Cataract surgery was performed for the first time in the U-S on an alligator at the Audubon Zoo. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
___________________________________________________
Governor Landry announces a major reorganization of GOHSEP. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
___________________________________________________
Eight bridges in Louisiana are among 68 across the country that the NTSB identified as being at an “unknown level of risk of collapse” should it be hit by a vessel. It’s part of a report that the NTSB released on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. It asked the Department of Transportation to let it know of the probability of collapse should a vessel hit any one of them. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says there are warning systems in place.
Cut 3 (09) “…on our bridges.”
Mallett says DOTD will begin reviewing the bridges.
Cut 4 (11) “…have to do.”
Mallett says the review process will begin immediately.
Cut 5 (06) “…do exactly that.”
The bridges include the I-10 Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge, I-210 in Lake Charles, the Crescent City Connection in New Orleans, the Huey P. Long Bridge in Jefferson Parish and the Sunshine Bridge in Donaldsonville. All eight bridges were built prior to the establishment of industry guidelines in 1991.
______________________________________________________________
An alligator at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is the first in the U.S. to undergo cataract surgery. Victor, a rare blue-eyed white alligator, struggled to see his food, often missing meals or following shadows instead. Concerned zookeepers sought help from LSU’s Veterinary School, where ophthalmologist Dr. Renee Carter diagnosed Victor with an advanced cataract in his left eye.
Cut 6 (09) “…he had a cataract.”
Victor underwent the cataract surgery on February 19th. Due to anatomical differences, the procedure required special techniques, including ultrasound for vein access and a tubing system for post-op care. Carter says taking on this surgery was a whole new challenge.
Cut 7 (12) “…just quite different”
Now back at the zoo, Carter says Victor is much better at finding his food.
Cut 8 (09) “…he’s doing great.”
______________________________________________________________
Governor Landry announces a major restructuring of GOHSEP, placing the office under the National Guard. Landry says he’s doing this to save the state money. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry is fulfilling a campaign promise that’s become a major part of the Republican playbook lately.
Cut 9 (10) “…save taxpayers money.”
As for what effect this will have on emergency response, Pinsonat points out that Landry already has a couple emergencies under his belt in the early stages of his governorship, including Hurricane Helene and the winter storm in January. So Pinsonat says Landry has a good idea of the level of staffing needed – and not needed.
Cut 10 (11) “…this will work.”
National Guard Brigadier General Jason Mahfouz will serve as GOHSEP’s interim director, taking over for Jacques Thibodeaux, who Landry had appointed to the position last year. Pinsonat says it’s unclear what other personnel moves will take place.
Cut 11 (10) “…picture of that.”
___________________________________________________________
The 50th annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival returns to Chalmette through Sunday, offering food, fun, and live entertainment. Chairman Cisco Gonzales says festivalgoers can enjoy delicious crawfish dishes, carnival rides, games, and have thousands of visitors over the weekend.
Cut 12 (08) “…in four days.”
Gonzales says there will be crawfish in as many ways as you can think of as well as 26 rides to enjoy all weekend.
Cut 13 (11) “…how much fun is that?”
Gonzales says there will be more crawfish than you will know what to do with.
Cut 14 (09) “…what I’m saying?”
________________________________________________________________
The road to the Final Four begins Saturday night for the LSU women’s basketball team, who will host San Diego State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Tigers won a national championship in 2023, but last year lost in the Elite Eight, one game short of playing in their second consecutive final four. Flau’jae Johnson remembers that horrible feeling…
Cut 15 (12) “…after that”
Johnson is good to go after missing the SEC Tournament with a shin injury.
_________________________________________________________________
The McNeese Cowboys will look to make history again on Saturday as they will try to advance to the Sweet 16. The Pokes won their first NCAA Tournament game in program history on Thursday with an upset win over Clemson. Coach Will Wade says Thursday’s win was life altering…
Cut 16 (14) “…and everything.”
McNeese will play Purdue at 11:10 AM Saturday.