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”  

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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” 

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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.

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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.

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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”  

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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”  

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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.” 

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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”

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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.” 

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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.”  

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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.

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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.

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.”  

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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”  

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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”

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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.”  

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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”  

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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.” 

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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.”

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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.

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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”  

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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.” 

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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.”  

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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.”  

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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.” 

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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.”

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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.”

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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”  

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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.”  

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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.”  

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”