The first round of Pfizer COVID vaccinations continues and Governor Edwards says the state will receive 39-thousand Pfizer vaccines this week and another 40-thousand next week. He says the Moderna coronavirus vaccine which is up for F-D-A approval this week, will be available for Louisiana nursing home residents starting on December 28th…

Cut 8 (10) “…these vaccines.”

The number of COVID patients hospitalized increased by 70 today.

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates”. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson has a few tips for making sure your Christmas packages don’t get stolen this year.

Cut 4 (11)   “..alerts”  

Senator Bill Cassidy says lawmakers either pass a 748 billion dollar bipartisan COVID relief bill or nothing will get done before Congress’ Christmas break. Cassidy worked on this legislation with a few of the more centrist Democrat and Republican Senators and House members. He says with split chambers this is American’s only hope for relief…

Cut 9 (10) “.in town.”

The legislation does not include another stimulus check, but does include 300 billion dollars in new PPP funding. That’s got the National Federation of Independent Businesses excited and State Director Dawn Starns says it’s crucial that money make it to struggling small businesses ASAP.

Cut 12 (08) “…relief done.” 

NFIB performed 14 surveys and consistently one in four respondents say if the economy doesn’t improve soon, they will have to close their doors. 

The state health department reported 26-hundred COVID-19 cases today.  Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s been a surge in COVID patients as well following Halloween and Thanksgiving and it’s important to avoid another surge after Christmas. He says the best way to preserve capacity is by following the mitigation measures…

Cut 7 (12) “…patients”

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson says if your package gets stolen contact your local authorities but just know it is a difficult crime to solve. She says your best bet in solving that crime is…

Cut 3 (08)  “..camera.”

Or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up once you receive a delivery notice.

Senator Bill Cassidy says lawmakers either pass a 748-billion-dollar bipartisan COVID relief bill or nothing will get done before Congress’ Christmas break. Cassidy worked on this legislation with a few of the more centrist Democrat and Republican Senators and House members. Cassidy highlighted the two biggest pieces of the bill…

Cut 10 (10) “…businesses.”

And relief from the bipartisan bill can’t come soon enough for small businesses…

An NFIB survey says one in four small businesses fear they will have to close their doors. State director Dawn Starns also says the survey shows 56-percent of small business owners plan to be vaccinated for COVID.

Cut 14 (08) “…to do” 

Also Starns says 36-percent of business owners say they will encourage their employees to be vaccinated but not require it.

As the state waits on more vaccines to come into Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards expresses concern that hospitals are getting stretched to their limit…

Cut 1 (28) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser slams New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell for her reported part in the decision by ABC to move their New Year’s Eve special out of Louisiana. The decision reportedly came after Cantrell voiced opposition to the inclusion of Lafayette native Lauren Daigle who had led an illegal concert in the city earlier in summer.

A 748 billion dollar COVID relief bill assembled by a bipartisan coalition of Congressmen is gaining momentum for potential passage. Senator Bill Cassidy worked on this legislation with a few of the more centrist Democrat and Republican Senators and House members and says the actual price tag is appealing…

Cut 11 (09) “…here”

A separate 160 billion dollar companion bill was also introduced that would include funding for state and local governments suffering from lost revenue. 

That bill includes 300 billion dollars in new PPP money, and National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn Starns says struggling local businesses need that money ASAP, but the feds need to make it easier for the loan to be forgiven this time around…

Cut 13 (11)“…hoped.”

The state health department reported 50 more COVID-19 deaths today bringing the death toll to 6,895. The number of COVID patients hospitalized increased by 70 and there are nearly 16-hundred COVID patients in the hospital. Governor John Bel Edwards says he was on a call with CEOs of the state’s largest hospitals this week

Cut 6 (07) “…so forth”

Edwards says there’s been a surge in COVID patients following Halloween and Thanksgiving and it’s important to avoid another surge following Christmas.

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson says the best way to guarantee your package makes it safely under the Christmas Tree is for you to handle it yourself.

Cut 5  (10) “..possession” 

She also recommends a doorbell cam to deter thieves.

Senator Bill Cassidy says lawmakers either pass a 748-billion-dollar bipartisan COVID relief bill or nothing will get done before Congress’ Christmas break. Cassidy worked on this legislation with a few of the more centrist Democrat and Republican Senators and House members. He says with split chambers this is American’s only hope for relief…

Cut 9 (10) “.in town.”

Small businesses in Louisiana continue to struggle with the pandemic. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says they’ve performed 14 surveys and consistently one in four respondents say if the economy doesn’t improve soon, they will have to close their doors. Starns says it is imperative they receive relief as soon as possible.

Cut 12 (08) “…relief done.” 

Starns says many businesses are seeking PPP loan forgiveness.

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson has a few tips for avoiding that potential heartbreak…

Cut 4 (11)   “..alerts”  

Aaron Bowman and his attorneys held a press conference at the state Capitol steps demanding justice and transparency after state trooper Jacob Brown was arrested last week for excessive force during Bowman’s traffic stop in May of 2019. Donecia Banks-Miley says they want evidence of Bowman’s beating released and demand that other officers who also participated and witnessed the brutality be held accountable.

Cut 6 (12) “…did nothing.”

Imagine being able to perform a COVID self-test at home and finding out the results within minutes. Researchers at Tulane University have created just that, a test that uses your own smartphone to give you results. Dr. Tony Hu, Chair of Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane says the saliva-based test has a 97-percent accuracy rate and the cost will be minimal.

Cut 14 (07) “…everyone has.” 

Pending FDA approval, they hope the test will be available in three to six months.

The state reports 26 hundred COVID-19 cases today and 50 new hospitalizations for a total of 1,597. The state also reports 50 new fatalities from the virus

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson says if your package gets stolen contact your local authorities but just know it is a difficult crime to solve. She says your best bet in solving that crime is…

Cut 3 (08)  “..camera.”

She also recommends having a trusted neighbor pick up your packages once you get a delivery alert that they have arrived.

Imagine being able to perform a COVID self-test at home and finding out the results within minutes. Researchers at Tulane University have created just that, a test that uses your own smartphone to give you results. Dr. Tony Hu, Chair of Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane says the saliva-based test has a 97-percent accuracy rate.

Cut 13 (08) “…or negative.”

Pending FDA they expect the self-test to be on the market in 3 to 6 months.

A 748-billion-dollar COVID relief bill has taken shape in D.C. after extensive negotiations involving a bipartisan group of more moderate Senators and House members. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

A top official in Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office, Pat Magee, director of the criminal division, is on administrative leave pending an investigation. An AG’s office spokesperson would only say Magee is on leave for a potential violation of office policy after complaints were filed against him.

A fully realized bipartisan COVID relief bill has finally materialized, a 748 billion dollar piece of legislation with a 160 billion dollar additional option that includes funding for state and local governments. Senator Bill Cassidy says the 160 billion dollar option will largely hinge on whether an agreement can be made over a potential liability shield that would protect businesses from COVID-related lawsuits.

Cut 8 (05) “…liability.”

Researchers at Tulane have created a COVID self-test that gives you results in minutes and uses your smartphone. Dr. Tony Hu, Chair of Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane says the chip which is included in the testing kit can be used multiple times and, in the future, they hope to expand the testing platform so you can self-test for other common illnesses.

Cut 15 (09)“…the flu.”

They hope the test will be available in three to six months pending FDA approval.

Aaron Bowman and his attorneys gathered on the state Capitol steps to demand justice and transparency after state trooper Jacob Brown was arrested last week for excessive force during Bowman’s arrest in May of 2019. Baton Rouge Attorney Ronald Haley says Bowman, a black man, was beaten in the head with a police-grade flashlight outside of his Monroe home.

Cut 4 (11) “…spectators.”
Brown was arrested last week for battery and malfeasance in office.

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge hopes to begin recruiting in February or March for a study to look at why exercise benefits some people more than others. Director of Biomedical Imaging Doctor Owen Carmichael says they’re looking for participants from all age groups with folks of varying levels of physical fitness…
cut 12 (09) “…things”
The research is the result of a grant from the National Institute of Health.

The man who has filed a lawsuit against State Police alleging a Trooper beat him with a Flashlight spoke publicly for the first time yesterday about the incident that occurred outside of his Monroe home in May of 2019. Aaron Bowman says he feared for his life…
cut 5 (09) “…flashlight”
Trooper Jacob Brown was arrested last week, but Bowman’s attorneys are asking for the body cam video to be released.

Senator Bill Cassidy says a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers have reached an agreement on COVID relief legislation. One of the bills would boost federal unemployment benefits and Cassidy says there’s also a 160-billion dollar bill that would provide state and local governments with financial aid…
cut 9 (08) “…funding”
It remains to be seen if there’s enough support to pass both bills.

Imagine being able to perform a COVID self-test at home and finding out the results within minutes. Researchers at Tulane University have created just that, a test that uses your own smartphone to give you results. Dr. Tony Hu, Chair of Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane says the saliva-based test has a 97-percent accuracy rate.
cut 13 (08) “…or negative.”
The test must receive FDA approval first.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is hoping to begin recruitment in February or March for a groundbreaking study into why some people benefit from exercise more than others. Director of Biomedical Imaging Dr. Owen Carmichael says many who exercise do not see results. The study hopes to figure out the genetics behind that.
Cut 10 (10) “…out with.”
The study is a national effort that will take place at five sites across the country, Baton Rouge being one of them.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state will receive 39-thousand COVID-19 vaccines this week and another 40-thousand shots will arrive next week. Frontline healthcare workers in Jefferson Parish, Shreveport, and Alexandria received the vaccination yesterday.

Aaron Bowman, a Black man from Monroe, and his attorneys are calling for justice and transparency in what they say is police brutality. Brooke Thorington explains
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Tulane says its researchers have developed a rapid COVID-19 saliva test that can be read by a smartphone app. Chair of Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane, Doctor Tony Hu, says the test must still receive F-D-A approval, but he says once approved…
cut 14 (07) “…everyone has”
Hu and his associated developed a test platform where small amounts of the SARS Covid virus RNA can be detected in saliva.

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge has received a grant to participate in a study on why exercise makes some people healthier than others. Director of Biomedical Imaging at Pennington, Doctor Owen Carmichael, says at the end of the study they hope to tailor exercise programs to individuals…
cut 11 (10) “….versa”
Carmichael hopes to recruit participants in February or March.

The first round of the coronavirus Pfizer vaccine is being distributed throughout the state. Frontline health care workers at Ochsner Health’s Jefferson Highway main campus, Shreveport’s Willis-Knighton Medical Center, and CHRISTUS St. Frances Hospital in Alexandria were the first to receive the vaccinations.

A 748 billion dollar COVID relief bill has taken shape in D.C. after extensive negotiations involving a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Aaron Bowman and his attorneys gathered on the state Capitol steps to demand justice and transparency after state trooper Jacob Brown was arrested last week for excessive force during Bowman’s arrest in May of 2019. Baton Rouge Attorney Ronald Haley says Bowman, a black man, was beaten in the head with a police-grade flashlight outside of his Monroe home.
Cut 4 (11) “…spectators.”
Brown was arrested last week for battery and malfeasance in office.

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge hopes to begin recruiting in February or March for a study to look at why exercise benefits some people more than others. Director of Biomedical Imaging Doctor Owen Carmichael says they’re looking for participants from all age groups with folks of varying levels of physical fitness…
cut 12 (09) “…things”
The research is the result of a grant from the National Institute of Health.