Cajun Navy 2016 has responded to the devastation left from tornados in south Alabama that killed at least 23. Responders from Baton Rouge are now in Lee County, which saw the heaviest impact from the tornado outbreak. Vice President of Cajun Navy 2016 Billy Bringear says efforts like this do cost money, and any contributions Louisianans want to make to help can be done on the Cajun Navy 2016 Facebook page.

Cut 10 (05)“…do take donations.”

The rain is behind us but it’s a cold Fat Tuesday for revelers along the parade routes.  A cold front has brought Canadian air into the state. The cold conditions are expected to continue into Ash Wednesday, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect to see a warming trend as the week comes to a close.

Cut 5 (08)“…lot more pleasant.”

A Switzerland-based company plans to hire 120 workers so it can assemble its new S-H-0-9 helicopter in Lafayette. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tax season is in full swing and that can mean tax refunds are on the way too. IRS Spokesperson Raphael Tulino says anyone curious about their return status will have better luck going online than calling the IRS…

Cut 12 (12)   “…different information.”

While many think New Orleans when talking about Mardi Gras, it’s also a big day of parades in Lake Charles and Lafayette. There’s also a couple of parades in Shreveport. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says his office made a big push this year nationwide to market Mardi Gras festivities outside of the Big Easy…

Cut 7 (13) “…over Louisiana.”

Dress warmly if you are heading out, as the wind chill is around 30 in some parts of Louisiana

When disaster strikes, the Cajun Navy is there to help.  That’s the case this week as Cajun Navy 2016 has responded to the devastation left from tornados in south Alabama that killed at least 23.  VP of the organization Billy Bringear says they’ve got boots on the ground with chainsaws rescuing survivors from the mangled homes.

Cut 9 (07) “…destruction it did.”

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”  

The rain is behind us but it’s a cold Fat Tuesday for revelers along the parade routes thanks to a blast of Canadian air. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the temps may peak around 50 degrees for south Louisiana….
cut 3 (07) “…southwest Louisiana”
The wind chill is in the 30s in some locations.

So how do you stay warm on a chilly Mardi Gras day? Eating a lot of tasty food is one way to do it. This man along a New Orleans parade route says he’s been cooking since four o’ clock this morning and has enough food to feed about 40 people…
cut 6 (12) “…turkey necks”
It’s a big day of parades in Lake Charles and Lafayette. There’s also a couple of parades in Shreveport.

While many may associate Mardi Gras with catching beads, in small towns like Eunice, the focus is on chasing chickens. Participants 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 on for 123 years.
Cut 4 (09) “…prepared the gumbo.”
Frey says they expect between 800 to one-thousand people to participate in festivities.

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. State health department spokesperson Bob Johannessen says the rating system is voluntary, but Johannessen says addiction centers that participate are doing so for a good reason…
cut 14 (09) “..high rating”
Johannessen says they hope the rating system goes live next year.

Everywhere else it’s just Tuesday, but in south Louisiana it’s Fat Tuesday. There are big parades in New Orleans, Lafayette and Lake Charles. A couple of parades roll in New Roads and there’s a children’s parade in Shreveport today. Dress warm, it’s a chilly Mardi Gras day.

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.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”.

The man accused in last September’s fatal shooting of LSU Basketball player Wayde Sims has asked a Baton Rouge judge to reduce his 350,000 dollar bail. Dyteon Simpson sent a letter to the judge stating he’s totally remorseful. LRN Legal correspondent Franz Borghardt says the note may actually hurt his case for a lower bail, because it sounds like an admission
Cut 11 (09) “…the bond”
Simpson’s letter says he has a five-month old kid and the child’s mother needs dad at home.

Louisiana and two other states are working with a national nonprofit called Shatterproof that will create a rating system for addiction centers. State health department spokesperson Bob Johannessen says addiction is a difficult struggle, but having information about the quality of addiction treatment programs will help make the recovery process easier to handle…
cut 15 (12) “…to make”
The rating system will go live in 2020.

The Baker man accused of fatally shooting LSU Basketball player Wayde Sims is seeking a reduction in his $350,000 bond. Twenty-year-old Dyteon Simpson reportedly wrote a letter to state district judge Don Johnson claiming he’s “totally remorseful.” Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says it’s unlikley Judge Johnson will go along with Simpson’s request. Borghardt says bail is a tool to keep a potential flight risk behind bars.
cut 12 (07) “…and about”

Big crowds are on hand in Lafayette and New Orleans for the Mardi Gras parades despite the chilly temperatures. Despite the cold weather, a traditional Mardi Gras celebration will also take place today in Eunice. Captain of the Eunice Mardi Gras Pat Frey says they expect a thousand people on hand for the festivities…
cut 6 (09) “…Mardi Gras Eunice”
In Eunice, riders in traditional coustmes will ride horseback seeking donations for the community wide gumbo.
Louisiana is partnering with a national pilot project to create a rating system that judges the quality of addiction treatment facilities…
voicer 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The percentage of doctor visits as a result of the flu is up to 12-percent in Louisiana. State Assistant Health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says that’s really high…
cut 7 (04) “….is only four-percent”
Evangel Christian Academy Elementary in Shreveport is closed today and tomorrow, because too many kids are out with the flu

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”  

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says LSU and its medical marijuana growing partner, GB Sciences, has violated state law by moving marijuana plants from a temporary pod into a main production facility. LSU and GB Sciences believe they had permission, but Strain says they must sign a memorandum of understanding first.

While many may associate Mardi Gras with catching beads, in small towns like Eunice, the focus is on chasing chickens.  Captain of the Eunice Mardi Gras Pat Frey says their version has been going for 123 years.

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

Cut 5 (08) “…after the run.”

Participants dress in costume as part of the 12-mile run and some ride on horseback.

If you’re celebrating Fat Tuesday today the Louisiana Department of Health because of the flu would appreciate it if you’re not feeling your best to stay home. But those of you who are out and about take precaution.

Cut 8 (11) “…spreading a virus.”

That’s Dr. Joseph Kanter. About 12 percent of the visits to the doctor right now are for flu like symptoms.

Louisiana Department of Health Dr. Joseph Kanter says about 12 percent of the visits to the doctor right now are for flu like symptoms. 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″

Officials say it takes two weeks for the vaccine to take effect.

The man accused of fatally shooting LSU Basketball player Wayde Sims is seeking a reduction in his bail of 350,000 dollars. Dyteon Simpson sent a hand written letter to the judge stating that he’s totally remorseful.

Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says letter may actually hurt his case for a lower bail, because it sounds awfully close to an admission

Cut 11 (09) “…the bond”

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

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.”

A college application mistake has made a Lafayette teen an overnight celebrity and given her an opportunity she wasn’t looking for. Kaitlynn Lovelady meant to apply for summer classes at South Louisiana Community College but accidently applied to Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City Utah instead. She tweeted about her mistake and instead of forgoing $40 application oversight she’s going to visit the campus.

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.”

____________________________

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”  

_______________________________

 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”

__________________________________

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.”

___________________________________________________

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″

____________________________

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.

________________________

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.

_____________________________

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″