The Health Department confirmed two more cases of the UK variant of COVID in Louisiana, bringing the total to five. Brooke Thorington has more on what this could possibly foreshadow for the state.

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

_______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says it would be irresponsible for people to gather in large groups for the carnival season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says starting next Friday and running through Mardi Gras Day on February 16th, all bars indoor and outdoor will be closed and no loitering will be allowed on Bourbon Street. Cantrell says she’s trying to prevent mass gatherings that can turn into a COVID super spreader event

Cut 3 (09)  “…COVID-19″

Cantrell says she rather be accused of doing too much than too little.

Cut 4 (12) “…all of us”  (3x)

Cantrell says COVID testing will increase following the Mardi Gras season, starting on Ash Wednesday. The mayor says bar employees who will be out of work for five days should file for their claims with the Louisiana Workforce Commission now.

Deputy CAO Peter Bowen had a strong message for bars who do not comply, he says the time for warnings is over and if you are caught of compliance you’ll be shut down…

Cut 5  (08) “…New Orleanians.” 

An additional 30 State Police Troopers have been deployed to New Orleans to help enforce COVID mitigation efforts

___________________________________________________

Two more additional cases of the U.K. variant of COVID in Louisiana were confirmed by the CDC this week bringing the total to five. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the cases are in the greater New Orleans and Lafayette areas of the state. Kanter says don’t be misled that it’s only five confirmed cases…

Cut 6 (08) “…identify.”

The CDC says the UK variant, which is more contagious and deadly, will be the dominant strain by mid-March in the U-S. Kanter says there are 20 additional cases from Louisiana pending confirmation for the UK variant at the CDC.

Cut 7 (13) “…becoming.”

Kanter says with the UK strain spreading rapidly it looks as if the state will experience another surge before the vaccine is able to help us reach herd immunity. He says we must be extremely diligent now with mitigation to avoid the worst.

Cut 8 (11) “…for us.”

Kanter says most likely the reason we are seeing cases confirmed in Regions 1 and 5 is that they have labs with the ability to detect variants and that doesn’t mean it’s not in other areas of the state.

_____________________

If it were not for the coronavirus pandemic, this would be the first big weekend of Mardi Gras parades. But there are no parades and Governor John Bel Edwards is strongly urging residents not to gather in large groups during the carnival season

Cut 9 (10) “…very quickly”

The state is sending additional state troopers, staff from the fire marshal’s office, and A-T-C to enforce COVID restrictions in New Orleans. Hotel bookings are up in the Big Easy over the next two weekends and Edwards has this message for visitors

Cut 10 (12) “. …do that” 

Edwards says Super Bowl viewing parties are also not a good idea on Sunday…

Cut 11 (12) “…not safe”

_______________________________________________

The prides of Webster Parish Buccaneers linebacker Devin White and Chiefs defensive back L’Jarius Sneed will feature heavily on Super Bowl Sunday.

The two were rivals in high school, White playing at North Webster High and Sneed at Minden High. White says they grew up just 15 minutes from each other…

Cut 12 (12) “   blessing” 

White ended up staring at LSU while Sneed went on to play for Louisiana Tech.

Sneed says he’s heard the folks back home are brimming with pride, and he’s happy he and White can set an example for the next generation of Webster Parish athletes.

Cut 13 (12)“. up to”

White got drafted 5^th overall in the 2019 draft and has taken over as a star linebacker and heart of Tampa’s suffocating defense. Sneed was drafted in the 4^th round of the 2020 draft. He had some bad injury luck early in the season but has established himself as a starter in just his rookie year.

White and Sneed both say they’re good friends who usually keep in close contact but…

Cut 14 (13) “.the moment” 

Kickoff is set for 5:30 PM. The game also features six total former Tigers, three each on both teams.

Normally right now we’d be at the peak of flu season, but so far, the state reports very few cases. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_______________________________________

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office says an investigation into mail theft resulted in dozens of felony charges against a 33-year-old man. Jeff Palermo has the story

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

A 33-year-old Natchitoches man faces over 500 counts of child porn, 30 counts of mail theft, eleven counts of identity theft and drug charges. Captain Tony Moran, with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, says their investigation into Christopher Stanfield began when a duffle bag containing several pieces of mail was found during a search of his vehicle

Cut 3 (09)  “…bank account numbers”

The traffic stop occurred in Rapides Parish and when Moran says when deputies searched his apartment in Natchitoches, they discovered what appeared to be pornography involving juveniles on his computer

Cut 4 (08) “…January of 2020” 

Moran says the case volume caused detectives to summon assistance from the State Police and the Bossier City Marshal Task Force Unit…

Cut 5  (12) “…been included.” 

___________________________________________________

The state along with the rest of the country is reportedly experiencing a low amount of flu cases this season. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch believes COVID mitigation measures along with more people choosing to be vaccinated for the flu are responsible.

Cut 6 (11) “…low”

The low outbreak of flu this year, Welch says is reflective of the southern hemisphere who also had low cases of the flu during their winter.

Welch says in order to have widespread disease you have to have lots of people with it. COVID is already established in the state and Welch credits those who have practiced mitigation measures properly from curbing the spread of the flu.

Cut 7 (10) “…take hold.”

The annual message to help prevent the flu is vaccines and mitigation measures. Welch says since the pandemic it seems more people received the message and it’s helped curb flu outbreaks; he hopes people will continue to practice safe hygiene in the future.

Cut 8 (08) “…over.”

_____________________

Videos of a shoulder to shoulder packed Bourbon Street last weekend have New Orleans officials pledging to crack down on gatherings ahead of Mardi Gras.

New Orleans Police Chief Shaun Ferguson says Mardi Gras must be different this year and the city will be breaking up large crowds that gather for celebrations.

Cut 9 (08) “… area.”

Traditionally Mardi Gras would be ramping up between now and Fat Tuesday on February 16^th but this year all parades in New Orleans have been canceled and folks are being told to stay home.

Cut 10 (11) “…Frenchmen.”

Ferguson says this year for carnival stay home and stay socially distant from others.

Cut 11 (10) “…different.”

The New Orleans City Council has pledged to develop a plan to stop this year’s carnival from becoming another super spreading event.

_______________________________________________

State Police report two people were killed in a head-on crash in Thibodaux on Wednesday afternoon. Senior Trooper Jesse LaGrange says the high impact collision occurred when 33-year-old Lathisha Bellanger of Gray entered the northbound lane on L-A 1 in an attempt to pass several vehicles

Cut 12 (07) “    collision” 

The other driver who died at the scene has been identified as 57-year-old Ricky Zeringue of Thibodaux. LaGrange says it’s unknown if the two victims were wearing a seat belt…

Cut 13 (10)“.  are pending”

LaGrange could not say if Bellanger tried to pass the vehicles in her lane in a no-passing zone

Cut 14 (10) “..head on” 

Senator Bill Cassidy recounted the story of how he got COVID, calling it a warning that transmission in tight spaces is still possible even if everyone is masked up. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_______________________________________

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”  

_____________________________

The LSU Ag Center says the state is looking at a record sugar cane harvest this year. Sugar cane specialist Kenneth Gravois says sugar was planted on 496-thousand acres in 2020 and the harvest which started in September produced about 83-hundred pounds per acre…

Cut 3 (09)  “…for Louisiana”

Gravois says even a rough hurricane season could not slow down a record-breaking sugar cane harvest…

Cut 4 (11) “…that’s great” 

Gravois expects over 500-thousand acres of sugar cane planted in 2021 as more sugar cane will be planted in the northern and western parts of the cane-growing region. He says the 2021 crop is already off to a great start thanks to a mild winter..

Cut 5  (08) “…are good.” 

___________________________________________________

The two bodies recovered from the wreckage of a plane that went down near Hackberry Tuesday are believed to be that of flight instructor Rock Palermo and his student Don Clements. Palermo, an attorney, was also the pilot for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tony Mancuso was visibly emotional about the loss of Palermo.

Cut 6 (09) “…office”

The plane, a single-engine Cessna 182 four-seater, crashed on a small island between Hackberry and Big Lake, near Pete Seay Circle just before six o’clock Tuesday night.  Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Stephen Dwight says Palermo was well respected in the community.

Cut 7 (12) “…missed.”

Mancuso expressed condolences to the families of both crash victims. He also personally thanked Palermo’s family for sharing him with the department over the years.

Cut 8 (11) “…amazing.”

The investigation is being handled by the FAA and the NTSB.

_____________________

The CDC is now mandating that all public transit systems require riders to mask up.

Senator Bill Cassidy says this is a requirement most transit systems already have, and there’s a real question as to whether the CDC has the power to levy penalties against systems that refuse.

Cut 9 (07) “… enforce.”

Cassidy says masking up while on public transit is a good plan and data shows the virus spreads much easier in confined indoor spaces.

Cut 10 (11) “…them to”

Cassidy recounted his own experience getting COVID. He says he picked it up from an aide who was driving him from New Orleans to Baton Rouge despite both him and the aide being masked…

Cut 11 (08) “…mask.”

_______________________________________________

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 the child was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 41-year-old Blaine Keith Lecompte. Senegal says they suspect Lecompte was impaired

Cut 12 (10) “vehicular homicide” 

Senegal says toxicology samples were obtained from Lecompte to see if he was impaired when the crash occurred on Interstate 10 near Vinton.

Cut 13 (09)“.18-wheeler”

The driver of the 18-wheeler was properly restrained and uninjured. Lecompte and another juvenile passenger in his Jeep were properly restrained and sustained minor to moderate injuries. But Lecompte faces numerous charges

Cut 14 (08) “..careless operation” 

There are signs the state’s economy is recovering quicker than anticipated from the pandemic. Brooke Thorington talks with an LSU economist.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_______________________________________

President Joe Biden met with Senator Bill Cassidy and nine other Republicans last night to begin discussing the possibility for a compromise COVID relief bill. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_____________________________

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.

As for the leisure and hospitality industry, it’s improved since April, but far from a recovery. What has rebounded is the retail sector; they have more jobs now than this time last year.

Cut 4 (10) “…ago” 

Scott says unfortunately the oil and gas sector is worse off than it was in December of 2019 and the outlook is bleak. He says the Biden Administration’s moratorium on new leases in the Gulf of Mexico is very concerning.

Cut 5  (11) “…forward.” 

___________________________________________________

Shreveport Police has arrested a 27-year-old man who went inside Ochsner LSU Health and wounded two individuals with a large knife. Sergeant Glen Heckard says one of the victims was the mother of the suspect, Zaokoye Chatman,…

Cut 6 (12) “…staff there”

Heckard says Chatman fled the hospital after the attack, but later surrendered to authorities. He says there are reports that New Orleans homicide detectives are looking to see if Chatman committed a fatal machete attack at a New Orleans gas station on Sunday because the suspect in both cases drove a similar green S-U-V

Cut 7 (11) “…any of this.”

Heckard says they do not know why Chatman attacked the two workers at Ochsner LSU Health…

Cut 8 (09) “…another victim.”

_____________________

Two Texas residents and 21-year-old woman from Alexandria are facing human trafficking charges after a traffic stop in Bunkie. Louisiana State Police Senior Trooper Casey Wallace says during the traffic stop it was determined a missing 15-year-old juvenile was located in the vehicle

Cut 9 (09) “… testify.”

The suspect from Louisiana under arrest has been identified as 21-year-old Areona Ardoin of Alexandria. She has been charged with human trafficking and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The victim who was being sexually exploited is from Texas and Wallace says it’s likely the suspects connected with the 15-year-old through the internet

Cut 10 (11) “…on line”

Wallace says the officers who conducted the traffic stop should be commended for realizing that this was a case of human trafficking…

Cut 11 (07) “…what was going on.”

_______________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy was one of ten Republican Senators to meet with President Biden last night to discuss the next round of COVID relief.

Biden backs a 1.9 trillion dollar plan while Cassidy and company prefer a 618 billion dollar bill. Cassidy says the two sides began a dialog.

Cut 12 (11) “his” 

Some of the 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.

Another major sticking point: Biden’s “American Rescue Plan” includes 350 billion in aid for state and local governments, but Cassidy says those entities have only seen a one percent decline in revenue.

Cut 13 (09)“.percent.”

Cassidy’s one percent revenue loss number is cited from a recent JP Morgan analysis.

Democrats have threatened to pass the 1.9 trillion without Republican support in the newly slim Blue majority Congress. Cassidy says…

Cut 14 (09) “..rammed through.” 

Without ten Republicans in support Democrats would have to pass the package through a process known as reconciliation, which can only be attempted a limited number of times a year.

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s office announces that the murder of two women in Montegut on January 13th was the result of a murder for hire scheme involving three men from Acadiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_______________________________________

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is one of ten Republican Senators who meets 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”  

_____________________________

As the excitement of the vaccine rollout grows, the Better Business Bureau has a warning about sharing a photo of your vaccination card. 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.”

Million says it’s fine to share that you got your shot and suggests sharing a photo of your sticker that you were vaccinated, just not your actual card that contains personal information.

Cut 4 (08) “…post” 

Another danger in posting your vaccination card on social media, there have been reports of scam artists making copies of the card in Great Britain. Million says you don’t want your information compromised.

Cut 5  (11) “…here.” 

___________________________________________________

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 was traveling south when he struck two people who were crossing at night. He then left without calling it in…

Cut 6 (08) “…to him.”

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

Reichardt 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.”

Both Hollins and Neal were pronounced dead at the scene.

Reichardt says the victims were crossing in the dark, and while crossing streets at well-lit intersections is preferable, if you must cross in a dark area…

Cut 8 (10) “…help.”

The crash remains under investigation and toxicology samples were collected.

_____________________

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 first-degree murder. They allegedly murdered Brittany Cormier, Beaux’s sister, and Hope Nettleton on January 13th. The rape victim, Beaux Cormier’s niece was not killed.

Soignet says the Eskine and Wilson confessed to their involvement and learned that the two made previous visits for surveillance and attempted to carry out the murder before but were unsuccessful.

Cut 10 (11) “…victim.”

Nettleton who was visiting struggled with the gunman, and was also killed.

Soignet says they don’t get double homicides often, especially in the small community of Montegut.

Cut 11 (06) “…hard.”

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

_______________________________________________

A New Orleans man has been arrested in St. Tammany Parish 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” 

The first incident occurred on December 23^rd where three vehicles were burned. January 4^th at the same location three were set ablaze while three others received damage. Finally on Friday Jackson allegedly tracked his ex to a friend’s house where he lit another vehicle on fire. It is believed this harassment goes back to at least October in Jefferson Parish.

Jackson was arrested Saturday, a day after the last incident. St. Tammany Fire Protection District One Assistant Chief for Fire Protection Jason Gobert…

Cut 13 (09)“.gotten.”

Gobert says locking up Jackson has been a relief for the community, and the victim in particular.

Cut 14 (09) “…anymore.” 

Jackson is facing one count of Aggravated Arson and Simple Arson. More charges are expected.

Of the 93-thousand vaccine doses allocated for nursing home residents and staff in the state, only 30-percent have been administered. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

_______________________________________

Johnson and Johnson’s COVID vaccine has a 66% average efficacy rate worldwide, but it’s 72% in the US and it’s one injection versus two. Taylor Sharp has more.

cut 2 (27) …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

_____________________________

Vaccinations among nursing home residents and staff against COVID-19 are moving slowly in Louisiana. 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. Kanter says they have made one of the three visits to facilities. On the second visit, they will administer the second dose for those from the first visit and the first dose for those that missed the first visit, and then the third visit for the second shots from the second visit.

Kanter feels the 26% of staff being vaccinated will go up once the rollout conducts their second visit to facilities.

Cut 4 (07) “…lilttle bit” 

Governor Edwards says he’s seen vaccinations among staff almost double on the second visit at Veteran’s Homes and feels that will happen in private nursing homes as well.

Kanter, say 93,600 Moderna vaccine doses have been allocated to a program and so far only 30-percent have been administered.

Cut 5  (12) “…faster.” 

By February 8^th all nursing homes should have their first visit of three completed.

___________________________________________________

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.”

Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says New Orleans decided to get involved due to its relationship with the NCAA.

Cut 7 (15) “…twenty-five years.”

New Orleans is set to host it’s sixth men’s Final Four in 2022.

The Shreveport-Bossier area could find out as early as next week whether or not they will host the event.  Wells says proximity to schools makes Bossier City a prime location.

Cut 8 (13) “…prefer to drive.”

_____________________

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 however in the U-S the efficacy rate is higher.

Cut 9 (11) “… South Africa.”

In addition to being only one injection, Miele says the J&J vaccine does not require cold storage making it ideal for rural areas and for those with access to care issues.

Cut 10 (10) “…readily available.”

Miele says while the vaccine has a 66-percent efficacy rate of preventing moderate to severe illnesses like pneumonia or other breathing difficulties the efficacy of preventing serious illness is 85-percent.

Cut 11 (12) “…moderate.”

Miele says like the Pfizer and Moderna offerings the J & J Vaccine can be updated easily to handle variants of the virus if needed. Johnson and Johnson plans to seek FDA approval next month.

_______________________________________________

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 he expects Biden will take this meeting.

Cut 12 (10) “senate.” 

In his first two weeks in office, Biden canceled the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline and issued a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters.

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.”

Cross says because of redistricting and because the states most impacted are deeply red he doubts Biden will pay a price politically for his moves on climate change.

Cut 14 (07) “…support him.” 

21,400 people had their COVID vaccine appointments at Ochsner canceled after the health system received a smaller supply than anticipated. Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp”  

_______________________________________

Articles of Impeachment against former President Trump have been delivered to the US Senate. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

LSU has hired Minnesota Vikings Defensive Backs coach Daronte Jones as the team’s new defensive coordinator. Head coach Ed Orgeron joined Off The Bench with T-Bob Hebert on ESPN 104.5 in Baton Rouge and he came away impressed with Jones after their interview…

Cut 3 (11)  “…same fronts.”

Even though former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda is now the head coach at Baylor, Orgeron still keeps in contact with him and says he’s the one who recommended Jones.

Cut 4 (10) “…outstanding job for us.” 

LSU still has a couple of other holes on its coaching staff. But Orgeron plans to have the entire defensive staff completed very soon.

Cut 5  (11) “..pretty soon.” 

___________________________________________________

Ochsner Health System has been forced to reschedule 21,400 COVID vaccine appointments after receiving fewer doses than expected. CEO Warner Thomas says they will reschedule once they have enough vaccines available, but…

Cut 6 (07) “…dose”

Thomas says their hospital system got 70-percent fewer vaccines than expected, but it’s not the state government’s fault…

Cut 7 (06) “…Louisiana”

Thomas says everyone that was canceled has been put on a waiting list and will be rescheduled in the order in which they first made their appointments.

Cut 8 (08) “…doses.”

_____________________

The House of Representatives delivered Articles of Impeachment against former President Trump to the Senate last night.

Senator Bill Cassidy is set to be a juror in an impeachment trial for the second time in a year, and a juror for the only President to be impeached twice…

Cut 9 (08) “…I vote.”

Trump is being impeached on allegations that he incited an insurrection on January 6^th. The claims are he egged on a crowd of his supporters at a D.C. Stop the Steal rally to go to the US Capitol and disrupt President Biden’s certification.

Cassidy says the worst-case scenario for Trump is that evidence is produced showing he was briefed on the potential for violence resulting from the rally he held before the Capitol Riot.

Cut 10 (11) “…evidence.”

Four rioters and one Capitol Hill police officer died during the riot.

The trial is set to begin in earnest the week of February 8^th but before that can proceed Cassidy says there’s a key question that must be answered…

Cut 11 (08) “…considered.”

_______________________________________________

Many Entergy customers in the state have reported a significant increase in their power bills. Entergy New Orleans CEO David Ellis says it was the perfect storm for there to be an increase for the month of December. Ellis says energy consumption for December was up an average of 20-percent.

Cut 12 (11) “…twelve-percent.” 

For the month of December, many people did not travel as they traditionally do for the holidays so more people stayed home, and the state experienced a cold spell which accounts for an increase in consumption.

Ellis says another reason for an increase is the billing cycle covered 35, so basically an extra workweek was added to the bill.

Cut 13 (11)“…increases.”

Ellis says if you are having difficulty paying your bill you can call them and discuss a payment program. Also, another option to look at so you won’t be caught off guard in the future with a bill is levelized billing.

Cut 14 (12) “…same amount.” 

Louisiana has a new tool in the fight against COVID-19: an app that lets you know if you’ve had close contact with a COVID-positive individual. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

The state has no plans to expand eligibility for those who can get a COVID-19 vaccine, because they are not anticipating an increase in allotments. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________

The field of candidates for the 2^nd and 5^th Congressional district special elections is now set. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

__________________________

The state has released a COVID contact tracing app that lets you know if you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the app is designed to sense nearby phones, and with that data let you know if you’ve been near a positive case.

Cut 4 (10) “…measures.”

The app requires you to opt in to voluntarily allowing the service to utilize your Bluetooth.

Kanter says the state isn’t saving this information, and your phone will not tell you who the infected person you had contact with was.

Cut 5 (09) “..information.”

The service works by recording anonymous tokens from nearby phones and alerting you later if any of those tokens gets reported as COVID positive.

Kanter says similar services are already working quite well in other states.

Cut 6 (10) “..useful.”

COVID Defense is available on the Apple and Android app stores.

________________________

Louisiana has been told by the federal government to expect a flat amount of weekly vaccine allocations for the next four to five weeks, which means about 58-thousand doses a week. Governor Edwards says state leaders were previously told that once vaccines became available there would be a steady increase…

Cut 7 (12)  “..happening yet.”

State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter expects a big increase in vaccine supply once Johnson and Johnson and Astrazeneca vaccines are authorized by the F-D-A and become available. Edwards says there’s currently not enough vaccine available, so there are no plans to expand the eligibility or hold mass vaccination events…

Cut 8 (11) “…don’t have.”

Each state receives a percentage of doses based on its population that have been made available to the United States. Edwards says as far as he can tell, Louisiana is receiving its proper share…

Cut 9 (08) “…is flat”

.________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Insurance has received 691 formal complaints about home insurance companies related to issues stemming from Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the majority of those complaints are related to companies’ failure to communicate with policyholders.

Cut 10 (09) “…resolved.”

597 of those complaints have been closed as of January 11^th.

If you’re having a problem with your insurance company or agent Donelon asks you to reach out to his department for assistance.

Cut 11 (09) “….matter”

A non-formal complaint option is also available. Donelon says his department received several hundred of those related to the hurricanes.

Smaller insurers have a higher rate of complaints filed against them per policyholder than bigger insurers. Donelon says when it comes to responsiveness bigger companies may have some advantages.

Cut 12 (08) “…contribute.”

Of the major insurers, Liberty Mutual had the lowest complaint rate, while State Farm had the highest.

_____________________________

Qualifying for the March Congressional special elections is set with 15 candidates running in the 2^nd district race and 13 candidates in the 5^th.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s widow, Republican Julia Letow, is a shoo-in to win the 5^th and likely to win it outright in the March 20^th primary.

Cut 13 (12) “….vote”

Alexandria lawmaker Lance Harris, who was runner-up for the seat in the December run-off, elected not to run again, leaving Letlow as the only established candidate in the race.

In the 2^nd District New Orleans Democratic lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter look most likely to make the run-off. Pinsonat expects this to be a highly competitive race.

Cut 14 (10) “…money.” 

Baton Rouge community activist Gary Chambers has also begun to raise a bit of cash for the race.

Of the 28 candidates in the two fields combined Pinsonat says it’s unlikely more than a few of them are serious candidates.

Cut 15 (07)“…percent”

___________________________________________-

The LSU men’s basketball team heads into the week on a two game losing streak after losing to Alabama and Kentucky last week. On Saturday, Coach Will Wade’s team trailed by 16 in the first half on Saturday and lost to the Wildcats 82-69….

Cut 16 (09) “fix it”

Trendon Watford led LSU with 26 points and 10 rebounds against Kentucky. But Watford says they lost both games last week by coming out slow…

Cut 17 (20) “…accountable”

LSU is at Texas A-and-M on Tuesday night.

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The Ragin Cajuns completed its first sweep of conference play as U-L Lafayette held off Arkansas State 77-74 for a second straight win over the Red Wolves. On Saturday, Cal transfer Jacobi Gordon had a career-high 14 points…

Cut  18 (08) “…from here”

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The Pelicans closed a six-game road trip on Saturday with a disappointing 120-110 loss to Minnesota. New Orleans went 1-and-5 during the trip and Coach Stan Van Gundy says the effort wasn’t there on Saturday and that’s why the Timberwolves….

Cut 19 (17) “….across the board” 

Turnovers have been a problem for the Pelicans. They committed 21 turnovers on Saturday. Brandon Ingram had 30 points, but had seven turnovers. Van Gundy was asked if line-up changes should occur…

  cut 20  (28) ” turn it around” 

An entry in the 5^th Congressional District race has name recognition, he’s awaiting retrial after his murder conviction was overturned for the murder of his eight-year-old stepson in 2008. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association says the Biden Administration’s early, aggressive moves against the industry will drive up prices at the pump. Taylor Sharp has the story.

cut 2 (29) ….I’m Taylor Sharp”  

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Errol Victor Sr. a pastor from St. John the Baptist, is one of seven candidates running for Louisiana’s 5^th Congressional district. What makes his candidacy unique is he’s awaiting a retrial after his murder conviction was ordered for retrial because of a non-unanimous jury conviction. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley this race will make for some good teaching points.

Cut 3 (12)  “…circumstances.”

In 2014 Victor was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2008 death of his 8-year-old stepson. In 2020 the Supreme Court overturned non-unanimous convictions, so Victor is now awaiting retrial in a facility located in the 5^th Congressional District.

As for his motive to run for office ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley wonders if Victor truly wants to represent the state on a federal level…

Cut 4 (10) “….who knows” 

Julia Letlow, the wife of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow who won the seat in December but later died of COVID before being sworn in, is the projected frontrunner. Stockley says if for some reason voters elect Victor it doesn’t mean he’s automatically going to represent the state.

Cut 5  (11) “…Congressperson.” 

Victor is registered as a Republican and made national headlines in 2012 when he along with his wife Tonya Victor, were captured and arrested in Georgia after being featured on “America’s Most Wanted” when they failed to show for trial in 2011.

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Two days into office and the Biden Administration is following through on campaign promises to roll back American oil production via executive action.

Louisiana Oil and Gas Association interim president Mike Moncla says the industry is not happy about it…

Cut 6 (12) “industry”

Moncla says these moves will end up hitting Louisianans in the wallet.

Cut 7 (09) “..goes up.”

November 2^nd, the day before the Presidential election, oil was 37 dollars a barrel. It is now 55 dollars a barrel.

Moncla says the administration is attempting to push Americans away from oil and gas and towards green and electric energy.

Cut 8 (10) “…areas”

The Biden Administration says these steps were crucial to reducing the nation’s carbon output and limiting potentially catastrophic levels of global temperature increase.

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While there won’t be any Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans due to the Coronavirus pandemic, folks will be able to experience a drive-thru Mardi Gras event in New Orleans City Park. Delgado baseball coach Joe Scheurmann says once he posted this idea on his Facebook page it gained a lot of traction.

Cut 9 (12) “..went viral”

The “Float in the Oaks” event will take place from February 4^th through the 14^th.  People attending the event are encouraged to decorate their vehicles.  Scheurmann says this allows people to celebrate differently than they normally would.

Cut 10 (13) “…they go”

Tickets for the event must be purchased and they will cost 10 to 20 dollars per car.  All proceeds will support the park’s maintenance and operation which Sheurmann says is greatly needed.

Cut 11 (10) “..it’s exciting”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says there are positive signs that Louisiana has plateaued in the latest COVID-19-surge but the state percent positivity rate remains over 10-percent. The state health department reported 1,937 new cases on Friday and 41 more deaths. Edwards says the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has fallen below 18-hundred, but…

Cut 12 (09) “…delivery system” 

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths is just shy of eight-thousand and the state will likely surpass that grim milestone this weekend. Edwards says while there’s a decline in the total of new cases reported each day, but the lagging indicator is deaths…

Cut 13 (07)“unacceptably high”

The state health department also reports that 314-thousand vaccine doses have been administered and 41-thousand individuals have received both dosages. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the state will receive another 58-thousand vaccines next week, the same as this week and they expect the allocation to remain flat for the next four to five weeks…

Cut 14 (15) ” doing that”