An FDA review of the Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine appears to give the shot a thumbs up shortly before the organization is expected to hold an emergency use authorization hearing that could approve its release. LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Professor Dr. Fred Lopez says data indicates the J & J vaccine is 66 percent effective.

Cut 7 (09) “…to do”

A study out of LSU shows in the nearly 50 years since the Clean Water Act’s passage the Mississippi River has seen a tremendous improvement in water quality. Coastal Sciences Professor Eugene Turner says the Act’s environmental regulations limiting what you could dump into US waterways worked wonders…

Cut 3 (11)  “…amazing.” 

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is encouraging people to report any property damage sustained during the winter weather last week in hopes of receiving federal funding. You can go to damage.la.gov and fill out a survey, do a survey through text, or by dialing 211. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says this will make it easier on residents.

Cut 9 (11) “…survey process”

And last week’s winter storm didn’t just impact the power grid and people’s homes, it also slowed down the crawfish industry. Wild Crawfish Fisherman Jody Meche says farmers are really hoping the warmer weather we’re now seeing will help the industry rebound in time for peak crawfish season.

Cut 14 (10) “…ok.” 

Utility companies were asked about their failure to communicate with customers ahead of last week’s mid-winter storm rolling blackouts. Entergy CEO Phillip May says Tuesday the grid faced significantly more demand than it had supply and they were given 30 minutes by a regional regulator, MISO, to begin cutting back distribution due to the potentially catastrophic strain on the grid…

Cut 6 (10) “…resort”

Monroe’s beloved 72-year-old elephant Shirley passed away Monday at the Louisiana Purchase Botanical Gardens.  Zoo Director Tom Pearson says after a hard life in the circus Shirley was able to roam the sanctuary with other elephants and had little human interaction. In 2018 one of her former caretakers in Monroe, Solomon James, was allowed to visit on her birthday.

Cut 14 (11) “…thrilled”

In an effort to have children educated sooner, one lawmaker files a bill to make kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana.  Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

The USA Today and Advocate report that former LSU head coach Les Miles allegedly engaged in sexual harassment while he was in charge of the Tiger’s football team. The Advocate reports Miles offered a secret settlement to an LSU student. Miles attorney said that a description of a settlement is discernibly incomplete and inaccurate.

Senator Bill Cassidy responds to the State GOP’s decision to censure him over his vote to convict former President Donald Trump. He says the facts showed the President was guilty of attempting to incite an insurrection and he had a constitutional duty to vote in favor of conviction. Cassidy says he’s taken a lack of flak for the decision, but also received a lot of support.

Cut 10 (11) “…went into it” 

Utilities spoke at this morning’s Public Service Commission meeting and explained why they had the string of power outages that impacted 131,000 customers at the winter storm event’s peak. Entergy CEO Phillip May says they saw historic demand coupled with lower supply due to weather impacts on natural gas providers…

Cut 7 (10) “…supply”

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields wants to mandate that children attend kindergarten in Louisiana. Fields proposed legislation that would do just that for the upcoming spring session and says beginning the education process earlier in children’s lives is crucial for their development, and this is a good first step…

Cut 5  (11)  “…through twelve.” 

If the bill is approved children who turn age five on or before September 30^th will be required to enroll in kindergarten.

Monroe’s beloved 72-year-old elephant Shirley passed away Monday at the Louisiana Purchase Botanical Gardens.  Zoo Director Tom Pearson says Shirley had a rough life until she was rescued from the circus. Afterward, she spent time at sanctuaries in Tennessee and Monroe…

Cut 13 (08)“…circus.”

At this morning’s Public Service Commission Zoom meeting providers warned that gas prices were far higher than usual in February and those prices will be passed on to customers. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta asks that providers come up with a plan to not dump that full cost on customers next month…

Cut 8 (09) “…before then”

Providers also indicated that a lack of natural gas supply was the supply problems they faced last week. 

Senator Bill Cassidy stands behind his decision to vote to find former President Donald Trump guilty of inciting an insurrection on January 6^th. He was censured by the state Republican Party for the move, but Cassidy says the facts show Trump was guilty…

Cut 11 (10) “…consequences.”

In an effort to have children educated sooner, one lawmaker files a bill to make kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana.  Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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.

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.”

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.” 

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt and State Treasurer John Schroder are reportedly also considering a run and control low to mid six figure war chests.

A 56-year old Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being allegedly shot multiple times by his estranged daughter, 22-year-old Kalee Wich, 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”

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 even outside, heating lamps can be hazardous, so try to bring your pets inside during cold weather if you can.

Cut 6 (15) “…over the heat lamp.”

Rodrigue says there was also a fire involving a heating lamp in the Houma area that killed a dog and another one in Livingston Parish.

The LSU men’s basketball team will face the Georgia Bulldogs on the road tonight at 6 p.m.  The Tigers have won three-straight while being led by point guard Javonte Smart.  Coach Will Wade comments on Smart’s high level of play.

Cut 28 (23) “going well”

The ULM men’s basketball team improved to 7-16 after a 68-64 victory over Arkansas-Little Rock.

Ragin Cajun basketball coach Bob Marlin set the record for the most Sun Belt Conference victories after getting his 118^th conference win as the Cajuns took down Texas-Arlington 76-74 last night.

Northwestern’s men’s basketball team got its sixth straight win as the Demons beat Houston Baptist 86-80.

The LSU baseball team got a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Louisiana Tech last night 16-7.  The Tigers scored 14 runs in the final three innings to erase a four run deficit. Junior Gavin Dugas contributed six RBI’s, including a grand slam in the sixth inning.   Freshman Javen Coleman earned the win as he struck out seven batters in just over three innings of work.  LSU improved to 2-1 with the win.

Tech will play ULL on the diamond tonight at 6.  The Ragin Cajuns are coming off a series victory over Tulane where they scored 18 runs in the last two games.  Cajuns coach Matt Deggs talks about his team’s play so far.

Cut 20 (20) “long way to go”

The Cajuns will host the LSU Tigers tomorrow at 6 p.m.