Tonight, President Trump will address Congress. Sean Richardson spoke with a local political analyst on what we can expect to hear.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A very different kind of Mardi Gras parade in Eunice. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Mother Nature is expected to put a damper on Fat Tuesday. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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President Donald Trump delivers a primetime address to a joint session of Congress tonight. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says in Trump’s first 44 days in office the President made many changes and is pushing for more and this is his chance to explain why this is the path America should take

Cut 4 (13) “…a lot of attention.”

Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, giving Trump an advantage in promoting his legislative agenda. Hogan says Trump will focus a lot on immigration and foreign policy following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting in the oval office last week.

Cut 5 (10) “…with foreign policy.”

Democrats will present a televised response, delivered by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin.  Hogan says a great deal of attention will be given to Slotkin…

Cut 6 (08) “…at the present time”

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It’s a Mardi Gras celebration in the Cajun tradition in Eunice, and it has its big finish today. The Cajun Mardi Gras festival started last Friday and wraps up today with a parade that pays tribute to the heritage and customs of the Acadian people who settled in southwest Louisiana. Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot says it attracts people from not just all across the country, but from all over the world; and he says it’s something that most people have never witnessed in their entire lives.

Cut 7 (08) “…the whole outfit.”

Mayor Fontenot says it’s actually more of a run than a parade.

Cut 8 (07) “…the whole time.”

The participants run through the countryside begging for ingredients for the gumbo that they’ll make at the end. While the weather will likely turn rainy and windy by the end, that’s not going to stop the participants – in fact, nothing has ever stopped them.

Cut 9 (05)  “…they had lockdown.”

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With severe weather impacting much of the state today, many cities are adjusting their Mardi Gras parade plans. In Lafayette, Police Sergeant Robin Green says they’re moving up two parades and are cancelling a third.

Cut 10 (14) “…Gras festival parade.”

The independent parade was slated to start immediately after the Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival parade, but the weather will not hold up at that time.

Cut 11 (09) “…expected to start.”

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(Watch for updates in the following story)

As of right now, New Orleans is planning on holding two parades and moving them earlier with the high winds rolling in. The Zulu parade will start to roll at 6:30 a.m., followed by the Rex parade. There will be no marching krewes, bands or truck floats, and both routes are being shortened. The trucker parade has been cancelled and is rescheduled for Sunday morning. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the city is working hard to maintain important traditions.

Cut 12 (10) “…going to try.”

Kirkpatrick says there’s still a chance that she may need to cancel the Zulu and Rex parades altogether.

Cut 13 (13)  “…at that point.”

If the parades do roll this morning, Kirkpatrick is urging you to go to the bathroom ahead of time. Due to the forecasted high winds, there will be no porta-potties along the routes.

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Mardi Gras is always a festive occasion in Louisiana. But this year, Mother Nature has other plans. The entire state is bracing for severe weather today. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says in the New Orleans area…

Cut 14 (09) “…finally tapering off.”

And it’s much of the same further west, including Lafayette and Lake Charles. Keim says after noon, winds will start to really pick up.

Cut 15 (05) “…miles per hour.”

A high wind warning is in effect in Southeast Louisiana from nine this morning to nine tonight.

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LSU has moved up to number one in D-1 Baseball’s Top 25 ranking. The 11-and-1 Tigers are ranked ahead of Tennessee who is undefeated on the season. D-1 baseball’s Aaron Fitt on why LSU has a slight edge over the defending national champs…

Cut 16 (18) “…LSU rotation.”

Fitt says LSU’s offense looks very good through the first dozen games of the season. He says Tigers first baseman Jared Jones could be in store for a big season…

Cut 17 (20)  “…terrifying presence.”

Second baseman Daniel Dickinson is emerging as a star. The transfer from Utah Valley is leading the Tigers with 21 RBIs. Dickinson didn’t have a single scholarship offer from a Division One school coming out of high school in Seattle, but that didn’t stop him.

Cut 18 (14)  “…like that.”

LSU right-handed pitcher Casan Evans was named the Southeastern Conference co-freshman of the week. The Houston product recorded a save against nationally ranked Dallas Baptist and got the win on Friday against Kansas State. Evans was also a very good high school shortstop, but he’s only focusing on pitching at LSU….

Cut 19 (11) “…easier now.”

Severe weather is putting a damper on Mardi Gras parades. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the greatest threat for severe weather tomorrow is all of north and central Louisiana and a part of south Louisiana…

Cut 7 (05) “….south of I-10”

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollands on how to deal with the effects of bird flu and how to get egg prices under control.

Cut 9 (17)  “…and for poultry.”

Strain says it also might be time to import foreign eggs to help lower prices.

Former LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell ran the 40 yard dash under five seconds and made a vertical jump over 30 inches at the NFL draft combine, which is impressive for the former Neville star. Campbell believes he’s the best offensive tackle in the draft…

Cut 19 (17) “..separates me.”

There are some mock drafts that have the Patriots taking Campbell with the fourth overall pick.

Severe weather is expected to move into Louisiana tomorrow and that means Mardi Gras celebrations will be cut short. In New Orleans Marching krewes and truck parades will not parade but Zulu will roll at 7 a.m. and Rex at 9 a.m. but and all parades must wrap up by noon. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says while Mayor LaToya Cantrell has input and influence, she wasn’t the decision-maker in this instance.

Cut 13 (04)  “…of that decision.”

Arnold says not all floats are able to withstand high winds.

Jefferson Parish has cancelled both of their parades. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says if those wind speeds are high enough to keep buses and Entergy crews off the roads, they’re certainly high enough to make conditions for a parade unsafe.

Cut 4 (14) “…tents, chairs, tarps.”

Parade times in New Roads, Kaplan, and Franklin have been moved up and Mardi Gras Festival in Cajun Field in Lafayette has been cancelled.

Authorities have made at least one arrest in a shooting that wounded five people after Mardi Gras parade in Franklinton last night. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (24) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollands on how to deal with the effects of bird flu and how to get egg prices under control.

Cut 9 (17)  “…and for poultry.”

The Bird flu has had a significant impact on egg prices and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollands getting prices under control and help farmers who have lost millions. The US is temporarily allowing imported eggs to help ease the prices and allow farmers time to rebuild their supply. Strain says there is not an overnight solution but is confident that in time egg prices should be back under control, and back to normal.

Cut 11 (03) “…gonna be riots.”

The state is forecast to have its first major potential spring weather event and unfortunately it arrives on Fat Tuesday. Meteorologist Mattt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the severe weather threat begins tomorrow morning….

Cut 6 (11) “…there as well.”

Mardi Gras parades will not be rolling in Jefferson Parish tomorrow. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says that’s because the high winds in the forecast will make conditions unsafe.

Cut 3 (11) “…hour is possible.”

While parades in Jefferson Parish are cancelled tomorrow due to the high winds, New Orleans is working to allow some parades to roll.  Zulu will roll at 7 a.m. and Rex at 9 a.m. Marching krewes and truck floats will not be allowed, and all parades must wrap up by noon. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says not all floats are able to withstand high winds.

Cut 14 (12) “…wind as others.”

Lafayette has cancelled Mardi Gras Festival in Cajun Field and the towns of Kaplan, Crowley, New Roads and Franklin have moved their parade times up.

Severe weather is putting a damper on Mardi Gras parades. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In New Orleans, Zulu will roll at 7:00 am and Rex at 9:00am. Marching krewes and truck parades will not be allowed, and all parades must wrap up by noon. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says the city made the most of a tricky situation.

Cut 12 (06) “…the last day.”

In Lafayette, Mardi Gras Festival in Cajun Field has been cancelled. Parade times have been moved up in the towns of Kaplan, Crowley, New Roads and Franklin.

The state is forecast to have its first major potential spring weather event and North Louisiana will be under an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms which could include strong winds, hail and the possibility of tornados. Meteorologist Mattt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport…

Cut 8 (11) “…through sunset.”

In an effort to get egg prices under control after bird flu caused an increase, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with Secretary of U-S Department of Agriculture Brooke Rollands. Strain says imported of eggs will be allowed into the United States temporarily to help and allow poultry farmers time to increase the egg supply.

Cut 10 (15) “…rebuild the population.”

Mardi Gras parades will not be rolling in Jefferson Parish tomorrow. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says parades by the Krewe of Argus and the Elks Krewe of Jeffersonians have been called off due to high winds. Sheng says this is not a decision that she wanted to make, but the possibility of 60 mile an hour gusts left her with no other choice.

Cut 5 (14) “…work with us.”

New Orleans. meanwhile, is working to fit in its parades. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and the Krewe of Rex will still hold their parades – Zulu at 7 a.m. and Rex at 9 a.m. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says while Mayor LaToya Cantrell certainly has input and influence, she’s not the final decision-maker in this instance.

Cut 23 (04) “…of that decision.”

Authorities have made at least one arrest in a shooting that wounded five people after the Mardi Gras parade in Franklinton last night. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (24) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met with U-S Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollands on how to deal with the effects of bird flu and how to get egg prices under control.

Cut 9 (19)  “…and for poultry.”

Mother Nature is picking the wrong day to inundate Louisiana with severe weather. Meteorologist Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says severe weather is forecast to move across North Louisiana, but could it possibly extend south into Central Louisiana.

Cut 7 (05) “…south of I-10.”

Either way, that’s going to put a damper on Mardi Gras parades for Fat Tuesday as Carnival season draws to a close. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng has cancelled both of tomorrow’s parades due to high winds. Sheng says if those wind speeds are high enough to keep buses and Entergy crews off the roads, they’re certainly high enough to make conditions for a parade unsafe.

Cut 4 (14) “…tents, chairs, tarps.”

While parades in Jefferson Parish have been called off for tomorrow, we’re still awaiting official word from New Orleans on the status of its parades. Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says with tomorrow being the end of Carnival season, rescheduling parades is much more tricky.  

Cut 25 (09) “…do to reschedule.”

Arnold says while some floats are built to withstand high winds, others are a lot older and are less likely to do so. A little further west, parade times have been moved up in the towns of Kaplan, Crowley, New Roads and Franklin with severe weather moving in.

Fat Tuesday could be marred by severe weather. Meteorologist Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the severe weather threat begins tomorrow morning….

Cut 6 (11) “…there as well.”

As such, the weather is putting a damper on Mardi Gras parades. In Jefferson Parish, President Cynthia Lee Sheng says high winds in the forecast will make parade conditions unsafe; and thus, all parades tomorrow are cancelled. 

Cut 3 (11) “…hour is possible.” 

President Sheng says if those wind speeds are high enough to keep buses and Entergy crews off the roads, they’re certainly high enough to make conditions for a parade unsafe. Parade times have been moved up in the towns of Kaplan, Crowley and Franklin.

While Lafayette will be the first city in Louisiana to get a Buc-ee’s, Ruston won’t be too far behind. Infrastructure work will get underway next week for the new Buc-ee’s there, with travel center construction starting in about five weeks, Mayor Ronny Walker says the store will benefit all facets of the city.

Cut 12 (08) “…taxes also.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s frustrated that veterans are having trouble getting services from the Veterans Administration; and thus, he’s introducing two bills to address it. The first one is called the VetPAC Act, which would create a policy advisory commission to review the Veterans Health Administration.

Cut 14 (12) “…to patient care.”

The other bill is the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act, which would create an independent organization to assess the quality of care.

The application window is open for families seeking state dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education related expenses. Germain Gilson with the state Department of Education says the state’s voucher program is moving to the L-A Gator Scholarship Program…

Cut 5 (14) “…are a priority”

Go to the department of education’s website for more information.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says construction on the infrastructure to support the new Buc-ee’s I-20 will begin this week. Walker says Buc-ees will be a major economic boost for Lincoln Parish and the region…

Cut 10 (15) “…it’s a huge plus.”

The threat of severe weather tomorrow has resulted in Jefferson Parish canceling Mardi Gras parades on Fat Tuesday. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says the National Weather Service is reporting wind gusts over 40 miles per hour and up to 60 miles per hour is possible, so it’s not safe to have parades. Parades are still scheduled to roll in Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Houma-Thibodaux, but we’ll keep up updated.

With a measles outbreak threatening the state, Congressman Troy Carter is urging Louisiana residents to take precautions. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The application window for the new L-A GATOR scholarship program is now open.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Five people were injured following a shooting at the Pepe Mardi Gas Parade in Franklinton last night. One of the victims is in critical condition and two others are hospitalized in stable but guarded condition. Authorities say it was a gang related shooting and 18-year-old suspect has been arrested.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says construction on the infrastructure needed for the new Buc-ees’ on I-20 will begin this week. Walker says the eight-million-dollar project to improve the Tarbutton Road Interstate 20 interchange will take 10 to 12 months to complete,

Cut 11 (09) “…handle all the traffic”

Walker says it will take 12 to 15 months to build the Buc-ees travel store.

Officials have expressed concern that a measles outbreak in Texas could make its way to Louisiana. Congressman Troy Carter stresses the urgency of proactive measures to prevent further spread….

Cu 8 (10) “….through vaccinaton”

Carter encourages community members to stay informed, follow public health guidelines, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.