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.” 

Governor Edwards told U-S Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge the state is ready to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funds to help southwest Louisiana rebuild from the 2020 hurricanes. Edwards says they are anxious for the feds to issue rules on how the grant dollars can be used.

Cut 3 (13) “…we get started.”

Voters in St. Tammany Parish will soon decide the future of the proposed Camellia Bay Casino, Resort and youth sports complex. Developers have brought in a heavy hitter to help win them over; former Saints quarterback Drew Brees. In a recorded message, Brees concentrates on the benefits of the youth sports part of the development.

Cut 13 (11) “…that same opportunity.”
Opponents fear the casino would increase in crime

Rapides Parish Schools is said to be laying the groundwork for growing the next generation of teachers in the state. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

The Louisiana Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on December seventh on whether Ochsner Health’s vaccine mandate is constitutional. District judges initially dismissed the lawsuit, but an appeals court in Shreveport issued a restraining order against the mandate preventing Ochsner from taking action against employees who are unvaccinated.

State lawmakers took Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain to task for the slow pace of expanding medical marijuana products. Strain told the Medical Marijuana Commission that he’s putting public safety first, but Kenner Representative Debbie Villio accused Strain of micromanaging…

Cut 4 (10) “…pharmacy. “
Patients appeared before the commission complaining about the lack of access and the high cost of medical marijuana. The smokeable form is supposed to be available in January and that will help lower the cost.

St. Tammany Parish voters will decide on December 11^th the future of the proposed Camellia Bay Casino, Resort, and youth sports complex. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw his support behind the initiative in a taped message.

Cut 14 (07)  “…St. Tammany Parish.”

The Rapides Parish Schools is the latest district to receive the “Models of Excellence” designation from the Louisiana Department of Education. State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley on why the “Models of Excellence” award was established.

Cut 8 (09) “…others to follow.”

He says students can earn dual enrollment credit, graduating high school with enough credentials and micro-credentials to immediately begin work as paraprofessionals

FEMA is reaching out to those who have registered for help from the agency but have yet to hear anything back. Nate Custer with FEMA says if you’re still waiting to get help from the agency be sure to check back on what might be holding things up.

Cut 10 (09)  “…on their situation.”

He says if you feel you’ve been forgotten somehow or need to provide new information call FEMA’s Disaster Helpline at 800-621-3362.

If you prefer celestial events to getting some shuteye, then you’re invited to jump out of bed for a near-total lunar eclipse early tomorrow morning. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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The state Public Service Commission is looking at ways to help prevent massive power outages after numerous weather-related events have tested the state’s power grids. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Weather permitting, folks across Louisiana and elsewhere will be entertained by a nearly total lunar eclipse early tomorrow morning. What you’ll see from Geoff Clayton, who is a professor in the LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Cut 3 (11) “….moon gets darker.”

The event will last for several hours peaking at around 3:03 Friday morning.

Professor Clayton says that while the almost-total lunar eclipse will begin around midnight, it will become most noticeable around 2:45 as it turns a reddish color and darkens, reaching its peak just after 3 a.m. Friday.

Cut 4 (09) “…probably won’t notice.”

Clayton talks about why the lunar eclipse is so interesting to see.

Cut 5 (10) “..see at sunset.”

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The Public Service Commission is looking at ways to help prevent massive power outages like the ones that plagued the state in February and then again with Hurricane Ida. District 2 Commissioner Craig Greene says they want to research such options like placing power lines underground, to see if it reduces outages,

 Cut 6 (09) “…resiliency.” 

District 3 Commissioner Lambert Boissiere says weather-related events are getting more powerful and doing much more damage than in the past to the state’s power grid and they want to look at ways to mitigate damage.

Cut 7 (07) “….lot of money.”  

Boissiere says there’s a great need to increase the reliability of the power grid in the state but they want to make sure it doesn’t financially strain consumers as well.

Cut 8 (09) “…rate payers.”

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Preparations are underway for Governor Edwards’ signing of a document officially pardoning the late Homer Plessy for the then-19^th century crime of trying to sit in the white section of a segregated train headed to Covington. The governor was asked about the pardon on Wednesday’s “Ask the Governor” program.

Cut 9 (05) “…so historically significant.”

The unanimous posthumous pardon was granted Plessy who died in 1925 last week by the Louisiana Pardons and Parole Board, the pardon required under the state’s Avery C. Alexander Act.

Edwards says the signing ceremony is being carefully considered to include relatives of those involved in the U.S. Supreme Court case, Plessy v. Ferguson.

Cut 10 (08)  “…we possibly can.”

Judge John Howard Ferguson initially found Plessy guilty of the crime during the Jim Crow era.

The governor says the conviction of Plessy should have never happened, and thus the importance of a pardon signing event that matches the circumstances.

Cut  11 (08)  “…been a crime.”  

A date for the governor’s signing of the pardon has not been announced.

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Senator John Kennedy is pointing the finger of blame at the Biden administration for the dramatic rise in inflation that’s impacting the costs of just about every good and service in the nation. He said on the Senate floor Wednesday:

Cut 12 (09) “…figure that out.”  

Kennedy says the inflation is being spurred on by federal spending and says the nearly two-trillion dollar reconciliation bill still under consideration will only impact the rate of inflation more.

Senator Kennedy says it shouldn’t come as any surprise that inflation is rising at a rate that’s helping to double the price of gasoline and responsible for double-digit increases in the prices of other consumer goods and services.

Cut 13 (10) “…exploding our debt.”

Kennedy terms the upward spiral of inflation an “economic cancer” that the Biden administration is proposing a remedy for which that Kennedy says won’t work.

Cut 14 (12) “…we have now.” 

He says he hopes his Democratic friends will give up fueling inflation with “another extremist spending…bill.”