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.”

A study has determined that it was most likely a Texas resident who had the coronavirus and visited New Orleans prior to Fat Tuesday last year which lead to the state’s first surge of COVID cases. Tulane virologist Bob Garry says they traced the genetic dots and found the variant had only been detected previously in Texas. Once it was introduced to the packed bars and streets of Mardi Gras it exploded…
cut 12 (09) “…virus”
Tomorrow, 57 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in Louisiana will begin administering the COVID vaccine…
cut 6 (09) “…on Friday’
That’s Regional Health and Wellness Director for Walmart Bethany Evans who says you can make your appointment at Walmart and Sam’s Club websites.

Bust out the heavy-duty coat because a polar vortex is bringing the state artic air and winter weather…
cut 3 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A major winter storm could hit the state starting on Sunday as we could see freezing rain and significant ice accumulations for the northern half of the state and snow is possible as well as our temperatures are expected to remain below the freezing mark for much of the state on Monday. It will be cold on Fat Tuesday too.

A study shows New Orleans post-Mardi Gras wave of coronavirus infections has been traced back to one person who arrived in the city around February 11th from Texas. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Court records describe what happened during a July 2019 traffic stop in Ouachita Parish that led to two State troopers getting arrested for allegedly using excessive force. According to the arrest warrant, a suspect was thrown to the ground and punched in the head. The report also says the suspect showed no signs of resisting.

Cold air is moving into the state today and there’s the potential for a winter storm to hit Louisiana on Sunday and Monday…
cut 14 (09) “…state”
State Climatologist Barry Keim says the potential of several inches of snow falling across the northern half of the state exists on Monday.

As Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines go into thousands of people’s arms, U-L Lafayette is discussing its role in developing the vaccine. Director of the school’s New Iberia Research Center, Doctor Francois Villinger, says primates at their facility were immunized last spring as part of nonhuman clinical trials…
Cut 8 (11) “…laboratory.”
Villinger says the work they do is about bringing treatments and vaccines to the public.

Senator Bill Cassidy says for those who disagree with his vote to allow Donald Trump’s impeachment trial to continue, they should watch the arguments made by the lawyers for the Democrats’ who showed it is constitutional to impeach a private citizen. Cassidy says he will not put the former president above the constitution…
cut 28 (08) “….oath seriously”
The Louisiana Republican Party has said they are profoundly disappointed in Cassidy.

UL -Lafayette says it played role in testing the effectiveness of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. The New Iberia Research Center Director of Contract Research Jane Fontenot says primates at the center were immunized as part of the nonhuman clinical trials of the vaccine last spring
Cut 7 (12) “…response.”

Beginning tomorrow, Walmart and Sam’s Clubs will assist with the pandemic and vaccinate those 65 and older against COVID…
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The coldest temperatures of the winter are moving into Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this cold weather will stick around for awhile…
cut 13 (08) “….coastaline”
Keim says there’s a chance we can see snow and ice on Monday.

One visitor from Texas may have been responsible for the deadly post-Mardi Gras COVID surge that devastated the New Orleans Metro Area according to a new study. One of the study’s lead authors was Tulane Virologist Dr. Bob Garry. He says the virus arrived with that one person two weeks before Mardi Gras and sparked 800 cases by Ash Wednesday.
Cut 10 (10) “…that”

Walmart and Sam’s Club will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines at 57 of their locations in Louisiana starting tomorrow. Regional Health and Wellness Director for Walmart Bethany Evans says appointments are required and they will bring the vaccine to parts of the state where accessibility is an issue…
cut 5 (07) “….pandemic”
Go to walmart-dot-com to make your appointment.

Bust out the heavy-duty jackets because a polar vortex is bringing the state the coldest temperatures of the year and winter weather early next week….
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Southeast Louisiana is dealing with fog this morning as a dense fog advisory is in effect until 9 AM this morning.