The CDC now requires all riders on public transit to wear a mask, a new regulation under the Biden Administration. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s unclear whether the CDC has any power to enforce this mandate but he agreed with the sentiment that masking up on public transit is a good idea given data shows the virus spreads much easier in confined indoor spaces.

Cut 10 (11) “…them to”

State Police say a three-year-old child who was not properly restrained was killed in a wreck last night involving an 18-wheeler in Calcasieu Parish. Trooper Derek Senegal says toxicology samples were obtained from 41-year-old Blaine Keith Lecompte to see if he was impaired when the crash occurred on Interstate 10 near Vinton.

Cut 13 (09)“.18-wheeler”

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has made one arrest as a result of an investigation that the Boy Scouts asked the law enforcement agency to conduct. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A man arrested in Shreveport for stabbing two people inside of a hospital Monday now has a warrant out for his arrest in New Orleans. That warrant is linked to a fatal machete attack at a New Orleans gas station Sunday. The suspect, 27-year-old Zaokoye Chatman is currently behind bars, and authorities say they have not identified a motive for either of the two attacks.

Congressional Democrats have begun the process of moving their 1.9 billion dollar American Rescue Plan COVID relief package through the process of passing without requiring any Republican votes in the Senate. This comes a day after GOP Senators, including Bill Cassidy, met with the President about their counter-proposal of a 618 billion dollar bill. Cassidy says there are quite a few sticking points, including Biden’s request for 350 billion in state and local aid.  Cassidy says those entities have only seen a one percent decline in revenue.

Cut 13 (09)“.percent.”

Some of the other key differences: in Biden’s plan federally boosted unemployment would be extended through September at 400 dollars a week, while Republicans prefer 300 a week through June. Biden supports 1,400 dollar stimulus checks for those earning 75,000 a year and under, Republicans back 1,000 dollar checks from those making 50,000 a year and under.

Economic indicators show the state unemployment has rebounded by 69% when you compare April to December of 2020. But LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott, unfortunately, says the oil and gas sector is actually worse off than it was a year ago. What has rebounded is the retail sector; they have more jobs now than this time last year.

Cut 4 (10) “…ago” 

A man who allegedly attacked people with a large knife inside Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport has been arrested. Sergeant Glen Heckard with Shreveport Police says two people were injured by 27-year-old Zaokoye Chatman, who may be a suspect in a fatal machete attack at a New Orleans gas station Sunday…

Cut 7 (11) “…any of this.”

Economic indicators show the state is recovering quicker than first predicted from the pandemic.  LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says they compared unemployment numbers from April of 2020 to the latest numbers in December and unemployment has recovered by 69%.

Cut 3 (11)  “…42-percent.”

He predicts things will continue to improve once the vaccine is more widely available.

A man who allegedly attacked people with a large knife inside Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport has been arrested. Sergeant Glen Heckard with Shreveport Police says two people were injured by 27-year-old Zaokoye Chatman, who may be a suspect in a fatal machete attack at a New Orleans gas station Sunday…

Cut 7 (11) “…any of this.”

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s office arrests three men for an alleged murder for hire scheme that led to the fatal shooting of two women in Montegut last month. District Attorney Joe Waitz Junior says there is a strong case against the three men involved…

cut 15 (09) “….this case”

Authorities say Beaux Cormier of Kaplan hired two men, Andrew Eskine and Delvin Wilson to kill the victim Cormier allegedly raped. Instead, they allegedly killed the victim’s mother and her neighbor.

FEMA wants residents to know that if you suffered hurricane damage from Hurricane Zeta you may be eligible for assistance. FEMA spokesperson Melissa Wilkins says those who need assistance should register at disasterassistance.gov.

Cut 11 (08) “….help.”

Residents in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and Terrebonne Parishes are eligible.

Terrebonne Sheriff Tim Soignet says the murder of two women last month in Montegut was a murder for hire scheme. Soignet says Beaux Cormier of Kaplan hired two men Andrew Eskin of Carencro and Dalvin Wilson of Eunice to cover up a rape he allegedly committed against a family member. Soignet says the Eskine and Wilson confessed to their involvement.

Cut 10 (11) “…victim.”

Brittany Cormier, Beaux’s sister, and Hope Nettleton were murdered on January 13th.

A New Orleans man has been arrested in Slidell for allegedly terrorizing his ex-girlfriend through a string of vehicle fires. 62-year-old Michael Jackson is accused of lighting nearly a dozen vehicles on fire on three different occasions across Slidell. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says all had a common thread…

Cut 12 (07) “helping her.”

A fatal hit and run on Highway 165 on Friday night claimed the lives of two teenagers and has landed a Monroe man in jail. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 22-year-old Corey Buie left his vehicle at the scene and fled on foot, while not calling 9-1-1. He says if you strike a pedestrian, even if it may not be your fault, you must call 9-1-1 and wait for the authorities to arrive.

Cut 7 (12) “…then.”

The victims have been identified as 17-year-old Brianna Neal and 18-year-old Shedricka Hollins, both of Monroe.

Officials warn folks not to share pictures of their vaccine card online. Baton Rouge Better Business Bureau President, Carmen Million says people like to share about their lives on social media, but sometimes they share too much.

Cut 3 (11)  “…information.”

A Kaplan man is under arrest for allegedly hiring two men to murder his rape victim to stop her from testifying against him in court. Beaux Cormier allegedly raped a family member and hired Andrew Eskine of Carencro, and Dalvin Wilson of Eunice to go to her home in Montegut and kill her. When they arrived the victim’s mother along with another person at the home was killed instead. Terrebonne Sheriff Tim Soignet says it’s rocked the small community…

Cut 11 (06) “…hard.”

Bond has been set at two-million dollars for each man that has been charged.

A hit and run on Highway 165 kills two teens. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 22-year-old Corey Buie struck 17-year-old Brianna Neal and 18-year-old Shedricka Hollins as they crossed the highway at night and never called it in…

Cut 6 (08) “…to him.”

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is one of ten Republican Senators who meet with President Joe Biden this afternoon to discuss the next coronavirus relief bill that Congress hopes to pass. Jeff Palermo has the story

cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a man for allegedly kidnapping a 13-year-old girl and trafficking her to a Lake Charles Casino. 28-year-old Blake Jenkins of Alexandria allegedly also had intercourse with the victim and attempted to get her to offer sex to other men in exchange for money at several points.

Terrebonne Sheriff Tim Soignet says the murder of two women last month in  Montegut was a murder for hire scheme. Soignet says Beaux Cormier of Kaplan hired two men in an effort to cover up a rape he allegedly committed against a family member…

Cut 9 (09) “… testify.”

Cormier, Andrew Eskine of Carencro and Dalvin Wilson of Eunice are charged with two counts of second-degree murder. They murdered Brittany Cormier, Beaux’s sister and Hope Nettleton on January 13th.

Officals warn folks not to share pictures of their vaccine card online. Baton Rouge Better Business Bureau President, Carmen Million says it opens you up to scammers because that card contains personal information…

Cut 4 (08) “…post” 

Two teenage girls are dead after a hit and run on Highway 165 over the weekend. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 22-year-old Corey Buie of Monroe struck Brianna Neal and Shedricka Hollins, both of Monroe after dark on Friday, and left his vehicle at the scene but did not call 9-1-1. Reichardt says even if you don’t think it’s your fault, you can’t leave…

Cut 7 (12) “…then.”

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and toxicology samples have been collected and are being analyzed at a lab.

A family was denied a burial plot at an Allen Parish graveyard over a whites-only restriction in the contract. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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LSU Health Shreveport is holding another round of drive-thru vaccinations for Louisianans 70 and older. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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There are two common myths being cited by anti-COVID vaxxers, and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter is hoping to put those myths to bed. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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An Allen Parish cemetery has changed a restriction in its contracts that only allowed whites to be buried at the site after a family was denied a plot.

The family of an Allen Parish Deputy sought to have their loved one buried at Oaklin Springs Cemetery but were rejected by an employee who cited the limitation. Oaklin Cemetery Association President Creig Vizena…

Cut 4 (12)“…there.”

The family says the employee, reportedly the 81-year-old aunt of Vizena, was rude and used racial language. Vizena told KPLC they have been relieved of their duties.

Vizena says he and the Board were unaware the language was in the contract, and after calling the courthouse discovered it was inserted in the 1950s.

Cut 5 (09)“…gone.”

Vizena says he apologized to the family and offered to give them one of his personal plots, but they told him they no longer felt comfortable resting their loved one at Oaklin.

Vizena says he hopes no family ever has to go through something like this again and has a request for all other graveyards, churches, and other final resting places…

Cut 6 (12) “…like that”

The old contract read that it assigns the right of burial of the remains of white human beings. Vizena says the contract was rewritten to exclude the word white.

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LSU Health Shreveport is holding another round of drive-thru COVID vaccinations. Louisiana residents 70 and older can be vaccinated Monday through Wednesday at the State Fairgrounds in Shreveport to receive their first shot. School Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali explains the process.

Cut 7 (10)  “…weeks.”

Tuesday through Thursday the drive-thru is open for participants who received their first dose in mid-January at the Fairgrounds. Dr. Ghali says once vaccinated with the first dose you’re guaranteed a second.

Cut 8 (11) “…second dose.”

Vaccinations are open to Louisiana residents age 70 and older. Dr. Ghali says some have driven hours to be inoculated.

Cut 9 (07) “…the state.”

Preregistration is requested but not required you can visit lsuhs.edu. The event will take place Monday through Wednesday for first doses and Tuesday through Thursday for second doses, 8:00 am until 3:30 pm.

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State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter is hoping to bust some common COVID vaccine myths.

One concern Kanter says he hears all too often is that the mRNA technology behind the vaccine is new and untested. He says that is not true.

Cut 10 (12) “…vaccines.”

Another falsehood Kanter says needs to go away is the rumor that the COVID vaccine itself can give you COVID.

Cut 11 (10) “….virus.”

Kanter says a few stories have popped up about people getting COVID a day or two after being vaccinated. He says that’s not the vaccine giving you COVID, that’s the vaccine not having enough time to develop immunity in you, and you catching COVID from another source.

Finally, Kanter says he’s heard many people raise concerns over the vaccine’s impact on fertility. He says women of childbearing age should absolutely get the shot.

Cut 12 (10) “…fertility.”

Ochsner Health System reported fertility concerns as one of the reasons why only half of their staff had been vaccinated.

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Super Bowl week has arrived as Tampa Bay is hosting this year’s big game. In 2025 New Orleans will host a record-tying 11th Super Bowl. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says the planning is well underway because the NFL asks a lot from a hosting city

Cut 13 (12) “…and the city.”

Cicero says his eleven-member staff is putting together plans to raise about 20-million dollars over the next four years to help pull off the massive event…

Cut 14 (06) “…the bid.” 

Cicero says hosting a Super Bowl is so big it requires four years of preparation for a week that will bring thousands of visitors to the city…

Cut 15 (12)“…to put forth.”

New Orleans was originally awarded the 2024 Super Bowl, but with the NFL likely moving to a 17-game regular-season schedule, the city was given the 2025 Super Bowl instead so the game doesn’t go head to head with Mardi Gras in 2024.

______________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team suffered a crushing loss on Saturday in the Maravich Assembly Center. Texas Tech scored the final 12 points of the game in the final minute to beat the Tigers 76-71. Coach Will Wade says it was a game his team deserved to win….

Cut 16 (20) “…it out”

LSU was led by Javonte Smart who had tied a career-high 29 points. But Terrence Shannon came off the bench to score 23 points to lead the Red Raiders. Shannon had a critical steal and score on an inbound pass to give Texas Tech a one point lead with 23 seconds left. Wade says Texas Tech credit showed why they are a top ten team in the country….

Cut 17 (11) “…want him back.”

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Louisiana Tech played some good defense down the stretch on Saturday and grinded out a 65-62 win over Southern Miss to improve to 14-and-5 overall, seven and three in Conference USAA. Amorie Archibald hit two big late free throws and finished with a team high 15 points…

Cut  18 (15) “…get it done”

This Friday La Tech will be back on the road to face North Texas. The Mean Green and UAB are tied for first place in the West Division for first place. Bulldogs Coach Eric Konkol says North Texas will be another tough challenge…

Cut 19 (17) “….make you work” 

  cut 20  (28) ” turn it around” 

There’s some frustration with the slow pace of vaccinations in Louisiana nursing homes. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says 28-thousand have been administered so far, just over 19-thousand to residents and almost 9,000 to staff. Kanter says we all wish it was going faster but…

Cut 3 (11)  “…26-percent.”

The vaccine rollout in nursing homes is being conducted by CVS and Walgreens. 

Johnson and Johnson announced today that its one-dose COVID vaccine offers strong protection from the virus with an international average efficacy of 66-percent. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele says the vaccine does not require cold storage making it ideal for rural areas…

Cut 10 (10) “…readily available.”

The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, with help from the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, has submitted a bid to host the 2021 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Basketball Regionals in Bossier City. If awarded, the Brookshire Grocery Arena will host 12 teams who will play 10 games over five days in March.  Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Kelly Wells, says they’ve worked with the NCAA before.

Cut 6 (11) “…this time.”

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy join 23 other Republican Senators in requesting a meeting with President Biden over concerns involving his recent oil and gas policy. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Biden made climate change a priority during his campaign and he does not expect the new President to back off of his positions.

Cut 13 (11)“..energy.”