The Louisiana Department of Health is proposing to add COVID-19 vaccines to the list of required shots for some students. It’s a move Governor John Bel Edwards supports.

Cut 9 (08) “…the covid vaccines.”

Edwards says it will be mandated to the extent that other vaccines are mandated but only when the FDA gives the vaccine full authorization for children.

It’s said that parents could opt out of the requirement for their child by simply signing a statement of exemption.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is clearly opposed to the COVID-19 mandate for students.

Cut 10 (08)  “…abuse and bullying.”

The proposal will be reviewed by the state’s Health and Welfare Committee before a decision is made to move forward. A date for the committee meeting has not been set.

President Biden orders 50 million barrels of oil to be released from the strategic reserve in an effort to reduce gas prices, but if you’re hoping this will impact your Thanksgiving travel, it won’t. The barrels won’t hit the market until mid to late December. LSU Center for Energy Studies, Executive Director David Dismukes says prices were already on course to correct themselves.

Cut 4 (08) “…administration’s part.”

As the pandemic continues to wane, the cruise business is picking back up in places like New Orleans. Jessica Ragusa, communications director with the Port of New Orleans, says next year should be a record year for cruising out of the Big Easy.

 Cut 6 (07) “…ever had there.” 

By comparison in 2019, there were 251 cruises out of New Orleans, involving both ocean-going vessels and river cruises.

President Biden orders 50 million barrels of oil to be released from the strategic reserve to reduce prices at the pump. Supply versus demand has been driving up prices and LSU Center for Energy Studies, Executive Director David Dismukes says it’s not a favorable market to invest in petroleum because of clean energy policies enacted by the Biden administration

Cut 5 (08) “…energy prices.”

The barrels being released won’t hit the market until mid-to-late December.

House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says based on conversations he’s had with lawmakers, he’s not expecting major changes to the political boundaries for the state’s six U-S House Districts…

Cut 9 (13)  “…to make ‘em work.”
Stefanski says adjustments will have to be made because of the population growth in urban areas, and a decline in rural areas.

The cruise business is ramping back up in New Orleans as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ease. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

President Biden orders 50 million barrels of oil to be released from the strategic reserve in an effort to gas prices, but if you’re hoping this will impact your Thanksgiving travel, it won’t. The barrels won’t hit the market until mid to late December and LSU Center for Energy Studies, Executive Director David Dismukes says however prices were already on course to correct themselves.

Cut 4 (08) “…administration’s part.”

As the pandemic continues to wane, the cruise business is picking back up in places like New Orleans. Jessica Ragusa, communications director with the Port of New Orleans, says next year should be a record year for cruising out of the Big Easy.

 Cut 6 (07) “…ever had there.” 

By comparison, there were 251 cruises out of New Orleans, involving both ocean-going vessels and river cruises.

State Police continues to investigate Sunday night’s fatal police shooting in Metairie. Trooper Kate Stegall says officers encountered an armed man who refused to drop his weapon and whipped around and pointed it at the officers…

Cut 14 (09)  “…at the scene.”
The subject’s identity has not been released.

The Second Harvest Food Bank is continuing to seek assistance at stocking its shelves ahead of Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. Spokesman Jay Vise in New Orleans invites people to come and check out what they do and see how their donations are helping.

Cut 12 (12) “…round as well.”

If you need assistance call 2-1-1- for the nearest food bank.

State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they are investigating a deadly Friday night crash in Terrebonne Parish. He says this two-vehicle wreck killed four people including the suspected impaired driver, 42-year-old Charles Triggs of Raceland…

Cut 8 (13) “..was killed.”

The three other victims have been identified as 21-year-old Dannon Fulwiley of Raceland, 23-year-old Corey Porter of Raceland, and 25-year-old Ariana Lachico of Houma.

I-10 east near LA 1 in Port Allen is open after a horse trailer detached from the vehicle pulling it this afternoon. DOTD says traffic back up for as long as 7 miles into Baton Rouge while another trailer was brought in the transport the horses. None of the horses were injured but understandably spooked by the incident and reluctant to enter another trailer.

Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of a $125-million I-10 widening project between I-49 and Breaux Bridge; marking nearly a billion dollars spent on intestates during his governorship. The governor says spending money on such infrastructure projects is beneficial to the motoring public.

Cut 10 (09)  “…to travel here.”

Here’s something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week: gasoline prices have dropped slightly. Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy.com says regular gas is down about a penny & a half this week, and down about 4-cents from last month. DeHaan says if you’re traveling out-of-state for the holiday be prepared for some sticker shock…:

Cut 5 (05) “….higher prices.”

The national average price of regular gas is $3.41. The statewide average is $3.09.

Gas Buddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price for regular gas in Louisiana is down a penny and half with the statewide average at $3.09 a gallon. DeHaan says the price of oil dropping $10 a barrel, the Department of Interior issuing new leases on federal lands, and less demand in Europe as some countries are facing COVID lockdowns are reasons for the drop in prices.

Cut 4 (11) “…of oil.”

The national average for regular gas is $3.41 a gallon.

Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of the I-10 widening project between I-49 and LA-328. The ribbon-cutting involved the replacement of more than seven miles of pavement.

Cut 9 (12) “…westbound traffic.”

Since 2016, just shy of one billion dollars has been spent on I-10 projects statewide.

Seven people lost their lives in two fatal crashes in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes involving suspected drunk drivers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Nicholls State University is mourning the death of three students who were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Lafourche Parish involving a suspected drunk driver just after midnight on Saturday. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they believe 39-year-old Joey Clement (Clay-monh) was impaired when his pick-up truck slammed into an SUV…

 Cut 6 (11) “…that crash.” 

The three victims are from Luling (Loo-ling).

Alexandria State Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of the House Education Committee. One of the big education issue Mr. Harris says he is ready to tackle is Critical Race Theory.

Cut 15 (12)  “…decisions on it.”

Harris has been in the legislature since 2012.

As we move into the holiday season Governor Edwards continues to encourage COVID vaccinations and for those who already are, he’s also touting booster shots. Vaccine immunity has been shown to drop after six months on the two-dose vaccines, and two months after the one-dose vaccine, so Edwards says it’s best to add a booster.

Cut 9 (07)  “…as well.”

The CDC says more than 48% of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

As Louisianans sit down for their Thanksgiving meal know that the price tag for the meal is lower than the national average. That’s according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau and spokesman Avery Davidson on the costs of a dinner to feed ten people.

Cut 4 (10) “…average of $68.72. “

He says compared to 2019 your meal costs about $5 more.

The newly established Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention receives a $1.5 million federal grant to improve outcomes for young victims of the crime. Executive Director of the office Dr. Dana Hunter says they will continue to work with key experts in the community to combat human trafficking.

Cut 10 (07)  “…and recovery.”

Hunter says the majority of child trafficking victims are homebred, meaning they are groomed and lured into the crime locally.

Alexandria State Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of the House Education Committee. Harris has been in the Legislature since 2012 and has served on key committees like Appropriations, Retirement, and the Joint Budget Committee. Harris says he’ll “hit the ground running” as EducationChair.

Cut 14 (14)  “…state education system.”

Your Thanksgiving meal might cost a bit more this year, but Louisiana residents are paying less than the national average. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Governor Edwards will participate in a ribbon-cutting today for the widening project on I-10 from I-49 to Beaux Bridge at 10 a.m. And then a press conference at the Capitol at 2:30. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter will be at the press conference for a housing announcement for those affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta and the May floods.

The Biden Build Back Plan passed in the House this morning and critics of the $1.75 trillion bill say it will only discourage some from entering the workforce. Congressman Troy Carter says he respectively disagrees and because the bill provides funding for childcare which will allow more parents to return to work.

Cut  11 (10)  “…my party.”  

Opponents say the bill will cost an estimated $1.6 trillion and it’s the largest non-emergency spending measure since the 60s. President of business group LABI Stephen Waguespack says instead of helping the economy, which is at its highest in over 30 years, the BBB will do the opposite.

Cut 12 (07) “…right now.”  

The bill now heads to the Senate.

The legal tussle over whether Ochsner Health can require its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face termination should be resolved next month by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola University law professor, Dane Ciolino, says in this case that the justices will consider…

 Cut 6 (10) “…them very quickly.” 

A hearing on the matter is set for December 7^th.

Louisiana GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow is introducing the Parents Bill of Rights Act that’s geared toward further opening the line of meaningful dialog between families and their child’s school. She says the pandemic and virtual education allowed more parents to witness their child’s curriculum and inspired the legislation.

Cut 15 (09) “…should have input.” 

The Louisiana Supreme Court will be the next stop for two combined cases challenging Ochsner Health’s mandate that all its workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

32-year old Ben Burford a former New Orleans police officer who was fired over a rape accusation pleads guilty to a lesser offense. Burford was initially charged with third-degree rape but it’s been amended to indecent behavior with a juvenile older than 13, which calls for a maximum of seven years.

The Biden Build Back Plan passed in the House this morning and critics of the $1.75 trillion bill say it will only discourage many from entering the workforce. Congressman Troy Carter says he respectively disagrees and because the bill provides funding for childcare which will allow more parents to return to work.

Cut  11 (10)  “…my party.”  

Opponents say the bill will cost an estimated $1.6 trillion and it’s the largest non-emergency spending measure since the 60s. President of business group LABI Stephen Waguespack says instead of helping the economy, which is at its highest in over 30 years, the BBB will do the opposite.

Cut 12 (07) “…right now.”  

The bill now heads to the Senate.

The legal battle over if Ochsner Health can require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face termination should be resolved next month by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola University law professor, Dane Ciolino, expressed surprise when the state’s 2^nd Court of Appeals sided with Shreveport Ochsner employees opposed to the vaccine mandate, blocking it last month.

Cut 7 (11) “….and can’t do.”  

A hearing is set for December 7^th.

The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House this morning. The $1.75 trillion bill will assist working families with things like childcare costs. Opponents say the bill will cost an estimated $1.6 trillion. President of business group LABI Stephen Waguespack says Congress needs to stop sending in this economy.

Cut 10 (10)  “…back on track.”

The bill now heads to the Senate.

Developers of a proposed casino resort and youth sports complex in Slidell need voter approval and hope a former New Orleans Saint can help them get it. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”