New data from Moderna suggests that their COVID booster shot produces great results against the Omicron variant, which is surging across Louisiana and the country. LSU infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez reminds us the data is brand new and has not yet undergone peer review…:

CUT 06         (10)    “…and older.”

Lopez says it’s still a good idea to get that booster, if you have not already.

A Monday afternoon crash in Ouachita Parish takes the life of a teen driver and leaves his passenger in serious condition. State Police Trooper Mike Reichardt says 17-year-old Logan Temple of Wisner was not wearing his seatbelt, when he ran a stop sign and was broadsided by a dump truck. That driver was unhurt. Reichardt says this is the worst time of year to lose a loved one…:

CUT 04         (08)    “…a happy time”

The crash is under investigation. No charges have been filed.

East Baton Rouge deputies are searching for a man accused of contractor fraud. He’s identified as 32-year-old Tayler Braud.  Deputies say Braud took $5,500 from someone to do work on their home, but he either didn’t finish or messed it up & didn’t fix it. The homeowner had to pay a second contractor more than $4,000 to do that. The financial loss to the victim is just under $10,000. As for Braud, who has precious contractor fraud arrests… he’s in the wind.

The Mayor of New Orleans says plans to have Mardi Gras parades WILL go on, despite an uptick in COVID cases in the state. LaToya Cantrell says they believe the events can happen without being super-spreader events. NOPD Superintendent Shawn Ferguson says parades will all happen along just two routes and police presence will be paramount…:

CUT 10         (04)    “…entire parade route.”

She says no krewes have opted to cancel their parades because of COVID.