After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Mardi Gras is back. As the head of the state’s tourism industry, the return of visitors and their wallets is a welcome sight for Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, especially after Louisiana businesses missed out on millions last year due to the pandemic.

Cut 9 (13) “…incredible numbers.”

—

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s excited Mardi Gras parades and celebrations are back in full force this year, but he doesn’t want the Carnival season to contribute to the state’s litter problem. Edwards is asking revelers to take responsibility for their own garbage.

Cut 3 (11) “…when you’re celebrating”

Edwards recently launched a Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force which will provide policy solutions this summer to address the state’s litter issue.

—

Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy says it’s time to expel Russian President Vladimir Putin from the international community for attacking Ukraine. Kennedy is calling for a stop to all exports to Russia and says the U-S should not only sanction Russian banks and government officials but also rich business leaders who keep Putin in power…

Cut 7 (08) “…assets here.”

—

An experienced military commander and Louisiana native says Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is a costly mistake that everyone BUT Putin will have to bear. Major General Ron Richard (USMC-Retired) says Putin’s seeming worries of Ukraine joining NATO were never really going to happen.

Cut 12 (12) “…to be a member.”

Richard says recent events have made nations unfriendly to the West and to democracy bolder, and that while we watch Russia, we must also keep close watch on China and its aggression toward Taiwan.

—

U.S. Senator John Kennedy says it’s time to make Russian President Vladimir Putin a pariah. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Retired Marine Corps General and native Louisianan Ron Richard says Putin’s decision to go into Ukraine was ill-informed and unfounded, but nevertheless unexpected…:

CUT 13(07)      “…western allies”

The big Mardi Gras weekend means LOTS of parades all across our state, and while Governor John Bel Edwards is happy to see festivities back after the pandemic, he’s still worried about the trash we leave behind. Mr. Edwards recently launched a Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force which will provide policy solutions this summer to address the state’s litter issues. The governor also wants US to be mindful of litter at Mardi Gras parades…:

CUT 05(03)      “…don’t pollute.”

..and now today’s markets…

Rain is moving out of the state, bringing us slightly warmer and more pleasant weather for parades Saturday. Look for highs in the 50’s and 60’s. Mardi Gras? Sunny and near 70.

Louisiana U.S. Senator John Kennedy says it’s time to expel Russian President Vladimir Putin from the international community for attacking Ukraine. Kennedy says it’s time to stand up to Putin’s aggression…:

CUT 06(06)      “…that’s Hitler.”

Kennedy is calling for a stop to all exports to Russia and the U.S. should not only sanction Russian banks and government officials, but also rich business leaders who keep Putin in power.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s excited Mardi Gras parades and celebrations are back in full force this year, but he doesn’t want the Carnival season to contribute to the state’s litter problem. Edwards is asking revelers to NOT leave their trash along the route…:

CUT 04(09)      “…clean and tidy.”

A Monroe state Representative files legislation that, if passed, would require pharmacists to fill so-called off-label medications. Republican lawmaker Mike Echols says off-label drugs are any that are prescribed for a patient that have not been approved by peer groups or the FDA. He says, during the pandemic, a number of doctors reported good results with treating COVID patients with Ivermectin, but official focus was placed on using the vaccines – not any therapeutic drugs – so pharmacists refused to fill them. Echols says it’s not for the FDA, the AMA or the CDC to decide what legal meds your doctor and pharmacist can provide you, and his bill would put that into state statutes…:

CUT 28(09)      “…those relationships.”

Police in New Orleans say a teen shot Thursday night on the Krewe of Muses parade route was trying to break up a fight. NOPD says witnesses report the boy was shot several times and is now in serious condition. An investigation is underway.

Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy says it’s time to expel Russian President Vladimir Putin from the international community for attacking Ukraine. Kennedy says it’s time to stand up to Putin’s aggression…
Cut 6 (09) “…power flowing.”
Kennedy is calling for a stop to all exports to Russia and the U-S should not only sanction Russian banks and government officials but also rich business leaders who keep Putin in power.

Senator Bill Cassidy is also calling for tougher sanctions than what President Biden has imposed
Cut 8 (13) “…fell apart”
Cassidy does not believe the U-S should send troops but strengthen U-S forces in NATO countries.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s excited Mardi Gras parades and celebrations are back in full force this year, but he doesn’t want the Carnival season to contribute to the state’s litter problem. Edwards is asking revelers to take responsibility for their own garbage…
cut 3 (11) “…when you’re celebrating”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says local police departments will be committed to getting drunk drivers off the road this Mardi Gras weekend as there is a Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign in place through Fat Tuesday. Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says it’s not just drunk drivers…
cut 14 (08) “…impaired driver”
From 2016 through 2020, crashes involving an impaired driver killed 22 people and injured 531 during the Carnival season.

Senator John Kennedy says the United States can not be weak with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which is closing in on that country’s capital. Kennedy says the U-S needs to make Russia President Vladimir Putin. Kennedy is calling for a stop to all exports to Russia and the U-S should not only sanction Russian banks and government officials but rich business leaders who keep Putin in power…
Cut 7 (08) “…assets here.”

Grambling has confirmed the hiring of former Baylor football coach Art Briles as its new offensive coordinator. Briles was fired from Baylor six years ago after the university said he covered up sexual assault claims against his players. HBCU sports analyst Reggie Flood says it appears the university has tried to insulate new head coach Hue Jackson from criticism…
cut 11 (10) “….this hire”
Grambling A-D Trayvean Scott told ESPN he’s giving Briles a chance to redeem himself after understanding where the facts lie.

Vice president Kamala Harris will not travel to St. Landry Parish as originally scheduled today. Governor John Bel Edwards says the V-P has postponed her trip given the state of affairs with Ukraine. Harris was traveling to Louisiana to promote the millions of dollars from the Infrastructure Act that will go towards expanding high speed internet in rural areas.

Mardi Gras is all about fun, but the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants you to do so responsibly. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy says it’s time to expel Russian President Vladimir Putin from the international community for attacking Ukraine. Kennedy says it’s time to stand up to Putin’s aggression…
cut 6 (06) “….that’s Hitler”
Kennedy is calling for a stop to all exports to Russia and the U-S should not only sanction Russian banks and government officials but also rich business leaders who keep Putin in power.

In a controversial move, Grambling State has hired former Baylor coach Art Briles as its new offensive coordinator. Briles was fired in 2016 for his involvement in repeated cover-ups of allegations of sexual and physical assaults involving his players. HBCU sports analyst Reggie Flood says this seems like a desperate move for both parties.
Cut 10 (10) “…any other school.”
Grambling A-D Trayvean Scott told ESPN he’s giving Briles a chance to redeem himself after understanding where the facts lie.

A Monroe lawmaker files a bill that would mandate your pharmacy to fill what your doctor prescribes; no matter what the FDA or CDC says. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Vice President Kamala Harris has postponed her trip to St. Landry Parish today where she was scheduled to discuss the millions of dollars that have become available to expand high-speed internet in rural areas. Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s a wise and understandable decision for Harris not to travel to Louisiana given the state of affairs with Ukraine.

Vice President Kamela Harris has canceled her trip to St. Landry Parish where she was set to discuss the Infrastructure Bill and the millions it will provide to expand high-speed internet in rural areas. Harris was set to travel to a state where only two members of the state’s congressional delegation voted for the infrastructure bill.

Grambling State is facing criticism for the hiring of former Baylor football coach Art Briles as the Tigers new offensive coordinator. Baylor fired Briles after the university determined he helped cover up sexual assault claims made against his players. HBCU analyst Reggie Flood says Grambling seems to be willing to endure the scrutiny if it produces results…
cut 12 (11) “…is good publicity”

Grambling legend Doug Williams says he doesn’t like the hire.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols has filed a bill that would allow doctors who are licensed to prescribe drugs to have the authority to prescribe certain drugs for off-label use. Echols believes no one should get in the way of the relationship between a doctor and patient…
cut 9 (12) “….prescribing these medications”
Echols says he drafted the bill after talking with medical professionals.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is providing local law enforcement with grant dollars to enforce the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign that’s taking place through Fat Tuesday. LHSC spokesperson Mark Lambert says officers are trained to spot impaired drivers.
Cut 13 (09) “…arrested.”
From 2016 to 2020 alcohol-related crashes in the state during the carnival season killed 22 and injured 531.

Vice President Kamala Harris has canceled her trip to the Bayou State today in the wake of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. She was scheduled to visit the small town of Sunset in St. Landry Parish to discuss the federal government’s investment into improving rural high-speed internet.

A Monroe state Representative files legislation that, if passed, would require pharmacists to fill so-called off-label medications. Republican lawmaker Mike Echols says off-label drugs are any that are prescribed for a patient that has not been approved by peer groups or the FDA. He says, during the pandemic, some patients could not get prescriptions for some drugs…:
Cut 7 (14) “…degree of integrity.”
Echols bill will be heard in the upcoming legislative session.

In a controversial move, Grambling State has hired former Baylor football coach Art Briles as its new offensive coordinator. David Grubb has more.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”