Today is normally one of the busiest travel days of the year,  however, AAA says the pandemic is expected to decrease travel by 29-percent.

 Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Louisiana will remain in the current Modified Phase Two until January 13^th. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________________

This time next year Amazon’s first fulfillment center in the state will be up and running in Lafayette Parish, Brooke Thorington has more on how it will impact the area.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

__________________________________________

Traditionally today is one of the busiest travel days of the year but the pandemic has changed most traditions in 2020. AAA estimated 34 million fewer Americans will travel for the holiday season as COVID cases continue to rise. AAA Spokesperson Nick Chabarria (Cha-berry-ah) says many American’s are heeding the health warnings and staying home.

Cut 4 (07) “…overall travel.”

While fewer Americans are traveling compared to last year as many as 84.5 million may still travel today through January 3^rd. Chabarria says the majority of those travelers will be making a road trip.

Cut 5 (09) “…pandemic.”

Regionally travelers in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are expected to total 9.2 million, down 27-percent from last year.

If you are traveling by car, Chabarria says gas prices are down about 20 to 30 cents compared to last year and the average price per gallon in Louisiana is $1.94

Cut 6 (09) “…head out.”

AAA says air travel is down 60-percent from last year. Cruise, bus, and train travel is down 88-percent.

_____________________

Governor Edwards extends the current Modified Phase Two restrictions for at least another three weeks citing the state’s high number of COVID hospitalizations and new case counts.

Edwards says we’re starting to see plateauing rates of reported COVID-like illness across all medical regions and declining test positivity rates, but…

Cut 7 (04)  “…quo”

For the first time in over a month, the state’s overall percent positivity rate is under 10 percent, sitting at 9.3 percent.

Edwards says we are flattening the curve but unfortunately the curve has flattened out at a dangerously high level and it’s likely we will experience a post-holiday surge…

Cut 8 (11) “…trouble”

1,647 COVID patients are in the hospital right now, the highest number since April.

So restaurants will remain capped at 50 percent capacity, indoor gatherings limited, and most bars will remain shut, but Edwards says there is light at the end of the tunnel…

Cut 9 (07) “…yet.”

Churches and schools will still be allowed to operate under Phase Three restrictions. The proclamation went into effect today.

___________________________________

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 only because they’ll be hiring 500 employees.

Cut 10 (11) “…a year.”

Construction of the fulfillment center is expected to complete by the end of 2021 and Gothreaux says hiring will begin three months prior to opening.

Cut 11 (07) “…etc.”

The fulfillment center will be located on the former Evangeline Downs site in Carencro, Gothreaux explains why that location was chosen.

Cut 12 (11) “…the south.”

Gothreaux says FastStart and the LEDA will hold job fairs in the spring and summer to hire local employees.

___________________________________________________

A major low-pressure system is moving into the state and will make for a near-freezing Christmas with a state high of about 50 degrees for the day.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says while we may be enjoying moderate temperatures right now come tomorrow the high will only be about 50…

Cut 13 (11) “…degrees.”

The low-pressure system will be out of our hair starting Saturday with temperatures returning to normal by Sunday.

Keim says those Christmas temperatures will be 10 to 12 degrees below the long-term normal for that time of year.

Cut 14 (09) “…Christmases.” 

But still nowhere near the all-time Christmas low that was experienced in 1983 where the state saw a maximum temperature of 25 degrees and a minimum of 11 degrees.

A lot of families were hoping for milder temperatures so they could gather together outside for a COVID-safer Christmas. Keim says unfortunately this isn’t great socially distancing weather.

Cut 15 (10)“…outside.”

_____________________________________

The Pelicans begin a new season tonight as they face the Raptors in Tampa which the temporary home this season for the Toronto-based franchise. New Orleans fans are excited about Zion Williamson’s second season in the NBA and Williamson is predicting it will be a good one…

Cut 16 (20) “…we’ll figure it out.”

Williamson reportedly dropped 25 pounds in the offseason as the number one pick was limited during his rookie season because of a knee injury and conditioning. Williamson says he feels more comfortable this year…

Cut 17 (17) “…ready to go.”

 ___________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech is seeking its seventh straight bowl victory when it takes on Georgia Southern in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl this afternoon. Aaron Allen will make his first start at quarterback since the season opener. Coach Skip Holtz says they are not asking Allen to be a hero…

Cut  18 (18) “…gives you.”

Tech has a 5-4 record, while Georgia Southern is 7-5. The Eagles run a triple-option offense and Holtz says it’s not easy to get ready for the running attack

Cut 19 (19) “…back side.”

Amazon selects Carencro as the site of its first fulfillment center in Louisiana, with the 500 job facility expected to open a year from now. The company’s Director of Fulfillment Mark Marzano calls it a state of the art facility.

Cut 11 (11) “..wiring.”

Amazon is investing 100 million dollars in the facility and starting wages will be 15 dollars an hour.

When COVID vaccines are more widely available to the public you might wonder who’s paying for them, especially after the pandemic has hurt so many financially. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wiggington says the federal government is paying for the vaccine itself with CARES Act funding, but there is a fee to administer the shot.

Cut 6 (09) “…to members.”

The coaching staff shakeup is underway at LSU as Bo Pelini is out as the Tigers defensive coordinator. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Tigers offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger is also on the move. He’s retired from an on field coaching position and is being reassigned within the organization.

Governor Edwards announces that the state will remain in Modified Phase 2 restrictions for the next three weeks.

Governor Edwards extended Modified Phase Two coronavirus restrictions for another three weeks. Hospitalizations and case numbers continue to remain high as we go into the Christmas holidays. Edwards encouraged residents to not gather outside their immediate household.

Big economic development news as Amazon plans on building a 100 million dollar fulfillment center in Carencro next year. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Bo Pelini is out as defensive coordinator. LSU announced last night that Pelini and the school have mutually parted ways with two years left on his contract, which puts his buyout at five-point-two million dollars. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says financial resources might be tight as Coach Ed Orgeron looks for a new defensive coordinator

Cut 4 (10 )  “.which happens”  

LSU also announced that Steve Ensminger and Bill Johnson will retire from on-field coach duties.

When COVID vaccines are more widely available to the public you might wonder who’s paying for them, especially after the pandemic has hurt so many financially. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wiggington says the federal government is paying for the vaccine itself with CARES Act funding, but there is a fee to administer the shot.

Cut 6 (09) “…to members.”

Governor Edwards announces that the state will remain in Modified Phase 2 restrictions for the next three weeks. Modified Phase two caps sporting events at twenty-percent capacity. Restaurants, gyms, casinos, and non-essential retail limited are limited to fifty percent capacity. The Governor also encouraged residents not to gather outside their immediate household for Christmas.

After a historically bad season for the LSU defense, Bo Pelini is out as defensive coordinator. The school announced last night that Pelini and LSU mutually parted ways with two years left on his contract, which puts his buyout at five-point-two million dollars. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says a change had to be made

Cut 3 (11)  “…somewhere”

There’s also a report that offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger will retire as an on-field coach and be reassigned to another position.

As COVID vaccines continue to be shipped frontline healthcare workers are the first to be vaccinated. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wiggington says the vaccines will be rolled out in phases based on one’s age and health risks and it will likely take several months before the COVID vaccines are widely available like the flu shot.

Cut 8 (08) “…and pharmacies.”

The vaccines are being paid for with federal CARES act funding but the administrative fee for the shot is not covered.

Amazon selects Carencro as the site of its first fulfillment center in Louisiana, with the 500 job facility expected to open a year from now. Governor John Bel Edwards says the location is the perfect site for a shipping hub.

Cut 10 (11) “…49.”

Amazon currently employs about 1,500 Louisianans.

Big economic development news as Amazon plans on building a 100 million dollar fulfillment center in Carencro next year. Matt Doyle has the story.
cut 2 (31) ….I’m Matt Doyle.”

The state health department reports vaccines have been administered to 22-thousand health care workers. The state plans to update that number twice a week on it’s coronavirus dashboard found on the department of health’s website. The governor is holding a COVID-19 briefing at this hour.

Bo Pelini is out after just one season as LSU’s defensive coordinator after the Tigers defense had a historically bad season. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says Pelini also left LSU after 2007, but that was after winning a national title…
cut 5 (12) “…very beginning”
There’s also a report that offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger will retire as an on-field coach and be reassigned to another position.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state last month had 90-thousand fewer jobs than the previous November. The New Orleans metro area is responsible for about half of that number. L-W-C Secretary Ava Dejoie says the city’s job losses are historic…
cut 14 (12) “…bust

Amazon has selected Carencro as the site of its first fulfillment center in Louisiana, with the 500-job facility expected to open a year from now. Governor Edwards says Amazon is investing 100 million dollars in the Lafayette Parish project.

Cut 9 (13) “..things.”

The state unemployment rate fell 1.1 percent from October to 8.3 percent in November as we continue slowly regaining jobs lost earlier in the pandemic. Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie says the unemployment rate is still just over three percent higher than it was a year ago, but we’re gaining back many of those lost jobs.

Cut 13 (11)“…services”

The coaching staff shakeup is underway at LSU as Bo Pelini is out as the Tigers defensive coordinator. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Governor is holding a briefing at 2:30 today. The state reported 37-hundred new COVID-19 cases and 51 additional fatalities from the virus. Modified Phase 2 restrictions are set to expire tomorrow. Edwards is expected to discuss the future status of current pandemic restrictions.

The state reports 3,705 new COVID-19 cases today. 51 fatalities have been added to the state death toll and hospitalizations are up with 1,647 reported. Vaccine data has been added to the LDH dashboard with just over 22 thousand administered. Governor Edwards will hold a briefing today at 2:30, the status of Modified Phase 2 restrictions which expires tomorrow is expected to be announced.

When COVID vaccines are more widely available to the public you might wonder who’s paying for them, especially after the pandemic has hurt so many financially.  Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wiggington says the federal government is paying for the vaccine itself with CARES Act funding, but there is a fee to administer the shot. He says most health insurance companies will pay the fee but if you don’t have insurance you might be charged.

Cut 7 (09) “…the vaccination.”

Vaccines should be widely available to the public next spring.

The state unemployment rate fell 1.1 percent from October to 8.3 percent in November as we continue slowly regaining jobs lost earlier in the pandemic. Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie says every single market except Hammond gained jobs month-to-month…

Cut 12 (08) “…pandemic.” 

Month-to-month the state is up 18,500 jobs from October.

Bo Pelini is out as defensive coordinator. LSU announced last night that Pelini and the school have mutually parted ways with two years left on his contract, which puts his buyout at five-point-two million dollars. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says financial resources might be tight as Coach Ed Orgeron looks for a new defensive coordinator

Cut 4 (10 )  “.which happens”  

The athletic department has already laid off employees and reduced salaries due to the pandemic.

When COVID vaccines are more widely available to the public you might wonder who’s paying for them, especially after the pandemic has hurt so many financially.  Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wiggington says the federal government is paying for the vaccine itself but there is a fee to administer the shot.

Cut 6 (09) “…to members.”

He says If you do not have insurance you will most likely have to pay the administrative fee.

Included in the $900 billion Pandemic Relief bill are provisions to assist the struggling restaurant industry.  Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says the bill gives a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program for restaurants that include loan forgiveness and 24-weeks to spend the capital.

Cut 13 (10) “…to borrow.”

A Legislative Auditor’s report raises concerns that lab delays in reporting COVID test results are hampering the state’s contact tracing program. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a briefing this afternoon at 2:30. He’s expected to announce the status of Modified Phase 2 Restrictions, which expires tomorrow. Yesterday the state reported 65 new fatalities, the highest daily total since July. New numbers will be released at noon.

UK authorities have put southeast England in a hard quarantine after discovering a new, more infectious strain of coronavirus spreading through the population. LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Professor Dr. Fred Lopez says with the vaccine rollout underway it’s vital those in the area be tested rigorously…

Cut 7 (07)  “…strain.”

Other concerns include fears that current diagnostic tests and antibody treatments may not be as effective against this new strain.

A Legislative Auditor’s report raises concerns that COVID test results are not getting reported to the Department of Health fast enough for effective contact tracing. Data Analytics Manager Chris Magee says a recommendation from the report is that LDH to better identify who the slow reporting labs are…

Cut 12 (09) “…reporting.”

LDH says they already have such measures in place.

After a historically bad season for the LSU defense, Bo Pelini is out as defensive coordinator. The school announced last night that Pelini and LSU mutually parted ways with two years left on his contract, which puts his buyout at five-point-two million dollars. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says a change had to be made

Cut 3 (11)  “…somewhere”

LSU says Pelini has accepted a one-time payment, but an exact amount was not given.

Included in the $900 billion Pandemic Relief bill are provisions to assist the struggling restaurant industry.  Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says this bill offers enhanced access to PPP for companies with less than 300 employees which focuses relief on smaller eating establishments on the verge of bankruptcy.

Cut 15 (08)“…important.”

Harris says the pandemic has forced 1 in 6 restaurants to close their doors.

Governor John Bel Edwards will provide a COVID-19 update today and with the current modified Phase 2 order set to expire Wednesday, the governor is expected to announce what restrictions will be in place for the next month. With the state still reporting a significant number of cases, Edwards has said he does not expect a loosening of restrictions.

A new, more infectious strain of coronavirus is spreading in England. Matt Doyle spoke with an LSU Health New Orleans professor about the concerning news…
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A Legislative Auditor’s report raises concerns that COVID test results are not getting reported to the state Health Department fast enough for effective contact tracing. Data Analytics Manager Chris Magee says laboratories are not reporting all results to LDH within the legally mandated 24 hour time period…
Cut 10 (09) “…plus.”
The report did discover that the COVID numbers on the LDH dashboard are accurate and not being over-reported.

From 10 AM until noon at the Lake Charles Civic Center, the Second Harvest Foodbank will hand out holiday meals. Second Harvest Food Bank spokesperson Natasha Curley says Calcasieu and Cameron Parish families have been through a lot and they can use this food…
cut 6 (10) “…very devasting”
Curley thanks Chevron for providing 50-thousand dollars to make today’s food distribution a reality.