The CDC says if you’ve received both doses of the Pfizer COVID vaccine, you are now encouraged to get boosted at five months instead of six months. The agency is also encouraging ages 12 and up to be boosted now. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they added that age group for two reasons.

Cut 4 (09) “…Omiocron variant.”

For the nearest vaccination site call 2-1-1

An EF-2 tornado touched down in the Sabine Parish community of Peason early Sunday morning. Sabine Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Brad Walker says about 15 homes including mobile homes – were severely damaged or even destroyed. But despite that, no one was killed.

Cut 10 (12)  “…to be expected.”

A Mardi Gras float stolen out of Lafayette has been found in St. Martin Parish. The 40-foot-long double-deck float was taken sometime Friday night and Lafayette Police Sergeant Robin Green says they continue to look for the person or persons who stole damaged the float…

cut 14 (07) “….have been something”
Anyone with information about this stolen float is urged to call Lafayette P-D or Lafayette Crime Stoppers.

The Saints won’t see postseason play for the first time since 2016. It was a trying season as the Saints spent the first month of the regular season re-located because of Hurricane Ida, suffered numerous injuries, an NFL record 58 different starters and used four quarterbacks. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says it would have been an amazing story if they got into the playoffs…

Cut 8 (09) “…be with the family.” 

The Saints end the year with a 9-8 record.

New CDC guidance for those who received their two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, you are now encouraged to be boosted at five months out from your last dose, instead of six months. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says boosters are vital with the highly contagious Omicron variant.

Cut 3 (10) “…with Omicron.”

The CDC also recommends that everyone ages 12 and up should be boosted.

The Sabine Parish community of Peason is recovering after being hit early Sunday by a tornado. Sabine Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Brad Walker says the twister hit just before 5 a.m. when most people were still asleep in their beds…:

Cut 9 (11) “…registered as an EF-2.”

No one was killed.

Lafayette Police say a Mardi Gras float reported stolen Saturday has been found. LPD spokesperson Sgt. Robin Green says the 40-foot-long double-deck float was taken sometime Friday night from a Lucille Avenue address. She says the float had some moderate damage to the decorations and structure, and she feels for the owner.

Cut 13 (07) “…up and running. “

It was located in a remote part of St. Martin Parish.

Tough ending for the Saints season, despite beating Atlanta yesterday. Safety Malcolm Jenkins says it was tough to watch San Francisco win, which knocked New Orleans out of playoff contention…
Cut 7 (12) “…somebody else’s hands.”
The Saints finished the season with a 9-8 record.

The Sabine Parish community of Peason is recovering after being hit early Sunday by a tornado. Sabine Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Brad Walker says the EF-2 twister hit just before 5 a.m. He says cleanup is underway and rebuilding will begin once the power has been restored.

Cut  11 (10)  “…maybe a little longer.” 

Peason is located off State Highway 118, southeast of Many.

For the first time since the 2016 season, the Saints are not playoff-bound. New Orleans beat Atlanta Sunday, but the 49ers come from behind win over the Rams keeps the Black and Gold out of the postseason. Coach Sean Payton says it’s a disappointing end to a difficult season…

 Cut 6 (07) “…all season” 

Lafayette Police say a Mardi Gras float reported stolen Saturday has been found. LPD spokesperson Sgt. Robin Green says the 40-foot-long double-deck float was taken sometime Friday night from a Lucille Avenue address and even though it has been found, they still want the person who took it.

Cut 12 (11) “…please contact us.”  

If you received the Pfizer vaccine the CDC says you can get your booster now at five months instead of six and ages 12 and up are now eligible for boosters. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the CDC is also recommending a third dose for those ages five to eleven if they are moderately or severely immunosuppressed.

Cut 5 (11) “…of vaccine.”

The Saints are cleaning out their lockers today as New Orleans failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state reports just over 29-thousand new COVID cases today, which includes weekend positive cases. Hospitalizations have reached 1,794 with 86 on ventilators. 77-percent are unvaccinated.

An EF-2 tornado touched down in the Sabine Parish community of Peason early Sunday morning. Sabine Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Brad Walker says about 15 homes including mobile homes – were severely damaged or even destroyed. A number of barns and other structures also sustained damage, but despite that, no one was killed.

Cut 10 (12)  “…to be expected.”

Peason is located off State Highway 118, southeast of Many.

The CDC says if you’ve received both doses of the Pfizer COVID vaccine, you are now encouraged to get boosted at five months instead of six months. The agency is also encouraging ages 12 and up to be boosted now. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they added that age group for two reasons.

Cut 4 (09) “…Omiocron variant.”

For the nearest vaccination site call 2-1-1

Louisiana’s public colleges make big changes to help assure students are not made victims of sexual misconduct. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (38) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

In Sabine Parish, an EF-2 tornado tore through the Peason community Sunday morning. Dozens of structures were destroyed or badly damaged and at least six people hurt; some seriously.

For the first time since the 2016 season, the Saints are not playoff-bound. New Orleans beat Atlanta Sunday, but the 49ers come from behind win over the Rams keeps the Black and Gold out of the postseason, despite a winning record. Coach Sean Payton says it’s a disappointing end to a difficult season…

 Cut 6 (07) “…all season” 

The Louisiana National Guard continues to support Covid missions around the state in 2022. Cindy Haygood, Task Force commander with Louisiana National Guard says 886 service members are currently working at 28 vaccine sites and administering Covid tests at 31 sites.

Cut 5 (11) “regions”

Guardsmen are also helping at food banks and warehouse support.

Louisiana went before the U.S. Supreme Court to argue against the Biden Administration’s COVID vaccine mandates for bigger businesses and health care workers. State Solicitor General Liz Murrill says the White House orders are a clear overreach…:

Cut 9 (15) “…a COVID shot.”

She calls the mandate an unprecedented “bureaucratic power move.” But federal Deputy Solicitor General Brian Fletcher says the mandates are wholly appropriate…:

Cut  11 (09)  “…Medicaid patients.” 

Louisiana and other states are asking the High Court to uphold injunctions against enforcing the mandates.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled hospitals can fire their employees if they do not receive a COVID vaccine. Plaintiffs argued the state’s medical consent law gives adults the ability to refuse medical treatment, Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the Supreme Court correctly determined the law only applies to the relationship between a health care provider and a patient…

Cut 14 (07)  “…Ochsner.” 

Approximately 30,000 homeowner policyholders in Louisiana of two insurance companies deemed to be insolvent will now have coverage under SafePoint. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says SafePoint will cover any insurance claims made on or after December 1^st. As for claims prior to December, particularly those from Ida…

Cut 8 (07) “…per claim.” 

For more information visit the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s website

Louisiana argues its case against Biden Administration vaccine mandates before the U.S. Supreme Court. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled hospitals can fire their employees if they do not receive a COVID vaccine. Dozens of Ochsner employees filed the lawsuit after Ochsner Health announced its workers must get vaccinated or face possible termination.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports they found no evidence of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer samples taken in Morehouse and Union parishes and the baiting ban for those parishes has been lifted. LDWF Biologist Director Scott Durham encourages hunters statewide to continue submitting samples because CWD is an issue they consistently monitor.

Cut 5 (10) “…looking for.”

CWD has been detected in the bordering states of Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi.

Approximately 30,000 homeowner policyholders in Louisiana of two insurance companies deemed insolvent will now have coverage under SafePoint Insurance. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says this is great news for those who had policies with Access Home or State National Fire for more than three years.

 Cut 6 (10) “…until renewal.” 

As new COVID infections reach another single-day high and hospitalizations continue to mount, many are questioning if a statewide indoor mask mandate will be reinstated. At Thursday’s briefing, Governor John Bel Edwards stopped short of requiring face masks again.

Cut 4 (09) “… activities.” 

COVID hospitalizations have reached 14 hundred, a 700-percent increase from three weeks ago.

Amidst the fifth COVID surge, the ability to find a rapid test is proving to be extremely difficult. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says supply is not able to keep up with demand but if you are showing symptoms or have a known exposure you can receive a PCR test.

Cut 13 (11) “…of those.“

Call 2-1-1 for the nearest testing site.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is in D.C. presenting oral arguments to the Supreme Court against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID vaccines for healthcare workers at facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. Arguments began at 10.

With football playoffs and the Super Bowl coming in the next few weeks, many want to know when the state will approve online sports betting apps. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Governor Edwards hasn’t reinstated a statewide mask mandate as cases reach an all-time high but he fully supports guidance for masks in schools for two reasons, because they are indoors for an extended period of time and a large majority of school-aged children are not vaccinated.

Cut 5 (12) “…mask mandate.”

The State Department of Education is allowing each school system to set their own mask rules.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is in D.C. about to present oral arguments to the Supreme Court against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID vaccines for healthcare workers at facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. Landry says this rule could be harmful to medical staff…

Cut 8 (11) “…of the hospital.” 

Arguments begin at 10 am.

Amidst the fifth COVID surge, the ability to find a rapid test is proving to be extremely difficult. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says if you need testing call 2-1-1. He says there are approximately 400 sites in the state where you can be tested for COVID, but if you’re looking for a home test…

Cut 15 (09)  “…isolate accordingly.”

The NFL playoffs begin next weekend, and many are wondering if online sports betting will be up and running. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says no, but they are getting close…

Cut 12 (14) “…that’s very, very soon.”
The Saints are 3.5 point favorite to beat Atlanta on Sunday.

As daily COVID case numbers continue to break records, the governor continues to encourage residents to wear masks indoors. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry will make his case against the Biden Administrations’ plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for most healthcare workers. Erik Piccoli has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

___________________________________

With football playoffs and the Super Bowl coming in the next few weeks, many want to know when the state will approve online sports betting apps. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

____________________________________

As new COVID infections reach another single-day high and hospitalizations continue to mount, many are questioning if a statewide indoor mask mandate will be reinstated. At Thursday’s briefing, Governor John Bel Edwards stopped short of requiring face masks again.

Cut 4 (09) “… activities.” 

However, Edwards supports the health department’s current guidance for masks in schools for two reasons, because they are indoors for an extended period of time and a large majority of school-aged children are not vaccinated.

Cut 5 (12) “…mask mandate.”

Research indicates students learn better when they are at school versus remote learning. Edwards says masks in schools will allow them to remain in the classroom as long as possible.

Cut 6 (13) “…go to class.”

The decision to require face masks in school is currently made by local school systems.

____________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry is in Washington D.C. today presenting oral arguments to the Supreme Court against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for select healthcare workers. Landry says it’s a big day for the country…

Cut 7 (08) “…for the next century.”

The Supreme Court is expected to decide whether or not to sustain the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rule that requires all health care workers at facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs to roll up their sleeves and be fully vaccinated unless they are eligible for medical or religious exemptions. Landry says this rule could be harmful to medical staff…

Cut 8 (11) “…of the hospital.” 

The case will be one of two heard Friday that represents plaintiffs from Louisiana; the first featuring a case against OSHA requirements for companies with over 100 employees to mandate vaccines. Landry says he’s worried that if the President’s mandate is held in place it could create a healthcare shortage…

Cut 9 (07)  “…this is America.”

Oral arguments will be heard at 10:00 AM CT and will be streamed live on C-SPAN.

_______________________________________________

Commercials are all over Louisiana TV and radio about online sports betting “Coming Soon”, but HOW soon? State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says – first – he’d like to dispel a few rumors…:

Cut 10 (08) “…not the case.”

John says he’s aware that a number of high-profile sports events are coming – like college playoffs, NFL playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Those would, of course, mean more revenue for the state if sports betting apps are approved and online. Johns says work is proceeding to make that happen with all due haste…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…as soon as possible.”  

So, the question is, “when?” Sports Kings, Caesar’s, Wynn Bet, and more are all waiting in the wings for their sportsbook apps to go live. Johns says they want to make sure there are no bugs or potential user problems before he approves them. He says the Gaming Control Board cannot yet commit to a date…:

Cut 12 (14) “…that’s very, very soon.”

_______________________________________________

Amidst the fifth COVID surge, the ability to find a rapid test is proving to be extremely difficult. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says supply is not able to keep up with demand but if you are showing symptoms or have a known exposure you can receive a PCR test.

Cut 13 (11) “…of those.“

Kanter says the rapid test that gives results, typically 15 minutes, and the at-home tests are very hard to come by as the highly contagious Omicron variant and post-holiday surge in cases continues.

Cut 14 (07)  “…private market.”

If you need testing Kanter says to call 2-1-1 or visit LDH-dot-LA-dot-GOV. He says there are approximately 400 sites in Louisiana where you can be tested for COVID, but if you’re looking for a home test…

Cut 15 (09)  “…isolate accordingly.”

Kanter highly encourages those in need of testing to call 2-1-1 or use their website and avoid ERs so they can treat emergency patients.

________________________________________

For the Saints to get back in the playoffs on Sunday, New Orleans will have to beat the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday and the Rams need to beat the 49ers in Los Angeles. Both games will kick-off at 3:25 and Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says he will not be scoreboard watching…

Cut  16 (25) “…look outside.”

Jordan says they are not guaranteed another game after Sunday, so all of their focus is going into beating the Dirty Birds…

Cut 17 (16) “ …what it is.”

The Saints have been leaning on the defense as the offense has only scored one touchdown in the last three games. Quarterback Taysom Hill says the offense is not far away from breaking out….

Cut 18 (19) “ …to win.”