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.

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.”

Beginning Friday, Walmart and Sam’s Clubs will be able to help assist with the pandemic and vaccinate those 65 and older against COVID. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A study shows New Orleans’ horrific post-Mardi Gras wave of coronavirus infections has been traced back to one person who arrived in the city around February 11^th from Texas. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Bust out the heavy-duty jackets because a polar vortex is set to send temperatures in the state plummeting. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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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 and Evans says Walmart and Sam’s Club will assist in bringing the vaccine to parts of the state where accessibility is an issue.

Cut 5 (07)“…pandemic.”

On Monday the state allowed those 65 and older to be eligible for the COVID vaccine increasing the eligibility for approximately a quarter of a million more residents. Evans says 57 Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations are prepping to do their part.

Cut 6 (09) “…on Friday.”

The website for required appointments www.walmart.com/covidvaccine or www.samsclub.com/covid

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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 humans much quicker. NIRC Director of Contract Research Jane Fontenot says it was their primates that assisted.

Cut 7 (12)  “…response.”

Director of Research at NIRC Dr. Francois Villinger says their previous work with vaccines enabled the trial to know the proper intervals to test for COVID antibodies from the vaccine.

Cut 8 (11) “…laboratory.”

Fontenot says their primates also provided data on when booster shots should be conducted.

Cut 9 (10) “…vaccine.”

NIRC is currently involved in eight vaccine and therapeutic drug studies related to COVID-19 in addition to the Pfizer vaccine.

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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.

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”

Garry says that’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.”

Garry says that one individual, and the COVID variant they carried, were likely responsible for up to 50,000 infections.

Scientists traced the genetic dots and found our 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 (06) “…introduction.”

The study concludes the Mardi Gras outbreak did end up seeding outbreaks across the Gulf South, but due to travel restrictions did not result in major outbreaks outside the region.

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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 that vortex will begin dropping the average statewide temperature every day from now until Tuesday.

Cut 13 (08) “…coastline.”

Keim says because of this we could see some snow in parts of the state Sunday night and Monday night.

Cut 14 (09) “…state.” 

Temperatures are expected to remain low late into next week which Keim says could produce even more wintery mix.

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.”

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ULM men’s basketball will take on the Ragin Cajuns in a two-game series, starting tonight in Lafayette and concluding Saturday in Monroe.  Warhawks coach Keith Richard says his team will face the challenge of trying to slow down guard Cedric Russell.

Cut 16 (10) “…doing it all.”

The Warhawks have struggled on the hardwood this season losing ten in a row, but Richard says he’s proud of the way his team continues to play hard.

Cut 17 (12) “…good preparation.”

ULM enters the game with a 2-10 Sun Belt record, while the Cajuns are 7-and-5 and in second place in the SEC West after dropping two games last weekend to Arkansas State who has a losing record. Assistant coach Brock Morris says it’s time to start another win streak…

Cut  18 (17) “…to win.”

The Cajuns top two scorers are Cedric Russell, who is averaging nearly 19 points a game and sophomore Mylik Wilson, who is averaging 13 a contest. But Wilson’s shooting numbers are down from last season when he was the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. Morris says other teams have figured out what Wilson does well…

Cut 19 (23) “…he does best.” 

ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Senator Bill Cassidy’s vote calling the impeachment of former President Trump constitutional was a surprising move and this may be Cassidy, recently reelected to a six-year term, expressing a more independent streak that he was known for before his first term in the US Senate.

Cut 4 (11) “…vote” 

A Legislative committee met today hoping to build a coalition of parties interested in reversing the Biden Administration’s recent oil and gas policies. State Department of Natural Resources Secretary Thomas Harris spoke on behalf of Governor Edwards’ Administration. He says lowering domestic oil and gas production won’t lower overall carbon emissions.

Cut 9 (08) “..from”

Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott expects the Legislature will seek to reform the way the state collects sales taxes when the legislative session begins in April. Scott says it’s a touchy subject as many parish leaders do not want to give up direct control of their collections that’s because local governments rely heavily on those revenues.

Cut 13 (09)“. high”

An arrest has been made in the Quawan Charles case. The St. Mary Parish 15-year-old was found in a wooded area of Iberia Parish last November. Iberia Sheriff Tommy Romero says they arrested one of the last people to see Charles alive, 37-year-old Janet Irvin.

Cut 6 (11) “…of a minor.”

37-year-old Janet Irvin has been arrested in connection with the Quawan Charles case, Charles is the St. Mary Parish 15-year-old who was found in a wooded area of Iberia Parish last November. Irvin was reportedly the last person to be seen with Charles. Iberia Sheriff Tommy Romero says immediately after the arrest he spoke with the parents of Charles.

Cut 8 (06) “…case closed.”

A Legislative committee met today hoping to build a coalition of parties interested in reversing the Biden Administration’s recent oil and gas policies. State Department of Natural Resources Secretary Thomas Harris who spoke on behalf of Governor Edwards’ Administration says Edwards supports lowering carbon emissions and wants to present an alternate plan to do so to the Biden Administration.

Cut 10 (10) “. …concerns” 

Senator Bill Cassidy’s reversal on the question of whether it is constitutional to impeach a President who is out of office came as a surprise to many. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

For the second year in a row, the pandemic has forced the cancellation of the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. The annual spring event was scheduled for the second weekend in April this year. Organizers say the farmer’s auction and the queen’s pageant will still be held. Next year will be the festival’s 50th anniversary and so far it’s still on the calendar.

A Legislative committee meeting today hopes to build a coalition of parties interested in reversing the Biden Administration’s recent oil and gas policies. State Department of Natural Resources Secretary Thomas Harris spoke on behalf of Governor Edwards’ Administration. He says lowering domestic oil and gas production won’t lower overall carbon emissions.

Cut 9 (08) “..from”

Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott expects the Legislature will seek to reform the way the state collects sales taxes when the legislative session begins in April. Scott says it’s a touchy subject as many parish leaders do not want to give up direct control of their collections that’s because local governments rely heavily on those revenues.

Cut 13 (09)“. high”

ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Senator Bill Cassidy’s vote calling the impeachment of former President Trump constitutional was a surprising move and this may be Cassidy, recently reelected to a six-year term, expressing a more independent streak that he was known for before his first term in the US Senate.

Cut 4 (11) “…vote” 

An arrest has been made in the Quawan Charles case. The St. Mary Parish 15-year-old was found in a wooded area of Iberia Parish last November. Iberia Sheriff Tommy Romero says they arrested one of the last people to see Charles alive, 37-year-old Janet Irvin.

Cut 6 (11) “…of a minor.”

Irvin’s bond has been set at 400-thousand dollars.

37-year-old Jane Irvin has been arrested in connection with the Quawan Charles case, Charles is the St. Mary Parish 15-year-old who was found in a wooded area of Iberia Parish last November. Irvin was reportedly the last person to be seen with Charles. Iberia Sheriff Tommy Romero says immediately after the arrest he spoke with the parents of Charles.

Cut 8 (06) “…case closed.”

Irvin’s bond has been set at 400-thousand dollars.

Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott expects the Legislature will seek to reform the way the state collects sales taxes when the legislative session begins in April. Scott says a task force has been working to bring the state’s sales tax collection system in line with the rest of the country.

Cut 12 (11) “   go to.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy’s reversal on the question of whether it is constitutional to impeach a President who is out of office came as a surprise to many. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Senator Bill Cassidy’s vote calling the impeachment of former President Trump constitutional was a surprising move. The vote was a reversal on the issue for the Senator and triggered strong condemnation from the state GOP.

Cut 3 (08)  “…this”

Cassidy defended the vote, saying the Trump legal team did a terrible job Tuesday while the House managers presenting Democrat’s case were well prepared.

An arrest has been made in the Quawan Charles case. The St. Mary Parish 15-year-old was found in a wooded area of Iberia Parish last November. Iberia Sheriff Tommy Romero says they’ve arrested 37-year-old Janet Irvin. He says based on numerous interviews, forensic evidence, and their autopsy report they arrested Irvin in Lafayette Parish…

Cut 7 (06) “…Mrs. Irvin.”

Governor Edwards extended the current modified phase two restrictions for another three weeks. Edwards says he’s concerned that the good progress we have made could be undone by the rapidly spreading UK variant which is 50 percent more infectious, and 30 percent more deadly.

Cut 14 (06) “country.” 

The Blackthorn Political Action Committee calls on Congressman Clay Higgins to resign. Blackthorn organizer Ken Miller says their ad features soundbites from Higgins’ fire-lit rant that went viral in which Higgins claims to have inside data to support Trump won the November 2020 election. Miller says Higgin’s behavior is unacceptable.

Cut 8 (11) “…leader.”

Higgins issued a statement saying he will no respond to the false attack ads.

An arrest has been made in the Quawan Charles case. The St. Mary Parish 15-year-old who was found in a wooded area of Iberia Parish last November. Iberia Sheriff Tommy Romero says they arrested one of the last people to see Charles alive, 37-year-old Janet Irvin.

Cut 6 (11) “…of a minor.”

Irvin’s exact role in Charles’s death is not known.

The House and Senate Natural Resources Committees are holding a joint meeting at the State Capitol today discussing the impacts and possible responses to President Biden’s executive orders halting new oil and natural gas leases on public lands and waters. Chair of the Senate Committee, Vermillion Parish Senator Bob Hensgens says the meeting allows local officials to explain personally how it impacts the state.

Cut 11 (06) “…coast.”

Governor John Bel Edwards extends the current modified Phase Two for another three weeks, but indicates he is open to relaxing restriction once that order ends. Edwards says the state has made some good progress in pushing back the virus over the last month, but the baseline numbers that guide his policymaking remain too high to relax restrictions just yet.

Cut 13 (11) “…deaths.”

A Blackthorn PAC ad is calling for Congressman Clay Higgins to resign. In the ad, it refers to Higgins as a domestic terrorist and says he has blood on his hands after the January 6^th riot. Blackthorn organizer Ken Miller says Higgins’s must answer for his extreme rhetoric.

Cut 9 (04) “…recourse.”

Higgins responded by saying he’s not concerned with the false attacks.