The state reports a single-day high of more than 14-thousand new COVID cases. Gov. John Edwards says many of the new cases are re-infections from COVID. The CDC estimates for the month of December that 98-percent of are the Omicron variant. Edwards says with the increased transmission there’s a higher positivity rate…

Cut 13 (13) “….in one week. “

The governor says this surge has led to a less accurate representation of actual current cases…

Cut 14 (12)  “…out there.” 

The Carnival season is officially underway with Krewe presidents for Zulu and Rex marking its start by celebrating Kings Day. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says current COVID guidelines will remain in place but wouldn’t stop citizens from celebrating in true New Orleans fashion. Cantrell also praised the city’s high vaccination rate…

Cut 10 (09)  “…applause for that”

At today’s press conference, Cantrell honored the legacy of “Mr. Mardi Gras” Blaine Kern which lives on through Kern Studios and Mardi Gras World. Cantrell also took time to thank her co-chairs of the mayor’s Mardi Gras advisory…

Cut  11 (07)  “…move through it” 

And because it’s King’s Day that means it’s open season for enjoying King Cake.

Today is the one-year anniversary of the storming of the U-S Capitol. Jeff Palermo reports on what members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation said that day…

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state reports more than 14-thousand new COVID cases today, which is another single-day record of new cases since March 2020.  Governor John Bel Edwards is holding a 2:30 press briefing today.

The Louisiana Department of Health says 90-percent of all COVID cases in the state are the Omicron variant. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease specialist Dr. John Vanchiere  (van CHERRY) says their lab sequencing indicates a significant jump in northwest Louisiana…:

Cut  11 (12)  “…week prior.”  

LSU Health Shreveport is once again conducting COVID tests and vaccines at the state fairgrounds.

Today is King’s Day, marking the official beginning of carnival season and that means you can start enjoying King Cake. Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is known for sharing its award-winning pastry around the country and co-owner David Haydel says they are ready.

Cut 7 (11) “…good season.” 

Today marks the one-year anniversary of when pro-Trump supporters stormed the U-S Capitol as Congress was set to certify President Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. Senator Bill Cassidy took to social media as House and Senate members were escorted to a safe location and delivered this message…

Cut 4 (05) “…unamerican period.”

Later that night, Cassidy was the lone Republican member of Louisiana’s delegation who voted to certify presidential election results.

Republican Congressman Garret Graves says he’s disappointed the House committee investigating January 6^th is a mostly partisan panel, with only two members from the Republican party.

Cut 6 (12) “…political theater.”

Five people died as a result of the Capitol riot.

Construction is underway on the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish. Deputy Executive Director for Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Greg Grandy says the main piece of equipment being used in the project is a cutter head dredge to transport sediment to the marshes…

Cut 9 (08)  “…back in those areas.”

Grandy says this is the largest marsh creation project that the state has ever undertaken…

Today is King’s Day, marking the official beginning of carnival season. It’s also the first day you can enjoy King Cake and be not chastised for it. David Haydel, Jr. co-owner of Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans says they are already inundated with revelers ready to kick off Mardi Gras with their famous King Cakes.

 Cut 6 (06) “…all morning.” 

Haydel says they anticipate shipping about 50,000 King Cakes across the country and selling the same amount to walk in customers.

One year ago today, pro-Trump supporters stormed the U-S Capitol as Congress was set to certify Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Lawmakers were escorted out of the chambers. Here’s Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson describing the scene that day

Cut 3 (13) “…secure location.”

And Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves says he’s disappointed the House committee investigating January 6^th is a mostly partisan panel and says partisan bickering over what happened a year ago and who is directly or indirectly responsible is counter-productive for the country and Congress…:

Cut 7 (11) “…North Korea and others.”

Gov. John Bel Edwards announces construction in underway on the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish. Deputy Executive Director for Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Greg Grandy says this is the largest marsh creation project that the state of Louisiana has ever undertaken…

Cut 8 (08) “…near Shell Beach.” 

The project’s construction budget is $61 million.

Louisiana native Lawrence Brooks, the oldest living World War II veteran in the US, died Tuesday at the age of 112. Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Morris Thompson fondly recounts his friendship with Brooks that began twelve years ago at a New Orleans fish fry.

Cut 14 (12)  “…want to know.”

Thompson says Brooks claimed the key to longevity is to serve God and be nice to people.

At a ceremony in New Orleans, Governor John Bel Edwards posthumously pardoned civil rights pioneer Homer Plessy. Plessy was a Creole man arrested in New Orleans 130 years ago when he refused to leave a whites-only railroad car. Plessy’s protest led to the 1896 ruling known as Plessy versus Ferguson, which said it was legal to have white-only spaces in public areas. Governor Edwards says unfortunately the negative effects of that ruling still linger…:

Cut 4 (08) “…our country.”

An early morning house fire in St. Landry parish claims the lives of two young boys, ages 11 and 12. Opelousas Fire Chief Charles Mason says only four of the six residents escaped. A third child was taken to a hospital.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Jonesboro’s Fire Chief Brandon Brown and a Jackson Parish Sheriff’s deputy, George Wyatt face insurance fraud charges involving a two-vehicle crash of fire department vehicles. Trooper Michael Reichardt says two have also been charged with filing or maintaining false public records, and malfeasance in office.

Cut 12 (07) “…jail now.”  

The investigation revealed that Brown’s juvenile son was the driver of one of the vehicles.

LSU’s football season ended with a loss in the Texas Bowl against Kansas State. But the game was a highlight for fifth-year senior Jontre Kirklin who made his first start at quarterback with three touchdown passes. Kirklin who only played cornerback and wide receiver at LSU, says he was calm heading into his first start at QB since Lutcher High…

Cut 8 (11) “…win this game” 

Governor Edwards gave a posthumous pardon to Homer Plessy, the subject of the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case that ensconced a “separate, but equal” policy that enabled decades of segregation.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Lawrence Brooks, the oldest living World War II veteran in the US and Louisiana native, died Tuesday at the age of 112. The Norwood, Louisiana native and New Orleans resident was drafted at the age of 31 and served in the Army’s predominantly African American 91^st Engineer Battalion.

Jonesboro’s Fire Chief and a Jackson Parish Sheriff’s deputy face insurance fraud charges involving a two-vehicle crash of fire department vehicles. Trooper Michael Reichardt says State Police received a tip in August and found Chief Brandon Brown and Deputy George Wyatt were involved and listed as the drivers.

Cut  11 (10)  “…the vehicles.” 

A strange ending to the 2021 football season for the LSU Tigers last night as they only had 38 scholarship players available, and it showed in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl. Fifth-year senior Jontre Kirklin made his first start at quarterback and threw three touchdown passes…

 Cut 6 (12) “…whole journey” 

At a ceremony in New Orleans, Governor John Bel Edwards posthumously pardoned civil rights pioneer Homer Plessy. Plessy was a Creole man arrested in New Orleans 130 years ago when he refused to leave a whites-only railroad car. Plessy’s protest led to the 1896 ruling known as Plessy versus Ferguson, which said it was legal to have white-only spaces in public areas. Governor Edwards says unfortunately the negative effects of that ruling still linger…:

Cut 4 (08) “…our country.”

Two children were tragically killed in a house fire early this morning in St. Landry Parish. Opelousas Fire Chief Charles Mason says they received a call shortly before 1:30 of a house fire where six people resided, only four escaped.

Cut 9 (06) “…and one eleven.”

One child was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Jonesboro’s Fire Chief Brandon Brown and a Jackson Parish Sheriff’s deputy, George Wyatt face insurance fraud charges involving a two-vehicle crash of fire department vehicles. Trooper Michael Reichardt says two have also been charged with filing or maintaining false public records, and malfeasance in office.

Cut 12 (07) “…jail now.”  

The investigation revealed that Brown’s juvenile son was the driver of one of the vehicles, not Brown or Wyatt.

LSU’s football season ended with a disappointing 42-20 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl Tuesday. This despite the best efforts of 5th-year senior wide receiver & cornerback Jontre Kirklin, who stepped up to fill in at quarterback. Kirklin is known to teammates as a hard worker and team leader.

Cut 7 (10) “…here I am” 

LSU Health Shreveport is holding a drive-thru COVID testing and vaccination site at the state fairgrounds. It’s open Monday thru Saturday from ten until five PM. Infectious disease specialist Dr. John Vanchiere says we’re experiencing a post-holiday surge demand for testing and it’s just the beginning.

Cut 14 (12)  “…testing needed.”

The raw form of medical marijuana is now for sale at cannabis pharmacies in Louisiana.  John Davis, CEO of Good Day Farm, which grows and produces medical cannabis says the smokable form can range in price from $10 to $25 a gram, and growers do not set the prices

Cut  11 (10)  “…medical marijuana program.”  

The estimated Powerball Jackpot reaches $610-million for tonight’s drawing. And that estimate could go even higher, Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says Powerball usually gives an estimate of anticipated winnings, based on sales, by midday on the day of the drawing.

Cut 8 (09) “…around noon.” 

The cash value on a $610-million jackpot is $434.2 million.

A strange ending to the 2021 football season for the LSU Tigers last night as they only had 38 scholarship players available, and it showed in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl. Fifth-year senior Jontre Kirklin made his first start at quarterback and threw three touchdown passes…

 Cut 6 (12) “…whole journey” 

The Dash Diet which was developed in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is once again ranked as one of the top diets by U-S News and World Report. Erik Piccoli has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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Smokable medicinal cannabis hits the store shelves to a warm reception from consumers in Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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If you looking to get a COVID test or a vaccination a drive-thru clinic at the state fairgrounds in Shreveport is providing both. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (00) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The DASH Diet which was developed in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Researcher Center is ranked as one of the top best diets according to U.S. News and World Report. Doctor Catherine Champagne with Pennington says the Dash Diet ranked high for healthy eating, among the easiest to follow, and good for your heart…

Cut 4 (10) “…dairy foods.” 

Dr. Champagne says the Dash Diet encourages eating foods low in sodium, but low sodium does not have to mean a lack of flavor…

Cut 5 (11) “…and spices.”

Dr. Champagne says DASH isn’t for those trying to cut fat quickly and because of its long process it doesn’t garner as much attention as others. She says when the USDA announced their dietary guidelines for Americans one of the diets they patterned was DASH…

Cut 6 (06) “…DASH diet.”

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If there’s a winner of tonight’s Powerball drawing, they’ll be awarded the seventh-largest jackpot in the game’s history at $610 million. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says there hasn’t been a Powerball jackpot winner since October 4^th and the top prize has grown quite a bit.

Cut 7 (10) “…those circles.”

And the jackpot estimate could go even higher, Chopin says Powerball usually gives an estimate of anticipated winnings, based on sales, by midday on the day of the drawing, and on Tuesday it increased on a non-draw day from $575 to $610 million.

Cut 8 (09) “…around noon.” 

The cash value on a $610-million jackpot is $434.2 million.

The last time someone won a Powerball jackpot in the Bayou State was March of 2018 with a prize of $55 million. Chopin says the largest Powerball Jackpot winner in Louisiana was $191-million and that was in October of 2017.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in 1995.”

Tonight’s drawing is at 9:59 PM.

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Louisiana’s nine legal medical cannabis pharmacies say long lines and bustling business in the first days that smokeable marijuana flowers were legally available. John Davis, CEO of Good Day Farm, which grows and produces medical cannabis products for the LSU Ag Center says he’s been informed of long lines and wait times to get prescriptions filled.

Cut 10 (13)  “…their appointments.”

Persons with a medical recommendation from their doctor can get up to 71 grams every two weeks. There has been a bit of grumbling about price. Medical cannabis can be sold for anywhere from $10 to $25 a gram, depending on the retailer. Davis says growers do not have any say in what the consumer is charged.

Cut  11 (10)  “…medical marijuana program.”  

Some patients questioned said they’d gladly pay a higher price than take the risks of the illegal market. Smokable cannabis is generally less expensive than other legal cannabis previously available.

About 150 pounds of smokeable cannabis hit the store shelves this week. That’s about 20-thousand 8-ounce servings. Davis says his company recently started up a huge growing facility near Ruston, to make sure supply meets demand.

Cut 12 (07) “…in February.”

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Due to the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID, LSU Health Shreveport begins its community testing and vaccination site today at the state fairgrounds. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says they are opening to try to help meet the high demand of testing and free up congestion at emergency rooms.

Cut 13 (09) “…appropriate place to get tested.”

Vanchiere says the only time you should be getting tested for COVID at the emergency room is if you are being admitted and you should only be tested if you are having symptoms or have a known exposure.

The highly transmissible Omicron variant and more people gathering and traveling over the holidays has caused a major surge in people being tested for COVID. Vanchiere says it’s just the beginning of the most recent demand for testing.

Cut 14 (12)  “…testing needed.”

The drive-thru clinic will be testing and administering both vaccines and booster shots Monday through Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM at the state fairgrounds. Vanchiere asks that you bring your ID and health insurance card if you have one. Children must be accompanied by a parent and test results will be emailed.

Cut 15 (10)  “…the latest.”

Gates will close at 4:30 PM. Pre-registration is not required for testing but requested for vaccines at LSU Health Shreveport’s website.

The first fire fatality in Louisiana for the year happened Sunday night in West Monroe claiming the life of one man and his dog. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the victim had initially escaped but re-entered in an attempt to save his pet.

Cut 9 (12) “…your life for”

The victim’s identity has not been released

A 15-year has been arrested and charged with 2^nd Degree Murder in connection with a New Year’s Eve fatal shooting in St. Landry Parish. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the victim has been identified as 38-year-old Keith Adam Joseph from Washington, Louisiana. Guidroz says this is just another case in a larger issue…

Cut 14 (06)  “…it appears.” 

The investigation is ongoing.

The state is reporting 15-thousand COVID deaths since the pandemic started, Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says while it’s possible the rate of deaths from COVID may slow down, the concern remains about hospitals being inundated with COVID patients and not having the ability to properly treat other diseases…

Cut 8 (13) “…COVID there” 

And with COVID cases continuing to surge some school systems are reinstating mitigation practices. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says the decision about face masks is best made locally.

Cut 3 (10) “…their kids.”

Brumley says research shows it’s much better for everyone when students are in the classroom when it’s safe to do so.