The new state tourism slogan “Feed Your Soul” is being debuted around the country as part of Mardi Gras celebrations.  Kelley Ray spoke with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser in Washington D.C….

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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New Orleans isn’t the only place getting down for Mardi Gras. Matt Doyle takes a look at two other long running Louisiana Fat Tuesday traditions.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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An invasive species known as the apple snail shut down a 220 acre crawfish farm in Acadia Parish. Jeff Palermo on the threat posed by this South American crustacean.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s Fat Tuesday and there’s big parades in south Louisiana and Mardi Gras activities in Shreveport as well, but unfortunately there’s a chance of rain. State Climatologist Barry Keim says you might need a poncho…

Cut 4  (06) “bear it” 

Keim says temperatures are expected to reach in the upper 60s in New Orleans, but it will be a little cooler in southwest Louisiana for their Mardi Gras festivites…

Cut 5  (07)  “actually is”

Keim says after today we’ll see high temperatures get into the 70s…

Cut 6 (10)  “warm pattern”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is celebrating Mardi Gras, he’s just not in Louisiana.  He’s helping to promote Louisiana’s new travel tourism slogan “Louisiana: Feed Your Soul.”  The new brand is being promoted in several states, including the Nation’s capital…

Cut 7 (12)  “the world.”

Nungesser says the new branding perfectly typifies the kind of activities travelers can expect to do when they come to Louisiana…

Cut 8 (09) “Gras week.”

Nungesser says the reaction to the new slogan has been positive and hopes that the internet can be used to further spread the idea of making travel plans to Louisiana…

Cut 9 (07)  “in Louisiana.”

Atlanta, Dallas and Houston are also participating in helping to roll out the new brand with food trucks and King Cake.

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Over a million visitors will be enjoying Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year, but it’s not the only place to celebrate the last day before Lent. The town of Iowa (I-O-Way) will keep the chicken run tradition alive this year, starting at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Chicken Run Organizer Rodney Victorian says the town has a unique way of celebrating Fat Tuesday.

Cut 10 (10) “chasing it”

Victorian says it’s a generations old tradition, started by his family, that brings the community together to celebrate the season with food and family.

Cut 11 (06) “Mardi Gras”

After the run is done, gumbo will be served and zydeco will be played to close out the day.

Houma will see some of the biggest celebrations outside of the Crescent City. Four different parades will roll in and around the city, and Houma Visitors Bureau Communications Director Joey Pierce says the quality of floats will be top notch.

Cut 12 (11) “New Orleans”

Pierce says Houma offers the fun of a New Orleans parade, minus the massive crowds. But while there may not be as many people, there may be just as many beads.

Cut 13 (08)  “Gras throws”

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An invasive species of snail is posing a threat to crawfish harvests. The apple snail is indigenous to South America, and can devour vegetation crucial to the development of Louisiana crawfish. An abundance of apple snail shut down a 220 acre farm in Acadia Parish. LSU Ag Center Agent Mark Shirley says so far, there is no solution to the problem.

Cut 14 (06) “just yet”

The invasion is being blamed on aquarium owners who decided to dump the snails into the water way. Shirley says at the moment, there’s only one thing farmers can do.

Cut 15 (10) “getting in”

The snails can survive drought, host a poisonous parasite, and lay eggs filled with toxins. Shirley says the resilient and slimy snails can rapidly infect a large area.

Cut 16 (11) “larger snails”

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The LSU Tigers have another tough test on the road tonight in the SEC as they visit Alabama. The Crimson Tide is coming off a 28-point win over at the time 15th ranked Tennessee. Tigers Coach Will Wade says Bama is playing great….

Cut 17 (19) “statistically”

LSU is coming off an 82-66 victory over Ole Miss. Duop Reath led the way with 26 points. The Tigers lost to Alabama by eight points earlier this season in the PMAC. Reath had five turnovers in that game and Wade says Reath can expect double teams tonight….

Cut 18 (15) “it was a disaster”

Wade says LSU’s best chance to win tonight is to shoot well from the outside…

Cut 19 (19)   make 3s” 

Baton Rouge Police arrest a man after he allegedly fired shots at a police officer and four others, including his mother, sister and cousin.  34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior allegedly fired the shots in question Sunday night, then fled.  15 minutes later, police stopped him and Thomas fired shots at the officer.  Another officer finally stopped and arrested him.  Coppola credits the quick response by police that kept this situation from being worse than what it was…

Cut 5  (06)  “facing already.”

Coppola says they are investigating why the situation escalated to the level it did.

An 83-year-old grandmother is the first Louisiana Lotto jackpot winner for the year. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales has been trying to win it big for sometime…

Cut 7 (11)  “January 20th.”

A Shreveport caregiver is being held on a 150,000 dollar bond after allegedly stealing money from an elderly, disabled patient. Jim Shannon talked to the Caddo Sheriff’s Office.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.

A 17-year-old juvenile who escaped from the Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe has been found and arrested.  Teondre Wright was found by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations and the US Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force in an apartment complex in Algiers.  He was placed under arrest and booked into the Orleans Justice Center as a fugitive.

Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle

Baton Rouge Police arrest a man after he allegedly fired shots at a police officer and his family.  Cops located 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior about 15 minutes after an initial shooting, when he opened fire on police. Sgt.  Sgt. Don Coppola says Thomas faces several charges.

Cut 4  (07) “a firearm.” 

One officer was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive their injuries.

An 83-year-old grandmother is the first Louisiana Lotto jackpot winner for the year. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales thought she won only 600-dollars.  Prednergast was quite surprised when she found out at the lottery office she won 525-thousand-dollars…

Cut 6 (10)  “of suprise.”

A Shreveport woman was arrested and charged with exploitation of persons with infirmities and felony identity theft after an investigation by Caddo Parish deputies. 37-year-old Dorothy Edwards was a caregiver for a disabled 65-year-old-woman and is accused of stealing more than 20,000 dollars. Spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says it was a long con.

Cut 9 (10) “open accounts.”

Edwards is being held on a 150,000 dollar bond.

The federal government has declared this year’s flu season as the worst breakout since the 2009 swine flu epidemic. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says don’t hold out on getting your shot because of vaccine related rumors. She says there is a lot of misinformation online.

Cut 14 (07) “up facts”

Louisiana Radio Network

A man is under arrest after allegedly firing shots at a Baton Rouge Police Department officer and some family members.  Cops located 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior about 15 minutes after the initial shooting and Sgt. Don Coppola says that’s when the suspect started shooting at the officer…

Cut 3 (11) “was struck.”

He was rushed to the hospital, but is expected to recover.

The federal government has declared this year’s flu season as the worst breakout since the 2009 swine flu epidemic. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says if you’re holding out on getting your shot because of vaccine related rumors, you’re making a big mistake.

Cut 12 (10) “get it”

A Shreveport woman was arrested and charged with exploiting persons with disabilities after allegedly stealing more than 20,000 dollars.  37-year-old Dorothy Edwards was a caregiver for a 65-year-old woman while the thefts were occurring.  Caddo Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says those who rely on caregivers need to protect their personal information…

Cut 11 (11) “properly secured”

Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales is the first Lotto Winner in 2018, winning 525-thousand-dollars. So what does the latest winner want to do with her earnings?  Chopin says Prendergast was ready for a good cup of coffee…

Cut 8 (10) “right now.”

A Baton Rouge police officer is recovering from a gunshot wound after 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior allegedly fired a weapon at him. Jeff Palermo has more….
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Rayne Police have arrested 41-year-old Raushe Turner after he allegedly stabbed a woman multiple times inside a vehicle. Turner was charged with attempted second-degree murder. Authorities did not say why the attack occurred and did not provide an update on the victim’s condition.

Caddo deputies arrested 37-year-old Dorothy Edwards on felony identity theft after she allegedly stole more than 20-thousand dollars from a 65-year-old disabled woman she was providing care to. Caddo sheriff’s office spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says Edwards paid her bills by using the victim’s personal bank accounts and credit cards. Chadwick says Edwards also stole the identity of the victim’s sister…
cut 10 (09) “…with that”
Edwards is in the Caddo Correctional Center on a 150-thousand dollar bond.

The federal government has declared this year’s flu season as the worst breakout since the 2009 swine flu epidemic. Estimates say nearly half a million people around world will die from the flu this year. State Health Secretary Rebeka Gee says if you’re concerned about potential mercury in the flu vaccine, you’re misinformed.
Cut 13 (06) “have that”
Gee says there is a lot of misinformation about vaccines and the flu. She says get trustworthy advice from your doctor.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a man after he allegedly fired shots at a police officer and family members.  Cops located 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior about 15 minutes after the initial shooting.  Sgt. Don Coppola credits the quick response by police that kept this situation from being worse than what it was…

Cut 5  (06)  “facing already.”

The officer was hit once.

A Shreveport woman was arrested and charged with exploitation of persons with infirmities and felony identity theft.  Police say 37-year-old Dorothy Edwards was a caregiver for a disabled 65-year-old-woman and stole more than 20,000 dollars. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says it was a long con.

Cut 9 (10) “open accounts.”

The federal government says it’s the worst flu season since the 2009 swine flu epidemic.  State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says there is a lot of misinformation online and on the airwaves about vaccines and the flu. She says before making medical decisions, make sure you have trustworthy medical advice.

Cut 14 (07) “up facts”

An 83-year-old grandmother is a half-million-dollars richer.  Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales is the first Louisiana Lotto jackpot winner for the year. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Prendergast has been trying to win it big for sometime…

Cut 7 (11)  “January 20th.”

The ticket was bought at a store in Breaux Bridge and they will get a reward for selling the winning ticket.

Authorities have charged a 34-year-old Baton Rouge man for a shooting that severely wounded a police officer. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant Don Coppola says 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior faces several charges after opening fire on his relatives and then a police officer…
cut 4 (07) “…a firearm”
Coppola says the officer is expected to survive. Thomas was found not guilty by reason of insanity in a 2002 fatal shooting.

An 83-year-old grandmother from Gonzales won the January 20th Louisiana Lotto jackpot worth 525-thousand dollars. Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says Josphine Prendergast claimed her prize last week and told officials she’ll use the money to buy P-J’s Coffee…
cut 8 (10) “…right now”
Prendergast received 367-thousand dollars after taxes were taken out.

A Shreveport caregiver is being held on a 150,000 dollar bond after allegedly stealing money from an elderly, disabled patient. Jim Shannon talked to the Caddo Sheriff’s Office.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.

The state legislature is prepping for a special session to tackle a billion dollar shortfall. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris is ready to get started.
Cut 30 (:09) Q…”get there.”
The 17 day special session begins a week from today.

A Baton Rouge police officer is recovering from his injures after 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior allegedly fired a weapon at him.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The man who brought flavor to Louisiana in the form of Panola pepper has died. Bubber Brown died Saturday at 83 years old. Brown began Panola back in 1983 to give his workers year-round work. The company operates in East Carroll Parish just outside of lake Providence.

Governor John Bel Edwards and State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson are in Washington to discuss infrastructure plans with President Trump during a round table discussion. Trump has pledged 1.5 trillion dollars nationwide. Edwards and Wilson are in Washington to make Louisiana’s voice heard in the discussion.

An 83-year-old grandmother is the first Louisiana Lotto jackpot winner for the year. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says Josephine Prendergast of Gonzales thought she won only 600-dollars.  Predergast was quite surprised when she found out at the lottery office she won 525-thousand-dollars…

Cut 6 (10)  “of surprise.”

After taxes she will take home 367-thousand dollars.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a man after he allegedly fired shots at a police officer and four others, including his mother, sister and cousin. Cops located 34-year-old Eugene Thomas Junior about 15 minutes after the initial shooting and Sgt. Don Coppola says that’s when the suspect started shooting at the officer…
Cut 3 (11) “was struck.”
Coppola says the officer is expected to survive, but has suffered serious injuries.

A Monroe man has designed a product called Streamleash to help you have better control of your dog. Ian Blaylock says as a runner, if his dog quickly ran in one direction, he would lose his balance and control of his pet. He says Streamleash allows the leash to extend, but the user is in control of the cord length…
Cut 7 (09) “your dog.”
Blayock says Streamleash features a wrist strap, so you no longer have to grip the leash in you hands,
Lawmakers are optimistic a deal will be reached to fix the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo talked to legislative leadership about what they expect in the special session…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Baton Rouge-based Raising Cane’s will expand into New Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska this year as 80 new locations are planned this year. CEO Todd Graves says he is very specific as what he expects from each operation…
cut 15 (12) “…recreated here”

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and his secretary of transportation Shawn Wilson are skipping Lundi Gras activities today to meet with President Trump in Washington D.C. The agenda includes federal dollars President Trump vowed to use to rebuild the nations crumbling infrastructure. Here in Louisiana there is plenty of need to fix the roads.

Cut 5 (:09) Q…”put together.”

Edwards and Wilson are headed back tonight.

A Baton Rouge police officer is recovering from injuries sustained following a shooting last night. 34 year old Eugene Thomas Jr is charged with five counts of attempted first degree murder. No bond has been set at this hour.

Legislative leaders are prepping for a special session to tackle a billion dollar short-fall. The renewal of some temporary taxes are expected to be passed along with other budget measures. Alexandria Republican Lance Harris is ready to get started.

Cut 12 (:09) Q…”get there.”

17 items are on the 17 day special session, which begins a week from today.

A Monroe man says he’s figured out how to control dogs on a leash better than before. Ian Blaylock who is a runner has come up with a tool which he says keeps fido in check.

Cut 9 (:11) Q…”of the pack.”

The product is called streamleash and he’s starter a kickstarter campaign in an effort to mass produce the leash that fits over your wrist.