Louisiana went before the U.S. Supreme Court to argue against the Biden Administration’s COVID vaccine mandates for bigger businesses and health care workers. State Solicitor General Liz Murrill says the White House orders are a clear overreach…:

CUT 09  (15)        “…a COVID shot.”

She calls the mandate an un-precedented “bureaucratic power move.” But federal Deputy Solicitor General Brian Fletcher says the mandates are wholly appropriate…:

CUT 11  (09)        “…and Medicaid patients.”

Louisiana and other states are asking the High Court to uphold injunctions against enforcing the mandates.

A large building in historic downtown Lake Providence has been destroyed by an overnight fire. Police in the East Carroll Parish town say the fire started somewhere around 1 a.m. and was not extinguished until after 8. The building housed several businesses, including a Capital One Bank. The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating.

The Department of Wildlife & Fisheries lifts a field-baiting ban for Union and Morehouse parishes, after becoming satisfied that deer in that area do not have Chronic Wasting Disease. LDWF biologist Scott Durham credits the help of hunters, who voluntarily gave up their deer taken for testing…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…help us in that.”

Because CWD has been detected in deer in four neighbor states, Durham encourages hunters statewide to keep bringing their deer kill in for further testing.

Attorney General Jeff Landry will make his case against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for most healthcare workers. Erik Piccoli has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Piccoli.”

The New Orleans City Council has voted to rename Robert E. Lee Boulevard in the city’s Lakeview area after local musical legend Allen Toussaint. The vote was unanimous, and the street officially becomes “Allen Toussaint Boulevard” on February 1^st. Toussaint passed away in 2015.

State health officials are struggling for coronavirus test demand to keep up with the high number of cases reported. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says there are PCR tests available, but at-home tests are VERY hard to come by…:

CUT 14  (07)        “…private market.”

If you want to find a free testing location near you, visit “ldh.la.gov” and click the “coronavirus” tab.

…and now today’s markets….

The Saints need a “perfect storm” to make the NFL playoffs this year. They must beat Atlanta Sunday, but they also need the Rams to beat San Francisco as well. Both those games kickoff at 3:25 Sunday.

As daily COVID case numbers continue to break records, the governor continues to encourage residents to wear masks indoors. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Thorington.”

Calcasieu Parish has recorded its first homicide of the New Year. Police in Iowa say a woman and her daughter were both shot by Sheron Lewis. The mother was killed. The daughter is in the hospital in serious condition. Their names are withheld for now. Lewis is charged with murder and attempted murder.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports they found no evidence of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer samples taken in Morehouse and Union parishes. A baiting ban was issued in those parishes after cases were found in Arkansas. LDWF Biologist Scott Durham says the ban is now lifted…:

CUT 03(11)      “…not detected.”

Durham thanks hunters who gave up their deer for testing for helping is getting the ban lifted.

Commercials are all over Louisiana TV and radio about online sports betting “Coming Soon”, but HOW soon? State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says – first – he’d like to dispel a few rumors…:

CUT 10(08)      “…not the case.”

Johns says once regulators are satisfied the apps will be bug and problem-free, he’ll approve their use … but he declines to set a date for that.

The state Health Department reported a single-day record high of just over 14-thousand new coronavirus cases and 12 new deaths today. Gov. John Bel Edwards says many of these new cases are reinfections…:

CUT 12(12)      “…was 11,278.”

The CDC says more than 90-percent of Louisiana coronavirus cases are the Omicron variant.

Convicted in December of eight sex crime counts, former St. Tammany Parish sheriff Jack Strain is asking a judge to either acquit him or order a new trial. Strain’s attorney argues there was insufficient evidence with which to convict him. Strain’s sentencing is coming on January 18^th.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning suggests we all use the New Year as a reminder to test and check the batteries in our smoke and CO2 alarms. In a majority of fatal fires in Louisiana, the homes had no working smoke detectors.

It’s Twelfth Night, or King Day, as some call it – which means time to start enjoying King Cake. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Amid the latest surge in coronavirus cases, the state Department of Corrections suspends visitation at Louisiana’s eight state-run prisons. The suspension starts today and will continue until further notice. During this time, the DOC will offer inmates two free video phone calls per week to ensure inmates have continued connection to family and friends.

Today marks one year since of the storming of the U.S. Capitol. Jeff Palermo reports on what members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation said that day…:

CUT 01(40)      “…Palermo.”

A 9-year-old at University Lab School in Baton Rouge is suspended for refusing to wear a mask on his first day back after the holiday break. The boy’s father says mask rules don’t make sense and argues a handful of kids have to wear them, but several thousand LSU fans at a basketball game don’t. He says that sends a mixed message.

The Carnival season is officially underway with Krewe presidents for Zulu and Rex marking its start by celebrating Kings Day. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says that Mardi Gras 2022 will happen without a doubt…:

CUT 09(12)      “…for our bodies as well.”

Cantrell says current guildlines would remain in place, but she will not stop citizens from celebrating in true New Orleans fashion.

State Health officials say the Omicron variant now accounts for about 90% of coronavirus case statewide. Today LDH reports just over 14-thousand new cases, with about 1400 in the hospital. Of those, 76% are not fully vaccinated.

A Calcasieu Parish student makes a perfect score on the PSAT college entry test. Annalise DeFelice is a high school junior at Lake Charles’ Sam Houston High.

It was a year ago today a mob of angry Trump supporters in Washington, DC got whipped into a frenzy and invaded the U.S. Capitol building; trying to break into the House of Representatives. Five people have died as a result of the January 6^th riot. Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson says he’s concerned about the direction extreme political rhetoric is pushing us all…:

CUT 05  (10)        “…in peril.”

It’s Twelfth Night, or the Epiphany (if you prefer) or even King Day. The day observed as the 12th Night of Christmas … when the Three Wise Men arrived with gifts for the Baby Jesus. It also means the start of Carnival Season and King Cakes. David Haydel Jr., with New Orleans’ Haydel Bakery, says they are more than ready for the next 50 days…:

CUT 07  (11)        “…good season.”

Louisiana native Lawrence Brooks, the oldest living World War II veteran in the US, died Tuesday at the age of 112. Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Morris Thompson fondly recounts his friendship with Brooks that began twelve years ago at a New Orleans fish fry…:

CUT 14  (12)      “…want to know.”

Brooks was raised in Norwood, Louisiana, and served in World War II.

The 13th ranked LSU women’s basketball team puts its 13 game winning streak on the line tonight when they host top-ranked South Carolina. Lady Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey says this is a tremendous challenge and opportunity for her squad…:

CUT 19  (13)      “…size to rebound.”

At a ceremony in New Orleans, Governor John Bel Edwards posthumously pardoned civil rights pioneer Homer Plessy, the subject of a separate but equal Supreme Court ruling that enabled decades of segregation of black Americans. Keith Plessy, a direct descendant, was on hand for today’s ceremony…:

CUT 03(10)      “…to be born.”

The Supreme Court reversed segregation laws in 1954. Plessy died in 1921 with his conviction still on his record.

Two children were killed in a house fire early this morning in St. Landry Parish. Opelousas Fire Chief Charles Mason says they received a call shortly before 1:30 of a house fire where six people resided. Only four escaped…:

CUT 09(06)      “…an one 11.”

Mason says a third child was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The fire is under investigation.

The oldest known military veteran in the U.S. has passed away. Lawrence Brooks, who is from Norwood, Louisiana, was 112. Brooks served in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines during World War II. Brooks said the secret to his long life was being nice to people.

LSU’s 42-20 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl last night will be known as the Jontre Kirklin game, as the fifth-year senior started his first college game at quarterback. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

An early morning house fire in St. Landry parish takes the lives of two young boys. Opelousas Fire Chief Charles Mason says they were called around 1:30 AM to a home where 6 people resided. When they arrived the house was engulfed in flame. He says only four made it out. In addition to the boys – ages 12 and 11 – who died, a third child was taken to a hospital…:

CUT 10 (05)   “…smoke inhalation.”

The fire’s cause is under investigation.

The fire chief in Jonesboro and a Jackson Parish deputy face insurance fraud charges involving a two-vehicle crash of fire department vehicles. Trooper Michael Reichardt says State Police investigated and it appears the two men were trying to cover up the fact that Chief Brown’s juvenile son was one of the drivers at the time of the crash…:

CUT 13         (12)   “…drive those.”

The investigation remains active.

At a ceremony in New Orleans, Governor John Bel Edwards posthumously pardoned civil rights pioneer Homer Plessy, the subject of a separate but equal Supreme Court ruling that enabled decades of segregation. The Supreme Court reversed segregation laws in 1954, but Plessy died in 1921 with his conviction still on his record. Edwards says this is Louisiana’s first pardon as a result of a 2006 state law that allows for pardons of people convicted under laws that were intended to discriminate…:

CUT 05(12)      “…criminal conviction.”

A Natchitoches man is under arrest for allegedly firing a gun at revelers who were firing off fireworks on December 30^th – a full night early. 48-year-old Kyle Tanner is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, disturbing the peace by public intoxication, and obstruction of justice. No one was hit by any of Tanner’s gunfire.

At a ceremony in New Orleans, Governor John Bel Edwards posthumously pardoned civil rights pioneer Homer Plessy, the subject of a separate but equal Supreme Court ruling that enabled decades of segregation of black Americans. Keith Plessy, a direct descendant, was on hand for today’s ceremony…

Cut 3 (10) “…to be born.”

Homer Plessy was a creole man arrested in New Orleans 130 years ago when he refused to leave a whites-only railroad car.

Two children were tragically killed in a house fire early this morning in St. Landry Parish. Opelousas Fire Chief Charles Mason says six people resided, only four escaped. Inside firefighters found two males, one 12 the other 11. In addition to the two fatalities, another child was taken to the hospital.

Cut 10 (05)  “…smoke inhalation.”

LSU’s 42-20 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl last night will be known as the Jontre Kirklin game, as the fifth-year senior started his first college game at quarterback. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Jonesboro’s Fire Chief and a Jackson Parish Sheriff’s deputy face insurance fraud charges involving a two-vehicle crash of fire department vehicles. Trooper Mike Reichardt says State Police received a tip in August and found Chief Brandon Brown and Deputy George Wyatt were involved and listed as the drivers…:

CUT 11(10)      “…the vehicles.”

The two men have been charged with insurance fraud, filing or maintaining false public records, and malfeasance in office.

Two children were tragically killed in a house fire early this morning in St. Landry Parish. Opelousas Fire Chief Charles Mason says they received a call shortly before 1:30 am of a house fire where six people resided. He says only four escaped…:

CUT 09(06)      “…and one eleven.”

Another child was taken to the hospital. The fire is under investigation.

The Dash Diet which was developed in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is once again ranked as one of the top diets by U-S News and World Report. Erik Piccoli has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Piccoli.”

Governor John Bel Edwards will posthumously pardon Homer Plessy today. Plessy was the plaintiff in the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court case, which upheld the “separate but equal” doctrine that allowed for decades of segregation of black Americans.