An FDA advisory panel is proposing a plan to simplify COVID vaccines and a Louisiana expert weighs in…:

Cut 02  (31)      “…Thorington”

Two teen girls have admitted making threats that led to the lockdown of Jennings High School Wednesday. Deputies in Jeff Davis Parish says the youths admitted to officers they had made the threat via phone call, then followed it up with two more calls. Charged with Terrorizing, the girls have been booked and released.

Lawyers for the young men accused of raping LSU co-ed Madison Brooks, before dumping her on a dark roadway where she later was hit by traffic and killed, say they have video evidence of their client’s innocence. Attorney Ron Haley says the video shows that Brooks consented to sex and was dropped off unharmed….:

CUT 04(06)      “…very clear.”

He says taken inside the car will also provide evidence that a rape did not occur.

The President of Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, says he will retire at the end of the current school year. Dr. John Crain has been SELU President since 2009, and has been a faculty member for over 35 years. Crain has led the university through setbacks from state budget cuts, multiple hurricanes (most recently Ida) and the pandemic. He’s also seen it through the launch of new degree programs, numerous facility upgrades and advances in academic achievement and sports…:

CUT 10(10)      “…you’re proud of.”

Attorneys representing the suspects accused of participating in the rape of LSU student Madison Brooks, before she died, say she was not raped. Attorney Ron Haley says Brooks consented to have sex with two individuals in a vehicle before she was dropped off…:

CUT 03(13)      “…factually inaccurate.”

Haley says there’s video of Brooks leaving the vehicle unharmed and in good health. Haley says at this time they are not releasing the video as they work with the district attorney’s office and allow the judicial process to take place.

The FDA is currently reviewing plans to move COVID shot recommendations to a single yearly inoculation, like the flu shot. Tulane University epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says this may take some stigma over the word “Pfizer” and COVID shots. She says no one sweats who manufactures their annual flu shot…:

CUT 13(10)      “…every year.”

Somebody missed out on $50-thousand. The Louisiana Lottery says the deadline to claim a Powerball ticket worth 50-k expired Thursday. The ticket was purchased at Fisherman’s One Stop on L-A 22 in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison it’s possible the player gave up hope after seeing they didn’t match all the numbers…:

CUT 07(10)      “…way to win.”

Expired and uncollected prize money is deposited into an unclaimed prize fund for a second-chance drawing.

A ten-year-old in Lake Charles is credited with taking fast action that may have saved his mom’s life. Peyton Farrell was riding with his mother, when she passed out behind the wheel. The car crashed into a culvert and the airbags deployed. The little boy quickly activated the car’s OnStar, which brought help to the scene quickly. Thanks to his fast action, both he and mom escaped with just cuts and bruises.

A plan to streamline COVID vaccination protocols is under consideration. The FDA advisory panel is recommending a move towards an annual vaccination routine similar to flu shots. In New Orleans, Tulane University epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says such a plan could encourage those skeptical of the vaccine to get protected…:

CUT 12(12)      “…preventative effort.”

Perhaps you’ve seen the TV ads of Lafayette business woman Katie Bernhardt that seem to tease she’ll run for governor. Some state Democrats are angry that the woman who is the chair of the state party would make such a move, and call for her to step down, if she intends to run. Some feel her ambition is a conflict of interests; her own and the party’s. Still, others feel Bernhardt is a proven leader and fundraiser, and would do the Democrats proud. So far, she has not announced a run for governor.

The President of Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, says he will retire at the end of the current school year. Dr. John Crain has been SELU President since 2009, and has been a faculty member for over 35 years. Crain says he’s proud of his time leading the university, but he’s reaching a new chapter in his life…:

CUT 09  (10)        the next president

Crain says, in some ways, retirement is a “bittersweet proposition” for him. He says he announced it now, so a proper search could be done to find SELU’s next president. Crain will step down at the end of the school year.

…and now a look at commodity prices…

Since the alleged assault and death of LSU student Madison Brooks made the headlines, it’s inspired two freshman students to create a group to help other female students get home safely. Alisha Ortolano says that sadly females are abandoned without a way home more often than you’d think…:

CUT 04(06)      “…this situation.”

So Ortolano and her friend Caitlynn Bakewell created a group called LSU GIRLS RIDES on the app GroupMe. Female students are verified and when one requests a ride other members can answer the call.

Somebody missed out on 50-thousand dollars. The Louisiana Lottery says the deadline to claim a Powerball ticket worth 50-thousand dollars expired Thursday. The ticket was purchased at Fisherman’s One Stop on L-A 22 in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it’s common for prizes to go unclaimed..:

CUT 06(10)      “….larger ones.”

Berwick High School, in St. Mary Parish, is under lockdown at this hour after a note was found threatening something bad. At this hour, LRN doesn’t know the nature of the threat. Classrooms were evacuated and the school searched, but nothing was found. However, they remain on lockdown while officers investigate.

The search for the state’s longest-married couple is underway. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can nominate a duo that’s been married for seven decades or more…:

CUT 02(28)      “…Thorington.”

After LSU student Madison Brooks never made it home, two freshman students created a group in the app GroupMe to help others find a safe ride home.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

One of the wounded victims in the January 22nd mass shooting in Shreveport has died. Officials in Caddo Parish confirmed 33 year old Latounda Bryant succumbed to her injuries Thursday morning. She was one of 8 people hit by what police believe was a drive by shooting on Sunday. No arrests have been made in the case.

The state transportation department is mourning the death of a DOTD worker killed on Wednesday afternoon while filling potholes in DeSoto Parish on U.S. Highway 171. State Police Trooper Jonathan Odom says 35-year-old Christopher Gray of Lake Charles was killed after an empty log truck driven by 42-year-old Charles Barker hit two DOTD vehicles…:
Cut 10 (10) “…behind the truck”
Gray was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Louisiana Family Forum is once again looking for the longest married couple. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says the deadline for entries is February sixth and the honorees will be recognized on Valentine’s Day…
cut 9 (08) “…this year”
You can find an entry form at LAfamilyforum.org

The state department of transportation is mourning the death of DOTD worker Christopher Gray of Lake Charles, who was killed when a empty log truck hit two DOTD vehicles on US Highway 171 in DeSoto Parish Wednesday, one of the DOTD vehicles hit Gray and he was pronounced dead at the scene. State Police Trooper Jonathan Odom says as of now, the driver of the log truck has not been charged…
cut 11 (06) “….under investigation”

LSU’s campus is still reeling after details were released this week about the death of LSU student Madison Brooks. The 19-year-old from Madisonville was struck and killed on Burbank Road after she was allegedly raped in a vehicle. Alisha Ortolano has created a group called LSU GIRLS RIDES on the Groupme app and it’s a place where females can request a safe ride home…
cut 5 (07) “…700 girls”
Ortoloano hopes students at other schools follow their lead.

Former LSU QB Joe Burrow and the Bengals will try to reach the Super Bowl for a second straight year as they visit the Chiefs in Sunday’s AFC Title game.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Family Forum is seeking nominations for the Longest Married Couple that will be honored on Valentine’s Day. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says last year’s winner was Patsy and Gail Richardson of Gonzales. They were married 81 years…
cut 8 (11) “…any occasions”
You can submit a nomination at the Louisiana Family Forum’s website.

Two freshman students at LSU have created a GroupMe chat for other female students who may need a safe ride home. It’s inspired by the death of Madison Brooks, who was hit by a car, after leaving a vehicle where she was allegedly raped. Alisha Ortolano hopes other schools follow their lead and she reminds women to look out for each other…
cut 6 (10) “….speak out”

On the campus of Dillard University in New Orleans, they are installing a new school president this weekend as Doctor Rochelle Ford takes over. Ford says tomorrow they will break ground on the Living Learning Communities, a new residential hall for students on Norman Mayer Boulevard. She says professors will also have the opportunity to live there…
Cut 13 (09) “….living communities.”

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s office is looking for a 55-year-old woman who has not been seen since Christmas Day. Her name is Shelia Baker. Baker’s last location of travel is believed to be near Bunkie. A Lafayette TV station reports Baker was supposed to go to Lake Charles to visit her mother after staying with another family member for Christmas.

The search for the state’s longest-married couple is underway. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can nominate a duo that’s been married for seven decades or more.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In response to the death of LSU student Madison Brooks who was allegedly raped then run over by a vehicle after leaving a bar, two other students created a group to help other girls find rides home…:
CUT 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Baton Rouge leaders announced Thursday the airport in the Capitol City will begin nonstop flights to Washington DC beginning this summer via American Airlines. Tickets go on sale Saturday morning for the direct flight to Reagan International Airport from Baton Rouge.

The Louisiana Family Forum is now accepting nominations seeking the state’s longest married couple. President Gene Mills says it’s an annual tradition to find couples who’ve been married for several decades and honor their achievement as the Longest Married Couple in the Bayou State…:
Cut 7 (11) “needs to be told”
You can find an entry form at LAfamilyforum.org.

The state transportation department is mourning the death of a DOTD worker killed on Wednesday afternoon while filling potholes in DeSoto Parish on U.S. Highway 171. State Police Trooper Jonathan Odom says 35-year-old Christopher Gray of Lake Charles was killed after an empty log truck driven by 42-year-old Charles Barker hit two DOTD vehicles…:
Cut 10 (10) “…behind the truck”
Gray was pronounced dead at the scene.

One of the wounded victims in the January 22nd mass shooting in Shreveport has died. Officials in Caddo Parish confirmed 33 year old Latounda Bryant succumbed to her injuries Thursday morning. She was one of 8 people hit by what police believe was a drive by shooting on Sunday. Three of the victims were under the age of ten. No arrests have been made in the case.

Kickoff Sunday is 6pm.

After LSU student Madison Brooks never made it home, two freshman students created a group in the app GroupMe to help others find a safe ride home.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The search for the state’s longest-married couple is underway. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can nominate a duo that’s been married for seven decades or more.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals will try to reach the Super Bowl for the second year in a row as they visit the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Sunday. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

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Since the tragic assault and death of LSU student Madison Brooks made the headlines, it’s inspired two freshman students to create a group to help other female students get home safely. Alisha Ortolano says that sadly females are abandoned without a way home more often than you’d think.

Cut 4 (06)  “…this situation.”

So Ortolano and her friend Caitlynn Bakewell created a group called LSU GIRLS RIDES on the app GroupMe. Female students are verified and when one requests a ride other members can answer the call. Ortolano says the response has been overwhelming.

Cut 5 (07) “…700 girls.”

Ortolano hopes other schools follow their lead and reminds women to always look after each other.

Cut 6 (10)  “…speak out.” 

Ortolano and Bakewell hope the group can prevent another tragic outcome like Brooks from ever happening again.

_____________________________________________

The Louisiana Family Forum is looking to honor the state’s longest-married couple and is currently accepting nominations. LFF President Gene Mills says it’s an annual tradition to find couples who’ve been married for several decades and honor their achievement as the Longest Married Couple in the Bayou State.

Cut 7 (11) “…needs to be told.”

The 2022 Longest Married Couple was Patsy and Gail Richardson of Gonzales. Mills says they were husband and wife for 81 years.

Cut 8 (11)  “…any occasions.”

The Richardson’s raised three children and had 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

The deadline for entries is February 6^th and the honorees will be recognized on the most appropriate day, Valentine’s.

Cut 9 (08)  “…this year.”

You can find an entry form at LAfamilyforum.og

____________________________________________

The state transportation department is mourning the death of a DOTD worker killed on Wednesday afternoon while filling potholes in DeSoto Parish on U.S. Highway 171. State Police Trooper Jonathan Odom says 35-year-old Christopher Gray of Lake Charles was killed after an empty log truck driven by 42-year-old Charles Barker of Florein hit two DOTD vehicles

Cut 10 (10)  “…behind the truck”

Barker and two other DOTD workers, Jalen Singleton and Mario Ross were injured in the crash. Gray was pronounced dead at the scene. Odom says as of now, the driver of the log truck has NOT been charged

Cut 11 (06)  “…under investigation.”

Odom says they are not sure exactly what caused this fatal three-vehicle crash, but they ask motorists to obey the speed limit and avoid all distractions while driving.

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Dillard University in New Orleans officially installs Doctor Rochelle Ford as the school’s eighth president with an Inauguration celebration that starts today. Ford says she will look to accelerate Dillard’s mission to cultivate leaders who live ethically by focusing on three key areas

Cut 12 (10) “…our students.”

Ford says on Saturday they will break ground on the Living Learning Communities, a new residential hall for students on Norman Mayer Boulevard. She says professors will also have the opportunity to live there…

Cut 13 (09)  “….living communities.”

Ford says her vision also includes leveraging Dillard’s academic programs and centers to address health disparities…

Cut 14 (11)  “…expand on that.”

Ford previously served as the dean of the School of Communications at Elon University in North Carolina.

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LSU Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals visit the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Sunday. The two teams met earlier this year in a 27-24 Cincinnati win. Burrow threw for almost 300 yards and 2 touchdowns, but Burrow says the team needs to be prepared to face a familiar opponent…

Cut 15 (17)  “…for anything.”

The matchup is a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship in which the Bengals came away with a shocking 27-24 overtime win just weeks after beating the Chiefs at home to close out the regular season. Chiefs’ Arrowhead stadium is notoriously one of the toughest environments in the NFL for opposing teams, but given the Bengals’ 3-0 record over the last two seasons, some fans have taken to calling it Burrowhead. Burrow says he’s not going to underestimate one of the best teams in the AFC in recent years…

Cut  16 (21)  “…on that side” 

The Bengals defeated the Bills in Buffalo last week 27-10 behind a stellar all-around performance. Burrow threw for almost 250 yards and two touchdowns while running back Joe Mixon reached the century mark on the ground with a TD of his own. Burrow and former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have remained one of the league’s top passing duos this season, and Burrow was named a finalist for league MVP. Burrow, though thinks much of the team’s success comes from coaching not just their star power…

Cut 17 (19) “…run the ball well.” 

The Chiefs earned the number one seed in the AFC this year with a 14-3 record. Former LA Tech defensive back L’Jarius Snead has been Kansas City’s number-one corner this year and one of the best in the AFC. He was with the team for last year’s loss to the Bengals and says he and his teammates are ready to avenge the missed opportunity…

Cut 18 (07) “…not fall short” 

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The LSU men’s basketball team fell again in a 60-40 loss to Arkansas Tuesday night. The Tigers have lost their last seven straight after opening conference play with a win. LSU struggled only shooting only 265 from the floor and 11% from beyond the arc. First-year coach Matt McMahon says he knew there would be struggles when rebuilding a program…

Cut 19 (18) “…the toughness”

The Tigers will face Texas Tech in the SEC-Big 12 showdown this weekend. Guard Justice Winslow will return to the team and suit up for the matchup after stepping away from the team last week. McMahon says he and his team are excited for the weekend despite their recent struggles…

Cut 20 (20)  “…Saturday afternoon’s game” 

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