The state recorded its lowest number of hospitalizations Friday since spring of 2020 with 226. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Today is the last day for early voting for the November 13^th election. On the ballot are several municipal elections but also four statewide constitutional amendments. For a sample ballot and a list of voting locations use your Geaux Vote app on your smartphone. In areas severely impacted by Ida, several polling locations have been changed.

The winner of last Saturday’s one-point-three million-dollar Louisiana Lotto drawing is from Laura-devastated southwest Louisiana. Lottery spokesman Dennis Annison says the lucky ticketholder came forward Monday.

Cut 13 (08) “…thousand after taxes.”

No word on what he plans to do with his winnings.

And Trevor Siemian also hit the jackpot he’s now the starting QB for tomorrow’s Saints game against the Falcons. Kickoff is at noon and even Siemian’s mother will reportedly be in the stands at the Caesars Superdome cheering on her son, who led the Saints to victory last weekend against the defending champs Tampa Bay after Jameis Winston injured his knee. He’ll reportedly be out for the remainder of the season. And be sure to watch the game on time tomorrow don’t forget to set your clock back one hour tonight.

Drug maker Pfizer says their experimental antiviral pill for COVID cuts the rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90-percent in high-risk adults. Dr. Julio Figueroa, Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans says being able to treat COVID patients outside of the hospital with the convenience of a pill versus the current option would be a huge advance in treatment.

Cut 5 (07) “…those patients.”

Brandon Trosclair, who employs nearly 500 people at 15 grocery stores he owns in Louisiana and Mississippi, is among those suing strike down the Biden vaccine mandate on private-sector employees. Trosclair says it could cause him to lose employees.

Cut 9 (10) “…gonna get worse.”

The state marked another critical COVID milestone Friday, the lowest number of hospitalizations since spring of 2020. On Thursday the lowest was 235 and on Friday it was 226. Chief of Hospital Medicine at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, Dr. Mike Sewell says he believes an increase in vaccinations is largely responsible.

Cut 10 (10)  “…contributed.”

Today is the last day for early for the November 13^th election. For locations and a sample ballot, visit the secretary of state’s website or use your Geaux Vote app on your smartphone. There are some municipal elections in areas of the state but there are also four constitutional amendments on the statewide ballots.

And don’t’ forget Daylight Saving before you go to bed tonight. Set our clock back one hour.

Drugmaker Pfizer says their experimental antiviral pill for COVID cuts the rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90-percent in high-risk adults. Dr. Julio Figueroa, Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans says if the data holds true the drug is noteworthy. Figueroa says being able to treat COVID patients outside of the hospital with the convenience of a pill versus the current option is a huge advance in treatment.

Cut 5 (07) “…those patients.”

Brandon Trosclair, who employs nearly 500 people at 15 grocery stores he owns in Louisiana and Mississippi, is among those suing in federal court to strike down the Biden vaccine mandate on private-sector employees. Trosclair says the vaccine mandate goes beyond the federal government intervening in the health choices of his workers and potentially losing employees because of the mandate.

Cut 9 (10) “…gonna get worse.”

The Biden Administration says the mandatory vaccine requirement for many businesses and federal contractors will result in more people getting vaccinated, which will help end the pandemic.

The state marked another critical COVID milestone today, the lowest number of hospitalizations since spring of 2020. On Thursday the lowest was 235 and today it’s 226. Chief of Hospital Medicine at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, Dr. Mike Sewell says he believes an increase in vaccinations is largely responsible.

Cut 10 (10)  “…contributed.”

The winner of last Saturday’s one-point-three million-dollar Louisiana Lotto drawing is from Laura-devastated southwest Louisiana. So says lottery spokesman Dennis Annison who says the lucky ticketholder came forward Monday.

Cut 13 (08) “…thousand after taxes.”

No word on what the winner plans to do with his new riches.

The state recorded its lowest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations Friday since spring of 2020; and that under is 226. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “….Palermo.”

Detectives in Bossier Parish have added over 100 new child pornography charges to a local man, after an exam of his computer yielded loads of images and videos. Beau Helms was first arrested October 21^st for 5 counts of possessing images of child sexual abuse. His bond is set at over a million dollars.

State Attorney General Jeff Landry is among a number of Republican AG’s suing to block President Biden’s mandate that private companies must order their workers to get COVID shots or weekly test, or face termination. The Executive Order also applies to federal contractor, of which Louisiana has many. Mr. Landry…:

CUT 06(08)      “…vastly overreaching”

Biden wants businesses with 100 or more employees to order the shots. A group of private businesses are also suing to block the order.

A $1.3-million Louisiana Lotto jackpot was won last Saturday, by a man in storm-ravaged Lake Charles. Lottery spokesman Dennis Annison says Terrell Joseph Sr. is a richer man now, as is the More 4 Less convenience store, who gets over 13-k for selling the ticket…:

CUT 15(08)      “…operating the store.”

Drug manufacturer Pfizer is seeking FDA approval for a new antiviral COVID pill that they say can cut hospitalizations and deaths by up to 90-percent. Dr. Julio Figueroa, with LSU Health in New Orleans, says high-risk patients will need to get on the Pfizer pill very soon after being diagnosed with coronavirus for maximum benefit…:

CUT 04(10)      “…would fit.”

The state Department of Health’s daily COVID numbers reflect the lowest number of persons in the hospital with the virus in well over a year. As of this morning, 226 patients are under hospital care. That number hasn’t been that low since the spring of 2020. Dr. Mike Sewell, with LSU Health – Shreveport, says the high numbers of COVID patients have made it a bit tough to take care of everyone else…:

CUT 11(10)      “…COVID patients.”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is leading a multi-state lawsuit to block President Biden’s order for coronavirus vaccinations in the private sector. Landry says about 60-percent of the state’s budget is tied to federal money; making for one big string attached to be pulled by the White House. He says he feels Mr. Biden forgot we are a republic; not a monarchy…:

CUT 07(07)      “…not his to make.”

Brian Trosclair is a businessman who runs 15 grocery stores in Louisiana and Mississippi, and employs about 500. He says many of them could face termination if they don’t get the shots, and feels it’s ironic that just a year ago they were being hailed as heroes…:

CUT 08(08)      “…for their families.”

Both Landry and Trosclair feel the White House order (which takes effect January 4^th) is a severe overreach.

Federal lawsuits fly, as President Biden moves forward with mandating COVID vaccine shots for millions of American workers. Dave Brannen has more…:

CUT 01  (35)        “…Brannen.”

Meanwhile the state Department of Health reports 538 new cases of coronavirus today with 226 patients in hospitals; the lowest reported number since spring of 2020. Since the start of the pandemic, over 14-thousand Louisianans have died from COVID.

Drug maker Pfizer says their experimental antiviral pill for COVID cuts the rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90-percent in high-risk adults. Dr. Julio Figueroa, Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans says if the data holds true the drug is noteworthy…:

CUT 03(12)      “…significant. Very significant.”

Pfizer wants the FDA to authorize the new drug ASAP. Merck has a COVID pill that’s been OK’ed in Britain, but not yet in the U.S.

A Lake Charles man wins $1.3-million in last Saturday’s Louisiana Lotto drawing. Lottery spokesman Dennis Annison says Terrell Joseph Sr. claimed the pot early this week. Annison says the store that sold the ticket won its largest commission ever for selling the winning ticket…:

CUT 14(10)      “…the jackpot prize.”

No word on what Mr. Joseph plans to do with all that money.

Brian Trosclair, who employs nearly 500 people at 15 grocery stores he owns in Louisiana and Mississippi, is among those suing in federal court to strike down the Biden vaccine mandate on private-sector employees. He says the vaccine mandate goes beyond the federal government intervening in the health choices of his workers and potentially losing employees because of the mandate.

Cut 9 (10) “…gonna get worse.”

The state marked another critical COVID milestone today, the lowest number of hospitalizations since spring of 2020.. Chief of Hospital Medicine at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, Dr. Mike Sewell says he believes an increase in vaccinations is largely responsible.

Cut 10 (10)  “…continued”

Covid hospitalizations dropped to 226 today, or nine lower than yesterday.

Drugmaker Pfizer says their experimental antiviral pill for COVID cuts the rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90-percent in high-risk adults. Dr. Julio Figueroa, Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, says being able to treat COVID patients outside of the hospital with the convenience of a pill versus current the option is a huge advance in treatment.

Cut 5 (07) “…those patients.”

The winner of last Saturday’s one-point-three million-dollar Louisiana Lotto drawing is from Laura-devastated southwest Louisiana. So says lottery spokesman Dennis Annison who says the lucky ticketholder came forward Monday.

Cut 13 (08) “…thousand after taxes.”

No word on what the winner plans to do with his winnings.

Brian Trosclair, who employs nearly 500 people at 15 grocery stores he owns in Louisiana and Mississippi, is among those suing in federal court to strike down the Biden vaccine mandate on private-sector employees. He notes those workers were hailed as heroes during the height of the pandemic.
Cut 8 (08) “…for their families.”
Trosclair says the vaccine mandate goes beyond the federal government intervening in the health choices of his workers.

There could soon be another medical treatment in the fight against COVID. Pfizer says its experimental antiviral pill for COVID cuts the rates of hospitalizations and deaths by nearly 90-percent. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans. Doctor Julio Figueroa says for the Pfizer pill to be effective, high-risk adults need to take the medication early in their COVID diagnosis.
Cut 4 (10) “…would fit.”
Pfizer plans to ask FDA for emergency use approval.

The Shreveport Police Department is expected to release more information in the triple-homicide that occurred at a home in the Cedar Grove neighborhood. The suspect, 36-year-old Barry Rigsby, was fatally shot in a shoot-out with police yesterday afternoon in Franklin Parish. Franklin Sheriff Kevin Cobb says they are to determine why Rigsby fled to an apartment complex in Wisner after killing three people, including a 12-year-old.
Cut 15 (12) “…that are needed.”
Investigators say the shooting in Shreveport was the result of a domestic dispute.

Witness testimony has concluded in the case against former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain, who is facing aggravated rape and incest charges. There were nine days of testimony and five accusers told jurors that Strain sexually assaulted them. Strain has said he’s innocent of the charges, but did not take the stand. Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is leading a multi-state lawsuit to derail President Biden’s executive vaccine mandate order for federal contractors. Landry pulls no punches in his opposition to the requirement.

Cut 6 (08) “…but vastly overreaching.” 

Landry says the mandate will directly impact Louisiana, noting that about 60 percent of the state’s budget is federal money, and also impacts local governments and institutions of higher learning.

Biden’s order takes effect January 4^th and also mandates private companies with 100 or more employees be vaccinated or weekly COVID tests. Non-compliance would mean federal fines via OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the defense will have a credible argument.

Cut 8 (10) “…rules in this area.”

Drugmaker Pfizer says their experimental antiviral pill for COVID cuts the rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90-percent in high-risk adults. Dr. Julio Figueroa, Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans says if the data holds true the drug is noteworthy.

Cut 3 (12) “….significant, very significant.”

Pfizer will reportedly be asking the FDA to authorize use of the pill asap.

Restaurant owners in Louisiana are calling on Senator John Kennedy to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund that closed more than 100 days ago. Kennedy supported the grant program last year but so far isn’t on board this year. New Orleans Restaurant Owner Neal Bodenheimer says close to three-thousand Louisiana establishments that applied were not funded.

Cut 4 (12) “…three weren’t. “ (x2)

The man sought for a domestic triple-homicide in Shreveport is dead after fleeing east to Franklin Parish where police caught up with him at an apartment complex yesterday. Franklin Sheriff Kevin Cobb says Barry Rigsby died in a shootout with police in Wisner.
Cut 13 (08) “…this point deceased.”
KTBS-TV in Shreveport is reporting Rigsby killed his wife and her child and brother, who were 12 and 18-years-old.

Early voting for the November 13th election will conclude tomorrow at 6 PM. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the greatest turnout is expected in New Orleans, where Mayor LaToya Cantrell is up for re-election…
cut 11 (09) “..activity going on”
Every ballot in the state contains four constitutional amendments.

Restaurant owners are asking Senator John Kennedy to refill the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because many restaurants failed to get assistance…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana, Mississippi, and Indiana have joined together to file a lawsuit against President Joe Biden’s federal vaccine mandate that calls on companies with more than 100 employees to require their workers to be vaccinated. Louisiana A-G Jeff Landry says medical decisions should be made between patients and doctors, not the government.