The American Red Cross is asking for volunteers to help hundreds of Louisianans who were impacted by last week’s tornadoes—which caused damage in seven parishes. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”
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Spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Mike Steele says the agency is taking all necessary precautions ahead of the upcoming freeze. Kace Kieschnick has more…
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”
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A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier facing discharge for refusing the COID vaccine. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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The American Red Cross has put out an urgent call for volunteers to help people impacted by last week’s tornadoes. Ed Bush, executive director of the Capital-West area of the Louisiana Red Cross says they need caseworkers right away.
He says teams are providing aid across the state, focusing efforts in Caddo, Iberia, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and Union parishes.
Cut 5 (11) “…Red Cross provides.”
Bush says Red Cross volunteers have opened 50 cases, serving more than 100 people with recovery support, including financial assistance and help with medical needs such as prescriptions. He says he knows he may be asking people to adjust their holiday plans to volunteer, but he compares the work to that done by people who volunteer in other ways during the holidays.
He says all training is free, can be done online, and takes just a few hours. To apply, go to www.redcross.org
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On his monthly radio program “Ask the Governor” John Bel Edwards discussed the hypothetical question of who would have the opportunity to appoint Senator John Kennedy’s successor should he be elected governor next year. Edwards says it appears that he would appoint Kennedy’s successor before Kennedy becomes governor.
In Louisiana’s state constitution the governor is sworn into office on the second Monday in January.
Edwards would be able to appoint a replacement to the US Senate until an election can be held for a permanent replacement. Where it gets interesting is that Edwards a Democrat would be filling the seat recently won overwhelmingly by a Republican with most likely a Democrat.
Cut 8 (12) “…(x2) my inclination.”
And while it’s still the great unknown if Kennedy will throw his hat in the ring for the state’s highest office, Edwards believes Kennedy has a very good chance of being elected.
So far Attorney General Jeff Landry has officially announced his campaign Kennedy has yet to make a formal announcement if he is or is not running.
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The Pelican Institute for Public Policy files suit against the White House on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier who refuses to get the COVID shots. Pelican’s Special Counsel James Baehr says 16-year veteran Master Sergeant Robert Galey Jr. had and still has religious misgivings about the shots, and he faces discharge if he does not comply…:
Cut 10 (11) “…unfortunately rejected.”
Baehr says he’s filed for an injunction in the Western District Federal Court of Louisiana to prevent Galey from being discharged. He says courts across the country have already ruled against the Biden administration’s mandate for soldiers to get the vaccine, and yet the Army still seeks to punish Galey…:
Cut 11 (10) “…the judge’s opinion.”
Baehr says Sgt. Galey has served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan for over 16 years, yet his threatened discharge would mean losing his pension, retirement benefits, and medical benefits for himself and his family. He says the Army’s actions against Galey violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment…:
Cut 12 (09) “…he doesn’t deserve.”
So far there has been no official response to the lawsuit by the Army of Department of Defense.
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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is helping parishes get ready for the upcoming freeze. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says the organization held calls with all 64 parishes in preparation for the event. One point of concern is those still in temporary housing after the effects of Hurricane Ida and recent tornadoes. Steele says both GOHSEP and FEMA sent out information to residents in temporary housing…
Steele says the most important thing is for all Louisianians to be weather aware. He advises residents to pay close attention to their vehicles and any mechanical issues, avoid traveling at peak traffic times if possible, and use caution when operating heaters and space heaters…
Steele says the freeze offers a unique challenge to those usually faced in Louisiana. As opposed to the coastal threat of hurricanes, officials are unsure which areas may be hit the hardest, but Steele says GOHSEP is ready to supply support to any community in need…
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LSU signed 25 new recruits during the first day of the early signing period yesterday. LSU commit four-star cornerback Daylen Austin flipped his commitment to Oregon, but the Tigers were able to flip Vanderbilt-commit tight end Ka’Morreun Pimpton giving LSU a much-needed three tight ends in the 2023 class. LSU Coach Brian Kelly says recruiting takes a village…
Cut 16 (16) “..graduate champions.”
The Tigers also added three transfers to improve the defensive front. Oregon Edge Bradyn Swinson, Arizona Defensive Tackle Paris Shand, and Florida DT Jalen Lee will help to fill the gaps left by BJ Ojulari and Desmond Little. Kelly, however, says the team won’t be relying on the transfer portal this year…
Amidst the recruiting frenzy, the Tigers prepare for their Citrus Bowl matchup in Orlando. LSU is currently a 14-point favorite over Purdue, but that won’t change the preparation for the matchup. Kelly says the team will practice as if they have a game Saturday this week and plans to travel a week early to Orlando…
Cut 18 (18) “…of preparation.”
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Cut 19 (27) “…take of business”