Gov. John Bel Edwards says he will extend the state’s current COVID-19 restrictions for another 21 days. The current public health order was scheduled to expire tomorrow. Edwards extended the order as health officials worry new strains of the virus could cause another spike in cases and hospitalizations and super spreader events of people celebrating carnival season despite the warning not to participate in large gatherings.

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. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy announced he will be voting 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.

31-year-old Julianna Goodson of Bernice is facing attempted manslaughter and aggravated arson charges after allegedly setting her boyfriend’s bed on fire with him in it Saturday morning. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the two had been arguing prior.

Cut 6 (09) “…on fire.”

The homeowner was able to escape once he realized the bed was on fire.

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 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”

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

Governor Edwards received his COVID vaccination this afternoon during his weekly COVID briefing today. The number of first doses of the COVID vaccine administered now exceeds the number of people who have tested positive for the virus. The state reports 448-thousand first doses have been administered in the state.Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin was also vaccinated this afternoon.

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”  

31-year-old Julianna Goodson of Bernice faces attempted manslaughter and aggravated arson charges after allegedly setting her boyfriend’s bed on fire with him in Saturday morning.  State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the two reportedly were arguing the night before.  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.

The second impeachment trial of President Trump began today. For Trump to be found guilty it will take two-thirds vote of the Senate. It seems likely Trump will see more Republican defections this time around. Senator Bill 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.

The number of first doses of the COVID vaccine administered now exceeds the number of people who have tested positive for the virus…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Don Molino”  

Governor Edwards is getting his own vaccine today at 3 PM at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge. Edwards is receiving his first of two doses alongside the rest of the Unified Command Group, and is also expected to make an announcement about how the state will proceed when the current public health order expires Wednesday.

Four Monroe-area State Police Troopers have been arrested for allegedly using excessive force in two separate incidents. Troop F spokesperson Michael Reichardt says one was last May following a vehicle pursuit in Franklin Parish, but the first incident took place during a traffic stop on I-20 in Ouachita Parish in July 2019

Cut 3 (10)  “…the suspect”

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. 

Allegiant will offer non-stop flights out of Shreveport Regional to Los Angeles starting July 2^nd and running through August 16^th. Spokesperson Mark Crawford says tickets are on sale now and mentions this is a bit of a trial run.

Cut 14 (10) “.on our website”

Former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial in underway with Democrats pushing to make the case he incited a mob to attack the US Capitol on January 6^th. To convict in the Senate, you need two-thirds majority support. Senator Bill Cassidy says conviction supporters are already more than halfway there…

Cut 10 (10) “…that” 

While Cassidy says he will listen to the evidence before deciding his vote, Senator John Kennedy announced he will be voting against convicting President Trump.

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 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.

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 One trooper Jacob Brown, was involved in both incidents. Each trooper faces battery and malfeasance charges. Reichardt says the leader of State Police is not happy.

Cut 5  (09)  “…public safety” 

The other troopers arrested are Dakota DeMoss, George Harper, and Randall Dickerson

31-year-old Julianna Goodson of Bernice is facing attempted manslaughter and aggravated arson charges after allegedly setting her boyfriend’s bed on fire with him in it Saturday morning. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue 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.

Four state troopers have been arrested for allegedly using excessive force in two separate incidents. Troop F spokesperson Michael Reichardt one 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, Jacob Brown, was involved in both incidents.  The other troopers arrested are Dakota DeMoss, George Harper, and Randall Dickerson.

31-year-old Julianna Goodson of Bernice 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 the two had been arguing prior.

Cut 6 (09) “…on fire.”

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. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy announced he will be voting 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.

The state reports 1,321 new COVID-19 cases Hospitalizations decreased by 22 for a daily total of 1,122.

State Police has announced the arrest of four Troopers in the Monroe area for using excessive force…
Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Edwards will receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this afternoon during a press event in Baton Rouge. In Washington-DC, the second impeachment trial for former President Donald Trump will begin. Senator Bill Cassidy told reporters he doesn’t know how he’ll vote.

Governor Edwards has said he does not support an increase in the state’s gasoline tax, but Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland still plans on filing a gas tax bill to be debated in the upcoming session. McFarland says 34 other states have increased the investment into their roads and bridges since 2013, including every southern state
Cut 10 (11) “…in infrastructure”

Health officials are warning the public it can take up to two weeks after your second COVID vaccination to receive maximum immunity. Ochsner Regional Medical Director Dr. Aldo Russo says he was vaccinated, then a week later unknowingly was exposed to a positive case, and a week after that began developing symptoms…
Cut 13 (08) “…disease.”
But Russo still urges the public to get the vaccine when it becomes avaiable to them.

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. 30-year-old Jacob Brown was involved in both cases.

At the next Public Service Commission meeting, the PSC plans to direct a third party to do an independent investigation into why so many Entergy customers recently saw a spike in their utility bills. One theory is the installation of new meters. P-S-C Chairman Craig Greene says it will be investigated.

Cut 8 (10) “..jumped.”

That meeting is set for February 24th.

The City of New Orleans shut down seven bars over the weekend for COVID violations as the city prepares to close all bars ahead of Mardi Gras weekend. NOLA Director of the Office of Business and External Services Peter Bowen says these business owner’s selfishness is getting people killed and damaging the city’s economy.

Cut 4 (11)“…tunnel.

Health officials are warning folks it can take several weeks after your second COVID vaccination to receive adequate levels of immunity. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are thought to be only 50 percent effective a few days after your first shot. Ochsner Regional Medical Director Dr. Aldo Russo says ten to fourteen days after your second dose is when you achieve immunity.

Cut 14 (09) “…COVID” 

Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland faces opposition on his proposal to increase the state’s gasoline tax by 22-cents over the next 12 years. He says the additional revenue will go towards improving the state’s roads and bridges. Governor Edwards has said he does not support the proposal, but McFarland says several small business owners are behind his effort…
cut 12 (12) “…closed bridge”
McFarland’s legislation will be heard in the regular session that begins April 12th.

Seven bars in New Orleans have been shut down for violating COVID restrictions. The city’s chief administrative officer, Peter Bowen, says these bars will not be allowed to reopen until…
cut 6 (10) “…safely”
No bars in New Orleans will be open from Friday to Tuesday to prevent large Mardi Gras crowds.

Ochsner Regional Medical Director Aldo Russo says he contracted the coronavirus even after he got the COVID vaccine. Russo says he received the vaccine on December 17th and came down with symptoms ten days later. Russo says his experience shows that it may take two weeks after the second dose to reach maximum immunity. He still strongly encourages people to get the vaccine
cut 15 (11) “…of this”

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is selling a 2019 LSU National Championship specialty license plate. Tiger fans can purchase the plate for around 100 dollars and OMV spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the easiest way is to buy it online.
Cut 24 (10) “on our website”
Proceeds for the plate will go back to LSU.

At the next Public Service Commission meeting, the PSC plans to hire a third party to do an independent investigation into why many Entergy customers recently saw a spike in their utility bills. Entergy blames cold weather in December. P-S-C Chairman Craig Greene says that’s a possibility given heaters pull three to four times as many amps as air conditioners…
Cut 00357 (08) “…expensive”

The City of New Orleans shut down seven bars over the weekend for COVID violations as the city prepares to close all bars ahead of the upcoming Mardi Gras weekend. New Orleans Deputy CAO Peter Bowen says these business owners are risking lives and damaging the city’s economy.
Cut 00354 (11)“…tunnel.
The closed bars could also face penalties for state fire code violations.

Four state troopers in the Monroe area have been arrested for allegedly using excessive force. L-S-P says the charges stem from an incident in July of 2019 and last May in which the Troopers’ actions rose to the level of Battery and Malfeasance in Office. 30-year-old Jacob Brown was allegedly involved in both arrests that used unjustifiable force.

Despite opposition from Governor Edwards, Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland still plans on filing a bill that would raise the state’s gasoline tax 22-cents over the next 12 years…
Cut 00352 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Public Service Commission plans to investigate why many Entergy customers saw their utility bills spike after December. P-S-C Chairman Craig Greene says a third party will be tasked with doing a random survey of customers’ bills and they will not rush to come to a conclusion…
cut 9 (07) “….answers”

Governor John Bel Edwards has said he does not support an increase in the state’s gasoline tax, but Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland still plans on filing a gas tax bill to be debated in the upcoming session. McFarland says 34 other states have increased the investment into their roads and bridges since 2013, including every southern state
Cut 10 (11) “…in infrastructure”

An Ochsner Regional Medical Director shares a warning to those who’ve just been vaccinated and think they can immediately return to pre-pandemic life…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Governor Edwards will receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this afternoon and he’ll also announce that the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge will serve as a mass vaccination site.

State Police has announced the arrest of four Troopers in the Monroe area for allegedly using excessive force during two different incidents.