5^th Congressional District Congressman-elect Luke Letlow is now in the ICU battling COVID-19. Earlier this week the former chief of staff for outgoing Congressman Ralph Abraham announced he had tested positive and was in the hospital. Letlow is reportedly in stable condition at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport and receiving remdesivir and steroids.

President Trump’s surprise 180 on the COVID Relief Bill last night perplexes Congressman Garret Graves. 

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

Baton Rouge Judge William Morvant has been ordered by the state Supreme Court to rehear a case involving a State House petition that claims to have the legal authority to override the Governor’s COVID public health restrictions. On November 12^th Morvant ruled a petition signed by a majority of House members was unconstitutional. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says the petition process was signed into law in the early 2000s…

Cut 7 (12) “..right now.”

The Senate rejected calls to circulate a similar petition.

A four-year-old was killed in a New Iberia house fire after panicking and running away as the family escaped the house. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says in situations like a house fire it is common for children to get scared so teach them a plan…

Cut 14 (09) “..see” 

Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow has been transferred to the intensive care unit at Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport to continue treatment for COVID-19. Letlow was being treated at a hospital in Monroe. A spokesperson for Letlow says the 40-year-old is in stable condition. Letlow was elected in a December runoff to fill his former boss Ralph Abraham’s seat.

President Trump’s threat to not sign the $900 Billion Bipartisan COVID Relief Bill took Republican Congressman Garret Graves by surprise. Graves says this bill is long overdue and that Republicans asked for the same things that are in this bill back in July, but it was stonewalled then by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Cut 5  (12) “…as possible.” 

If the President fails to sign the legislation by Monday government funding would lapse at midnight.

A four-year-old was killed in a New Iberia house fire early Monday morning. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the cause of the fire is still under investigation but so far they’ve got two theories as to what caused the tragedy.

Cut 12 (11) “…contributed” 

Rodrigue says no smoke alarms were found on the premises.

Former Auburn Coach Terry Bowden will be the next head football coach at U-L-M. Bowden coached at Auburn from 1993 to 1998, winning 47 games in six seasons. He’s the son of legendary Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden. Monroe News-Star sports reporter Adam Hunsucker says the Bowden name brings attention to the Warhawk football program

Cut 10 (09) “…right now”

Bowden takes over a program that went 0-10 in 2020.

President Trump’s threat to not sign the $900 Billion Bipartisan COVID Relief Bill took Republican Congressman Garret Graves, he says Trump’s about-face in last night’s taped speech regarding the Relief Bill is surprising because it is very well documented that his objections were requests his administration wanted in the bill.

Cut 4 (11)  “… asked for”  

The Louisiana Supreme Court orders Judge William Morvant to rehear a case involving a State House petition seeking to override the Governor’s public health emergency declaration. A new trial date has not been set but House Speaker Clay Shexnayder expects it will be soon

Cut 8 (09) “…with this.”

Morvant ruled it unconstitutional because both chambers did not sign the petition.

Former Auburn Coach Terry Bowden is the new head football at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The state reports 2,976 new COVID-19 cases today and 68 fatalities.

The Louisiana Supreme Court orders a Baton Rouge judge to rehear a case involving a State House petition that seeks to override the Governor’s public health emergency declaration. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says he’s glad Judge William Morvant will hear the case again…

Cut 6 (07) “…legislation”

On November 12^th Morvant ruled a petition signed by a majority of House members was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court says the ruling was premature.

President Trump threatens to veto a spending bill containing COVID relief, saying the stimulus checks aren’t big enough and there’s too much foreign aid spending in it. Congressman Garret Graves was surprised…

Cut 3 (13)  “…his request.”

Trump called the 600 dollar stimulus checks disgraceful and called for 2,000 dollars instead.

Former Auburn Coach Terry Bowden will reportedly become the next head football coach at U-L-M. Bowden coached at Auburn from 1993 to 1998, winning 47 games in six seasons. . Monroe News-Star sports reporter Adam Hunsucker says it’s a surprise to see the Warhawks hire a 64-year-old coach…

Cut 9 (12) “..weekend came.”

Bowden also had a successful three-year stint at North Alabama. His last head coaching job was at Akron where he went 32-and-52 in seven seasons.

If you plan on holding an outdoor Christmas celebration, be prepared for temperatures 10 to 12 degrees below normal…

cut 14 (09) “….Christmases”

State Climatologist Barry Keim says highs will be in the 50s on Christmas Day as a strong cold strong front moves through today.

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended the state’s Phase Two coronavirus restrictions, which includes the statewide mask mandate, to January 13th. Edwards says hospitalizations have exceeded the level reached during the second surge in July. He says it’s clear we still have a lot of work to do, but there is light at the end of the tunnel…
cut 9 (07) “….here yet”
The state health department reported yesterday that 22-thousand health care workers have been vaccinated.

The first Amazon fulfillment center in Louisiana will be in Lafayette Parish, the online giant will construct the center in Carencro. Gregg Gothreaux, CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority says it’s a big boost for the area and not just because they will hire 500 employees.
Cut 10 (11) “…a year.”
Construction of the fulfillment center is expected to be completed by the end of 2021 and Gothreaux says hiring will begin three months prior to opening.

AAA says the pandemic has reduced holiday travel by 29-percent. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Jefferson Parish Coroner says a 69-year-old passenger on a United Airlines flight bound for California has died of COVID-19. 69-year-old Isaias Hernandez of Los Angeles was experiencing respiratory issues when his flight from Orlando was diverted to New Orleans because he needed medical attention. During efforts to save Hernandez’s life his wife said he was experiencing COVID-like symptoms.

Louisiana will remain in the current Modified Phase Two for coronavirus restrictions until January 13th. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Multiple reports say former Auburn coach Terry Bowden will be announced today as the new head football coach for the U-L-M Warhawks. The 64-year-old was the head coach at Auburn from 1993-98. His last head coaching experience was at Akron from 2012 to 2018 and he has an overall record of 175-114 and 2.

There’s the potential for severe weather across south Louisiana this afternoon and into tonight as a strong cold front approaches the state, which will bring us some cold temperatures for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll see below-freezing lows on Christmas morning…
cut 13 (11) “..degrees”

You can call it a Christmas Gift for Acadiana’s economy as Amazon announces plans to build a 100-million dollar fulfillment center in the Lafayette Parish city of Carencro. The online retailer plans to hire 500 workers and Lafayette Economic Development Authority CEO Gregg Gothreaux says hiring will begin three months prior to opening…
cut 11 (07) “…etc”
Construction of the fulfillment center is expected to completed by the end of 2021.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the current coronavirus restrictions will remain in place through at least January 13th. That means, restaurants, gyms, salons, casinos and malls must limit their maximum occupancy to 50-percent, churches are restricted to 75-percent occupancy. Edwards is concerned the number of COVID patients in the hospital is at its highest number since April…
cut 8 (11) “…trouble’

Speaking of traveling, AAA is anticipating at least 34 million fewer Americans will travel this holiday season, a decline in travel of at least 29-percent. Spokesperson Nick Chabarria says they still expect as many as 84- million Americans will travel during the holidays and a vast majority will do so by car…
cut 5 (09) “…pandemic”
Chabarria says airline travel is down nearly 60-percent from last year.

500 new jobs are coming to Acadiana as Amazon has announced plans to build a fulfillment center in the Lafayette Parish city of Carencro. Lafayette Economic Development Authority CEO Gregg Gothreaux says the one-point-one million square foot facility will be located on the former Evangeline Downs site near I-10 and I-49…
cut 12 (11) “…the south”

There’s a slight risk for severe weather in south Louisiana today as a strong cold front approaches. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this front will bring us colder temperatures for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day…
cut 15 (10) “…outside”
But the first concern is the potential for severe weather today. Strong storms are expected this afternoon and into tonight in south Louisiana. There’s a marginal risk for central Louisiana.

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended the current Modified Phase Two restrictions for at least another three weeks citing the state’s high number of COVID hospitalizations, which have exceeded the level reached during the second surge in July. Edwards says the state is seeing a plateau of reported COVID-like illness and declining test positivity rates, but…
Cut 7 (04) “…quo”
So that means the statewide mask mandate stays in effect through January 13th. Restaurants, retail businesses and gyms will also remain limited to 50-percent indoor capacity and most bars will stay closed.

If you plan on holding an outdoor Christmas celebration, be prepared for temperatures 10 to 12 degrees below normal…
cut 14 (09) “….Christmases”
State Climatologist Barry Keim says highs will be in the 50s on Christmas Day as a strong cold strong front moves through today. There’s a slight chance for severe weather in south Louisiana this afternoon into tonight.

This time next year Amazon’s first fulfillment center in the state will be up and running in Lafayette Parish, Brooke Thorington on how it will impact Acadiana…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Jefferson Parish Coroner says an airplane passenger’s cause of death was respiratory failure due to COVID-19. 69-year-old Isaias Hernandez of Los Angeles was on a flight from Orlando to L-A on December 14th when the flight was diverted to New Orleans because Hernandez needed medical attention. An emergency medical technician who gave C-P-R to Hernandez has also tested positive.

Procrastinators might be able to find that last-minute Christmas gift on sale this year, Brooke Thorington explains.

 Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

We started this work week with three straight days of over 50 COVID death. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter warns that may not be letting up in the near future…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Despite being unable to hold tonight’s annual bonfires on the levee due to COVID restrictions, the Louisiana River Parishes Tourist Commission enlisted a 50-foot bonfire alligator in hopes it will become a tourist attraction. Executive Director Buddy Boe says the gator goes by the name of Saint.

Cut 3 (10)  “…our history.”  

Saint is a smaller version of the 78-foot alligator bonfire that was constructed last year and made headlines. Boe says Saint is a reminder of the bonfire custom that was extinguished this year due to high positivity rates of COVID.

Cut 4 (09) “…right now.”

The bonfires are constructed by locals and lit on Christmas Eve to guide Papa Noel, also known as Santa to children’s homes along the river. Boe says Saint the alligator will serve as a landmark this year to guide Saint Nick.

Cut 5 (08) “…pandemic.”

Saint is located near the visitor’s center in LaPlace and Boe encourages tourists to visit and take photos with the alligator.

https://lariverparishes.com/bonfirecountry/

__________________________________________

This year’s last-minute Christmas Eve shopping could be easier on your wallet than in the past. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says procrastinators might actually find bargains today because foot traffic was down as much as 90 percent for some stores.

Cut 6 (08) “…still.”

This year more retailers began Black Friday deals before and after the day after Thanksgiving to entice shoppers and in hopes of making up for lost sales earlier in the pandemic. Rice says overall this holiday season sales are up and down. He says online sales were thru the roof this year, as for stores….

Cut 7 (12)  “…have that.”

The types of items in demand changed from in years past, Rice says athletic stores, bicycle shops, and home improvement stores are doing well. Other holiday staples however are not.

Cut 8 (10) “…from home.”

Rice says for many small retailers holiday sales will decide their fate after a rough year adapting to the pandemic.

_____________________

Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter warns the data shows we are most likely in the middle of the most dangerous part of the pandemic, even as vaccines have trickled into the state.

The Department of Health reported 68 new COVID fatalities yesterday, three days in a row that we’ve had over 50 COVID deaths reported in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (07) “…before.”

Our total number of deaths as of this morning is 7,226

Kanter is asking people who’ve still made Christmas plans outside their household to cancel them. He says any large gathering statistically will have one infectious person…

Cut 10 (07) “…accurate.”

Every parish is still in the red for COVID test positivity rates.

But Kanter says we won’t be in this mess for too much longer. He says over ten thousand people have been confirmed vaccinated, with the real number likely a good bit higher.

Cut 11 (09) “…want to be.”

_____________________________________

64-year-old Terry Bowden is the new football coach at ULM. The former Auburn coach has a big task in front of him as he takes over a program that failed to win a game in 2020 at a school that has the smallest athletic budget among FBS schools. But Bowden says he’s ready for the challenge…

Cut 12 (14) “…grinder.”

Bowden has a history of building winning programs. He coached at Auburn from 1993 to 1998 and won 45 games. His last head coaching was at Akron from 2012 and 2018. He says when took over the Zips football program it was in bad shape..

Cut 13 (12) “…another bowl.”

The 2020 season was a disaster for the Warhawks who saw numerous players leave and their season kept getting interrupted by COVID cases. Several players have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and Bowden says his task is to re-recruit the players on the current roster…

Cut 14 (14) “…they get.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended the state’s Phase Two coronavirus restrictions, which includes the statewide mask mandate, to January 13th. Edwards says hospitalizations have exceeded the level reached during the second surge in July. He says it’s clear we still have a lot of work to do, but there is light at the end of the tunnel…
cut 9 (07) “….here yet”
The state health department reported yesterday that 22-thousand health care workers have been vaccinated.

Traditionally today is one of the busiest travel days of the year but Triple-A estimates 34 million fewer Americans arel traveling this holiday season. Spokesperson Nick Chabarria (Cha-berry-ah) says many people are heeding the health warnings and staying home.
Cut 4 (07) “…overall travel.”
Chaberria says air travel is down 60-percent from last year.

The first Amazon fulfillment center in Louisiana will be in Lafayette Parish, the online giant will construct the center in Carencro. Gregg Gothreaux, CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority says it’s a big boost for the area and not just because they will hire 500 employees.
Cut 10 (11) “…a year.”
Construction of the fulfillment center is expected to be completed by the end of 2021 and Gothreaux says hiring will begin three months prior to opening.

LSU’s coaching staff will look much different in 2021 as offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and defensive line coach Bill Johnson are retiring as on-field coaches and will remain with the program as analysts.