28-year-old Blake Jenkins of Alexandria faces charges of carnal knowledge, kidnapping, and human trafficking after allegedly taking a girl from her home in Acadia Parish. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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The state will roll out a new tutoring program designed to help kids catch up on education they may have missed during the pandemic. Matt Doyle has more on the Accelerate program…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Three men are charged with two counts of first-degree murder each for the homicides of two Montegut women last month… turns out it was a murder for hire scheme.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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An Alexandria man is under arrest for allegedly kidnapping a 13-year-old in Acadia Parish and driving her to Lake Charles where he pressured her to have sex with other men for money.

The victim is thought to be a runaway and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory says she first met 28-year-old Blake Jenkins online…

Cut 4 (11)“…casinos.”

The victim was recovered by Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement.

Jenkins is facing kidnapping and human trafficking charges and sits in jail on a 140,000 dollar bond. Guillory says Jenkins also faces a charge of Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile…

Cut 5 (09)“..arrest.”

Guillory says the victim was pressured by Jenkins into having sex with other men at a gas stop, and later in Lake Charles under the pretense of earning gas money.

Cut 6 (07) “…work.”

It is not known if the victim approached anyone with that offer at this time.

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Many students are behind the curve due to the pandemic and the State Department of Education hopes to reverse that with a new statewide tutoring program.

Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the Accelerate program focuses on bolstering the math and English language arts education they already receive in regular class hours.

Cut 7 (09)  “…kids.”

The program focuses on K-8^th grade education with plans to expand to K-12 in time.

Brumley says the program utilizes funds given to the state through the CARES Act and opens up opportunities for kids to have their education supplemented virtually, opening up new options.

Cut 8 (08) “…to learn.”

Participating school systems will have select teachers participate over the spring in 24 lessons designed to teach them how to use the program to help catch up lagging students.

Cut 9 (11) “…used.”

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While Hurricanes Laura and Delta devastated southwest Louisiana, residents affected by Hurricane Zeta can also apply for Federal Disaster Assistance.  Homeowners and renters in southeast Louisiana should apply for assistance as soon as possible. FEMA spokesperson Melissa Wilkins explains what is eligible.

Cut 10 (11) “…March 15th.”

Wilkins says some might not be aware that FEMA assistance is also available for Zeta and they want those who need assistance to register with disasterassistance.gov.

Cut 11 (08) “….help.”

FEMA also recognizes that multiple hurricanes and the pandemic have also been taxing mentally on residents of Louisiana. Wilkins says FEMA is offering a free crisis counseling line that’s available 24/7.

Cut 12 (08) “…confidential.”

Crisis Counseling 1-800-985-5990. For disaster assistance visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 or download the Disaster Assistance app on your smartphone.

Residents in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and Terrebonne Parishes are eligible.

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Terrebonne Parish District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr. says the arrests of three men for a double homicide in Montegut last month is just the beginning. Investigators say Beaux Cormier hired two men to murder his niece that accused him of rape. But they killed Beaux’s sister Brittany Cormier and her neighbor Hope Nettleton. Waitz says he’ll ask the victim’s family how to proceed.

Cut 13 (08) “…the table.”

Beaux Cormier, Andrew Eskine, and Delvin Wilson are all charged with two counts each of first-degree murder. Waitz says murder for hire is an automatic first-degree charge and they may pursue more charges.  Bond is set at $2 million each, but that could change.

Cut 14 (08) “…(2x) the streets.” 

Waitz says dedicated police work led to the arrests of the three men and he’s confident he will get convictions.

Cut 15 (09)“…this case.”

Beaux Cormier of Kaplan was already a convicted sex offender when he was arrested in Vermillion Parish last March for third-degree rape of his niece, that case is pending.

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The Ragin Cajuns took two games from Texas State last week to move into first place in the Sun Belt West Division. U-L Lafayette won the two games on the road by a total of three points and without head coach Bob Marlin, who was at home after testing positive for COVID-19. Cajuns basketball director of operations Mike Murphy on winning without Coach Marlin.

Cut 16 (20) “…this weekend.”

Murphy says they expect Coach Marlin will return to practice tomorrow. Senior Guard Cedric Russell has been named Sun Belt Conference Player of the week as he scored 45 points in the two victories over Texas State. Murphy says Russell is feeling it from the outside.

Cut 17 (20) “…productivity.”

The Cajuns have won five in a row to move into first place and will travel to Jonesboro this weekend to face Arkansas State. Murphy says being in first place means they control their own destiny.

Cut  18 (20) “…it ends.”

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 Andrew Eskin of Carencro and Dalvin Wilson of Eunice to cover up a rape he allegedly committed against a family member. Soignet says the Eskine and Wilson confessed to their involvement.

Cut 10 (11) “…victim.”

Brittany Cormier, Beaux’s sister, and Hope Nettleton were murdered on January 13th.

A New Orleans man has been arrested in Slidell 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.”

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 left his vehicle at the scene and fled on foot, while not calling 9-1-1. He 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.”

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

Officials warn folks not to share pictures of their vaccine card online. 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.”

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 trying to cover up a rape he allegedly committed against his niece…

Cut 9 (09) “… testify.”

Cormier, Andrew Eskine of Carencro, and Dalvin Wilson of Eunice are charged with two counts of first-degree murder. They murdered Brittany Cormier, Beaux’s sister, and Hope Nettleton on January 13th.

Better Business Bureau of Baton Rouge President warns not to post your COVID vaccine card on social media because it has personal information. She suggests a photo of your I got vaccinated sticker instead.

Cut 4 (08) “…post” 

62- year old Michael Jackson of New Orleans has been arrested in St. Tammany Parish for allegedly terrorizing his ex-girlfriend through a string of vehicle fires.  Jackson is accused of lighting nearly a dozen vehicles on fire on multiple occasions in Slidell. St. Tammany Fire Protection District One Assistant Chief for Fire Protection Jason Gobert….

Cut 14 (09) “…anymore.” 

Two teenage girls are dead after a hit and run-on Highway 165 over the weekend. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 22-year-old Corey Buie of Monroe struck Brianna Neal and Shedricka Hollins, both of Monroe after dark on Friday, and left his vehicle at the scene but did not call 9-1-1. Reichardt says even if you don’t think it’s your fault, you can’t leave…

Cut 7 (12) “…then.”

A Kaplan man is under arrest for allegedly hiring two men to murder his rape victim to stop her from testifying against him in court. Beaux Cormier allegedly raped a family member and hired Andrew Eskine of Carencro, and Dalvin Wilson of Eunice to go to her home in Montegut and kill her. When they arrived the victim’s mother along with another person at the home was killed instead. Terrebonne Sheriff Tim Soignet says it’s rocked the small community…

Cut 11 (06) “…hard.”

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

A hit and run on Highway 165 kills two teens. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 22-year-old Corey Buie struck 17-year-old Brianna Neal and 18-year-old Shedricka Hollins as they crossed the highway at night and never called it in…

Cut 6 (08) “…to him.”

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

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a man for allegedly kidnapping a 13-year-old girl and trafficking her to a Lake Charles Casino. 28-year-old Blake Jenkins of Alexandria allegedly also had intercourse with the victim and attempted to get her to offer sex to other men in exchange for money at several points.

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.”

The state health department of health reported 899 new COVID-19 cases today. The number of confirmed COVID deaths is up to 8,340 as the state reported 53 more deaths today. The number of hospitalized COVID patients dropped by 13 to 1,403.
A New Orleans man has been arrested in Slidell 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 case of arson happened two days before Christmas.

The Better Business Bureau advises not to share your COVID-19 vaccine card on social media. Baton Rouge B-B-B president Carmen Million says it makes you vulnerable to identity theft…
cut 3 (11) “..information”
Million says share your vaccine sticker or use a profile frame instead if you want to post about your vaccine.

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 Andrew Eskin of Carencro and Dalvin Wilson of Eunice to cover up a rape he allegedly committed against a family member. Soignet says the Eskine and Wilson confessed to their involvement.

Cut 10 (11) “…victim.”

Brittany Cormier, Beaux’s sister, and Hope Nettleton were murdered on January 13th.

A survey of state agencies discovers more than half didn’t have work-from-home policies before the coronavirus pandemic and struggled with technology challenges. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office questioned 32 agencies about work from home policies and found that 56-percent did not have them in place.

Two teenage girls are dead after a hit and run-on Highway 165 over the weekend. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 22-year-old Corey Buie of Monroe struck Brianna Neal and Shedricka Hollins, both of Monroe after dark on Friday. Reichardt says if you must cross a street in the dark…

Cut 8 (10) “…help.”

The crash remains under investigation and toxicology samples were collected.

Baton Rouge Better Business Bureau President, Carmen Million warns not to share your COVID Vaccine card online because it contains personal information, plus there have been reports of scam artists making copies of the card in Great Britain.

Cut 5  (11) “…here.” 

Million says post a photo of your sticker that you were vaccinated instead of your card.

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 second-degree murder. They murdered Brittany Cormier, Beaux’s sister and Hope Nettleton on January 13th.

Officals warn folks not to share pictures of their vaccine card online. Baton Rouge Better Business Bureau President, Carmen Million says it opens you up to scammers because that card contains personal information…

Cut 4 (08) “…post” 

Two teenage girls are dead after a hit and run on Highway 165 over the weekend. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 22-year-old Corey Buie of Monroe struck Brianna Neal and Shedricka Hollins, both of Monroe after dark on Friday, and left his vehicle at the scene but did not call 9-1-1. Reichardt says even if you don’t think it’s your fault, you can’t leave…

Cut 7 (12) “…then.”

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and toxicology samples have been collected and are being analyzed at a lab.

A fatal hit and run on Highway 165 over the weekend claims 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 the intersection 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.

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.”

An Allen Parish cemetery has changed the language in its contract that now allows for blacks to be buried at their cemetery. Oaklin Cemetery Association President Creig Vizena says he and the Board were unaware the language was in the contract and after calling the courthouse, they discovered it’s been in their paperwork since the 1950s…

Cut 5 (09)“…gone.”

The family of Darrell Semien, an Allen Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, tried to bury Semien at that cemetery but was turned away because he was black.

State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says there’s a myth about the vaccine that needs to go away, that the COVID vaccine itself can give you COVID…
Cut 11 (10) “….virus.”

Kanter says also the vaccine does not impact your fertility.

An Allen Parish cemetery has changed a restriction in its contracts that only allowed whites to be buried at the site after the family of Darrell Semien a black deputy was denied a plot. Oaklin Cemetery Association President Creig Vizena says he hopes no family ever has to go through something like this again and has a request for all other final resting places…

Cut 6 (12) “…like that”

The old contract read that it assigns the right of burial of the remains of white human beings. Vizena says the contract was rewritten to exclude the word white.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says he’s heard many people raise concerns over the COVID vaccine’s impact on fertility. He says women of childbearing age should absolutely get the shot.

Cut 12 (10) “…fertility.”

LSU Health Shreveport is holding another round of drive-thru COVID vaccinations. Louisiana residents 70 and older can be vaccinated Monday through Thursday at the State Fairgrounds in Shreveport. School Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali explains the process.

Cut 7 (10)  “…weeks.”

Registration is not required but appreciated at lsuhs.edu the clinic is from 8 am until 3:30

It’s Super Bowl Week in Tampa Bay and New Orleans will host its record-tying 11th Super Bowl in 2025. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says his eleven-member staff is putting together plans to raise about 20-million dollars over the next four years to help pull off the massive event…
Cut 14 (06) “…the bid.” 
Cicero says hosting a Super Bowl is so big it requires four years of preparation for a week that will bring thousands of visitors to the city.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is one of ten Republican Senators who will meet with President Joe Biden today to discuss a coronavirus relief package. The President is pushing to approve a relief package that would cost one-point-nine trillion dollars, while Cassidy and other GOP Senators say the aid package should be much more targeted.

A black family was denied a burial plot at an Allen Parish graveyard over a whites-only restriction in the contract. Matt Doyle has the story.
cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU Health Shreveport is hosting a COVID-19 drive-thru event today through Thursday at the State Fair Grounds. First vaccine doses will be administered today and first and second doses will be shot into arms tomorrow thru Thursday. LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor Doctor G-E Ghali says once vaccinated with the first dose, you’re guaranteed a second…
cut 8 (11) “….second dose”
Many people who will get their second dose this week, got their first at the State Fair Grounds between January 12th and 14th.

Super Bowl week has arrived as Tampa Bay is hosting this year’s big game. In 2025 New Orleans will host a record-tying 11th Super Bowl. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says the planning is well underway because the NFL asks a lot from a hosting city
Cut 13 (12) “…and the city.”
Cicero says his eleven-member staff will raise about 20-million dollars over the next four years to help pull off the massive event.