Julia Letlow, the wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, has announced she will run for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat. The seat was left vacant when Luke Letlow died from COVID-19 before he was to be sworn-in. Julia Letlow announced her candidacy on K-W-C-L Radio just like her husband did last March…

Cut 3 (09)  “..so proud”

It remains to be seen who else will run. Qualifying is next week.

Being a smoker is an expensive habit in Louisiana despite having one of the cheapest prices for a pack of cigarettes according to the financial website WalletHub. Analyst for WalletHub Jill Gonzales says on average smokers make 20-percent less than nonsmokers, which includes healthcare-related costs due to smoking.

Cut 9 (10) “…nonsmokers.”

The U.S. House voted 232 to 197 Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump with Incitement of Insurrection. The Louisiana Republican Congressional Delegation voted against impeachment, including Metairie Congressman Steve Scalise, who says impeachment will only serve to further divide the nation.

Cut 13 (05) “…ground.”
Scalise says the earliest the Senate could take up Trump’s trial would be January 20th, the day he leaves the Oval Office.

As expected, Louisiana’s House delegation voted along party lines. New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond laid out the Democrats case against the President…
cut 16 (13) “…insurrection”

Overall, Ten Republicans voted in favor of impeachment and four Republicans chose not to vote. All Democratic members of the House voted in favor of impeachment.

The Army Corps of Engineers seeks approval for a two billion dollar levee improvement project in the Upper Barataria Levee system in southeast Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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According to WalletHub, the average Louisiana smoker pays out $1.8 million to support their habit. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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President Donald Trump was impeached Wednesday over his role in allegedly inciting the deadly mob assault on the U.S. Capitol last week. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The Army Corps of Engineers is proposing a two billion dollar set of levee improvements in southeast Louisiana along a 30 mile stretch of the Upper Barataria levee system.

Corps Flood Risk Management Section Chief Travis Creel says a big part of the project involves the existing levee in St. Charles Parish, which is only six to seven feet tall.

Cut 4 (11) “…feet.”

The improvements would build on the Magnolia Ridge levee system in St. Charles, connect to the existing Sunset Levee District in Des Allemands, create a gate structure across Bayou Des Allemands, and built a new levee system parallel to Highway 90 all the way to Raceland.

The intent is to provide 100-year storm level protection. Creel says the proposal also includes a request for funding to maintain that 100-year protection out to the next 50 years.

Cut 5 (06) “…protected.”

The project has an estimated 1.3 rate of return per dollar.

The system would protect roughly 360,000 coastal residents from floods. Creel says the price of these levees is a bit higher than it used to be, but for good reason.

Cut 6 (11) “…fail.”

The project would need Congressional authorization and the state would have to front 35 percent of the cost. If approved construction would begin in 2023 and be completed in 2026.

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If you are looking to save some money and kick a habit at the same time, WalletHub said the ideal New Year’s Resolution for you, would be to give up smoking.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales said the average Louisiana smoker is letting $1.8 million dollars go up in smoke over a lifetime.

Cut 7 (07)  “…per smoker.”

The cost was based on the average pack-a-day smoker beginning at age 21 and ending at 69. The average Louisiana smoker spends $113 thousand in healthcare costs, which is third in the nation.

Cut 8 (11) “…smoking.”

In addition to smokers having an elevated risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. Gonzales said on average smokers make 20-percent less than nonsmokers, which includes healthcare-related costs due to smoking.

Cut 9 (10) “…nonsmokers.”

Gonzales said while it is cheaper to buy cigarettes in Louisiana compared to other states, that usually means a higher number of smokers. She said healthcare workplace issues greatly offset the cost of a pack of cigarettes in the end.

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This morning the Louisiana Department and Wildlife and Fisheries is stocking community ponds across the state with rainbow trout. LDWF spokesperson Rene LeBreton says this time of year catfish are harder to catch due to the cold temps but grab your pole and ice chest and cast a line for some rainbow trout.

Cut 10 (12) “…for ya.”

LeBreton says not only is it a chance to try out a new fish that’s not common in the area, taking the great outdoors fishing is a great way to spend the day.

Cut 11 (06) “…doing this.”

LeBreton says sixteen community ponds are being stocked and as for what you do once you’ve caught them?

Cut 12 (11) “…same way.”

For a list of ponds and stocking schedule visit LDWF’s Get Out and Fish Facebook page.

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The U.S. House voted 232 to 197 Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump for Incitement of Insurrection.

The Louisiana Republican Congressional Delegation voted against impeachment, including Metairie Congressman Steve Scalise who says impeachment will only serve to further divide the nation.

Cut 13 (05) “…ground.”

Scalise says the earliest the Senate could take up Trump’s trial would be January 20^th, the day he leaves the Oval Office.

The state’s lone Democratic Congressman, Cedric Richmond of New Orleans, says the President can’t be let off the hook this time.

Cut 14 (09) “…Trump.” 

Richmond is set to depart the House for a role as a senior aide in the Biden Administration. He also accused, in his last speech on the floor, some of his Republican colleagues of being co-conspirators in the Capitol attack. He did not name any lawmakers by name.

Scalise, who was shot in an act of political violence by a liberal in 2017, called out his colleague’s hypocrisy over not condemning violent protests last year.

Cut 15 (11)“…see it.”

Richmond laid out the Democrats case against the President…

Cut 16 (13) “…insurrection.”

Ten Republicans voted in favor of impeachment and four Republicans chose not to vote. All Democratic members of the House voted in favor.

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New LSU offensive coordinator Jake Peetz made his first comments since he was hired to lead the Tigers offense. Peetz is only 37-years-old but says he learned a lot from former LSU assistant and current Carolina offensive coordinator Joe Brady during his time as the Panthers quarterback coach. Peetz says he plans to run an attacking offense and possibly doing it in different ways

Cut 17 (24) “…and attack.”

Peetz will have the opportunity to work with three quarterbacks who won football games for the Tigers last season, TJ Finley, Myles Brennan, and Max Johnson….

Cut  18 (32) “…extremely talented.”

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The matchup between Drew Brees and Tom Brady is getting all of the headlines heading into Sunday’s playoff game between the Saints and the Buccaneers. But Coach Sean Payton says the trenches will also play a big role in who wins

Cut 19 (25) “…be the case.”

Payton says getting pressure on the quarterback will also be important…

cut 20 (24) “…this game.”

The US House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump for Incitement of Insurrection on a 232 to 197 vote with ten Republicans joining all Democrats in support. Four Republicans chose to abstain.

The day saw several impassioned speeches on the House floor for and against impeachment. Democrats say the President must be held accountable for his role in spurring on a violent mob of his supporters who stormed the Capitol last week. Most Republicans argued impeachment will divide the country even more.

Congressman Garret Graves voted against impeachment, calling the President’s behavior unacceptable and says impeachment is pointless because the President is no threat to incite further violence. Since January 6^th…

Cut 10 (11) “…megaphone.”

The FBI has warned state capitols of threats of armed protests over the weekend.

For those 70 and older LSU-Health Shreveport is hosting a drive-thru clinic to administer the COVID Vaccine. School Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali says the clinic is at the Shreveport Fairgrounds and the whole process takes about an hour and after your shot…

Cut 12 (12) “…fifteen minutes.” 

They are asking participants to preregister at lsuhs-dot-edu and you can also register on-site at the clinic.

ULM has hired Rich Rodriguez as its offensive coordinator to work under head coach Terry Bowden.  It’s unknown how much ULM will pay Rodrigeuz. But Monroe News-Star Sports Reporter Adam Hunsucker points out Rich Rod is still receiving buyout money from Ole Miss.

Cut 6 (11) “…jump on”

The son of Rodriguez, Rhett Rodriguez also transferred to the Warhawks.

The house votes to Impeach President Trump for a second time, the measure passed 232 to 197 with 10 republicans voting for impeachment.

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says the President’s actions before the riot were wrong, but impeachment would further divide a divided country.

Cut 8 (11) “…grandchildren.”

Four Republicans did not vote.

LSU-Health Shreveport is hosting a drive-thru clinic to administer COVID Vaccines to those over age 70. Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali says the clinic at the fairgrounds in Shreveport is open to any eligible state resident, just bring your ID and insurance care.

Cut 11 (09) “…a mask.”

State Police is investigating fatal police shooting in Montegut by Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Officers. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says they were told deputies arrived at a residence in response to a call about an aggravated assault and encountered a man with a rifle who fired at them. They returned fire, striking the suspect.

Cut 4 (06) “…his injuries” 

No one else was injured during the encounter and the State Police Crime Lab is assisting with the investigation.

New ULM football coach Terry Bowden has hired former West Virginia, Michigan and Arizona head coach Rich Rodrigeuz as his offensive coordinator. Monroe News Star sports reporter Adam Hunsucker says Rich’s son, former Arizona Quarterback Rhett Rodriguez, is also coming to Monroe..
cut 5 (07) “….be with Terry

Congressman Garret Graves speaks out against House Democrat’s impeachment push, saying it risks further dividing the country. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

The state reported 29-hundred new COVID-19 cases today and 51 fatalities. The number of those hospitalized with the coronavirus is 2,029. Yesterday Governor Edwards extended the current Modified Phase Two restrictions for another 28 days.

For those 70 and older LSU-Health Shreveport is hosting a drive-thru clinic to administer the COVID Vaccine. School Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali says the clinic is at the Shreveport and the whole process takes about an hour and after your shot…

Cut 12 (12) “…fifteen minutes.” 

They are asking participants to preregister at lsuhs-dot-edu and you can also register on-site at the clinic.

ULM has hired Rich Rodriguez as its offensive coordinator to work under head coach Terry Bowden.  It’s unknown how much ULM will pay Rodrigeuz. But Monroe News-Star Sports Reporter Adam Hunsucker points out Rich Rod is still receiving buyout money from Ole Miss, where he was the offensive coordinator for just one season…

Cut 6 (11) “…jump on”

The son of Rodriguez, Rhett Rodriguez also transferred to the Warhawks.

Governor Edwards extended the current modified Phase Two COVID public health order for another four weeks. He also appealed to businesses to do everything they can to maximize the number of workers who can work from home.

Cut 14 (11) “…region.” 

Edwards says every region of the state has a positivity rate above ten percent.

Health officials are seeing strong demand for the COVID vaccine. Louisiana Hospital Association President Paul Salles says the state will expand eligibility in phases as the state gets more vaccines, you can schedule an appointment online or by phone in advance…

Cut 5 (11) “…bear with us.”

Ochsner Health System says they have scheduled 113-thousand vaccine appointments over the next two months.

Just under 140,000 COVID-19 vaccines have now been officially administered in Louisiana. Roughly half of the vaccines the state is receiving are being held back for the moment, State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says that’s because the feds can’t promise us how many doses we will receive three to four weeks in the future…

Cut 11 (07) “…come up”

A study of NCAA athletes and COVID indicates that despite close contact associated with athletics, more student-athletes reported COVID exposure at social gatherings versus athletics.  Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Catherine O’Neal says it supports one can play sports but only when strict CDC mitigation guidelines are followed…

Cut 9 (09) “…activity.”

A study of NCAA athletes supports CDC revised quarantine guidelines when testing is performed during the 5^th day or later. Brooke Thorington has more and how LSU Health New Orleans participated in the study.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter gave an update on the status of the state’s COVID vaccination campaign. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Louisiana will remain under the current modified Phase Two COVID restrictions for at least another 28 days. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Health officials are seeing strong demand for the COVID-19 vaccine. Ochsner Health System says they have scheduled 113-thousand vaccine appointments over the next two months. Louisiana Hospital Association President Paul Salles says if you are 70 and over and wishing to get vaccinated, schedule an appointment

Cut 4 (09) “…as they can.”

Sallas says the Louisiana Health Department will expand eligibility in phases as the state gets more vaccines so check the L-D-H’s website for updates. He says you can schedule an appointment online or by phone in advance…

Cut 5 (11) “…bear with us.”

There are over two-thousand COVID patients hospitalized. Salles says it is critically important that Louisianians take proper precautions and practice social distancing…

Cut 6 (11) “…begin with.”

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A study, of NCAA athletes and the length of COVID quarantine, supports the CDC revised quarantine guidelines from 14 to 10 days after a negative test on the 5^th day or later. Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Catherine O’Neal co-authored the study.

Cut 7 (09)  “…fairly low.”

The probability of developing a positive result after the tenth day was less than five percent.

The CDC reviewed data of 620 athletes that tested positive for COVID, it showed 49-percent tested positive by day two of quarantine and 73-percent tested positive by day 5.  Thus, more supporting data to reduce the quarantine hardship to ten days when testing is performed during the quarantine.

O’Neal says it’s important to recognize in trying to control the pandemic that it’s extremely common to be asymptomatic and still test positive for COVID.

Cut 8 (08) “…know it”

The study also indicates that despite close contact associated with athletics, more student-athletes reported COVID exposure at social gatherings versus athletics. O’Neal says it supports one can play sports but only when strict CDC mitigation guidelines are followed…

Cut 9 (09) “…activity.”

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Just under 140,000 COVID-19 vaccines have now been officially administered in Louisiana.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says vaccination of members of the public over 70 and some essential workers, also known as group 1B, is going well. This week 210 pharmacies in every parish of the state will receive 35,785 doses. Unfortunately…

Cut 10 (09) “…next week.”

That’s due to the slow pace of vaccine allocations by the feds. This week the number spiked as Louisiana freed up more vaccines held in reserve.

Roughly half of the vaccines the state is receiving are being held back at the moment. Kanter says that’s because the feds can’t promise us how many doses we will receive three to four weeks in the future…

Cut 11 (07) “…come up”

The Trump Administration agreed to a request by the incoming Biden Administration to release reserve vaccines, but even with that policy, it’s unclear how many doses the state will receive in the coming weeks.

Kanter also says they’re developing better policies to make sure every ounce of vaccine is administered before it expires.

Cut 12 (07) “…lost”

Kanter also noted the nursing home resident and staff vaccination program is going well with Walgreens administering 6,144 doses and CVS administering 6,414.

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Governor Edwards extends the current modified Phase Two COVID public health order for another four weeks.

Edwards says most businesses will remain limited to 50 percent capacity as the state rides out the brutal third wave of the pandemic.

Cut 13 (07) “…mandate.”

Despite the dramatic recent spike in cases, Edwards reiterated comments that the state cannot enforce its way to COVID compliance, it needs people to voluntarily follow mitigation measures and discontinue small group gatherings that are driving the current surge.

Edwards appealed to residents to lean on services like Zoom to avoid in-person socializing and called on businesses to do everything they can to maximize the number of workers who can work from home.

Cut 14 (11) “…region.” 

Edwards says every region of the state has a positivity rate above ten percent.

While businesses will be allowed to remain open at half capacity Edwards says that doesn’t mean you have to go inside. He encourages curbside or delivery service …

Cut 15 (07)“…you can.”

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LSU men’s basketball begins a three-game homestand tonight as they host Arkansas at the Maravich Center at 6 PM. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks in the PMAC by two points last season and but also lost to the Hogs in Fayetteville giving up 99 points. Tigers coach Will Wade says he didn’t prepare his team well enough to face Arkansas last season so he studied up on their head coach Eric Musselman

Cut 16 (22) “…our team.”

LSU enters the game with 8-2 record, 3-and-one in conference play, while the Razorbacks are 10-and-2, two and two in the SEC. The Hogs lead the league in scoring at 88 points per game and Wade says they like to push the ball up the court

Cut 17 (20) “..three-point line.”

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When the Saints and Buccaneers play on Sunday, New Orleans will look to complete a three-game sweep of Tampa Bay this season.  Bucs head coach Bruce Arians has faced the same team three times in one season on multiple occasions and says that each game is different.

Cut  18 (14) “…know each other.”

A key for the Bucs will be to put pressure on quarterback Drew Brees, which is no easy task.  Arians says it’s tough to get to Brees because he makes quick decisions.

Cut 19 (12) “…get him there free.”

Tampa Bay will benefit from the return of former LSU linebacker Devin White, who will suit up for Tampa Bay on Sunday. White missed the Bucs’ last two games as he was on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Arians calls White one of the best in the league.

cut 20 (09) “…in the league.”

Governor Edwards extended the current modified Phase 2 coronavirus restrictions for another 28 days. He also implored residents to discontinue small gatherings outside their immediate households as contact tracing indicates that’s spurring the current spike in cases.

State Police says they are aware of a planned protest at the State Capitol and Lt Nick Manale says the FBI has warned them of armed protests at every state capitol in the country being planned for the weekend. Over the last several weekends, Trump supporters have gathered on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol but held peaceful demonstrations. The crowd is expected to be much bigger this Sunday, and Manale says they’ll be prepared.

Cut 5  (10) “…security protocols” 

President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration is set for next Wednesday.

President Donald Trump briefly spoke with reporters this morning saying the House Democrat backed impeachment vote Wednesday is causing “tremendous danger to our country and causing tremendous anger.” UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says most Republicans, including Louisiana’s Congressional delegation, will argue impeaching the President for a second time less than two weeks before he leaves office is unnecessary.

Cut 10 (10) “.constitution.”

President Trump is being impeached for “Incitement of Insurrection.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ordered all criminal and civil jury trials to be halted until March 1^st due to the pandemic. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this is yet another unavoidable pandemic problem and will cause ongoing lawsuits to remain unresolved.

Cut 13 (10)“…understandable.”

Last spring court proceedings were put on hold at the beginning of the pandemic.

Governor Edwards extended the Phase 2 coronavirus restrictions for another 28 days. He also encouraged businesses to have employees work remotely where possible as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain high. He stated the majority of contract tracing shows small gatherings are responsible for the ongoing spike in COVID cases.

House Democrats are moving ahead with another impeachment of the President alleging his comments at a D.C. rally spurred on last week’s mob assault on the U.S. Capitol.

cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

Louisiana State Police say they are aware of planned protests at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge as armed pro-Trump crowds are expected to gather at state capitol buildings across the nation. Lt. Nick Manale says the FBI reportedly issued a bulletin of planned protests leading up to the inauguration on January 20th. He says they will have additional security measures in place…

Cut 4 (11) “…peaceful gathering” 

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ordered all criminal and civil jury trials to be halted until March 1^st due to the pandemic. Last spring court proceedings were put on hold at the beginning of the pandemic. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the delay is not without repercussions.

Cut 12 (12) “…not settle.” 

House Democrats are moving ahead with another impeachment of the President alleging his comments at a D.C. rally spurred on last week’s mob assault on the U.S. Capitol.

cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

Governor Edwards will address the state at 330 today to discuss if the state should remain in the current modified Phase Two COVID restrictions. This comes as the state reports another 4,673 cases and nearly 160-thousand vaccine doses have been administered, an increase of 78-thousand since the last update.

State Police says they are aware of a planned protest at the State Capitol. Lt Nick Manale says the FBI has warned them of armed protesters at every state capitol being planned. Over the last several weekends, Trump supporters have gathered on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol and held peaceful demonstrations. But the crowd is expected to be much bigger this Sunday, and Manale says they’ll be prepared.

Cut 5  (10) “…security protocols” 

 The Louisiana Supreme Court has ordered all criminal and civil jury trials to be halted until March 1^st due to the pandemic. Last spring court proceedings were put on hold at the beginning of the pandemic. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the delay is not without repercussions.

Cut 12 (12) “…not settle.”