A new research study finds that COVID-19 mandates put in place in many American cities made virtually no difference in stopping the spread of the virus. Vitor Melo (pronounce: VEE-tor Mellow) conducted the study for George Mason University. He says they found people stood firm on their stance on the vaccine, but felt they’d be penalized for not getting it where mandates were in place…:
Cut 6 (12) “their behavior at all”
He says they found those who resisted the shots would simply go to a nearby city with no mandates to visit bars or restaurants.

State Police say a crash early Thursday morning claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman from Denham Springs in St. Helena Parish. They say two vehicles were involved in the incident and that Natalie Thompson was not restrained and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The other driver was not injured. It’s under investigation.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sherriff’s Office says a man has been arrested in connection to a 2010 murder. They say 30-year-old Montrey Paige of Loranger is booked with second degree murder in the death of 22-year-old Jamins Robinson of Independence who was killed nearly 13 years ago. TPSO Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says Paige was 17 years old in 2010, but will still be charged as an adult…:
Cut 12 (07) “of Louisiana”

The truck driving shortage continues to put a strain on the trucking industry – creating a gap between professional CDL-licensed drivers and delivering goods. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Director Renee Amar says hiring younger may be a solution…:
Cut 8 (09) “big rigs”
She says they are always looking for truckers who can be dedicated in the long term.

Did citywide Covid vaccine mandates prevent the spread of the virus? A new study out of George Mason University says no. It was conducted by Vitor Melo (pronounce: VEE-tor Mellow) who says they looked at infections and deaths in cities that mandated COVID vaccines and those that didn’t:
Cut 4 (11) “spread of COVID”
He says this wasn’t about the efficacy of the vaccine itself, but pointed to the fact that mandates didn’t change people’s minds about whether or not they chose to get the shot.

Shreveport Police say arrests have been made in both shooting incidents that took place during the Gemini Parade on Saturday. Corporal Chris Bordelon says the first shooting stemmed from an argument where a suspect shot a victim who is expected to survive. He says the second appeared to be an accident where a 17 year old was shot and killed. Both suspects have been charged…:
CUT 15 (03) “catch em”

The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office says a bicyclist was struck and killed this morning on La-1 near the Plaquemine-Sunshine Ferry westbank landing. State Police is investigating the incident and not releasing the victim’s name before notifying family.

The trucking industry is still being impacted by a shortage of drivers. Teiko Foxx has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

Many areas of the state saw record highs Thursday and forecasters say the warm weather is expected to continue today.

New research suggests citywide COVID vaccine mandates enacted in New Orleans and other cities may have been all for naught. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The Livingston Parish Council unanimously passed a resolution Thursday night declaring they are a Second Amendment Sanctuary Parish. It was a resolution by Councilman Jeff Ard who says it’s about adding a layer of protection of Second Amendment rights at the local level should the state or federal government try to tighten up gun laws.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sherriff’s Office says a man has been arrested in connection to a 2010 murder. They say 30-year-old Montrey Page of Loranger is booked with second degree murder in the death of 22-year-old Jamins Robinson of Independence who was killed nearly 13 years ago. TPSO Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis said an eyewitness finally came forward..:
CUT 11 (11) “homicide occurred”
He says they hope this will bring the Robinson family some closure.

Shreveport Police have made arrests in both shooting incidents that took place Saturday night during the Krewe of Gemini parade. Corporal Chris Bordelon says of the first shooting which was non-fatal..:
CUT 13 (08) “Police Department”
He says in the other shooting someone accidentally shot and killed a 17-year-old and that suspect surrendered to police right away.

A new research study finds that COVID-19 mandates put in place in many American cities made virtually no difference in stopping the spread of the virus. Vitor Melo (pronounce: VEE-tor Mellow) conducted the study for George Mason University. He says they found that even if a citywide mandate was in place, people still did want they wanted.
CUT 5 (07) “change their decision”
Melo adds his research makes no statement on the vaccine itself or its effectiveness.

The truck driving shortage continues to put a strain on the industry -creating a gap between professional licensed operators and delivering goods. Programs have been set up to assist in closing the gap. Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) Director Renee Amar..:
Cut 7 (10) “…the workforce.”
She says lowering the legal truck driving age could help.

Deputies have solved a 13-year-old case in Tangipahoa Parish after a witness decided to come forward. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (00) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The wife of former Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider has died at the age of 53 alongside her husband at the couple’s studios in Holden. Alicia Allain, a native of Brusly, was a filmmaker and she and Schneider had been married since 2019. John made a social media post saying he is heartbroken but that his wife is living now living pain free.

State Police have released body cam footage from the officer involved shooting death of an unarmed man in Shreveport, Alonzo Bagley, and the city cop accused of firing the shot, Alexander Tyler, has been charged with negligent homicide. Alonzo’s brother is happy State Police has been so transparent in releasing everything like the first call:
Cut 13 (09) “no threat there”
Tyler’s attorney says the body cam footage shows Bagley reaching for something before jumping off a balcony and fleeing police.

The state says it will drop lawsuits against thousands of people accused of misspending grants after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says The Road Home Program was supposed to save the American Dream not squash it…:
Cut 4 (10) “protect that dream”
Thus, the Road Home Program is no more.

People protesting the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling will receive a $1.17 million dollar settlement from East Baton Rouge…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Campaign finance reports released this week show Attorney General Jeff Landry has a huge lead over other gubernatorial candidates in the 2023 race for Louisiana’s top office. The numbers showed Landry with $5.01 million, with the next closest being John Schroder with $2.4 million.

The white Shreveport police officer involved in the shooting death of an unarmed Black man has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide:
Cut 3 (35) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Campaign finance reports released this week in Louisiana’s 2023 Gubernatorial race show Attorney General Jeff Landry has $5.01 million dollars to work with, followed by John Schroder with $2.4 million. Speculation is on that the soon to be retired DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson would run as the only Democrat.

The Road Home Program is no more after the state announced it’s dropping lawsuits against thousands of people accused of misspending grants following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Many who used the money intended for home elevation to instead repair their homes were faced with legal action. Governor John Bel Edwards…:
CUT 6 (07) “collection efforts”
New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says a ”long bad dream” is over for thousands of south Louisiana homeowners.

The Lafayette area is ready to let the good times roll this weekend as Carnival celebrations officially get underway tonight. Joe Giglio (“GIG-leo”) with the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association says Saturday the Children’s Parade will roll at 12:30pm…:
CUT 15 (13) “typical Mardi Gras”

A Shreveport cop was arrested Thursday in the officer-involved shooting death of an unarmed man who was trying to flee police February 3rd. 23 year old Alexander Tyler is booked with negligent homicide. His attorney says body cam footage shows 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley reaching for something before he jumped from a balcony and ran from officers…:
CUT 10 (10) “his direction”
The Bagley family is suing for $10 million dollars.

Protesters arrested during a demonstration following Alton Sterling’s police shooting death will receive a $1.17 million dollar settlement after the Baton Rouge City Council said their First Amendment rights were violated. Protester Cherri Foytlin:
CUT 9 (12) “an email”

After 17 years, the Road Home program officially comes to an end, and lawsuits dismissed against those accused of misspending grants..:
CUT 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

And Carnival celebrations begin across Acadiana tonight and Joe Giglio (“GIG-leo”) with the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association says come one, come all…:
CUT 14 (11) “fairs and festival”

Fourteen people arrested during the 2016 protest of Alton Sterling’s police shooting death will receive $1.17 million. The East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved the settlement accusing Baton Rouge law enforcement of violating their First Amendment rights and using of excessive force. Protester, Blaire Imani, says this is a big win..:
Cut 7 (08) “is really big”
The settlement still has to be approved by a US District Judge.

The state says it will drop lawsuits against thousands of people accused of misspending grants for elevating their homes after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Governor John Bel Edwards says over 3000 persons were sued over allegedly misspending Road Home elevation grants…:
Cut 5 (12) “these grants anyway”
This means the Road Home Program is officially over.

State Police have released body cam footage from the February 3rd officer involved shooting death of an unarmed man in Shreveport, Alonzo Bagley, and the cop who fired the shot has been charged with negligent homicide. Bagley family attorney Ron Haley says Alonzo was not a threat to anyone, and he only had a bottle with him before he ran from officers…:
Cut 11 (09)  “…happened here.”
The Shreveport Police officer, 23-year-old Alexander Tyler, was arrested Thursday morning.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara has reportedly been indicted by a grand jury stemming from a 2021 Pro Bowl weekend assault in Las Vegas. This means the case will now move to a district court in Sin City, with a date scheduled for March 2nd.