If you have autism, you can now have a driver’s license that indicates you have the medical diagnosis. Matthew Boudreaux, Public Information Director for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, says the designation was approved by the legislature.

Cut 3 (10) “…on their license.”

The autism indicator will appear below the driver’s picture.

It’s been a difficult year for State Police as the state agency is under scrutiny for several use of force incidents over the last few years, one of which led to a death in Union Parish in 2019. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s confident that Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis, who was appointed in October 2020, is leading the agency in the right direction.

Cut 7 (11) “…of changes.”

The state health department says the number of Omicron cases in Louisiana has surpassed 100 as health officials express concern of another COVID surge. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Doctor Katherine Baumgarten says Omicron symptoms have mirrored those of previous variants…

cut 15 (12) “…..or runny nose”

Christmas is Saturday and who doesn’t love a Christmas photo of a puppy or kitten under the tree but in reality the gift of a pet is not always ideal. Puppies and kittens grow up and they require care for several years. Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center Supervisor Shelly Delahoussaye (Dela-who-see) says the recipient might not have the ability to support them.

 Cut 6 (10) “…back here” 

She says it’s best to bring the intended recipient into the shelter and let them choose their pet.

The state health department says the number of Omicron cases in Louisiana has surpassed 100 as health officials express concern of another COVID surge. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Doctor Katherine Baumgarten says Omicron symptoms mirror those of previous variants…

Cut 15 (12)  “…or runny nose.”
Louisiana is increasing benefits through their through the TANF (Tan-if) program. The increase will effectively double the cash assistance with hopes the money goes towards promoting career development and financial independence. Lorrie Briggs with the state department of children and family services says grandparents who are raising their children’s children are also eligible.

Cut 5 (10) “…of their grandchildren.”
Drugmaker Moderna, says their booster dose of the COVID-vaccine should offer adequate protection against the Omicron variant. Lab test show the half-dose booster shot increased by 27 times the level of neutralizing antibodies able to fight off the Omicron variant and a full-dose triggered an 83-fold jump in antibody levels.

For the first time ever, Louisiana will have a float in this year’s Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

It’s been over two weeks since the first Omicron case of COVID was detected in Louisiana and since then the state health department has identified over 100 cases. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says if you’ve previously tested positive for COVID, but still not vaccinated, you are at risk for re-infection with the Omicron variant…

Cut 14 (10)  “…of COVID.”

A special Senate committee held hearings this month on State Police policies regarding use of force. Governor Edwards says he’s confident the panel will handle issues accordingly and that while most officers are a credit to their profession there are some that should not wear the badge.

Cut 8 (13) “…in that process.”

Inflation and unprecedented need caused by the pandemic has resulted in Louisiana increasing the cash benefit amounts available through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; also known as TANF (TAN-if). Lorrie Briggs is with the state Department of Children & Family Services, who administers the program.

Cut 4 (08) “….beginning in January.”

Briggs says the additional funding is long overdue.

The Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day will for the first time in its 133-year history feature a Louisiana float in fact Louisiana is the only state to have a float. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the float will be decorated in true Louisiana style.

Cut 12 (12) “…on the trees.”

The 350-thousand-dollar float will be decorated with 34-thousand roses and handmade magnolias.

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry filed a lawsuit this week against Gov. John Bel Edwards from adding COVID vaccines to the list of shots students are required to receive to attend school.

Edwards says he followed proper procedures, but One of the plaintiffs in the suit is Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews. Crews says it’s the legislature that makes laws.

Cut 5 (09) “…laws here.”

Edwards says he wonders where the state would be vaccination-wise if there wasn’t opposition.

Cut 6 (14) “…promoting vaccinations”

Edwards says he expects the administrative procedures act will be upheld.

Senator John Kennedy says the increase in crime across the country is at the hands of liberals. After George Floyd Kennedy says, mayors in America’s most liberal cities permitted rioting and looting and called for a general de-funding of police.

Cut 15 (07)  “…always the gun’s fault.”

Tomorrow is the last Saturday in which to get your Christmas shopping done and retail experts predict over 148-million consumers will be shopping on Super-Saturday. National Retail Federation spokesperson Katherine Cullen says for many – Super Saturday is the “last hurrah…”

Cut 7 (14) “…big holiday celebration.”

Saturday is also the Priority Mail deadline for packages to be mailed so they’ll arrive in time for Christmas.

Some good news for LSU fans: quarterback Myles Brennan will return to the Tigers. More from Jeff Palermo, who’s on the road…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you care for the environment, Dave Brannen reports there’s an event taking place this weekend that might be right up your alley.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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Louisiana’s Teen Vax Campaign is looking for volunteers to become vaccine youth ambassadors. The group’s Ritney Castine says you can be 12 and 17 to help lead the state’s effort to improve the Bayou State’s vaccination rates.

Cut 3 (11) “…get a vaccination.”

Those interested, regardless of their vaccination status, can take part in the campaign as an ambassador by applying as an individual or taking part in a team or club looking to inform other youths about the advantages of the vaccine.

Castine says the ambassadors, who will meet monthly with public health professionals, will be a plus for the Teen Vax Campaign.

Cut 4 (08) “…Department of Health.”

Castine says the youth ambassadors of the Louisiana Teen Vax Campaign will help students to distinguish the truth about being vaccinated from the misconceptions.

Cut 5 (10) “..on social media.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards held his year-end press conference this afternoon. He covered a variety of events that impacted the state in 2021 from the pandemic, hurricanes, infrastructure funds, and COVID vaccinations to name a few. Edwards halfheartedly joked this might not be his last briefing of the year…

 Cut 6 (10) “…in 2022.” 

Edwards wished Louisianans a safe and happy holiday season and also expressed optimism for 2022 with incoming infrastructure funds.

Cut 7 (13) “…to be coming.”  

The governor also stated that he still plans to go forward with adding the COVID vaccine to the school shot schedule for fall of 2022 and despite a lawsuit from Attorney General Jeff Landry that his office will be successful and he is merely following the science in doing so.

Edwards also asked residents to pray for the upcoming year.

Cut 8 (07) “…better 2022.”

We will have more tomorrow on the Governor’s year-end press conference.

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The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas near Manchac this weekend weather permitting. Communications Director James Karst says volunteers 16 and older will travel by boat to plant various types of trees.

Cut 9 (10) “…to restore habitats.”

Habitats that have been disrupted by previous hurricanes and storms. Karst says there will be two shifts, one at 9 a.m. the other at noon, on Friday and Saturday for volunteers to take part in the tree planting. To register visit the group’s events webpage at www.crcl.org.

Karst says the planting of these 600 trees will address the degradation these areas of Lake Maurepas have undergone for various reasons, including hurricanes.

Cut 10 (07)  “…it’s safe there.”

Karst says the volunteer operation will include snacks and drinks and the equipment needed to plant the trees, and as for those who want to give of their time for the project…

Cut  11 (10)  “…click on events.”  

For more information, visit www.crcl.org.

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Big news for Tiger fans today, fifth-year senior Quarterback Myles Brennan says he’ll return to the Purple and Gold after entering the NCAA transfer portal earlier this year. Louisiana Radio Network Sports Director Jeff Palermo says the future is bright for Brennan.

Cut 12 (16) “…full season.”  

Brennan suffered a series of injuries in the 2020 season that prevented him from starting. This past season he was, perhaps, under-utilized by Coach Ed Orgeron. He entered the transfer portal in October, before the coach’s departure from LSU was announced. Palermo says the change of leadership likely changed his mind…:

Cut 13 (08) “…best place for him.”

Coach Kelly recently got a commitment during early signing from St. Thomas More QB Walker Howard but certainly will still need some experience at the position, so getting Brennan to come back makes good sense. Palermo says Brennan’s return to LSU has possibilities that come well before next football season…:

Cut 14 (04) “…on January 4th.” 

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas (Marra-paw) near Manchac (Man-shack) this weekend weather permitting. Communications Director James Karst says volunteers 16 and older will travel by boat to plant various types of trees.

Cut 9 (10) “…to restore habitats.”

To Volunteer this Friday and Saturday register at CRCL-org

Louisiana’s Teen Vax Campaign is looking for volunteers to become vaccine youth ambassadors. The group’s Ritney Castine says they are looking for 12- and 17-year-olds to help improve vaccination rates, the ambassadors, will meet monthly with public health professionals.

Cut 4 (08) “…Department of Health.”

Visit LA youth ambassador-com

On his last call-in radio show of the year, Governor John Bel Edwards was asked if the Omicron variant could change upcoming plans for Mardi Gras. Edwards says it’s still too early to tell and so far, there’s not a consensus from health officials…

Cut 10 (09)  “…or deaths.”

The Saints are getting ready to play the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers. Former LSU Tiger and New Orleans native Leonard Fournette has flourished since arriving in Tampa Bay last year. Saints Head Coach Sean Payton says Fournette is a great three-down back…

Cut  16 (13) “..good addition”

Kickoff in in Tampa is 7:20 on Sunday

Louisiana’s Teen Vax Campaign is looking for volunteers to become vaccine youth ambassadors. The group’s Ritney Castine says you can be 12 and 17 to help lead the state’s effort to improve the Bayou State’s vaccination rates.

Cut 3 (11) “…get a vaccination.”

The reality of passenger rail service from the Capital City to the Crescent City is beginning to take shape. Baton Rouge Area Foundation Executive VP John Spain says a rail merger will give Canadian Pacific, who already has a relationship with Amtrak, control of the track and the track is built for freight, not passengers, but that shouldn’t be a major obstacle.

Cut 5 (11) “…rail improvements.”

As Governor Edwards says he’ll keep pushing for COVID shots to be required for school kids, Senator John Kennedy goes on record against mandates. Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Officials have identified the pilot of a helicopter who died when his chopper crashed on the I-10 Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish. His name is Joshua Hawley of Denham Springs. The 42-year-old was a father of three young children and 13-year U-S Marine Corps veteran.

Senator John Kennedy says COVID vaccinations should be an individual’s choice, not a government mandate. Kennedy says he has received both COVID shots and a booster but the government has no role in an individual’s health choices.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to make that decision.”

Baton Rouge Area Foundation Executive VP John Spain says the reality of passenger rail service from the Capital City to the Crescent City taking shape. A merger between two rail companies, infrastructure funds, and government officials all on board, Spain it looks like we could see an oncoming train next year and a trial run of the existing track very soon.

Cut 6 (12) “…good about this.”

After wrangling over a plan, it appears the allocation of money for 450-million dollars in Superdome renovations is an almost done deal.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

And on the topic of professional New Orleans sport’s teams last night Pelicans guard Devonte Graham made one heck of a shot for his highlight reel. It’s been a tough season for the Pels but Graham made a 61-foot bank shot at the buzzer to give New Orleans a 113 to 110 win against Oklahoma City. New Orleans is 9-and-21 on the season.

Second Congressional District Congressman Troy Carter begins his “Building A Better Louisiana Infrastructure Tour” in the state today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A Tulane epidemiologist is expressing concern about yet another surge in COVID-19. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter begins a tour today, visiting cities in his district and explaining how the seven billion dollars in Infrastructure funds Louisiana will receive will improve structures in his district. First up on his “Building A Better Louisiana Infrastructure Tour” a stop in New Orleans East at the Green Bridge which he says is so desperately in need of repairs.

Cut 3 (09) “…needed repairs.”

On Thursday Carter says he will visit the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Gramercy and highlight the need for repairs for that bridge in St. James Parish. On Friday Carter will be in Baton Rouge to address proposed transit and rail funding projects for the state.

On Monday Carter will visit Southern University in Baton Rouge and discuss how infrastructure funds can assist minority-owned businesses.

Cut 4 (11) “…African American businesses.”

The $1.2 trillion dollar bill was signed a month ago today by President Biden. Carter says with guaranteed funding coming to the state, long-overdue projects like the New Orleans Water and Sewer System can now get off the ground.

Cut 5 (11) “…projects forward.”

Carter was the only member of the Louisiana delegation in the House of Representatives in DC to support the bill.

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As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 becomes more prominent here in Louisiana and dozens of other states in the nation, Tulane epidemiologist, Dr. Susan Hassig is fearing yet another surge in the virus that’s already killed more than 800,000 people in the U.S.

 Cut 6 (12) “…the Omicron definition.” 

Dr. Hassig believes the state should move back to an indoor mask mandate to lessen the chance of Omicron spreading.

Dr. Hassig indicates that the clinical jury is still out on just how dangerous Omicron is compared to the known impact of the Delta variant.

Cut 7 (11) “…that were unvaccinated.”  

Omicron is said to be a highly transmissible variant of COVID, and given that and a persistent slow rise in the state, Dr. Hassig says Louisiana would be wise to re-implement an indoor mask mandate, even though such mandates are often ignored.

Cut 8 (07) “…can reduce spread.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says nearly two hundred people are currently hospitalized with COVID and 88-percent had not been fully vaccinated. The total death toll from COVID in the state since the start of the pandemic is now just shy of 15-thousand.

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State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting near Duson in Lafayette Parish. It happened around 7:30 Tuesday morning as sheriff’s deputies investigated a car with a possible stolen license plate. The passenger surrendered peacefully, but Trooper Thomas Gossen said the driver had other ideas.

Cut 9 (09) “…abandoned the vehicle.”

Deputies found the 41-year-old Lafayette man at a home suffering from gunshot wounds. He’s hospitalized with apparent non-life-threatening injuries.

Trooper Gossen says when deputies first encountered the vehicle and its two occupants they were in front of a building in the 100-block of Charbonnet Road near Duson.

Cut 10 (08)  “…driver did not.”

Instead, he drove towards the deputies, at least one deputy opened fire and wounded the driver before he left the scene and abandoned the vehicle before fleeing into a Lafayette Parish home.

Trooper Gossen talks about how deputies were able to locate the suspect.

Cut  11 (11)  “…hospital for treatment.”  

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Today begins the early signing day period for college football and LSU has signed the top two players in the state. Neville offensive tackle Will Campbell and St. Thomas More Quarterback Walker Howard. Campbell says he’s excited to play for new head coach Brian Kelly

Cut 12 (12) “…we’re headed”  

Campbell is a five-star prospect and with LSU losing four starters from its current offensive line, Campbell could see the field sooner than later. He’s eager to learn from offensive line coach Brad Davis…

Cut 13 (09) “…earn my spot.”

According to 24-7 sports, LSU’s recruiting class is ranked 22nd this year, when it usually ranks in the top ten. But LSU signee and St. Thomas More Quarterback Walker Howard says don’t sell this class short…

Cut 14 (12) “…get with em soon.” 

As the Omicron variant becomes more prominent in Louisiana and dozens of other states, Tulane epidemiologist, Dr. Susan Hassig is fearing yet another surge in the virus that’s already killed more than 800,000 people in the U.S.

 Cut 6 (12) “…the Omicron definition.” 

Dr. Hassig believes the state should move back to an indoor mask mandate to lessen the chance of Omicron spreading.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter begins his “Building A Better Louisiana Infrastructure Tour.” Today a stop at the Green Bridge in New Orleans tomorrow Veterans Memorial Bridge in Gramercy and on Monday in Baton Rouge he’ll visit Southern University and discuss how infrastructure funds can assist minority-owned businesses.

Cut 4 (11) “…African American businesses.”

Today begins the early signing day period for college football and LSU has signed the top two players in the state. Neville offensive tackle Will Campbell and St. Thomas More Quarterback Walker Howard. Campbell says he’s excited to play for new head coach Brian Kelly and he’s eager to learn from offensive line coach Brad Davis…

Cut 13 (10) “…fastest-growing sector.”

Campbell is a five-star prospect and with LSU losing four starters from its current offensive line, Campbell could see the field sooner than later.

Governor Edwards will hold his last monthly call-in radio show for the year today. Ask the Governor will air live at 2pm.