A man sought in connection with a double homicide in Shreveport this past Monday is in custody in Mesquite, Texas. Police say 31-year-old Jamarcus Richardson surrendered to authorities late last night. He’s accused in the killing of Teola Booker and D’Angelo Hinton, both 41. Their bodies were discovered inside a vehicle in the Mooretown neighborhood. Richardson faces two counts of first-degree murder. No word on the motive for the deadly shootings.

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving vehicle in Red River Parish. But, as Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the vehicle the four were in was a Coushatta Police Department patrol unit and one of those arrested, officer Javerrea Pouncy could wind up facing charges or disciplinary action from other law enforcement agencies, including the Coushatta Police Department.

Cut 7 (08) “…to commit crimes.”  

LDWF cited Pouncy for night hunting and hunting without a license.

Thibodaux Regional Health System celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes. In addition to staying open after Ida, Nungesser says the hospital also provided meals for residents and first responders.

Cut 4 (08) “…so proud.”

Thibodaux Regional Health System is one of the largest employers in the state and was the only fully functioning hospital in the Bayou region after Hurricane Ida.

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving vehicle in Red River Parish. But, as Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries explains there’s a twist to these apprehensions.

 Cut 6 (12) “…Coushatta Police Department.” 

Louisiana residents are facing or have already received significant increases in their National Flood Insurance Program premiums.  State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, whose office has no control over the FEMA NFIP, says the agency’s new Risk Rating 2.0 program proposes to alter premiums to make them unaffordable to many.

Cut 9 (12) “…to price prohibitive.”

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility expansion to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes.

Cut 3 (09) “…and service.”

He says the hospital also provided meals for residents and first responders after Ida.

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will hear arguments in Pastor Tony Spell’s first amendment fight against criminal charges stemming from his violations of pandemic gathering limits set by Governor Edwards that were in effect last year. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt:

Cut 13 (12) “…first amendment challenge.”
Spell who is a pastor in the Baton Rouge area received national attention when he allowed hundreds to show up at his church in March 2020, despite public health orders that prohibited large gatherings.

As the state reports more probable cases of the Omicron variant, Pfizer says the third dose of its vaccine may offer more protection to the variant as opposed to only two doses. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere…

Cut 10 (12)  “…Omicron variant.”
U-S Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says the recently approved federal infrastructure bill will mean 380-million dollars for Louisiana that will go towards airports, electric vehicle charging stations, and broadband. The pandemic highlighted the digital divide in rural areas. Walsh says it’s important to close that gap.

Cut 8 (10) “…to information.”

Louisiana Supreme Court will hear arguments in Pastor Tony Spell’s first amendment fight against criminal charges stemming from his violations of pandemic gathering limits set by Governor Edwards in 2020. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says it’s a case to watch when it comes to First Amendment rights versus the public health orders of Louisiana’s governor.

Cut 15 (09)  “…absolutely set precedent.”

For the 9^th year, Louisiana has made a national list of the nation’s Top Ten “Judicial Hellholes.” The American Tort Reform Foundation’s list is for the most litigious states. Louisiana Law Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says tort reforms passed in the 2020 legislature will help to get our state off the list.

Cut 5 (09) “…changes the game.”

Louisiana has made list 12 of the past 20 years.

The Omicron variant is prompting some to get vaccinated. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says they’ve seen a significant increase and they’re administering 400 to 600 doses a day and about 100 to 150 are first doses of the vaccine.

Cut 12 (07) “…get vaccinated.”

Louisiana will receive $7.25 billion of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Former Louisiana Lt. Governor and New Orleans Mayor, Mitch Landrieu is overseeing the allocation of Infrastructure funds for the country and Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh says Landrieu wants those funds to reach states as soon as possible.

Cut 9 (07)  “…good to have.”

For the 9^th year, Louisiana has made a national list of the nation’s Top Ten “Judicial Hellholes”. The American Tort Reform Foundation’s list is for the most litigious states or court systems, where trials can go on indefinitely and arbitration is discouraged. Louisiana Law Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says we went from 5^th Worst to 6^th Worst for 2020…:

Cut 4 (13) “…civil justice system. “

Broussard Police is investigating the homicide of 18-year-old Diondre Williams. On Wednesday officers were called to the area of Gustave and Leon Streets when gunshots were reported in the area. When they arrived, they found Williams suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, medical aid was rendered but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pfizer says initial tests show that the booster of its COVID-19 vaccine may offer important protection against the new omicron variant. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vancheire says the preliminary data is only for those who received Pfizer vaccine doses and a Pfizer booster. And for those who might have mixed and matched their vaccine and booster…
Cut 11 (12) “…about those.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether charges should be thrown out against Baton Rouge area pastor Tony Spell for defying the governor’s public health order and allowing hundreds of people to attend his services at the start of the pandemic. Legal analyst Franz Borghadt speculated on what might happen if Spell’s case winds up before the nation’s highest court…
cut 14 (08) “….might have success”

Louisiana will receive $7.25 for infrastructure projects and US Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh says we haven’t seen investments like this in decades. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A New Orleans TV station is reporting an 18-year-old Covington High School student who attacked a 64-year-old wheelchair-bound teacher as part of a Tiktok challenge has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Larrianna Jackson faces a felony count of battery of a school teacher. Jackson remains in the St. Tammany Parish Jail.

Early reports indicate three doses of the Pfizer vaccine are effective against the Omicron variant. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Grambling State is proposing an 18-million dollar security barrier around its campus. Grambling has requested funding through the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. According to the News-Star, at least four people have been killed and 15 wounded in eight shootings on the university’s campus since 2017.

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will hear arguments in Pastor Tony Spell’s first amendment fight against criminal charges stemming from his violations of pandemic gathering limits set by Governor Edwards that were in effect last year. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt:
cut 13 (12) “…first amendment challenge.”
Spell who is a pastor in the Baton Rouge area received national attention when he allowed hundreds to show up at his church in March 2020, despite public health orders that prohibited large gatherings.

Louisiana will receive $7.25 billion in guaranteed funding from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed by the President last month. U-S Secretary Martin Walsh says the funding allocated for states is unprecedented.
Cut 7 (09) “…in decades.”
$5.8 billion will go towards roads and bridges in Louisiana and $470 million for public transportation

As the state reports more probable cases of the Omicron variant, Pfizer says the third dose of its vaccine may offer more protection to the variant as opposed to only two doses. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere….
Cut 10 (12) “…Omicron variant.”
The state health department reported 16 more cases of the omicron variant yesterday.

U-S Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says the recently approved federal infrastructure bill will mean 380-million dollars for Louisiana that will go towards airports, electric vehicle charging stations, and broadband. The pandemic highlighted the digital divide in rural areas. Walsh says it’s important to close that gap.
Cut 8 (10) “…to information.”

For the 9th straight year, Louisiana is among places listed as the Ten Worst Judicial Hellholes in the USA. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Supply chain issues continue to frustrate the country and worry people about getting those holiday gifts delivered on time. Worry not, says federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh. He says store shelves should remain stocked and packages should get there on time. He says initiatives in the President’s Drive Safe Act should help with supply and with truckers to deliver…:

CUT 14(06)      “…across the nation.”

On-the-job burnout; it’s an all too real ailment in medical terms. It even has its own billing code for treatment … and according to a 2019 study by LSU Health in New Orleans it affects more than half of all health care workers in the state. Radiologist Dr. Brad Speiler led the study and says it’s an illness that affects loads of mainstream professions too…:

CUT 08(10)      “…higher notes.”

Speiler says the COVID pandemic has only made things worse.

The state Department of Health says as many as 13 new cases of the Omicron COVID variant are detected within the state. Nine cases in the New Orleans area, two in Baton Rouge and 2 in northwestern Louisiana. That brings to total Omicron cases to 17. CDC says a Pfizer booster shot will help defend against it.

LSU Quarterback Max Johnson announces he’s entering the transfer portal after spending two seasons with the Purple and Gold. Johnson’s decision comes as a surprise, after starting 11 games this past season. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor William Weathers says Johnson’s decision means Garrett Nussmeier will likely start in the upcoming bowl game…:

CUT 03(09)      “…by a walk-on.”

LSU plays Kansas State in the Texas Bowl on January 4^th.

The state Supreme Court will hear the case of a Baton Rouge area pastor that refused to shut down church services during the COVID lockdown. Tony Spell is fighting criminal charges for violating Governor Edwards’ limits on gatherings in 2020. The case made national headlines; some painting Spell as a careless nut, and some depicting him as a hero putting faith over public policy. Spell alleges the governor’s order violate the right to assemble under the First Amendment. A hearing date has not been set.

We all know job burnout can be a serious problem, but it can be even worse among health care workers. So says a study by LSU Health’s Dr. Brad Speiler, who says burnout affects over 50-percent of health care professionals. He says burnout is considered an illness, with its own billing code…:

CUT 06(07)      “…the health care crisis.”

He says COVID has only made it worse.

Tucked inside the infrastructure bill recently signed by the President, there’s a pilot program to lower the age for interstate truckers from 21 to 18.  More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Brannen.”

Who didn’t love the good old buffet at Popeye’s? It’s the end of an era as the very last Popeye’s buffet anywhere – on Pinhook Road in Lafayette – has closed for good. Blame the COVID pandemic and the closure of Popeye’s dining room to guests. Management says – even after the pandemic – it will not return.