Tough night for the Pels as Bull’s guard Zach Lavine’s 46 points help lift Chicago to a 129-116 win over New Orleans. It’s the end of a four game win streak for New Orleans who was up at the half but just buried by Lavine and his backcourt partner Colby White who both made over eight threes in the game. Only good news? Another 29 points from Zion and rookie guard Kira Lewis played 24 aggressive minutes racking up 14 points.

In better news the Tigers scored another W last night getting a 94-80 win over Mississippi State behind big games from guards Cameron Thomas and Javonte Smart who put up 25 and 22 points respectively. Hot night of shooting for the Tigers who went 61 percent from the floor and 45 from 3.

After a brutal start to the year Northwestern has now won four in a row. The Demons won a squeaker over Incarnate Word 68 to 67 last night on a team effort that saw four players in double digit scoring.

The Cajuns and Warhawks begin their two game series tonight in Lafayette with tip off set for 7 PM. The Cajuns top two scorers are Cedric Russell, who is averaging nearly 19 points a game and sophomore Mylik Wilson, who is averaging 13 a contest. But Wilson’s shooting numbers are down from last season when he was the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. Assistant coach Brock Morris says other teams have figured out what Wilson does well…

Cut 19 (23) “…he does best.” 

Warhawks coach Keith Richard says his team will face the challenge of trying to slow down guard Cedric Russell.

Cut 16 (10) “…doing it all.”

The state is will soon see record low temps as a polar vortex approaches this weekend. So, before you try to turn up the heat State Fire Marshal Browning says checking that your smoke alarm is working properly is crucial. He says that alarm gives you 60 seconds to get out of your house as quickly as possible. He says without an alarm…

Cut 11 (10) “…die”

The recent third wave of the pandemic took its toll on nursing homes across the state according to new data from AARP. State Director Denise Botcher says from December 21^st to January 17^th 347 residents died of COVID, and 1,521 residents tested positive.

Cut 3 (09)  “..community”

1,391 staff also tested positive during that time.

The Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish has censured Senator Bill Cassidy for his vote to allow the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump to continue. The Republican Party of E-B-R says to allow the impeachment fiasco to continue was a betrayal of the people of Louisiana and a rebuke of those who supported President Trump. Cassidy’s response

Cut 13 (09)“. reject it”

The Youngsville Police Department arrests a Lafayette Parish School system employee, Kimberly Wellman Rich for allegedly having sex with an exchange student. Police Chief Ricky Boudreaux says her also husband Jeffrey Rich allegedly supplied the student with alcohol and marijuana. Boudreaux says this is not the first time they’ve hosted an exchange student.

Cut 8 (12) “…student.”

A polar vortex is sweeping down from Canada and before the temps start dropping State Fire Marshal Butch Browning wants you to check your smoke alarms before turning on those heaters. Matt Doyle has more.

cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

Vaugh Gordon, the Lafayette man who participated in the Jan. 6 riot inside the U.S. Capitol faces additional federal charges. Violent entry and disorderly conduct and parading demonstrating or picketing in capitol building have been added to the entering and remaining along with disorderly conduct within a restricted building.  The case was moved to federal court in D.C.

The Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish has censured Senator Bill Cassidy for his vote to allow the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump to continue. Cassidy says he was following the constitution which allows for the impeachment of a private person.

Cut 12 (12) “   it’s constitutional” 

The Youngsville Police Department has arrested a Lafayette Parish School system employee for allegedly having sex with an exchange student that was living in her house. Police chief Ricky Boudreaux says an anonymous call led authorities to investigate 36-year old Kimberly Wellman-Rich.

Cut 6 (10) “…residence.”

Boudreaux says her husband 34-year old Jeffrey Rich was also arrested because he allegedly knew about the inappropriate relationship and allegedly gave the 15-year old marijuana and alcohol.

The Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish has censured Senator Bill Cassidy for his vote to allow the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump to continue on constitutional grounds, but Cassidy says  even Trump’s lawyers agree that the House managers made a strong case that the impeachment trial should continue

Cut 14 (12) “.five minutes”

The Youngsville Police Department has arrested a Lafayette Parish School system employee for allegedly have sex with an exchange student that was living in her house. Police chief Ricky Boudreaux says 36-year-old Kimberly Wellman-Rich had relations with the student and her 34-year-old Husband knew…

Cut 7 (07) “…residence.”

Administrators with the Lafayette Parish School system and the company that placed the student with the family removed the male juvenile from the residence.

The recent third wave of the pandemic took its toll on nursing homes across the state according to new data from AARP showing 347 deaths from December 21^st to January 17^th. 36 percent of facilities reported staffing shortages during this period as well and State Director Denise Botcher says staffing issues have long plagued the industry.

Cut 5  (10)  “..deserve” 

The State Fire Marshal is warning Louisianans to prepare their home for the polar vortex by checking their smoke detector and taking note of space heater safety. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says don’t ever use your oven or stovetop to try and heat your home.

Cut 10 (10) “. …cooled down” 

Browning says if you plan on using a space heater plug it directly into the wall.

The Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish has censured Senator Bill Cassidy for his vote to allow the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump to continue. The Republican Party of E-B-R says to allow the impeachment fiasco to continue was a betrayal of the people of Louisiana and a rebuke of those who supported President Trump. Cassidy’s response

Cut 13 (09)“. reject it”

The recent third wave of the pandemic took its toll on nursing homes across the state according to new data from AARP. State Director Denise Botcher says from December 21^st to January 17^th just 15 percent of all nursing homes still don’t have a one-week supply of PPE. Botcher says that can be very dangerous.

Cut 4 (10) “…residents” 

During that time period, 347 nursing home residents died from COVID.

The Youngsville Police Department arrests a Lafayette Parish School system employee, Kimberly Wellman Rich for allegedly having sex with an exchange student. Police Chief Ricky Boudreaux says her also husband Jeffrey Rich allegedly supplied the student with alcohol and marijuana. Boudreaux says this is not the first time they’ve hosted an exchange student.

Cut 8 (12) “…student.”

The State Fire Marshal is warning Louisianans to prepare their home for the polar vortex by checking their smoke detector and taking note of space heater safety. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says if you plan on using a space heater to ward off the incoming cold plug it directly into the wall because extension cords can cause resistance.

Cut 9 (07) “..fire”

The Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish has censured Senator Bill Cassidy for his vote to allow the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump to continue. Cassidy says he was following the constitution which allows for the impeachment of a private person.

Cut 12 (12) “   it’s constitutional” 

The recent third wave of the pandemic took its toll on nursing homes across the state according to new data from AARP. State Director Denise Botcher says from December 21^st to January 17^th 347 residents died of COVID, and 1,521 residents tested positive.

Cut 3 (09)  “..community”

1,391 staff also tested positive during that time.

The Youngsville Police Department has arrested a Lafayette Parish School system employee for allegedly have sex with an exchange student that was living in her house. Police chief Ricky Boudreaux says an anonymous call led authorities to investigate 36-year-old Kimberly Wellman-Rich.

Cut 6 (10) “…residence.”

Boudreaux says her husband 34-year-old Jeffrey Rich had first-hand knowledge of the inappropriate relationship and allegedly supplied the student with marijuana and alcohol.

The state reports 2,739 new COVID-19 cases today and 27 new fatalities.

The LSU men’s basketball team grabbed a big win over Mississippi State last night 94-80.  The Tigers were led by freshman Cam Thomas who poured in a team-high 25 points.  Darius Days’ impact was felt as he added a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds in his first game back from injury.  Javonte Smart also added a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists.  The Tigers improve to 12-6 overall and 7-4 in the SEC.

The New Orleans Pelicans win streak came to an end last night as they fell to the Chicago Bulls 129-116.  Zion Williamson led the Pels with 29 points.  Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball each added 21 points on the night.  The Pelicans are now 11-13.

The Southeastern Lions lost to Sam Houston last night 79-61 as they fall to 6-13 on the year.  Nicholls State edged out a victory over Lamar 76-71 as the team improves to 12-6.  Also, Northwestern grabbed a one-point victory over Incarnate Word 68-67.

ULM men’s basketball will take on the Ragin Cajuns in a two-game series starting tonight in Lafayette and concluding Saturday in Monroe.  The Warhawks have struggled on the hardwood this season losing ten in a row, but coach Keith Richard says he’s proud of the way his team continues to play hard.

Cut 17 (12) “good preparation”

The LSU football team added another player to its 2021 class as they signed transfer linebacker Mike Jones from Clemson.  Jones appeared in nine games for Clemson last season and posted 26 tackles, two interceptions, and half a sack.  This gives the Tigers 24 signees in 2021 with one available spot remaining.  Jones will be immediately eligible to play next season.

Former LSU Tiger and Buccaneers linebacker Devin White took a victory lap on his horse around Raymond James Stadium yesterday.  Much like he did in Baton Rouge, the Super Bowl champion road the horse through the Stadium to reminisce on the season, only this time he was holding the Lombardi Trophy.

Kimberly Wellman-Rich and her husband Jeffery Rich of Youngsville are under arrest after authorities discover an alleged sexual relationship involving a foreign exchange student the two were hosting. Youngsville Police Chief Ricky Boudreaux says Wellman-Rich allegedly had intercourse with the student, and…

Cut 7 .”

Wellman-Rich is a Lafayette Parish teacher.

The recent third wave of the pandemic took its toll on nursing homes across the state according to new data from AARP. State Director Denise Botcher says from December 21^st to January 17^th 347 residents died of COVID, and 1,521 residents tested positive.

Cut 3, 9 seconds, community

1,391 staff also tested positive during that time.

Participating Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies will begin offering COVID vaccinations to eligible Louisianans tomorrow. Regional Health and Wellness Director for Walmart Bethany Evans says this should increase accessibility to the vaccine in rural areas.

Cut 5 (07)“…pandemic.”

Appointments are required to be vaccinated.

The incoming polar vortex could bring a wintery mix to the northern half of the state Monday and Sunday nights. State Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures are set to begin dropping rapidly over the next few days leading to a perfect storm for some potential snow…

Cut 14 (09) “…state.” 

By Tuesday morning temperatures in north Louisiana will be in the teens, in central Louisiana in the 20s, and in the 30s along the coast. 

One visitor from Texas may have been responsible for the horrendous post-Mardi Gras COVID surge that devastated the New Orleans Metro Area according to a new study. Tulane Virologist Dr. Bob Garry says it’s highly unusual because one, our infection resulted from domestic travel, and two most epicenters can trace their outbreaks back to several different infectious individuals.

Cut 11 (09) “…infection.”

He says that one individual, and the COVID variant they carried, were likely responsible for up to 50,000 infections.

Temperatures in Louisiana will begin plummeting today and over the weekend as a polar vortex makes its way south out of Canada. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this comes during the usually busy Mardi Gras weekend. Keim says maybe it’s for the best the parades aren’t rolling…

Cut 15 (08)“…disaster.”

Those currently eligible for the vaccine have the option to be inoculated for COVID at their local Walmart or Sam’s Club. Louisiana is one of 22 states participating in the federal pharmacy retail program which kicks off Friday. Regional Health and Wellness Director for Walmart Bethany Evans says in the meantime you can schedule your appointment.

Cut 4 (10)“…slash COVID.”

Appointments are required to be vaccinated.

UL -Lafayette played a significant role in the testing and protocols for the Pfizer COVID vaccine. The New Iberia Research Center provided valuable data allowing the vaccine clinical trials to progress to humans much quicker. NIRC Director of Contract Research Jane Fontenot says their primates also provided data on when booster shots should be conducted.

Cut 9 (10) “…vaccine.”