The Louisiana Board of Regents will award grants to ten college campuses in an effort to reduce textbook expenses for students.  Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Communication Meg Casper Sunstrom says textbook costs can sometimes be a factor in whether a student is successful in a course.

Cut 7 (12) “…for electronic textbooks.”

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 the cold weather is the result of an arctic airmass that’s brought heavy snow to the Midwest and now into the northeast. He says this polar vortex is a reminder Spring officially doesn’t start for another two weeks…

Cut 5 (11)“…cold air”

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”  

It’s the first week of March, but it feels more like the middle of January. Jeff Palermo has more on this cold blast…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
The weekend may be in the rear view 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 plastic beads.
Cut 13 (12) “…of the state.”
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The Louisiana Board of Regents will be awarding grants to ten schools in an effort to find ways to make textbooks more affordable. Board of Regents Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Communication Meg Casper Sunstrom says the total amount distributed is $67,500.
Cut 6 (08) “…about 15,000 students.”
Non-violent 17-year-olds who are 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.

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 forecast lows along I-10 could also dip below freezing on the morning of Fat Tuesday. He says the wind will die down and the clouds will move out, which will allow for the below freezing temperatures for a good portion of the state…
Cut 4 (06) “…of fall″
Non-violent 17-year-old offenders will now be sent through the juvenile justice system. 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. Office of Juvenile Justice Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says he hopes the state can provide them the funding to keep the program effective.
Cut 11 (11) “…moving forward”
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the LSU AgCenter has rejected a proposal by the Department of Agriculture that would allow GB Sciences and LSU to begin growing medical marijuana in a large scale, permanent facility. LSU cited their concern that the Department of Ag was exceeding their authority in the agreement, and thus rejected it. Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says he believed the grower who works with the AgCenter, GB Sciences, was ready to advance to the next phase.
Cut 7 (11) “to do.”
Multiple people are injured after a suspected impaired driver crashed his vehcile into the back of another on highway 167 at highway 696 in Vermillion Parish over the weekend. 67-year-old John Greene of Kaplan has been arrested as a result. The force of the impact pushed 39-year-old Andrew Reed’s car into the ditch, where it hit an embankment. After the incident, Greene blew a .115 BAC, which is above the legal limit.

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.”

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 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”  

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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”

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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.”

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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″

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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.”

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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”