Entergy and Cleco and other utility provider officials are meeting with the Public Service Commission discussing last week’s lengthy power outages and rolling blackouts due to the historic winter weather. P-S-C member Foster Campbell says customers were understandably frustrated, while others are profiting…

Cut 14 (10) “…11.5 percent.” 
The PSC is expected to propose an investigation into the winter storm outages and allegations that natural gas providers took advantage of the situation to jack up prices.

The trend of homeschooling continues to grow across the nation and increased by 4-percent in Louisiana in the last year. President of Homeschool Louisiana Christopher Chin says he believes the pandemic and more awareness about homeschooling are responsible.

Cut 7 (10)  “…scrambling.”

An Oil City lawmaker proposes legislation that would do away with the need to have a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed handgun. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

One Senator wants to make Kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields pre-filed the legislation this week for the upcoming session in April in an effort to improve educational outcomes for children. If the bill is approved children who turn five on or before September 30^th will be required to enroll in kindergarten.

The Public Service Commission is meeting and they are discussing the two winter storm events that knocked out power for tens of thousands. Entergy, Cleco, SWEPCO, and a handful of co-ops will explain to the P-S-C what happened. Commissioner Foster Campbell says the objective is accountability.
Cut 13 (06) “…there.”
MISO, the super-regional power authority that ordered the statewide rolling blackouts last week, will also be on hand to report to the PSC.

State lawmakers have sent 150-thousand bottles of water to Shreveport as the city remains under a boil advisory order. Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says legislators wanted to help out…
cut 5 (10) “….about”
In Alexandria, the city-wide boil advisory has been lifted.

The number of students that are homeschooled in Louisiana increased by 4-percent in the last year. Brooke Thorington talks to a homeschool advocate about the growing trend.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU says by Fall 2021 the vast majority of university operations are expected to return to normal as long as vaccinations proceed as expected. In a statement on the school’s website, LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says that means a majority of courses will be delivered face to face again.

Entergy, Cleco, and other utility providers will go before the Public Service Commission to discuss last week’s power outages. P-S-C member Foster Campbell believes more could have been done to prevent the outages…
cut 15 (12) “…..huge profits”
The New Orleans City Council has already moved forward with an investigation after learning Entergy New Orleans cut three times more power than asked when they did rolling blackouts on Mardi Gras night.

Several areas of the state are still waiting for clean drinking water to come out of their faucets. Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says it’s an issue the legislature will need to address…
cut 6 (11) “….systems” (2x)

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has filed legislation that would allow Louisianans to carry a concealed handgun on their person without needing a concealed carry permit. Currently, you need to take a nine-hour course and pay a 125 dollar fee for a five-year license. McCormick says that mandate infringes on constitutional rights.
Cut 10 (09) “…government”
Proponents of a concealed handgun permit say gun-safety training should be a requirement.

The latest data shows the number of children who are being homeschooled has increased four-percent over the last year. President of Homeschool Louisiana Christopher Chin anticipates some of those new to homeschooling will return to the classroom post-pandemic, he also fees some will choose to stay…
cut 9 (10) “…giftings”

Entergy and Cleco and other utility provider officials will appear before the Public Service Commission today to discuss last week’s lengthy power outages and rolling blackouts due to the historic winter weather. P-S-C member Foster Campbell says customers were understandably frustrated, while others are profiting…
cut 14 (10) “….11.5-percent”
The P-S-C meeting begins at 9 AM.

The legislative session begins April 12th and Caddo Parish lawmaker Danny McCormick has already filed a bill that would drop the requirement to have a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed weapon. McCormick says 18 other states have a similar law. He expects a lot of support for his bill…
cut 12 (07) “…begin with”
Last year the state legislature approved a law that loosens the restrictions on who can have a concealed handgun in a church.

State lawmakers have stepped up to assist in the Shreveport area as the region deals with a lack of drinking water as a result of last week’s winter storms. Brooke Thorington has more.
cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington.”

And Tiger Woods was reportedly on his way to a production shoot involving Saints Quarterback Drew Brees when he suffered serious leg injuries in a roll-over crash in Los Angeles yesterday.

The Public Service Commission meets at 9 AM and the first item on the agenda will be the two winter storm events that knocked out power for tens of thousands. Entergy, Cleco, SWEPCO, and a handful of co-ops will explain to the P-S-C what happened. Commissioner Foster Campbell says the objective is accountability.
Cut 13 (06) “…there.”
MISO, the super-regional power authority that ordered the statewide rolling blackouts last week, will also be on hand to report to the PSC.

Based on the latest data, the number of homeschooled students in Louisiana has grown by four percent. President of Homeschool Louisiana Christopher Chin says homeschooling has risen in the last five years by 23-percent and there are over 35-thousand homeschooled in Louisiana…
cut 8 (06) “….send it in”
Chin says there’s no doubt that the COVID pandemic has resulted in more parents choosing to homeschool their children.

To assist the citizens of Shreveport as the city enters a second week with a collapsed water system, Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder along with other lawmakers helped collect 150-thousand bottles of water.
Cut 4 (13)“…issues.”
Several locations have been established in Caddo Parish to distribute water at noon.

Tiger Woods was reportedly headed to meet Saints QB Drew Brees and other celebrities for a production shoot when he crashed his borrowed S-U-V. Woods is recovering after a lengthy surgery on his lower right leg and ankle.

As the city of Shreveport continues to struggle with a crumbling water system from last week’s winter storm state lawmakers send a care package. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

The number of students that are homeschooled in Louisiana increased by 4-percent in the last year. Brooke Thorington talks to a homeschool advocate about the growing trend.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

An Oil City lawmaker proposes legislation that would do away with the need to have a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed handgun. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

____________________________

To assist the citizens of Shreveport as the city enters a second week with a collapsed water system Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder along with other lawmakers helped collect 150-thousand bottles of water.

Cut 4 (13)“…issues.”

Two powerful winter storms paralyzed the city’s water system leaving 200-thousand citizens stranded. Schexnayder says the need allowed members of the legislature to lend a helping hand.

Cut 5 (10)“…about.”

Mayor of Shreveport Adrian Perkins stated the aging infrastructure of the water system, like others in the state, wasn’t able to match Mother Nature last week. Schexnayder says this an issue the legislature will need to address to avoid similar situations in the future.

Cut 6 (11) “…systems.(x2)”

Shreveport is expected to lift its boil advisory on Friday.

________________________

The trend of homeschooling continues to grow across the nation and increased by 4-percent in Louisiana in the last year. President of Homeschool Louisiana Christopher Chin says he believes the pandemic and more awareness about homeschooling are responsible.

Cut 7 (10)  “…scrambling.”

Chin says the rate of homeschooling has risen in the last five years by 23% and currently more than 35-thousand students are homeschooled in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (06) “…send it in.”

While Chin anticipates some of those new to homeschooling will return to the classroom post-pandemic, he also feels some will choose to stay.

Cut 9 (10) “…giftings.”

Louisiana has two forms of homeschooling, both of which require families to sign up with the state Department of Education and renew annually. One is called the BESE-approved Home Study program, the other is the registered nonpublic school track not seeking state approval.

_____________________________

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick introduces legislation that would allow Louisianans to carry a concealed handgun on their person without needing a concealed carry permit.

Currently to concealed carry in Louisiana, you need to take a nine-hour course and pay a 125 dollar fee for a five-year license. McCormick says that mandate infringes on constitutional rights.

Cut 10 (09) “…government”

A 500 dollar lifetime license option is also available.

Proponents of the license argue it provides gun owners with vital gun-safety training. McCormick says training is good, but the mandate is not.

Cut 11 (07) “…anything.”

If signed into law Louisiana would become the 19^th state with a “constitutional carry” law. McCormick says he’s been told the bill has a lot of early support.

Cut 12 (07) “…begin with.”

_____________________________

The Public Service Commission meets today at 9 AM and first up on the agenda will be the two winter storm events that knocked out power to tens of thousands of Louisianans.

Entergy, Cleco, SWEPCO, and a handful of co-ops will be in attendance to report on what happened. Commissioner Foster Campbell says the objective is accountability.

Cut 13 (06) “…there.”

MISO, the super-regional power authority that ordered the statewide rolling blackouts last week, will also be on hand to report to the PSC.

Many customers remain frustrated with the outages in the midst of such a historic freeze. Campbell says all that happened as providers were pulling in big profits.

Cut 14 (10) “…11.5 percent.” 

Campbell says they should look into whether infrastructure needs to be better maintained to avoid situations like this in the future.

Cut 15 (12)“…huge profits.”

The PSC is expected to propose an investigation into the winter storm outages and allegations that natural gas providers took advantage of the situation to jack up prices.

______________________________________

It didn’t take for LSU right fielder Dylan Crews to win his first SEC Freshman of the Week honor. The Florida native had an outstanding debut in his first three games to win the honor as he went 7 for 12 at the plate with two homers, 3 RBI, and two runs scored. Coach Paul Mainieri says they knew Crews could hit

Cut 16 (15) “…capable of.”

Tonight the Tigers are at U-L Lafayette. Mainieri says Cajuns will be ready…

Cut 17 (11) “…let it rip.”

Mainieri says for now freshman Jordan Thompson will start at third base as he replaces Will Hellmers who struggled in the field.

Cut  18 (17) “…gonna happen.”

______________________________________________

The Pelicans are back in action tonight at home against the Pistons coming off the high of their miraculous come from behind win over Boston Sunday.

The New Orleans came back from down 24 against the Celtics and coach Stan Van Gundy says the game was a great reminder that modern NBA games can change quickly…

Cut 19 (20) “…minutes.” 

Detroit has a pretty terrible team his year but still managed to whop New Orleans 123 to 112 earlier this month.

Zion Williamson has reportedly been named a Western Conference All-Star reserve, but forward Brandon Ingram did not make the cut after getting the nod last season. Van Gundy says they both deserved it…

  Cut 20  (21) “…west.” 

Arena capacity for the game tonight has also been expanded to 2,700. Tipoff is set for 7 PM.

Tiger Woods was on his way to meet Drew Brees and other celebrities for a production shoot Tuesday when he was “seriously injured” in a car crash, according to ESPN. Woods was reportedly headed to the golf course to shoot an Oprah Winfrey production where he was giving celebrities golf tips. 45-year old Woods was the only one in the vehicle and was taken into surgery after jaw of life were used to retrieve him from his car.

6-year old Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputy Burt Wich is recovering after being allegedly shot multiple times by his estranged daughter, Kalee Wich in Benton Monday night. Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Bill Davis says Deputy Wich is in stable condition and was up walking around this morning after being shot multiple times.

Cut 11 (08) “…to work.”

22-year old Kalee Wich is charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Potential 2023 Gubernatorial Race contenders Republicans Attorney General Jeff Landry and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser are off to a strong fundraising start. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says with Governor Edwards term-limited there’s no easy answer for Democrats in 2023, but Edwards two wins prove you can’t count the party out…

Cut 5  (10)  “…win”  Two early Democrats being floated are Norco Senator Gary Smith and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields.

Thanks to a COVID Relief bill those receiving unemployment, Medicaid or SNAP Benefits are now eligible to receive free mobile internet service. Q Link Wireless is one of the participating providers and CEO Issa Asad (EE-sa Ah-sod) says you can even keep your current phone number.

Cut 12 (10) “ …in need.” 

Go to QLinkWireless.com for more info.

Rumored 2023 Governor’s Race candidates Attorney General Jeff Landry and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser are accumulating strong early war chests. Landry has over two million while Nungesser controls a million and a half, 500,000 of that being a recent personal contribution. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat calls it a good start, but…

Cut 4 (07) “…found out.” 

Seven horses were killed in a Bossier Parish fire last week that authorities believe was started due to a heat lamp accident. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is asking residents to reconsider the use of heat lamps to keep your pets warm and State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says heating lamps can be hazardous…

Cut 6 (15) “…over the heat lamp.”

If you receive unemployment, Medicaid or SNAP you’re also eligible to receive free mobile internet service. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

Baker native Linda Thomas-Greenfield has been approved by the Senate as the next UN Ambassador. Thomas-Greenfield is a career diplomat and LSU graduate. The vote was 78 to 20 in favor with Senators Bill Cassidy John Kennedy voting to approve. She faced skepticism from dissenting Republicans over disagreements on how to diplomatically engage China.

The next Louisiana Gubernatorial race is more than two years away, but the top potential candidates are on their way to assembling large campaign war chests.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Louisiana and its local governments will now only have to pay 10% of the cost of cleanup and other public expenses approved by FEMA related to Hurricane Laura. FEMA guidelines normally ask for state and local governments to pay 25%. The Biden Administration ordered an increase in the federal share of public assistance payments.

A 56-year old Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being allegedly shot multiple times by his daughter in Benton Monday night. Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Bill Davis says they were called to Burt Wich’s home in Benton around 5 pm.

Cut 9 (11) “…murder”

22-year old Kalee (pronounced Kallie) Wich is being held at the Bossier Maximum-Security Facility in Plain Dealing.

If you receive unemployment, Medicaid or SNAP you’re also possibly eliblge to receive phone and internet data thanks to the Emergency Broadband Benefit program passed by Congress. It begins on February 25th and lasts until the end of the year, after that QLink Wireless CEO Issa Asad (EE-sa Ah-sod) says you can roll over into the LifeLine program.

Cut 14 (09) “…unlimited”

Go to Q Link Wireless dot com for more info.

Attorney General Jeff Landry and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser are starting to build formidable war chests should they chose to run for Governor in 2023. Campaign finance reports show Landry with two million and Nungesser with a million and a half on hand. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says their statewide elected offices makes the two Republicans strong early favorites…

Cut 3 (10)  “…candidates” 

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards is term-limited from running again.

Those receiving unemployment, Medicaid, or SNAP Benefits may be eligible to receive free mobile internet service thanks to recent federal legislation. Q Link Wireless is participating and CEO Issa Asad (EE-sa Ah-sod) says that once approved you’ll receive service in two to three days.

Cut 13 (06)“…no bill”

A 56-year old Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being allegedly shot multiple times by his estranged daughter in Benton Monday night. Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Bill Davis says Deputy Burt Wich was getting ready to go assist a friend with storm damage when his daughter Kalee arrived.

Cut 10 (09) “…the least” 

Davis says the gun used in the shooting was not the deputy’s service revolver.

Heat lamp fires were responsible for a number of animal deaths last week, including a barn fire that killed seven horses in Bossier Parish. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says heat lamps are dangerous around pets because they can be knocked over, so if it’s cold try to put them inside…

Cut 8 (12) “…not advisable.”