CDC advisors open a two-day meeting, during which they could make changes to recommended childhood vaccinations, and Senator Bill Cassidy has something to say about that. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Not one, but TWO jail breaks in South Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices opened its two-day meeting today to discuss possible changes to its recommended childhood vaccination schedule. The most consequential of potential changes involves the Hepatitis B vaccine, which has been universally recommended since 1991. Senator Bill Cassidy says since then, the virus has nearly been eradicated.

Cut 3 (11) “…shortly after birth.”

The vaccine’s long-standing recommendation is in question after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked the vaccination to autism. Senator Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says the numbers don’t lie – the Hepatitis B vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective.

Cut 4 (11) “…time of birth.”

Cassidy says it has never been proven that vaccines cause autism, and any changes to the Hepatitis B vaccine recommendation would be very dangerous.

Cut 5 (06) “…of scientific fact.”

During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy assured Cassidy that he would not peddle any conspiracy theories about vaccines causing autism. Last month, Kennedy went back on his word, posting on the CDC website that the notion that vaccines do not cause autism is not based on scientific fact.

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Some notable people will be aboard Louisiana’s float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, New Year’s Day. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the people onboard are as diverse as the state itself.

Cut 6 (06) “…Commissioner Mike Strain.”

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says those three and all the other riders are sponsored by tourism organizations and convention and visitors bureaus throughout the state, with the notable exception of New Orleans.

Cut 7 (10) “…partnered with us.”

Nungesser says those who are riding on the float will be doing a lot more than just simply putting on a smile and waving for the crowd and the TV cameras.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the state.”

The previously-announced musical guest aboard the float, named “Gulf to Gumbo,” is Louisiana’s own “American Idol” runner up John Foster.

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Not one, but two jail breaks in South Louisiana yesterday. In St. Landry Parish Jail, three inmates escaped from the jail there. Major Mark LeBlanc with the sheriff’s office says 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped through one of the cells in an upper corner of the building.

Cut 9 (10)  “…of a hole.”

At that point, they were able to get outside and onto the roof. LeBlanc says due to construction that was happening, they were able to use certain equipment to make their escape.

Cut 10 (12) “…the building completely.”

And in Vermilion Parish, a 23-year-old facing drug and firearm charges escaped that parish’s jail late last night. Deputies believed they saw Gavin Garnica sleeping covered in his bunk, but they later discovered video showing him scaling the jail’s fence. Ashley Adams with the sheriff’s office says Garnica is known to be violent, so anyone who sees him should not approach him under any circumstances.

Cut 11 (10) “…drugs and weapons.”

Adams says one big question is how Garnica was able to escape the jail in the first place.

Cut 12 (07) “…have been violated.”

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An investigation leads to a major meth bust in Calcasieu Parish. State Police Trooper Roy Jones says detectives received a tip about narcotics trafficking in the area. So they set up surveillance in the area and developed probable cause to stop 48-year-old Brent Touchet of Lake Charles.

Cut 13 (11)  “…they located narcotics”

Jones says the investigators found a slew of narcotics in the vehicle, along with other contraband.

Cut 14 (10) “…more drug paraphernalia.”

Jones says Touchet was arrested, along with the two people who were with him – 45-year-old Jessica Robinson of Lake Charles and 41-year-old Josh Reeves of Sulphur.

Cut 15 (10) “…a stolen vehicle.”

An investigation leads to a major meth bust in Calcasieu Parish. State Police Trooper Roy Jones says detectives received a tip about narcotics trafficking in the area. So, they set up surveillance in the area and developed probable cause to stop 48-year-old Brent Touchet of Lake Charles.

Cut 13 (11)  “…they located narcotics”

Around 85 pounds of meth was found in the vehicle.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is looking at their childhood vaccination schedule including the long-standing recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine. This after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked the vaccination to autism. Senator Cassidy, who is a physician, says the B vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective.

Cut 4 (11) “…time of birth.”

The Hepatitis B vaccine has been universally recommended since 1991

Not one, but two jail breaks in South Louisiana yesterday. In St. Landry Parish, three inmates escaped from the jail there. Major Mark LeBlanc with the sheriff’s office says 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped by removing mortar from an aging part of the building and get onto the roof where they found construction materials…

Cut 10 (12) “…the building completely.”

And in Vermilion Parish, a 23-year-old Gavin Garnica escaped that parish jail there. video showed him scaling the jail’s fence after he was believed to have been sleeping in his bunk. Ashley Adams with the sheriff’s office says Garnica is known to be violent, so anyone who sees him should not approach him under any circumstances.

Cut 11 (10) “…drugs and weapons.”

The search continues for three inmates who escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail. Major Mark LeBlanc with the sheriff’s office says 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Jonathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped through one of the cells in an upper corner of the building.

Cut 9 (10)  “…of a hole.”

At that point, they were able to get outside and onto the roof. LeBlanc says due to construction that was happening, they were able to use certain equipment to make their escape.

And in Vermillion Parish a 23-year-old facing drug and firearm charges escaped the parish jail there. The Vermillion Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies believed they saw Gavin Garnica sleeping covered in his bunk but later discovered video showing Garnica scaling the jail’s fence just after 11:00 p.m. Wednesday night. Authorities say Garnica has a well-documented criminal history and is known to be violent.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices opened its two-day meeting today to discuss possible changes to its recommended childhood vaccination schedule. The most consequential of potential changes involves the Hepatitis B vaccine, which has been universally recommended since 1991. Senator Bill Cassidy says since then, the virus has nearly been eradicated.

Cut 3 (11) “…shortly after birth.”

Cassidy, a physician, says the vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective.

The State of Louisiana will again have a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the riders including the Oyster and Jambalaya Queens are sponsored by many of the tourism organizations and convention and visitors’ bureaus throughout the state…

Cut 7 (10) “…partnered with us.”

CDC advisors open a two-day meeting, during which they could make changes to recommended childhood vaccinations, and Senator Bill Cassidy has something to say about that. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The search is ongoing for three inmates who escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail. One is facing murder charges and Two are convicted felons. Authorities say 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Jonathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped by removing a section of decaying concrete blocks.

Some Louisiana royals will be aboard Louisiana’s float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, New Year’s Day. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Joining Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will be the Oyster Queen, and the Jambalaya Queen and they will be doing more than simply smiling and waving to the crowd.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the state.”

The previously announced musical guest aboard the float, named “Gulf to Gumbo,” is Louisiana’s own “American Idol” runner up John Foster.

The ACLU of Louisiana is suing the state over its law making it a state crime to interfere with immigration enforcement operations. Legal Director Nora Ahmed says the ACLU filed the suit on behalf of Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy, which has been providing outreach to let people know of their rights with Border Patrol agents potentially arriving in their neighborhoods.

Cut 7 (12) “…Security is undertaking.”

An estimated 32-hundred jobs are coming to Louisiana’s Bayou Region as Saronic Technologies announces it’s investing 300-million dollars to expand the Franklin Shipyard in St. Mary Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this major investment will result in Saronic building more autonomous boats.

Cut 4 (09) “…purposes as well.”

The CDC says Louisiana has the highest rate of flu or flu-like illness in the country as flu season gets underway in earnest. Ochsner Health family medicine physician Dr. Madeleine Dehner (DAY-ner) says if you start experiencing symptoms, take extra precautions.

Cut 12 (12) “…start getting worse.”

Tomorrow night is state semifinal night in high school football, as we will find out who goes to the Superdome for the Prep Classic. In Division Two non-select, Plaquemine is in the semifinals for a second straight season, but the LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says the Green Devils have a tough matchup against top-seeded North DeSoto.

Cut 15 (10) “…ready to go.”

Four defending champions are still in the running for repeat titles.

The ACLU is suing Louisiana over its law making it a state crime to interfere with immigration enforcement. Legal Director Nora Ahmed says the law is essentially silencing Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy in violation of its First Amendment rights.

Cut 9 (11)  “…that they can.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill says she looks forward to defending the law in court.

Saronic Technologies announces it’s investing 300-million dollars to expand the Franklin Shipyard in St. Mary Parish. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this project builds on Louisiana’s proud shipbuilding legacy by integrating innovative technology to ensure the state continues to be at the forefront of America’s defense economy.

Cut 6 (09) “…advantage of that.”

Flu season arrives in Louisiana with a vengeance. According to the CDC, Louisiana has the highest rate of flu or flu-like illness in the country. Ochsner Health family medicine physician Dr. Madeleine Dehner (DAY-ner) says take extra precautions if you’re near anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

Cut 11 (09) “…much as possible.”

The state semifinals of the high school football playoffs are tomorrow night. In Division Three non-select, St. James versus Sterlington in a rematch of last year’s state championship, with Sterlington winning by a touchdown. The LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett expects another close game.

Cut 14 (09) “…a crazy matchup.”

South Plaquemines, Edna Karr and Archbishop Shaw are the other defending champions playing tomorrow night.

The search is ongoing for three inmates who escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail. The sheriff’s office says in a social media post that 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathnan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped by removing a section of decaying concrete blocks.

Thousands of new jobs are coming to the Bayou Region, as a shipbuilder announces plans to expand a shipyard in St. Mary Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The ACLU of Louisiana is suing the state over its law making it a state crime to interfere with immigration enforcement operations. Legal Director Nora Ahmed says the way the law is written, someone could be arrested simply for letting people know that Border Patrol agents are in the vicinity.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the statute.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill says the law is constitutional and says she looks forward to defending it in court.

Christmastime is here – and, unfortunately, so is flu season. According to the CDC, Louisiana has the highest rate of flu or flu-like illness in the country. Ochsner Health family medicine physician Dr. Madeleine Dehner (DAY-ner) says lowering your chances of getting the flu go beyond simply washing your hands and covering your mouth.

Cut 10 (06) “…time of year.”

Saronic Technologies has announced it’s investing 300-million dollars to expand the Franklin Shipyard in St. Mary Parish.  Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the company is expected to create 15-hundred direct new jobs and an additional 17-hundred indirect jobs. She says this is great news for the bayou region’s economic future.

Cut 5 (09) “…just naturally does.”

It may be most wonderful time of the year…but Louisiana also has the highest rate of flu and flu-like illnesses in the country, so be aware. Ochsner Health family medicine physician Dr. Madeleine Dehner (DAY-ner) if you notice you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms…

Cut 12 (12) “…start getting worse.”

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In the non-select high school football playoffs, there are three double-digit seeds left in the semifinal rounds. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Despite the coaching change, LSU could still have a top ten recruiting class. The Tigers 2026 class is currently ranked 10^th by On3.com. Richard Anderson, the  number one defensive tackle in the country out of Edna Karr, ended up signing yesterday as did Lafayette Christian’s Bryaden Anderson after he decommitted from Oklahoma.

The ACLU of Louisiana is suing the state over its law making it a crime to interfere with an immigration enforcement operation. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A traffic stop in Calcasieu Parish leads a major Methamphetamine seizure.  It happened Tuesday when authorities pulled 48-year-old Brent Touchet over for a traffic violation.  We’re told an eventual search of the vehicle led to the discovery of more than 85 pounds of methamphetamine and a handgun in the trunk.  Touchet, and two other people are facing multiple charges this morning.

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An estimated 32-hundred jobs are coming to Louisiana’s Bayou Region as Saronic Technologies announces it’s investing 300-million dollars to expand the Franklin Shipyard in St. Mary Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this major investment will result in Saronic building more autonomous boats.

Cut 4 (09) “…purposes as well.”

It’s not just the Christmas season.  It’s also flu season and Louisiana leads the country in when it comes to flu or flu-like illnesses.  Ochsner Health family medicine physician Dr. Madeleine Dehner (DAY-ner) says if you’re near anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms, you should take extra precautions.

Cut 11 (09) “…much as possible.”