Several roads across North Louisiana are impassable as a result of yesterday’s freezing rain. Jeff Palermo reports several vehicles have slid off the roadway on Interstate 20…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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K-12 teachers in Louisiana are still not eligible to receive a COVID vaccine but Governor Edwards says that is likely to change “relatively soon”. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (31) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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State Police says I-20 is a solid block of ice and it’s resulted in jack-knifed 18-wheelers and several vehicles sliding off the highway. Trooper Brent Hardy says thankfully no serious injuries have been reported

Cut 3 (11)  “…roadway” 

Hardy says the two winter storms have produced a four to five-inch block of ice and even Troopers who train to drive in these conditions are struggling…

Cut 4 (09) “…stay off.” 

Hardy says many of the motorists that have been stranded after sliding off the road, said they were driving around to look at winter scenery

Cut 5  (09)  “…in jeopardy” 

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After days for thousands of customers without power and frigid temperatures Entergy Louisiana Spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says they hope to have power restored for Baton Rouge customers by the end of the day. As for customers in North Louisiana that received a bout of freezing rain last night…

Cut 6 (09) “…customers.”

Residents in Louisiana are seasoned to power outages due to hurricanes, but not lengthy outages when freezing temperatures are involved. Scardigli says restoration with an ice storm is much different because ice accumulation involves individual lines and poles that are pulled down by ice and trees.

Cut 7 (12) “…at once”

Entergy, along with CLECO and SWEPCO, are asking customers to conserve power to avoid overloads, due to historic demand. Utility providers have also conducted rolling blackouts to reduce usage this week. As the frigid temperatures continue, Scardigli says more rolling blackouts are possible.

Cut 8 (10) “…the line”

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Governor Edwards says he will make an announcement “relatively soon” on expanding COVID vaccine eligibility to K-12 teachers and staff.  

Teachers unions are demanding teachers be vaccinated, but Edwards says the current priority groups are federal recommendations based on our demographics. 

Cut 9 (12) “…we have”

In the Southeast US only Arkansas and Alabama have made teacher’s fully eligible to receive the vaccine.  

Edwards says making teachers eligible right now wouldn’t mean they would immediately get vaccinated given our low supply. He compared the current situation to a funnel. 

Cut 10 (12) “…prioritized” 

528,000 Louisianans have received at least their first COVID vaccine dose.  

Edwards is optimistic teachers won’t have to wait for much longer.  

Cut 11 (08) “…increasing.”

This week’s vaccine allocation has been delayed due to the winter weather. 

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The winter storm has passed but freezing cold temperatures are here to stay for the next few days.  

National Weather Service Shreveport forecaster Gary Chatelain says tomorrow morning the I-20 corridor will once again break record lows with temps in the teens.  

Cut 12 (09) “ …you know” 

A hard freeze warning is in effect from tonight into tomorrow morning as far south as I-10. 

Chatelain says roads across north Louisiana are still an icy mess but we’ll be treated to some dry weather and sunshine even if temps remain in the thirties into the weekend.  

Cut 13 (09)“…sun”

Chatelain says temperatures will begin rising once this blanket of frigid air gets pushed out east.  

Cut 14 (11) “…weekend”

A 15 mile stretch along I-20 East in Bossier and Webster Parishes is closed after commercial vehicles jackknifed last night causing approximately 45 motorists to be trapped. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins tells KSLA-TV that the city could be without water for 48 hours due to the second round of winter weather. Matt Doyle has more…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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State Police says treacherous road conditions led to 45 people getting stuck on a stretch of Interstate 20 in Bossier and Webster parish for six to eight hours last night. Trooper Brent Hardy says there were multiple crashes…

Cut 3 (11)  “….back up” 

There were no serious injuries, but Hardy says multiple agencies were needed to assist those trapped overnight.

Cut 4 (13) “…stranded.” 

Hardy stresses the importance of staying off roadways until this storm passes and leave them open for essential workers.

Officials say be prepared just in case you are stranded. Hardy says if you must drive, drive slowly

Cut 5  (13)  “…slowly.” 

I-20 Eastbound remains close for about a 15-mile stretch as they work to remove those vehicles from the interstate.

________________________

Northwest Louisiana is getting hammered by a combination of frigid temperatures and a messy mix of sleet and snow.  

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announced much of the city could be without water for the next 48 hours. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick… 

Cut 6 (09) “…town.”

City and parish roads have been declared “unpassable” which means they are drivable but dangerous. Chadwick says thankfully residents are playing it safe.  

Cut 7 (08) “…point”

Chadwick asks motorists to try and avoid driving into or through northwest Louisiana at this time. She says successfully navigating the area is a coin flip.  

Cut 8 (12) “…travel”

Power outages are also growing and Chadwick says there are concerns the numbers could grow even faster the longer this weather event goes on.  

_______________________

All roads in Beauregard Parish and LA Highway 10 in Allen Parish have been deemed impassable due to the ongoing winter storm.  

State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says yesterday the sun melted much of the ice along those roads, but… 

Cut 9 (12) “…roadway.”

Designating a road “impassable” means officials highly discourage non-emergency travel. 

Senegal says despite the hazardous road conditions they are seeing an uptick in traffic coming into the region from across the Texas border.  

Cut 10 (12) “…warmth” 

Millions remain without power in the Lone Star state after the winter storm wrecked their electrical grid.  

__________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says today’s winter weather is challenging Louisiana with power outages, water outages, and hundreds of wrecks on the roadways. Edwards says State Police have worked about 350 weather-related crashes

Cut 11 (09) “…those crashes.”

It’s an especially challenging time for Shreveport as the city is experiencing low water pressure. Edwards says he’s aware of the situation

Cut 12 (12) “ …water pressure.” 

Edwards says the power and water issues, along with road closures are all linked…

Cut 13 (12)“…real issues too”

Many major throughways are still closed across Louisiana as the deep freeze continues. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The winter storm is responsible for at least two deaths, both of them in Lafayette Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Roads and bridges across much of the state are still shut down as Louisiana settles in for a week-long deep freeze.

Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says in south Louisiana many interstates are still closed, like the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and parts of I-10 and 12 in Baton Rouge…

Cut 3 (12)  “….open” 

Crews are out working in Baton Rouge to try and open those crucial routes.

Up in the Shreveport-Bossier and Monroe areas Mallet says the consistently cold temperatures produced a different set of problems.

Cut 4 (11) “..impassable” 

Mallet says for the most up-to-date information on the status of state roads vist 5-1-1-LA-Dot-Org, or…

Cut 5  (09)  “…get out.” 

________________________

This history-making winter weather has been responsible for at least two deaths in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says both fatalities took place in Lafayette Parish.

Cut 6 (09) “…very tragic.”

The other death occurred in the city of Lafayette. Lafayette Police Sergeant Wayne Griffin says 74-year-old Mary Guillory died after leaving a residence at around 1 AM this morning…

Cut 7 (07) “…extreme weather condition”

Guillory may have suffered from dementia.

Governor John Bel Edwards is also concerned about more deaths related to carbon monoxide poisoning as people without power use generators to keep the heater on

Cut 8 (12) “…garage.”

_______________________

The winter storm allowed for new record low temperatures to be set. National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist C.S. Ross says the mercury in Shreveport dropped to one degree today. The previous record low was 20 degrees for February 16th.

Cut 9 (06) “…years ago.”

Ross says Monroe also set a record low temp this morning at 16 degrees this morning, the previous record was 25 degrees for the day and Lake Charles set a new low with 16 degrees.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like temps will get above freezing for the area and help melt any of the frozen precipitation.

By late this evening Ross says sleet and snow will sweep across north Louisiana bringing another round of dicey weather for the area.

Cut 10 (11) “…problems.” 

While the majority of power outages Monday and Tuesday were in the southern part of the state due to ice and sleet, Ross says this second round of winter weather could create outages in north Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “…developing.”

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Entergy has been directed by the Mid-Continent System Operator to initiate rolling power outages for some customers in southwest Louisiana.  Entergy Louisiana Vice President of Distribution Operations John Hawkins says the blackouts are due to this historic winter storm and freeze.  

Cut 12 (08) “ …for us.” 

MISO is in charge of the power grid for the region.  

It’s a drastic move but Hawkins says these record low temperatures have forced their hand.  

Cut 13 (10)“…grid”

The blackouts will last for an undetermined amount of time.  

Cut 14 (09) “…possible”

Entergy is asking customers to reduce power consumption by lowering thermostats to 68 degrees, open drapes when the sun is shining, don’t allow warm air to leave your home, and delay dish and laundry wash loads until further notice. 

Valentine’s Day is Sunday and dining with your sweetheart will be different with the limited capacity, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t show love to your favorite eatery. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Louisiana could get hit with a major winter storm on Monday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest dining days of the year for the restaurant industry but with limited capacity due to the pandemic, Wendy Waren with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says many members have creative options for their patrons this year.

Cut 3 (12)  “…to go”

Behind Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day is the second busiest day of the year traditionally for restaurants.

In Louisiana, Valentine’s Day usually competes with Mardi Gras Parades but that’s not the case this year. Waren says however many restaurants are offering to-go options to celebrate carnival at home or for touring house floats by car.

Cut 4 (08) “…home.” 

Waren says if you haven’t made reservations for Valentine’s you might want to pick up the phone and do so ASAP. She says if you can’t get seated you might want to look at some to-go options and still support your favorite local restaurant…

Cut 5  (11)  “…that way.” 

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The National Weather Service in Shreveport says confidence is increasing that the northern half of the state could be hit by two major winter storms next week. Meteorologist C-S Ross says a mix of wintery precipitation is expected to arrive Sunday morning and the storm system will intensify

Cut 6 (10) “..remain possible.”

That means freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Ross says several inches of snow may fall in Shreveport, Monroe, and Alexandria on Monday. He says high temperatures will stay below freezing that day for those cities and dangerous wind chills are also expected Monday and Tuesday.

Cut 7 (08) “…below zero.”

Ross says the I-20 corridor could see single-digit low temperatures for Tuesday morning. He says freezing rain is in the forecast for south Louisiana on Monday and Tuesday morning will also be very cold south of Alexandria

Cut 8 (06) “…into the teens”

It will warm up in south Louisiana on Wednesday but another winter storm could arrive in north Louisiana on that day.

_____________________

The Louisiana Family Forum has found the new longest-married couple in the state: a pair out of Gonzales who’ve been married for 80 years.

LFF President Gene Mills says 101-year-old Gail is a Catholic and 99-year-old Patsy Richardson is Baptist, and both are both highly active in their faith.

Cut 9 (08) “..coexistence”

Mills says there’s a lot everyone could learn from these two centenarians.

Cut 10 (11) “. ..benefits” 

This year’s search for the longest-married couple turned up over 18 couples who’ve been married for more than 70 years. Mills says they will be celebrated.

Cut 11 (06) “..of fame”

Those in the top ten list will receive a proclamation from the Governor and a King Cake.

_______________________________________________

Pelican Waste has set up a GoFundMe for the two sanitation workers who spotted a car from an Amber Alert earlier this week in St. Martin Parish and helped rescue a kidnapped 10-year-old.

The fund has raised over 4,500 dollars for Dion Merrick and Brandon Antoine and Pelican spokesperson Monica Camille says they deserve it.

Cut 12 (12) “  acts” 

Camille says the kidnapping was a shock, but Merrick and Antoine’s heroics were not.

Cut 13 (13)“. caliber”

The GoFundMe has a 10,000 dollar goal…

Cut 14 (11) “.with it”

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”  

_______________________________________

State, industry, parish, and Congressional leaders met today at the Capitol to discuss forming a united front to oppose the Biden Administration’s recent oil and gas policies. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

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 a 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 the Democrats’ case were well prepared.

Stockley says 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” 

Stockley does not expect the Senator to see much of an overall dip in popularity despite voting against Trump, who is still quite popular in Louisiana.

Cut 5  (10)  “…tenable” 

Cassidy says his support for the constitutionality of impeaching a President who is out of office is not an indicator of how he will ultimately vote over the question of whether the former President incited an insurrection on January 6^th.

___________________________________________________

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 exact role in Charles’s death is not known. One autopsy says he might have drowned himself during a psychotic episode possibly brought on by marijuana.  Romero says based on numerous interviews, forensic evidence, and their autopsy report they arrested Irvin in Lafayette Parish…

Cut 7 (06) “…Mrs Irvin”

Irvin has been charged with failure to report a missing child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Attorneys for Charles’s family say Irvin picked up Charles from his home in Baldwin without parental permission. Charles was reported missing on October 30th and his body was found on November 3rd. 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.

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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”

Parish Presidents, members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, oil and gas industry leaders, and state lawmakers all testified at the hearing against the revoking of the Keystone XL Pipeline permit and moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters.

Harris says the Edwards Administration supports lowering carbon emissions and wants to present an alternate plan to do so to the Biden Administration.

Cut 10 (10) “. …conerns” 

Edwards recently spoke with the person tapped to be the Biden Administration’s Energy Secretary.

Some are calling for a more forceful response from Governor Edwards. Harris says that’s counterproductive.

Cut 11 (11) “..heard”

The Biden Administration says these restrictions on domestic oil and gas production are key to helping the country hit carbon neutrality by 2050, thus limiting catastrophic levels of future global temperature increase.

_______________________________________________

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” 

It’s a touchy subject as many parish leaders do not want to give up direct control of their sales tax collections. Scott says that’s because local governments rely heavily on those revenues.

Cut 13 (09)“. high”

Scott says even if the Legislature passes an item to reform and centralize sales tax collections, voters will have the last say.

Cut 14 (09) “.this fall”

State Police has announced the arrest of four Troopers in the Monroe area for using excessive force. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

The number of first doses of the COVID vaccine administered now exceeds the number of people who have tested positive for the virus. Don Molino has the story…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Don Molino”  

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Four state troopers in the Monroe area have been arrested for allegedly using excessive force in two separate incidents. Troop F spokesperson Michael Reichardt says the first incident took place during a traffic stop on I-20 in Ouachita Parish in July 2019

Cut 3 (10)  “…the suspect”

The second incident occurred last May following a vehicle pursuit in Franklin Parish. Reichardt says when the chase ended, the driver laid on the ground in a compliant position

Cut 4 (11) “…arrest report” 

One trooper, 30-year-old Jacob Brown, was involved in both incidents.  The other troopers arrested are 28-year-old Dakota DeMoss, 26-year-old George Harper, and 34-year-old Randall Dickerson. Each trooper faces battery and malfeasance charges. Reichardt says the leader of State Police is not happy excessive use of force occurred

Cut 5  (09)  “…public safety” 

___________________________________________________

A Union Parish woman is facing attempted manslaughter and aggravated arson charges after allegedly setting her boyfriend’s bed on fire with him in it. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 31-year-old Julianna Goodson of Bernice was arrested after investigators determined she intentionally set the fire after an ongoing disagreement with her boyfriend.

Cut 6 (09) “…on fire.”

Rodrigue says the Bernice Fire Department responded to the house fire Saturday morning. She says the two had apparently been arguing throughout the evening.

Cut 7 (11) “…sleep.”

The investigation reveals it was then when he tried to go to sleep that Goodson set the bed on fire.

Rodrigue says upon interviewing Goodson they learned she had knowledge of elements of the fire and she was placed under arrest. Rodrigue says it’s always better to cool down during an argument so you won’t make a rash decision.

Cut 8 (11) “…decision.”

Investigators did not indicate what the argument was about.

_____________________

Former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial began today with Democrats pushing to make the case he incited a mob to attack the US Capitol on January 6^th. Senator John Kennedy announced he will vote against convicting President Trump. Senator Bill Cassidy says he hasn’t made a decision yet.

Cut 9 (09) “..can do”

All of the state’s Republican Congressional Delegation voted against articles of impeachment in the House.

To convict in the Senate you need two-thirds majority support. Cassidy says conviction supporters are already more than halfway there…

Cut 10 (10) “. …that” 

Democrats point to a pre-riot speech the President made on January 6^th as their key piece of evidence, along with other claims the President interfered in the response to the riot.

It seems likely Trump will see more Republican defections this time around. Cassidy says the exact number is still up in the air.

Cut 11 (07) “..themselves”

President Trump is not expected to testify at the trial despite requests from Democrats to do so.

_______________________________________________

Beginning in July Shreveport Regional Airport will start offering non-stop flights to Los Angeles through Allegiant for a limited time.

Spokesperson Mark Crawford says it’s an exciting development because L.A. has always been one of the top ten most popular destinations out of the airport…

Cut 12 (12) “   to the left” 

L.A. is now one of four Allegiant non-stop flight options at the airport.

Crawford says they announced this at about 2 AM this morning and have already been getting social media posts from Shreveport natives who are living in southern California…

Cut 13 (08)“. college football world”

Crawford says tickets are on sale now and mentions this is a bit of a trial run.

Cut 14 (10) “.on our website”

Flights begin July 2^nd and will run through August 16^th.

An overnight amber alert leads to two sanitation workers saving a 10-year-old New Iberia girl who authorities say had been kidnapped. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

LSU fans can purchase a specialty license plate that commemorates the Tigers 2019 national championship in football. Taylor Sharp has more…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Taylor Sharp”  

_____________________________

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated Kansas City 31-9 to win Super Bowl 55.  A trio of former LSU Tigers are now world champions with Devin White, Leonard Fournette, and Kevin Minter all getting the victory last night.  Linebacker Devin White says this is the first major championship he’s won during his football career.

Cut 3 (12)  “…best in the world” (2x)

White had 12 total tackles on the night and reeled in an interception late in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Bucs.  White breaks down his big play.

Cut 4 (10) “…(chuckles)” 

While Tampa Bay has plenty of talent on the roster, running back Leonard Fournette says it was Tom Brady who gave them confidence heading into the game.

Cut 5  (10) “…ran with it.” 

___________________________________________________

State Police is seeking information from the public about the July 4th, 2016 disappearance of Erica Nicole Hunt of Opelousas. Trooper Thomas Gossen says it’s a homicide investigation now that investigators have confirmed that skeletal remains found in December of 2018 were Hunt’s

Cut 6 (10) “…Erica Hunt”

The family told N-B-C’s Dateline that the 20-year-old Hunt was last seen at a family gathering at her uncle’s home in Opelousas. He says State Police hope the public can provide clues on what happened to Hunt and how she ended up in Evangeline Parish

Cut 7 (06) “…Louisiana State Police.”

The skeletal remains were found while investigators were trying to find a missing boy. Gossen says Hunt was identified through genetic genealogy…

Cut 8 (11) “…past Friday.”

_____________________

A missing 10-year-old New Iberia girl has been found safe after two sanitation workers IDed the kidnapper’s car thanks to an Amber Alert that went out overnight. State Police issued the Amber Alert asking the public to be on the lookout for a gray Nissan Altima and Dion Merrick says when he and his coworker saw the vehicle in a field St. Martin Parish they blocked it in and called 9-1-1…

Cut 9 (11) “..thing”

The Amber Alert mentioned 33-year-old Michael Sereal. He is a registered sex offender, first convicted in 2006 of carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

The vehicle had driven a few dozen yards off the side of a road and was sitting back past some marsh. Merrick says it looked very suspicious.

Cut 10 (11) “. …little girl” 

Merrick and his coworker, so far identified only as Brandon, filmed a Facebook Live Video at the scene as the suspect was dragged away by police.

Merrick says when stuff goes wrong like this and you see something, say something.

Cut 11 (06) “…right now”

_______________________________________________

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles announced that a 2019 LSU National Championship specialty license plate is available for purchase, meaning Tiger fans can celebrate the historic season wherever they go.  OMV Spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux explains what the unique plate looks like.

Cut 12 (12) “   to the left” 

Boudreaux says that the plate actually commemorates all of the football program’s titles throughout history.

Cut 13 (08)“. college football world”

For fans looking to purchase the plate, it will cost around 100 dollars and Boudreaux says the easiest way is to buy it online.

Cut 14 (10) “.on our website” 

The plate can also be purchased at the OMV specialized vehicle unit and select OMV field offices.

Increased Moderna production means the state will see a five percent increase in its vaccine allocation this week. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Camelia, Savoie’s, and Cajun Country Rice are hoping to reestablish the old tradition of red beans and rice Mondays. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

School leaders are calling on Governor Edwards to allow educators to be included for vaccine eligibility Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

____________________________

The state received a five percent bump in COVID vaccines allocated to it by the feds this week compared to last week due to an increase in Moderna production.

Governor Edwards says 408 providers in all 64 parishes will be administering 86,550 first COVID vaccine doses this week, and those 65 and older, down from 70 and older, will be eligible.

Cut 4 (11)“…program.

The federal government has also begun providing the state with a three-week forecast of vaccine allocations, up from a week to week forecast previously.

Edwards says he understands some are frustrated by the slow pace but the state’s hands are tied by just how much vaccine is allocated to us by the feds.

Cut 5 (07)“…vaccinate them.”

Over 400,000 Louisianans are reported to have received at least one dose of a vaccine so far.

Walmart is now set to join the list of vaccine providers. This week 57 Walmart pharmacies will get a test batch of 5,700 doses from the state allocation. Edwards says after that…

Cut 6 (08) “..about that”

the 5,700 doses sent to Walmart are being diverted from the long-term care facility allocation.

________________________

A few Louisiana food brands are hoping to inspire a new generation to restart the old Louisiana tradition of making red beans and rice on Monday.

Hayward and Company CEO Vince Hayward says the tradition dates back at least to the early 1800s. He says one reason is that it allowed families to do household family chores on Monday while a pot simmered, the other…

Cut 7 (09)  “…Monday”

Cajun Country Rice, Camellia Brand, and Savoie’s Foods are behind the Monday’s Favorite Meal Campaign. Hayward and Company owns Camellia Brands.

Hayward says keeping these kinds of old culinary traditions alive is important.

Cut 8 (08) “…life.”

The Monday tradition has waned in recent years as folks find it harder to babysit a pot of beans while the entire household has to go to work. Hayward says these days one of your best bets is a crock pot.

Cut 9 (09) “done.”

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Construction is underway on the Cameron Meadows Marsh Creation and Terracing project in Cameron Parish to assist with a marsh that has degraded into open waters. Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Project Manager Jessica Diez says it will restore 308 acres of coastal marsh habitat and 11 acres of earthen terraces.

Cut 10 (10) “…Calcasieu Parish.”

The area being restored is northwest of Holly Beach. The $32-million-dollar project is funded by the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, and is it a joint effort by CPRA and NOAA.

Diez says not only does the project assist Cameron Parish but areas north by adding acreage between land and sea pushing it further away from heavily populated areas.

Cut 11 (11) “…area north.”

The project will also assist wildlife. Diez says the area is part of the Mississippi Flyway which supplies stopover habitats for the fall in spring migrations for migratory birds.

Cut 12 (06) “…as well.”

Diez says they expected to have the project completed by the end of the year.

_____________________________

Beginning today those 65 and older are now eligible to be vaccinated for COVID in Louisiana, however, some feel that K-12 educators and school employees should also be should be prioritized. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says we owe it to teachers to keep them safe.

Cut 13 (11) “…else.”

Recognizing that the demand for vaccines far outweighs the supply, Carter says in the next few weeks as the state begins to receive an increase in weekly doses, the approximate 166-thousand schoolteachers and employees should be given priority.

Carter and State Senator Cleo Fields have written the Governor asking that Louisiana follow the lead of other states and allow teachers to be vaccinated.

Cut 14 (11) “…reopening.” 

Carter says some teachers have made the difficult choice not to return to the classroom due to their own underlying health conditions or fear that they will carry to the virus to family members.

The constant uncertainty of students being either in or out of the classroom has also forced many parents to change or leave their jobs to ensure someone is home to care for their child.

Cut 15 (08)“…learning.”

Carter says the Federation also plans to write and call members of the legislature on behalf of members to give them the maximum protection from the virus as soon as possible.