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.

Authorities in Franklinton have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with a shooting that injured five people following the Pepe Mardi Gras parade on Sunday.  Police said the shooting was gang-related. Officers stationed along the parade route arrested Jamerian Anders, 18, on five counts of attempted first-degree murder.

The application window for the new L-A GATOR program is now open. It opened at nine Saturday morning. L-A GATOR is the state’s new program that provides education scholarship accounts to families. Germain Gilson, the assistant superintendent of the office of school choice, says besides being Louisiana residents, students need to meet one of these requirements.

Cut 4 (13) “…the previous year…”

————-

Lafayette will be the first Louisiana city with a Buc-ee’s. But as Colleen Crain reports, it will soon have company.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

U.S. Congressman Troy Carter is urging Louisiana residents to take precautions against a potential measles outbreak in the state. He emphasizes the importance of vaccination, and encourages us all to stay informed, follow public health guidelines, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.

Cut 9 (05)  “…next steps might be.”

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.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s frustrated that veterans are having trouble getting services from the Veterans Administration. So he’s introducing a couple of bills to help including the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act.

Cut 15 (11) “…to other providers.”

————-

The application window for the new L-A GATOR program is now open. It opened at nine Saturday morning. L-A GATOR is the state’s new program that provides education scholarship accounts to families.   Germain Gilson, the assistant superintendent of the office of school choice says the money does not necessarily have to be used for private school tuition.

Cut 6 (12) “…or uniforms.”

Ruston will begin infrastructure work next week for the new Buc-ee’s, with travel center construction starting in about five weeks.  Mayor Ronny Walker called the project a major economic boost for Ruston, Grambling, and the region.

Cut 10 (15) “…it’s a huge plus.

U.S. Congressman Troy Carter is urging Louisiana residents to take precautions against a potential measles outbreak in the state. He emphasizes the importance of vaccination, citing the highly contagious nature of the disease and the risk it poses, especially to unvaccinated people.

Cut 7 (08) “…moving forward.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s frustrated that veterans are having trouble getting services from the Veterans Administration. Therefore, he’s doing something about it.

Cut 13 (07)  “…care veterans receive.”

The first one is called the VetPAC Act, which would create a policy advisory commission to review the Veterans Health Administration.

——————-

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

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Ruston will begin infrastructure work next week for the new Buc-ee’s.  Mayor Ronny Walker says the economic benefits of the store will go beyond the city of Ruston

Cut 12 (08) “…taxes also.”

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

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

While Lafayette will be the first Louisiana city with a Buc-ee’s, it will soon have company. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________________

The application window for the new L-A GATOR program is now open. It opened at nine Saturday morning. L-A GATOR is the state’s new program that provides education scholarship accounts to families. Germain Gilson, the assistant superintendent of the office of school choice, says besides being Louisiana residents, students need to meet one of these requirements.

Cut 4 (13) “…the previous year…”

…or their family earns no more than two and a half times the federal poverty level. Gilson says the program will only have a limited amount of money, which will be determined by the legislature in the upcoming budget session, and the money will be awarded on a priority basis.

Cut 5 (14) “…are a priority.”

Gilson says the money does not necessarily have to be used for private school tuition.

Cut 6 (12) “…or uniforms.”

Students who will be attending public school are ineligible for the L-A GATOR program.

______________________________________________________

U.S. Congressman Troy Carter is urging Louisiana residents to take precautions against a potential measles outbreak in the state. He emphasizes the importance of vaccination, citing the highly contagious nature of the disease and the risk it poses, especially to unvaccinated people.

Cut 7 (08) “…moving forward.”

He also calls on healthcare providers and public health officials to increase awareness and accessibility to vaccinations. Given the recent rise in measles cases across the country, Carter stresses the urgency of proactive measures to prevent further spread.

Cut 8 (10) “…through vaccination.”

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

Cut 9 (05)  “…next steps might be.”

______________________________________________________

Ruston will begin infrastructure work next week for the new Buc-ee’s, with travel center construction starting in about five weeks, Mayor Ronny Walker announced. He called the project a major economic boost for Ruston, Grambling, and the region.

Cut 10 (15) “…it’s a huge plus.”

Walker says Ruston is investing 8-million-dollars to improve the I-20 Tarbutton Road interchange, expected to take 10-12 months, while Buc-ee’s construction will take 12-15 months.

Cut 11 (09) “…handle all the traffic.”

Walker says the benefits of the store go beyond just the city of Ruston that the store will bring to the area.

Cut 12 (08) “…taxes also.”

______________________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s frustrated that veterans are having trouble getting services from the Veterans Administration. Therefore, he’s doing something about it.

Cut 13 (07)  “…care veterans receive.”

The first one is called the VetPAC Act, which he’s introducing along with Hawaii Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono. It would create a policy advisory commission to review the Veterans Health Administration, which would be an independent commission of 17 members.

Cut 14 (12) “…to patient care.”

The other bill he’s introducing is the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act.

Cut 15 (11) “…to other providers.”

Cassidy is introducing that bill with Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn.

_______________________________________________________

The seventh-ranked LSU Lady Tigers coughed up a 15-point third quarter lead lost to unranked Ole Miss, 85-77. It was LSU’s second consecutive loss and only their fourth loss of the season. Senior Aneesah Morrow scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, making it her 100th career double-double. After the game, Morros said despite the loss, it’s still a very special milestone.

Cut 16 (19) “…in this generation.”

The Lady Tigers were without superstar Flau’Jae Johnson, who was out with inflammation in her shin. Coach Kim Mulkey said especially since the game meant nothing in terms of their seed in the SEC Tournament, it was her decision to keep Johnson out of the game.

Cut 17 (21)  “…decided after Alabama.”

LSU finishes the regular season with a record of 27-and-4, 12-and-4 in the SEC. After a double-bye, they play next on Friday; their opponent is yet to be determined.

________________________________________________________

Former LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell is expected to be a top-ten pick in the NFL draft, but some question whether he can play tackle in the NFL because of his short arms. He measured 32 5/8 inches at the NFL draft combine on Sunday. NFL teams prefer tackles with 34 or 35 inch arms. Campbell is confident he can play offensive tackle in the NFL…

Cut 18 (18)  “…different defenders.”

Campbell was a three-year starter at LSU. In his final 30 games, he allowed only two sacks while playing in the toughest conference in America. Campbell puts his resume up against any of the other tackles…

Cut 19 (17) “..separates me.”

The Saints have the ninth overall selection in the NFL draft. Campbell confirms one of the teams he spoke with at the Combine was the Black and Gold. He says it would be an honor to play for the Saints…

Cut 20 (14) “…everything to me.”