Some Congressional Republicans are expected to vote against certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College win today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry and Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin will hold a press conference at 11 am today concerning election integrity and announce the arrest of a city councilman accused of election fraud. It will be live-streamed on the attorney general’s Facebook page. And Governor Edwards will hold his first COVID briefing of the new year at 2:30.

Alabama wide receiver and Amite native Devonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy last night, becoming the first receiver to win the award since Desmond Howard in 1991.  Smith credits his win to the hard work he put in while growing up in Amite City.

Cut 3 (11)  “prove everybody wrong”

Despite choosing Alabama over the home-state LSU Tigers, Smith says his hometown has been very supportive throughout his college career.

A United Health Foundation study highlighted some good progress the state has made over the last decade in key healthcare-related areas. United Chief Medical Officer Rhonda Randall says the number of teen pregnancies dropped 49 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Cut 14 (11) “…half.” 

Some Congressional Republicans are expected to vote against certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College win today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Beginning next fall more high school juniors and seniors will have the option to “Fast Forward” their education. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana usually ranks at the bottom of every healthcare study’s yearly report but one group highlighted a few of the things we got right in the last decade. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Congress will vote today on certifying the results of the November Presidential Election.

Congressman Clay Higgins says he has a constitutional duty to vote against certification because many states changed their election procedures without legislative approval, resulting in illegitimate results.

Cut 4 (12) “…violated.”

Those claims were rejected by the US Supreme Court but are supported by a faction of Republicans, including Higgins and Senator John Kennedy. It is unclear where most of the state’s Republican Congressional delegation stands on a certification vote.

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is calling on the delegation to vote to certify. He had strong words for those who refused to accept President-elect Biden’s victory…

Cut 5 (10) “…right.”

But Higgins says along with legal concerns over altered voting procedures he’s also seen evidence of largescale voting irregularities.

Cut 6 (09) “…fraud.”

Louisiana’s senior Senator Bill Cassidy, who says he will vote to certify the election, says no such evidence has been presented showcasing the kind of wide-scale fraud needed to impact the election. Higgins did not name any specific cases of fraud during the interview.

Campbell says Congressmen who vote against certifying know what they are doing is wrong.

Cut 7 (10)  “…Louisiana.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education is launching a pilot program aimed at encouraging more high school juniors and seniors to “Fast Forward” their education. Superintendent Cade Brumley says the Fast Forward program allows students to be better prepared for life after high school while still in school.

Cut 8 (07) “…next day.”

Brumley says about half of the students do not carry a full schedule their last two years of high school giving them more flexibility to changes courses.

Cut 9 (11) “…electrician.”

The program is expected to launch next fall. Brumley says the entry point into the career field is an associate degree, a certificate in a technical craft, an apprenticeship, or a four-year degree.

Cut 10 (04) “…next step.”

Brumley says he’s impressed with the collaboration of higher education and workforce commission in building the FAST FORWARD initiative.

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The legislature approves Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s proposal to allow COVID-19 emergency rules to be used again in the spring and special congressional elections due to the ongoing pandemic.  Ardoin says only a small number of voters used the COVID-19 rules in the July, August, and November elections along with the December run-off to vote absentee.

Cut 11 (11) “…one-thousand two-hundred-seventeen.

While there were extended early voting days and hours for the November election, Ardoin says however for the December run-off election days and hours were not extended for early voting.

Cut 12 (05) “…as well.”

When Ardoin presented the plan last year, many Republicans expressed concern it would allow for voter fraud.  The plan was approved without any objections. Republican Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt…

Cut 13 (07) “…opportunity.”

The measure now awaits Governor John Bel Edwards’s signature.

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A United Healthcare study highlighted some good progress the state has made over the last decade in key healthcare-related areas.

United Chief Medical Officer Rhonda Randall says the number of teen pregnancies dropped 49 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Cut 14 (11) “…half.” 

Louisiana saw a seven percent increase in mental healthcare providers between 2016 and 2020, which is good, but far below the curve…

Cut 15 (07)“…period.”

Louisiana also increased its per-person healthcare spending from 2014 to 2019 from 81 dollars per person to 94 dollars per person, good for 26^th in the nation. Randall says it’s important to note…

Cut 16 (08) “…go.”

On the downside, we saw excessive drinking rise to 21 percent from 18 percent between 2014 and 2019, the percent of adults with frequent mental stress increased from 15 percent in 2011 to 18.5 percent in 2019.

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The LSU men’s basketball team looks to bounce back tonight against Georgia following last Saturday’s loss to Florida. Tigers coach Will Wade says the Bulldogs like to play at a fast pace and they lead the SEC in rebounding margin

Cut 17 (16) “…for us.”

LSU is 1-1 in the SEC and six and two overall. Wade says he had a spirited talk with his team following the loss to Florida…

Cut  18 (16) “…capable of being.”

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The Saints will host the Chicago Bears on Sunday in the first round of the NFL playoffs.  Even though the Saints are playing well, Tight End Jared Cook says the team will need to raise its level of play in the postseason.

Cut 19 (11) “…next step.”

The team is hoping to get All-pro receiver Michael Thomas back after he missed the last few games to rest his injured ankle. Cook says having Thomas on the field makes it harder for teams to double-team a particular player.

cut 20 (17) “…red zone.”

Senator John Kennedy will vote against certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s election win tomorrow in Congress. LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan says it’s not surprising considering Kennedy is up for reelection in two years and may have greater ambitions…

Cut 10 (11) “…behind”

Senator Bill Cassidy will vote to certify.

A new law took effect this year that requires health insurance companies to cover newly developed precision genetic treatments for cancer patients. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot who authored the bill says before most cancer patients couldn’t get coverage for these types of treatments without a serious fight.

Cut 5  (08) “…treatment” 

Talbot says those denied coverage as recently as last month should now be eligible.

Unemployed workers are receiving an extra 300-dollars a week on top of the 247-dollars they receive from the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Louisiana Department of Health has authorized hospitals to begin vaccinating anyone in the public who is currently in an eligible group with any excess COVID vaccines they may have that exceed their uptake. This comes as public demand this week massively outstripped supply as those over 70 became eligible.

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are splitting tomorrow’s Congressional vote to certify the Presidential Election results with Cassidy for and Kennedy against. LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan says it will be interesting to watch how the state’s House Republican Delegation votes given how conservative those districts are…

Cut 11 (10) “..Presidency”

Unemployed workers are receiving an extra 300-dollars a week now and Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says the extra benefit is expected to last until March 13th. She says since the onset of the pandemic, the state has distributed about seven billion dollars in funds to nearly 700-thousand Louisianans…

Cut 14 (12) “…uptick in cases” 

The extra money is the result of the COVID Relief bill approved by Congress.

A new law took effect this year that requires health insurance companies to cover newly developed precision genetic treatments for cancer patients. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot authored the law and says it helps cancer patients wanting to try new procedures.

Cut 3 (12)  “.body”

The wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow is reportedly considering a run for his seat. USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn broke the story Julia Letlow has been asked to run. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says if Julia Letlow does run, the campaigns of her opponents will take on a different tone.

Cut 8 (11) “…tragic loss.”

Qualifying for the March 20^th special election is January 20^th through the 22^nd.

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are splitting on tomorrow’s Congressional vote to certify the Presidential Election results with Cassidy for and Kennedy against. President Trump has called on Republicans to reject the results, calling them fraudulent. LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan says that call has GOP members in a bind…

Cut 9 (12) “ contrary”

Courts have rejected Trump’s lawsuits challenging the results and Louisiana’s Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says there is no evidence of cheating.

Unemployed workers are receiving an extra 300-dollars a week. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says the extra money is the result of the COVID relief bill approved by Congress…

Cut 12 (10) “…top of that.” 

The wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow is reportedly considering a run for his seat. USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn broke the story Julia Letlow has been asked to run. ULM Poli Science Professor Joshua Stockley says former Congressman Ralph Abraham is also a possibility…

Cut 7 (11) …challengers.”

Qualifying begins January 20^th.

A new law took effect this year that requires health insurance companies to cover newly developed precision genetic treatments for cancer patients. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot who authored the bill says before most cancer patients couldn’t get coverage for these types of treatments without a serious fight.

Cut 5  (08) “…treatment” 

The state reports that COVID hospitalizations rose by 83 today to 1,974. The record of hospitalization in Louisiana is 1991 setback in April. The State also reports 50 new fatalities from COVID and 56,452 vaccines have been initiated.  On Monday those over the age of 70 and dialysis patients are now eligible to be vaccinated in Louisiana.

A new law took effect this year that requires health insurance companies to cover newly developed precision genetic treatments for cancer patients. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot who authored the law says it was inspired by the experience of one of his friends who had breast cancer.

Cut 4 (09) to her” 

Talbot says before this law went into effect most cancer patients couldn’t get health insurance coverage for these types of treatments without putting up a serious fight.

Unemployed workers are receiving an extra 300-dollars a week on top of the 247-dollars they receive from the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Julia Letlow, the wife late of Congressman-elect of Luke Letlow is considering a run to fill his seat. USA Today Network of Louisiana reporter Greg Hilburn broke the story last night that sources close to 41-year-old Julia Letlow have asked her to run. She’s reportedly spending time with family and reflecting on a decision to run.

Pennington Biomedical’s veggie-heavy DASH diet is named one of the best diets in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for 2021. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

2020 saw some of the biggest civil rights demonstrations in more than a half-century sweep the nation and state over the summer. Southern University Political Science Chair Albert Samuels says the Black Lives Matter protests resulted in a number of symbolic changes. Locally those were most noticeable in the removal of Confederate names and symbols from public buildings and flags.

Cut 5 (06) “…happened.”

Samuels highlighted Mississippi’s removal of the Confederate flag from their state flag, and the increased philanthropic attention paid to Black charities.

The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital has grown to 1,891, which is just 100 fewer than the high mark set last April. State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says it’s challenging for hospitals to find space for COVID patients…
cut 11 (09) “…ramifications”

The department of health regularly updates their dashboard at noon.

2020 saw historic, prolonged civil rights protests. Matt Doyle spoke with a Southern University Professor about a year defined in large part by the Black Lives Matter movement…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Pennington Biomedical’s veggie-heavy DASH diet is named one of the best diets in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for 2021. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The state reported 1,891 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, getting closer each day to beat the record set last spring. Brooke Thorington has more from the state health officer.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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2020 saw some of the biggest civil rights demonstrations in more than a half century sweep the nation and state over the summer.

Southern University Political Science Chair Albert Samuels says the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police sparked the most sustained period of protest since the 60s civil rights heyday.

Cut 4 (04) “…as well.”

Floyd was killed on May 25^th. By early June major protests had begun in New Orleans, including one that ended in police using gas to disperse a crowd moving towards the Cresent City Connection.

Samuels says the Black Lives Matter protests resulted in a number of symbolic changes. Locally those were most noticeable in the removal of Confederate names and symbols from public buildings and flags.

Cut 5 (06) “…happened.”

Samuels highlighted Mississippi’s removal of the Confederate flag from their state flag, and the increased philanthropic attention paid to Black charities.

Samuels says the protests were a mixed bag politically. On one hand, it resulted in an influx of newly registered Democrats, on the other hand, it popularized the controversial “defund the police” slogan.

Cut 6 (10) “…anticipated.”

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Pennington Biomedical’s DASH Diet is once again ranked the best overall diet for healthy eating according to U.S. News and World Report.

DASH has been around since the 90s and Director of Dietary Assessment Dr. Catherine Champagne says it’s stood the test of time because it’s easy to commit to and easy to keep.

Cut 7 (08)  “…a lifestyle.”

Dash also came in first for a most heart-healthy diet, second for best diet overall, third best diet for diabetes, and fifth for easiest diet to follow. The diet has ranked in the top five overall for the publication for years.

Champagne says DASH was developed to lower blood pressure and address hypertension. To do that it packs in a ton of nutrient-dense, calorie low health foods.

Cut 8 (08) “…dairy.”

A majority of a plate of a DASH friendly dinner is covered in vegetables and fruits, with some complex carbs like brown rice and a small serving of lean protein like fish or chicken.

The diet calls for two major changes from the way most people eat: notably lower salt and red meat consumption.

Cut 9 (07) “meats.”

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On Monday, the state reported 1,891 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, that’s 100 less than the highest number of 1,991 on April 12th. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said hospital CEOs will have a call with the Governor today on their current ability to provide care for COVID patients.

Cut 10 (12) “…quality care.”

Kanter says hospitals across the state are extremely busy as opposed to those in only in the New Orleans area last spring. He says it’s been challenging for hospitals to find space for COVID patients.

Cut 11 (09) “…ramifications.

At this time hospitals are still performing surgeries and are not turning patients away but Kanter said that could change depending on the number of properly staffed beds following the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Cut 12 (08) “…might have to.”

Crisis Standard of Care provides a framework for determining who is prioritized to receive scarce resources.

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Foster children are often taken into protective custody with only a few minutes to gather their personal belongings. Executive Director of Geaux Bags, K.C. Kilpatrick began her charity seven years ago to help children with the transition, so they’ll have everything they need for their first night in foster care.

Cut 13 (11) “…encouragement.”

Kilpatrick was inspired to start the charity, dedicated to providing personal items for children, when the first two foster children she cared for brought with them an item emphasizing the dire need to help the smallest victims of crime.

Cut 14 (11) “…started.” 

Last week Kilpatrick and her husband delivered 800 Geaux Bags to DCFS in New Orleans.  Each bag costs about $100 and is customized for children ranging from infants to teenagers. They are distributed to regional DCFS offices across the state.

Kilpatrick always includes a letter of encouragement for each bag and many of those letters are from other children. She says it’s important to let them know they are not alone.

Cut 15 (06)“…didn’t cause.”

If you’d like to donate or help Geaux Bags with their packing event go to GeauxBags.org for more info, that G-E-A-U-X.

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With the Saints set to host Chicago on Sunday instead of Saturday, it opens the door for running back Alvin Kamara to play against the Bears. Kamara is on the reserve COVID-19 list after testing positive for the coronavirus last week. Coach Sean Payton says it remains to be seen if Kamara can play as he will miss practice this week…

Cut 16 (10) “…be smart.”

Sunday’s playoff game is a rematch of a November 1st contest in Chicago in which the Saints won in overtime. Nick Foles was the starting Q-B for the Bears and now it’s Mitch Trubisky. Payton says Chicago’s offense is different with Trubisky as the signal-caller…

Cut 17 (17) “team yeah.”

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Alabama wide receiver and former Amite star Devonta Smith is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy tonight. A virtual awards ceremony will take place as Smith is one of four finalists. His high school football coach at Amite, Zephaniah Powell, says it’s amazing Smith might win the Heisman…

Cut  18 (18) “…well deserved.”

Smith has caught 105 passes for 1,641 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide. Powell says Smith stepped up his game after fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle broke his ankle in a game against Tennessee on October 24th…

Cut 19 (18) “…been big.”

Smith has been a big part of Alabama’s success the last four seasons. During his freshman campaign, he caught the winning touchdown pass in overtime to beat Georgia in the national championship game. Powell says he’s seen Smith become more explosive during his time in Tuscaloosa

 cut 20 (10) “….off the ball.”

Those over 70 and people on dialysis are now eligible to receive the Moderna COVID vaccine at one of 107 pharmacies across the state, but due to a limited number of vaccines, you’ll have to make an appointment at that pharmacy to be vaccinated. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says each pharmacy only received 100 doses of the vaccine…

Cut 7 (11) …what it is.”

The list of pharmacies is available online at COVID-Vaccine-Dot-LA-Dot-Gov.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter has tested positive for COVID. Hunter announced on his Facebook page that he tested positive last week, is doing well and resting at home. Hunter has canceled several public engagements for the week. Lake Charles is in the midst of recovery efforts from Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

The state’s senior U.S. Senator, Republican Bill Cassidy, was sworn in for a second six-year term Sunday. Cassidy’s most recent legislative achievement came as part of a bipartisan coalition that crafted the recent COVID relief bill. UL Lafayette Poly Science Professor Pearson Cross says the Senator is positioned to be quite influential…

Cut 5  (09) “…to come” 

Saints ended the regular season at 12-4 and since the Saints will host Chicago on Sunday, it increases the chances that running back Alvin Kamara can play after testing positive for COVID. Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins says the team understands the importance of avoiding a COVID.

Cut 10 (12) “..the playoffs”

Kickoff Sunday is at 3:40

People over the age of 70 and those on dialysis are now eligible to be vaccinated. The website of CovidVaccine.LA.gov offers a list of 107 pharmacies in 51 parishes that have the vaccine. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says unfortunately for this first week the number of doses is extremely limited.

Cut 6 (10) “..we could.”

Springhill Family Pharmacy Pharmacist Suzanne Smith in Webster Parish says interest is extremely high and they’ve already reserved the 100 doses for patients who called in this morning. When they receive the vaccine tomorrow, they will begin setting up appointments for the week.

Cut 13 (11)“…manner.”

Dr. Kanter says they expect another shipment of doses next week.

US Senator John Kennedy joins an effort by a faction of Republican Congressmen who plan to refuse to certify the results of the Presidential Election. Kennedy is not joined by the state’s senior Senator, Bill Cassidy, who was sworn in just Sunday. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s because Cassidy’s M.O. has never been hyper-partisanship…

Cut 4 (07) is” 

The Saints blew out the Panthers Sunday to end another strong regular season at 12-4. They’ll play the Bears in the Dome Sunday for the first round of playoff action in what could be Quarterback Drew Brees’ last chance at a second Super Bowl ring. Brees says his focus is on beating the Bears

Cut 11 (12) “..and play”

Kickoff Sunday is at 3:40