Governor Edwards is extending the state’s Public Health Order related to COVID-19. It includes a provision permitting all state agencies to require mask wearing, the extension coming as the fast-spreading Omicron variant infects more individuals in the Bayou State. Though vaccines and boosters are seen as the strongest tools in the fight against the virus, Edwards says masking up is an important way to slow the spread, even indoors around people who aren’t members of your household.

Preliminary data from Moderna indicates their COVID booster shot increases antibody levels against the Omicron variant. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says while it’s still early data and hasn’t undergone a thorough scientific review…Lopez says Moderna’s announcement of significant booster protection against Omicron models data released from Pfizer and their booster shot.

Cut 7 (12) “…prove it.”  

Less than 33% of the population in the US is boosted.

A reconfirmation today from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell that Mardi Gras 2022 will take place as scheduled with route changes made for some crews, though all crews will roll on their scheduled days. Cantrell offered this example:

Cut 9 (13) “…avenue and Prytania.”

Today is the first day of winter and the Climate Prediction Center predicts a warmer and drier than normal winter. State Climatologist Barry Keim says La Nina climate conditions will bring the Bayou State above-average temperatures and dry conditions through February. He says Louisiana benefits from warm air coming off the Gulf of Mexico…

Cut 14 (11) “…than normal.” 

Keim says we’ll experience what should be a mild winter starting with above-normal temperatures this holiday weekend …

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.

Moderna says preliminary data indicates their COVID vaccine booster can increase antibody levels and should decrease severe infection from Omicron. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Thorington.”

Amid worries that Omicron is the harbinger of a 5^th wave of COVID infections, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says Mardi Gras parades are still a go; although some parade routes may be altered to minimize risk of spread. Mardi Gras Day is March 1^st, 2022.

Today is the first day of winter – the Winter Solstice – and the Climate Prediction Center predicts a warmer and drier than normal winter. State Climatologist Barry Keim says La Nina climate conditions will bring the Bayou State above-average temperatures and dry conditions through February. He says that pretty much starts this holiday weekend…:

CUT 13(08)      “…on Christmas Day.”

State Police say a deadly two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in Ouachita Parish, that left a teen dead and a passenger in his car seriously injured, could have been avoided. Trooper Michael Reichardt…:

CUT 03(10)      “Mack dump truck”

That truck driver was not hurt, but Temple was killed. Reichardt says distracted driving is the likely cause, but a blood tox sample was taken from Temple to determine if he was impaired; a standard part of any crash investigation.

A two-vehicle crash in Ouachita Parish leaves a teen driver dead and his passenger in serious condition. State Police says 17-year-old Logan Temple blew a stop sign and was broadsided by a big dump truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The dump truck driver was not hurt. Trooper Michael Reichardt says this is the worst time of year for families to lose loved in car accidents & he offers some advice…:

CUT 05  (06)        “…drink and drive.”

Reichardt says a toxicology sample was obtained from Temple and is being submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Early data from Moderna says their vaccine can provide better protection from the Omicron variant of COVID, by way of producing more antibodies. LSU infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says more of us need to treat the third shot as part of the vaccination; not just a booster…:

CUT 08(11)      “…advantage of them.”

New Orleans Mardi Gras parades will go on next year, according to Mayor LaToya Cantrell. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Brannen.”

More troubles for Lafayette Judge Michelle Odinet – now on forced leave without pay following a viral video of a woman purported to be her using racial slurs. The D.A. in Orleans Parish has ordered a review of every case handled by Odinet when she worked there in the 1990’s. D.A. Jason Williams says the video calls her impartiality into question.

Moderna says preliminary data indicates their booster can increase neutralizing antibody levels by 37-fold compared to without a booster and should decrease severe infection from Omicron. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State police say 17-year-old Logan Temple of Wisner is dead after driving unrestrained through a stop sign in Ouachita Parish yesterday afternoon near Monroe where his Honda Civic was hit broadside on the driver’s side by a Mack dump truck. A buckled-up passenger in his car suffered serious injuries. The truck driver was not hurt. Trooper Michael Reichardt offers this advice:

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Renewed word today from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell that Mardi Gras 2022 will take place as scheduled with route changes made for some crews, though all crews will roll on their scheduled days. Mayor Cantrell downplayed the need to cancel Mardi Gras 2022 even though COVID appears to be tightening its grip once again on Louisiana.

Cut  11 (10)  “…our people vaccinated.”  

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

Today is the first day of winter and the climate prediction center predicts a warmer and drier than normal winter. State Climatologist Barry Keim says La Nina climate conditions will bring the Bayou State above-average temperatures and dry conditions through February

Cut 12 (11) “..United States.”  

Keim says we’ll experience what should be a mild winter starting with above-normal temperatures for Christmas …

State police continue to investigate a fatal two-vehicle accident in Ouachita Parish that left a teen dead and a passenger in his car seriously injured when they collided with a dump truck Monday. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the victim is 17-year-old driver Logan Temple and a deadly crash involving a young person during the holidays is always tough.

Cut 4 (08) “…a happy time.”

Preliminary data from Moderna indicates their COVID booster shot increases antibody levels against the Omicron variant. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says Moderna’s booster announcement models data released from Pfizer and their booster shot.

Cut 7 (12) “…prove it.”  

Reconfirmation today from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell that Mardi Gras 2022 will take place as scheduled with route changes made for some crews and all crews are expected to roll on their scheduled days. Cantrell offered this example:

Cut 9 (13) “…avenue and Prytania.”

She says public safety will be of utmost concern and that she believes Mardi Gras can be carried off safely despite the uptick in COVID cases nationwide given that 80 percent of local residents have been vaccinated and by urging others to be tested, vaccinated, and to wear masks to protect themselves and other parade-goers.

Preliminary data from Moderna indicates their COVID booster shot increases antibody levels against the Omicron variant. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says while it’s still early data and hasn’t undergone a thorough scientific review…

 Cut 6 (10) “…and older” 

On Monday state health officials said the growing number of COVID cases are indicative of the beginning of a fifth surge.

State police continue to investigate a deadly two-vehicle accident Monday afternoon in Ouachita Parish that left a teen dead and a passenger in his car seriously injured. Trooper Michael Reichardt:

Cut 3 (10) “…Mack dump truck.”

The 17-year-old driver, from Wisner, was not wearing a seatbelt while his passenger was.

The price tag for improving Louisiana’s roadways keeps rising and that’s causing a lot of number crunching at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

Owners of the Teal Jones Group say they are evaluating the possibility of a 110.5-million-dollar southern yellow pine lumber plant in Plain Dealing. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project would support 125 direct jobs and 369 indirect jobs in Bossier Parish.