Not one, but two remembrance ceremonies marking important events that happened on December 7^th were held on the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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It’s been 100 days since Ida made landfall and in St. Charles Parish, trailers are slowly coming in because many still need shelter. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The Health and Welfare Committee voted 13-2 against Governor Edward’s plan to add COVID vaccines to the list of scheduled shots required for students. Like other vaccines, families have the choice to opt out, and students can still attend school. State Superintendent Cade Brumley maintains the vaccine is a personal choice.

Cut 3 (09) “…their kid.”

Governor Edwards issued a statement that he still plans to add the COVID vaccine to the school schedule Fall of 2022, that right now would only apply to students 16 and older because it’s only FDA approved for that age group. Brumley says the governor will have to consider testimony heard at the meeting Monday and…

Cut 4 (09) “…school children.”

If the vaccine requirement does go into effect Brumley says they will assist those parents who choose not to vaccinate their children against COVID.

Cut 5 (10) “…do so.”

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Two remembrance ceremonies were held today on the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum, one to mark the 80^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor where 46 Louisianans lost their lives. The other was held to remember the 17 crew members who died when the Coast Guard buoy tender White Alder collided with another vessel on the Mississippi River on December 7, 1968.

 Cut 6 (09) “..lost in that.” 

That’s museum executive director Rosehn Gipe.

Gipe says it’s important to hold these types of ceremonies so memories don’t fade on what happened on such fateful days, whether it be the bombing of Pearl Harbor or the terrorist attack on the U.S. in 2001.

Cut 7 (07) “…in the world.”  

Gipe talks about how the USS Kidd came to be named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd Sr.

Cut 8 (12) “…as it sank.”

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Today marks the 100^th day of Hurricane Ida recovery. St. Charles Parish President Matt Jewell says temporary housing is still a problem for residents, and the parish’s group site home is still up and running. Jewell says the group site was the first one because the parish took the initiative to begin the site and now it’s being operated by the state.

Cut 9 (12) “…been put out.”

Jewell anticipates they will end up with approximately 500 trailers for the parish. And while he knows residents are frustrated with the pace of receiving trailers he says since the state took over the program.

Cut 10 (09)  “…cold at night”

Even months later Jewell says there are St. Charles Parish residents living in mold-infested homes and some are even using their car as shelter.

Cut  11 (12)  “..their coverage.”  

Jewell says the parish continues to make strides with recovery with streets and roads and hopes that in the near future housing issues will be resolved.

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An East Feliciana Parish man has a one-in-five chance of becoming a millionaire on New Year’s Day. It started with a multi-state Powerball “First Millionaire of the Year” promotion; asking players to enter the drawing with a photo of their Powerball ticket. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says 29 Louisiana finalists were randomly selected and their names sent to Powerball…:

Cut 12 (10) “…of the Year promotion.”  

Powerball selected Aaron Rose, of Slaughter, as one of only FIVE finalists for a January 1^st drawing for a million dollars. Chopin says, as one of those finalists, Mr. Rose has already scored a nice list of prizes…:

Cut 13 (13) “…at Party City and more.”

The prize package is to help Rose throw a big New Year’s Eve party for family & friends. Rose will be seen – live from his home – on the annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” telecast with the other four finalists, from Illinois, Iowa and Pennsylvania, to see who wins the $1-million prize. With 20-percent odds of winning, Rose could become Louisiana’s newest millionaire. Did he tell Chopin what he’d do if he won all that money…?

Cut 14 (13) “…for first responders.” 

Governor Edwards issued a statement that he still plans to add the COVID vaccine to the school schedule Fall of 2022, even after Health and Welfare voted 13-2 to against it. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the governor will have to consider testimony heard at the meeting Monday and…

Cut 4 (09) “…school children.”

The USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum in Baton Rouge held two ceremonies today, one to mark the 80^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor where 46 Louisianans died and when 17 crew members perished in 1968 when the Coast Guard vessel White Alder collided with another on the Mississippi. Museum executive director Rosehn Gipe.

Cut 6 (09) “..lost in that.” 

A milestone in Louisiana State Police cadet training hit a historic mark this week. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

House Health and Welfare heard from both sides Monday concerning Governor Edwards’s plan to add the COVID vaccine to the list of shots required to attend schools next fall, for ages 16 and older. The committee voted 13-2 to reject the addition, but the governor could overturn the decision. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says those who choose not to be vaccinated can opt out.

Cut 4 (10) “…philosophical reasons. “

State Superintendent Cade Brumley maintains the vaccine is a personal choice and says if the vaccine requirement does go into effect, they will assist those parents who choose not to vaccinate their children against COVID.

Cut 5 (10) “…do so.”

Brumley says the governor will have to consider testimony heard at the meeting Monday and the committee’s vote.

Early voting for the December 11^th primary ended on Saturday and one of the most followed issues is the bid by a group to win approval to build a gambling resort near Slidell. Pollster John Couvillon says the gaming proposal boosted early voting in St. Tammany Parish:

Cut  11 (07)  “…in the primary.”  

Couvillon also says he doesn’t believe an endorsement by Saints ex QB Drew Brees will sway voters.

Louisiana set a record last year for the fewest vehicle crash injuries but also produced the most fatalities since 2008. The Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU says 828 people were killed in crashes involving vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says bicycle fatalities increased by more than 54-percent…

Cut 15 (09)  “..risky behavior.”

A House Health And Welfare Committee voted 13-2 to reject the Governor’s effort to add the COVID vaccine to the list of shots required to attend schools in Louisiana.  Attorney General Jeff Landy says it’s an overreach of the Department of Health because they are also dictating who can attend K-12 public schools.

Cut 10 (07)  “…0f Health”

Parents have the ability to request permission for their child to opt-out of the vaccine requirement for any of the vaccines on the shot list for schools.

Governor Edwards says he still stands by the plan to add the COVID vaccine for the school year beginning August 2022. Right now, it only applies to ages 16 and older because it’s only received full authorization for that age group by the FDA. Several opponents of the vaccine requirement voiced their opinions at the committee meeting today.

The Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight held its first meeting reviewing L-S-P’s use of force policies as the state agency has come under fire after several documented cases of Troopers beating up Black motorists. Colonel Lamar Davis says several changes have been made since his appointment, but unfortunately, some of the changes can’t take place overnight…

Cut 13 (10) “…those things.”

Davis has headed up the LSP for just over a year.

Hurricane victims from this year and last continue to struggle with insurance companies on getting paid for their storm claims. Houma Senator Mike Fesi advises frustrated policyholders to call the Louisiana Department of Insurance and voice your complaints…

Cut 8 (09) “…better satisfaction.”

Governor Edwards wants to add the COVID vaccine to the list of shots to attend public schools K-12 and higher education. But opponents to such a move voiced their concerns at today’s House Health and Welfare Committee. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A special committee made up of state senators began hearings today on the use of force policies that State Police has in place. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards wants to add the Covid vaccine to a list of required shots needed to attend K-12 schools and higher education. The new rule would initially only apply to students 16 and up at the start of the 2022 school year because it’s only FDA-approved for that age group.

Cut 3 (11) “…as well.”

The move is opposed by mostly GOP lawmakers who are gathering today for an oversight hearing to stop the proposal.

Edwards says because it’s been approved by the FDA for those 16 and older, the public needs to be reminded in order to receive such approval it’s been thoroughly tested.

Cut 4 (10) “…these populations.”

Edwards says but it’s also part of a larger effort to battle the pandemic.

Cut 5 (10) “…18 or below.”

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Hurricane victims from 2020 and 2021 continue to struggle with insurance companies on getting paid for their storm damage claims. Houma Senator Mike Fesi says many of his constituents can’t even a call back. Fesi says he’s told insurance providers a little communication is better than no communication at all…

 Cut 6 (11) “..biggest complaint.” 

Fesi says expects a lot of legislation will be considered in the 2022 regular session on how they can force insurance companies to provide timely claims. But he says they have to be careful, because if you put too many regulations on insurance companies they won’t do business in Louisiana anymore…

Cut 7 (10) “…much trouble.”  

Fesi says his best advice for the time being for frustrated policyholders is to call the Louisiana Department of Insurance and voice your complaints…

Cut 8 (09) “…better satisfaction.”

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UPDATE: House Health and Welfare vote 13-2 to reject a rule to add COVID vaccines to the state’s immunization schedule. 

A House Health And Welfare Committee meeting is underway, receiving public input from the governor’s plan to add the COVID vaccine to the list of required shots needed to attend K-12 schools. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder voiced his opposition to adding the COVID vaccine to attend schools.

Cut 9 (14) “…for schools.”

Attorney General Jeff Landy says the proposal of adding the vaccine to the shot schedule is an overreach of the Department of Health because they are also dictating who can attend K-12 public schools.

Cut 10 (07)  “…0f Health”

Anti-vaccine activist and attorney Bobby Kennedy Jr, a guest of Landy attended the hearing and told the committee instead of a four-year study, the Pfizer vaccine trial ended at six months and was given authorization by the FDA.

Cut  11 (14)  “..never know.”  

Dr. Kanter stated that’s Kennedy’s presentation of deaths and side effects of the vaccine was a gross misinterpretation of the truth.

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The Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight held its first meeting today. The senators are reviewing L-S-P’s use of force policies as the state agency has come under fire after several documented cases of Troopers beating up Black motorists. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says 99-percent of the state’s Troopers do their job well, while one-percent do not

Cut 12 (08) “…entire bunch”  

Colonel Lamar Davis was named the new Superintendent of State Police 13 months ago. He says several changes have been made since his appointment, but unfortunately some of the changes can’t take place over night…

Cut 13 (10) “…those things.”

Information gathered from this State Police Oversight Committee is expected to produce legislation that will be considered in the 2022 regular session. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux…

Cut 14 (10) “..do that.” 

Several high-ranking LSP officials were also on hand to testify. Boudreaux asked Lt. Colonel Doug Cain about how L-S-P leadership is attempting to change the culture within the department. Cain says they are educating Troopers that everyone has a different life background and consider that when dealing with the public…

Cut 15 (12) “…decision making.” 

Cut  16 (10) “..get your information”

Governor Edwards wants to add the COVID vaccine to the list of shots to attend public schools K-12 and higher education. But opponents to such a move voiced their concerns at today’s House Health and Welfare Committee. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A special committee made up of state senators began hearings today on the use of force policies that State Police has in place. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards wants to add the Covid vaccine to a list of required shots needed to attend K-12 schools and higher education. The new rule would initially only apply to students 16 and up at the start of the 2022 school year because it’s only FDA-approved for that age group.

Cut 3 (11) “…as well.”

The move is opposed by mostly GOP lawmakers who are gathering today for an oversight hearing to stop the proposal.

Edwards says because it’s been approved by the FDA for those 16 and older, the public needs to be reminded in order to receive such approval it’s been thoroughly tested.

Cut 4 (10) “…these populations.”

Edwards says but it’s also part of a larger effort to battle the pandemic.

Cut 5 (10) “…18 or below.”

__________________________________

Hurricane victims from 2020 and 2021 continue to struggle with insurance companies on getting paid for their storm damage claims. Houma Senator Mike Fesi says many of his constituents can’t even a call back. Fesi says he’s told insurance providers a little communication is better than no communication at all…

 Cut 6 (11) “..biggest complaint.” 

Fesi says expects a lot of legislation will be considered in the 2022 regular session on how they can force insurance companies to provide timely claims. But he says they have to be careful because if you put too many regulations on insurance companies they won’t do business in Louisiana anymore…

Cut 7 (10) “…much trouble.”  

Fesi says his best advice for the time being for frustrated policyholders is to call the Louisiana Department of Insurance and voice your complaints…

Cut 8 (09) “…better satisfaction.”

______________________________________________________

A House Health And Welfare Committee meeting is underway, receiving public input from the governor’s plan to add the COVID vaccine to the list of required shots needed to attend K-12 schools. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder voiced his opposition to adding the COVID vaccine to attend schools.

Cut 9 (14) “…for schools.”

Attorney General Jeff Landy says the proposal of adding the vaccine to the shot schedule is an overreach of the Department of Health because they are also dictating who can attend K-12 public schools.

Cut 10 (07)  “…0f Health”

Anti-vaccine activist and attorney Bobby Kennedy Jr, a guest of Landy attended the hearing and told the committee instead of a four-year study, the Pfizer vaccine trial ended at six months and was given authorization by the FDA.

Cut  11 (14)  “..never know.”  

Dr. Kanter stated that’s Kennedy’s presentation of deaths and side effects of the vaccine was a gross misinterpretation of the truth.

______________________________________________

The Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight held its first meeting today. The senators are reviewing L-S-P’s use of force policies as the state agency has come under fire after several documented cases of Troopers beating up Black motorists. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says 99-percent of the state’s Troopers do their job well, while one percent do not

Cut 12 (08) “…entire bunch”  

Colonel Lamar Davis was named the new Superintendent of State Police 13 months ago. He says several changes have been made since his appointment, but unfortunately, some of the changes can’t take place overnight…

Cut 13 (10) “…those things.”

Information gathered from this State Police Oversight Committee is expected to produce legislation that will be considered in the 2022 regular session. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux…

Cut 14 (10) “..do that.” 

Several high-ranking LSP officials were also on hand to testify. Boudreaux asked Lt. Colonel Doug Cain about how L-S-P leadership is attempting to change the culture within the department. Cain says they are educating Troopers that everyone has a different life background and consider that when dealing with the public…

Cut 15 (12) “…decision making.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards wants to add the Covid vaccine to a list of required shots needed to attend K-12 schools. The new rule would initially only apply to students 16 and up at the start of the 2022 school year. Edwards says but it’s also part of a larger effort to battle the pandemic.

Cut 5 (10) “…18 or below.”

A House Health And Welfare Committee meeting is underway, receiving public input from the governor’s plan for schools. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder voiced his opposition to adding the COVID vaccine to attend schools.

Cut 9 (14) “…for schools.”

The Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight held its first meeting today. The senators are reviewing L-S-P’s use of force policies as the state agency has come under fire after several documented cases of Troopers beating up Black motorists. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says 99-percent of the state’s Troopers do their job well, while one percent do not.

Cut 12 (08) “…entire bunch”  

Colonel Lamar Davis was named the new Superintendent of State Police 13 months ago. Committee Chair, Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil says they anticipate public input at their next oversite committee.

Governor John Bel Edwards wants to add the Covid vaccine to a list of required shots needed to attend K-12 schools. The new rule would initially only apply to students 16 and up at the start of the 2022 school year because it’s only FDA-approved for that age group.

Cut 3 (12) “…as well.”

The move is opposed by mostly GOP lawmakers who are gathering today for an oversight hearing to stop the proposal.

The Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight is holding its first meeting today and will hear from LSP Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis about policies to address excessive force. Baton Rouge Senator Franklin Foil says it could result in future legislation…

Cut 6 (12) “…allegations of excessive force.”

UL-Monroe is helping with the nursing shortage with a degree transfer program. Dr. Don Simpson, Dean of the ULM College of health sciences says those with an associate nursing degree can work on their Bachelor of Science of nursing at ULM and because it’s online, anyone from anywhere in Louisiana can apply…:

Cut  11 (08)  “…where they want to be.”  

Congressman Troy Carter is proposing legislation that would erase student loan debt equal to that of any SBA loans taken out to recover from a disaster since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s called the ‘No Double Debt for Disaster Survivors Act.” Carter compares the Act to the U.S. forgiving the indebtedness of countries.

Cut 14 (09)  “…on their feet.

Carter says forgiving student loan debt would provide immediate financial relief to millions of Americans.

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the Omicron variant and so far, the variant has not been found in Louisiana. Edwards explained that the Department of Health has established a network of laboratories and they are proactively sequencing positive PCR tests.

Cut 4 (08) “…any other variant.”

The variant has been detected in five other states.

Over the past 30 days, Louisiana State troopers have seized more than six million dollars in illegal narcotics during numerous traffic stops. Trooper William Huggins says on Wednesday a stop in St. Tammany Parish led to the discovery of a large quantity of suspected meth.

Cut 9 (06) “…of suspected methamphetamine.”

Over the past month, troopers seized 577 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated one-point-six-million dollars.

CWD, or Chronic Wasting Disease that can infect, sicken, or even prove fatal to white-tailed deer is becoming a growing concern in Louisiana.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Deputies in Ascension Parish say a man found shot to death inside a pickup on I-10 late Thursday night was the victim of a dispute that started miles away. The bullet-riddled vehicle was stopped in the roadway near the Highway 73 exit; blocking all three lanes. The driver was alive, the passenger dead at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the Omicron variant and so far, the variant has not been found in Louisiana. Edwards explained that the Department of Health has established a network of laboratories and they are proactively sequencing positive PCR tests.

Cut 4 (08) “…any other variant.”

The variant has been detected in five other states.

Over the past 30 days, Louisiana State troopers have seized more than six million dollars in illegal narcotics during numerous traffic stops. Trooper William Huggins says on Wednesday a stop in St. Tammany Parish led to the discovery of a large quantity of suspected meth.

Cut 9 (06) “…of suspected methamphetamine.”

Over the past month, troopers seized 577 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated one-point-six-million dollars.

In Livingston Parish jury deliberations are underway in the trial of 42-year-old Melanie Curtain, the woman accused of raping and videotaping a drugged woman during a 2014 assault, allegedly directed by former Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy Dennis Perkins. Perkins was arrested two years ago along with his now ex-wife Cynthia Perkins and will be tried next year for a combined 150 counts alleging they raped two children, an adult and produced child pornography

With Chronic Wasting Disease detected in Arkansas, which can be fatal to white-tailed deer, State Veterinarian Jim LaCour with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they are issuing a ban on baiting and feeding in nearby Moorehouse and Union parishes beginning December 6.

Cut 7 (13) “…possibly through saliva.”