-P-D says Toney was impaired when he plowed his vehicle at a high rate of speed into a bicyclists in New Orleans on Saturday night, killing two and injuring seven.

Louisiana officials say they are ready to start taking in 17 year old nonviolent offenders, as starting this month they will no longer go through the adult criminal justice system
Voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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 we could see record low temperatures…
cut 3 (11) “…little colder”
Valverde says forecast lows along I-10 could also dip below freezing on the morning of Fat Tuesday. At least, Louisiana avoided the severe weather yesterday. A tornado killed 23 people in Alabama.

It was a big weekend for Mardi Gras parades. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’s amazed by the unique throws that different krewes toss out along the parade route…
cut 15 (13) “…think of next”

Louisiana is receiving one more blast of cold air. But state climatologist Barry Keim says there is at least one piece of good news after that strong front moved through the state yesterday….
cut 5 (04) “….Tuesday”
Overnight lows could reach the low 20s in north Louisiana.

After numerous delays, there’s a sign that medical marijuana will soon be available to Louisiana patients. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain has given permission to one of the contracted growers, G-B Sciences, to move into a permanent facility in Baton Rouge. 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”

The Caddo Parish Coroner’s office has identified the two people who died, when their private airplane crashed into the Red River on Thursday. 61-year-old Ricky Lennard of Shreveport piloted the aircraft that was recovered on Saturday. The deceased passenger has been identified as 56-year-old Michael Hollis of Bossier City.

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”

17-year-olds accused of nonviolent crimes in Louisiana will now go through the juvenile justice system, instead of being charged as an adult. The change went into effect March 1st and it is the result of legislation passed in 2016. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Doctor James Bueche says the change should lead to better results for these troubled teens…
cut 12 (10) “…services” (2x)
About 80-percent of juveniles jailed in Louisiana are accused of nonviolent crimes.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain has given GB Sciences permission to move into a permanent facility to grow medical marijuana for use by Lousiaina patients. But Strain says certain conditions that’s part of the regulatory process still have to be met…
cut 8 (08) “…begin”
Unknown if LSU and GB Sciences have agreed to the terms of the deal.

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for Northeast Louisiana tonight into tomorrow morning. CenLa parishes are under a freeze watch as low temperatures are expected to reach the mid 20s for the much of the state. Temperatures could also get below freeezing just above I-10. State Climatologist Barry Keim says prepare for a cold Fat Tuesday…
cut 4 (06) “…53”
High temperatures will not get back into the 60s until Thursday.

Many Louisiana residents took in a parade this past weekend. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the final weekend of the Carnival season brings a little bit of everything…
cut 13 (12) “….of the state”

Disappointing weekend for the number one ranked LSU baseball team. The Tigers were swept in Austin by Texas. The Longhorns scored three runs in the ninth inning yesterday to win seven to six.

17-year-olds who are arrested for non-violent offenses will now be prosecuted through the juvenile judicial system, instead of the adult justice system. It’s the result of legislation approved in 2016. 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 17-year-olds as adults in all cases.

When you step outside today, you’ll realize you’ll need a coat. State Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 30s for the northern half of the state, mid 40s for south Louisiana…
cut 6 (03) “…little chance of rain”
Temperatures are expected to get in the mid 20s for the northern half of the state for Tuesday morning and temps could get below freezing for south Louisiana.

Medical marijuana grower GB Sciences, in partnership with LSU, is close to moving into a large scale permanent growing facility.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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.”

____________________________

 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”  

_______________________________

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”

__________________________________

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.”

___________________________________________________

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″

____________________________

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.”

________________________

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”

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 there are no major problems looming but those living in flood-prone areas should be ready for a battle of attrition this rain season

Cut 7 (10) “…long time.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves has been named the top Republican on the newly reformed Climate Crisis panel. Graves joins five other Republicans on the panel that will be led by Democrat Kathy Castor of Florida. The Congressman says he’ll use his position to push back against climate change policies from non-energy producing states that would impact Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 13 (10) “…disadvantage”

The FAA has now confirmed two people were killed in a plane crash in North Louisiana.  Authorities suspect the plane that lost contact with the tower Thursday shortly after takeoff from the Shreveport Downtown Airport, and the aircraft may be located just north of the airport in the Red River. Professional divers from South Louisiana have been hired to aid in the recovery of the plane from Red River. Authorities say although not visible from the surface, they’ve been able to use sonar technology to detect what they believe is a submerged plane.

Cut 10 (08)“…the water.”

That was Caddo Parish Spokesperson Cindy Chadwick
Mardi Gras celebrations continue around the state.  In Lafayette, the weekend festivities got kicked off last night, with parades on today.  Executive Director of Convention and Visitors Commission Ben Berthelot says the party doesn’t stop when the parades are finished as the area offers plenty of great nightlife.

Cut 4 (09) “…Downtown Lafayette.″

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.

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”

Congressman Garret Graves will head the Republican side of the newly reformed Climate Crisis Panel. Matt Doyle talked to the Congressman about the high profile appointment…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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 they are expecting great crowds with lots of great music.

Cut 3 (08) “…as well.”

Lafayette is a celebration hotspot for carnival season with more festivities kicking off tonight.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

Congressman Garret Graves will head the Republican side of the newly reformed Climate Crisis Panel. Matt Doyle talked to the Congressman about the high profile appointment…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________________________

Mardi Gras celebrations continue around the state.  In Lafayette, the weekend festivities get kicked off tonight, with parades on Saturday.  Executive Director of Convention and Visitors Commission Ben Berthelot says they are expecting great crowds with lots of great music.

Cut 3 (08) “…as well.”

Berthelot says the party doesn’t stop when the parades are finished as the area offers plenty of great nightlife.

Cut 4 (09) “…Downtown Lafayette.″

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.”

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”

Steele says there are no major problems looming but those living in flood-prone areas should be ready for a battle of attrition this rain season…

Cut 7 (10) “…long time.”

Steele says being prepared for flooding is imperative and it can start by going online…

Cut 8 (12) “…severe weather.”

_______________________

Authorities suspect the plane that lost contact with the tower yesterday 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 1037 yesterday, and authorities say no one saw what happened next.

Cut 9 (12) “…radio.”

Chadwick denied an earlier report where a bystander was quoted as saying the plane went straight up, and straight down. She says no eyewitness has come forward saying they saw the plane go down.

A local company has leased a barge that is set to park near the suspected crash site and a team of commercial divers from Morgan City will be on scene for 7pm tonight. Chadwick says so far though, they have yet to catch a glimpse of the plane.

Cut 10 (08)“…the water.”

KTBS reports a bystander saw fuel floating on the water at that location.

The plane was headed to Vernon, Texas, and KEEL is reporting it contained one passenger and the pilot. When asked whether anyone had survived the incident, Chadwick says they have not heard from anyone on the flight.

Cut 11 (08)   “…on board.”

_______________________________

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.”

The panel was formed in 2007, but was deactivated in 2011 when Republicans took control of the House.

Graves joins five other Republicans on the panel that will be led by Democrat Kathy Kastor of Florida. The Congressman says he’ll use his position to push back against climate change policies from non-energy producing states that would impact Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 13 (10) “…disadvantage” 

The panel, which has no subpoena or legislative authority, was brought back to life by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi amidst calls by a new wave of progressive lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for a powerful committee that would flesh out the details of the Green New Deal. Graves says the GND doesn’t pass the laugh test, and looks forward to it being discussed at the panel.

Cut 14 (10)  “…state” 

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves has been named the top Republican on the newly reformed Climate Crisis panel. The panel, which has no subpoena or legislative authority, was brought back to life by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi amidst calls by a new wave of progressive lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for a powerful committee that would flesh out the details of the Green New Deal. Graves says the GND doesn’t pass the laugh test and looks forward to it being discussed at the panel.

Cut 14 (10)  “…state”

Authorities suspect the plane that lost contact with the tower yesterday shortly after launching from the Shreveport Downtown Airport may be located just north of the airport in the Red River. The plane was headed to Vernon, Texas, and KEEL is reporting it contained one passenger and the pilot. When asked whether anyone had survived the incident, Caddo Parish Spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says they have not heard from anyone on the flight.

Cut 11 (08)   “…on board.”

Lafayette is a celebration hotspot for carnival season with more festivities kicking off tonight.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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 being prepared for flooding is imperative and it can start by going online…

Cut 8 (12) “…severe weather.”