Governor Edwards is extremely concerned over a trend where people intentionally expose themselves to COVID. Edwards says if individuals deliberately infect themselves the outcome affects more than just that one person.

Cut 9 (12)  “…if that happens.”

Edwards says those cases could overwhelm the healthcare delivery system.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports thousands of fish were killed and over one hundred other animals, including snakes and birds, died as a result of a pipeline spill in St. Bernard Parish. LDWF Oil Response Coordinator Laura Carver says 75 alligators have also been captured for rehabilitation…

 Cut 6 (06) “…for rehab” 

The spill from a severely corroded pipeline that ruptured was discovered in late December

A new report shows the number of smokers in Louisiana at an all-time low. More on that from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Louisiana will receive one billion over a five-year period from the Federal Highway Administration. The funding is earmarked to improve some 400 bridges in need of repair or replacement across the state. Governor Edwards applauds the funding and DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the funding is timely as many of our bridged are 45 to 65 years old.

The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked the White House COVID vaccine mandate for private businesses. Six conservative justices voted for the block, while 3 liberal justices voted against it. Loyola University law professor Dan Ciolino…

Cut 13 (13) “…a democratic president.”
The court did rule to uphold the mandate to require the vaccine for health care workers

President Biden announced the administration is purchasing another 500-million home COVID tests to be distributed.  Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the effort is too late amid the Omicron surge. Cassidy shared with reporters that his own wife told him she’s also unable to find a home test.

Cut 6 (10) “…herself.”

Governor Edwards warns of a dangerous trend to intentionally catch COVID so individuals can put the virus behind them. He says it’s irresponsible and increases the chances of overwhelming the healthcare delivery system. Edwards says even the cases that are referred to as mild will make you feel sick.

Cut 8 (10) “…long time.”

New data shows the number of Louisianans who smoke cigarettes is at an all-time low. A report from the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living says the percentage of adults who smoke is down to just over 18-percent; down from about 22-percent in 2019. TFL director Dr. Earl Benjamin Robinson says this is great news:

Cut 10 (07) “…contextualize that drop.”
For help kicking the tobacco habit, visit “QuitWithUsLA.org”.

The state reports 2,081 COVID hospitalizations today; an increase of 82 from Wednesday and just under 15-thousand new cases. Governor Edwards continues to remind the public of the importance of being fully vaccinated and boosted with the Omicron variant. He says statistics show that being inoculated is in your favor.

Cut 8 (11) “…to die.” 

43-year-old Caleb Barfield and 30-year-old Kimberly Breaux of Lake Charles were arrested after being found with over one-million dollars’ worth of illegal narcotics. Lake Charles Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says the seizure will save numerous lives because of the growing number of drug overdose deaths.

Cut 14 (11)  “…are OD-ing.” 

Two people have been arrested in connection to the murder and kidnapping of 27-year old Deven Brooks. Ball Police Chief Marshall Deen says Brooks’ body was found on Tuesday and officers say he was shot in the head. Deen credits good collaboration with the Alexandria Police Department in making an arrest so quickly…

Cut  11 (12)  “…theres.”

Brooks’ body was located along the Red River.

A new report from the personal finance website “WalletHub” ranks Louisiana among the worst states in which to raise a family. WalletHub data analyst Jill Gonzales says factors like health & safety, education, cost of childcare, poverty, and child mortality were all considered…:

Cut 3 (07) “…raising a family.”

To see the full report visit WalletHub’s website.

The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked President Biden’s vaccine mandate on private businesses. The mandate would have required employers with over 100 workers to mandate the COVID vaccine or weekly testing. And while Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy encourages individuals to get a COVID vaccination…

Cut  16 (05) “..Supreme Court agrees”

The state reports 2,081 COVID hospitalizations today; an increase of 82 from Wednesday and the state is also tracking COVID re-infections. Governor Edwards says the department of health is analyzing reinfections and will soon share the percentage of those who are unvaccinated.

Cut 7 (10) “…start of the pandemic.” 

The CDC estimates 60-percent of reinfections from September to December in the US are among the unvaccinated.

A new report from the personal finance website “WalletHub” ranks Louisiana among the worst states in which to raise a family. WalletHub data analyst Jill Gonzales says families should view the report if they are considering moving their family to the Bayou State for a job opportunity…:

Cut 5 (15) “…be a little bit better.”

43-year-old Caleb Barfield and 30-year-old Kimberly Breaux of Lake Charles were arrested after being found with over one-million dollars’ worth of illegal narcotics. Among the drugs seized were 170 grams of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, Lake Charles Police Chief Shawn Caldwell explains what a lethal dose of fentanyl is.

Cut 13 (10) “…rice worth of fentanyl.”

The two face numerous drug charges.

Governor Edwards will hold a briefing at 10:30 today discussing the state’s response to COVID. On Wednesday the state reported a single day high for new cases at 17,952. Hospitalizations have reached 1,999 and three fourths of those patients are unvaccinated.

Since St. Tammany Parish voters rejected a proposal to move a Bossier City casino license to Slidell last month, State Gaming Control Commissioner Ronnie Johns says state law dictates that Diamond Jack’s casino must re-open within 60 days of the failed referendum. And Diamond Jacks request for an extension for their re-opening plan has been granted.

Cut 14 (15)  “…are gonna be.”

Data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that from 2019 to 2020 drug overdose deaths increased more than 50-percent in Louisiana. Ben Miller, President of Well Being Trust, says they’ve also seen an alarming increase in street or synthetic opioid overdose deaths increase by 56-percent compared to prescription opioids.

Cut 5 (08) “…a concern.”

Miller says we are better able to control opioid prescriptions, but synthetic use is increasing.

The real estate market remains active and Louisiana Realtors Association Director of Business and Professional Development Amy Fennell it’s still a seller’s market and in some places, it’s more exacerbated than others, for example, areas of the state recovering from natural disasters.

Cut  11 (07)  “…bayou area.”  

A new study finds drug overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020 increased across the nation by 31-percent and in Louisiana, it’s even worse. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana records another single-day high number of COVID cases. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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After voters rejected a plan to move a Bossier City casino license to Slidell in December, what becomes of the original casino? Kevin Gallagher asks the Gaming Control Commissioner…:

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The most recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that from 2019 to 2020 drug overdose deaths increased more than 50-percent in Louisiana. Ben Miller, President of Well Being Trust, reviewed the numbers and says overdose deaths were increasing well before the pandemic.

Cut 4 (11) “…attention to.” 

And Miller says they’ve also seen an alarming increase in street or synthetic opioid overdose deaths increase by 56-percent compared to prescription opioids.

Cut 5 (08) “…a concern.”

Miller says we are better able to control opioid prescriptions, but synthetic use is increasing.

If you have a friend of a loved one that you suspect is an addict, Miller says the first step is to simply ask them about it.

Cut 6 (11) “…may not.”

And have a connection to care for them, be able to put them in touch with a professional so they can get the help they need.

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Louisiana records another single-day high number of coronavirus cases reported. On Wednesday, the state Department of Health reported 17-thousand new cases of COVID, with about 2-thousand in the hospital. Tulane University epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says that number is alarming, but remember it does not represent one single day of test results…:

Cut 7 (10) “…in this big number.”

Great Britain, and other parts of the U.S., are reporting cases counts beginning to slow down. They say the Omicron variant is less severe and could signal the beginning of an end for the pandemic. Dr. Hassig is more cautious…:

Cut 8 (08) “…to call it yet.”

Of the 17-thousand cases reported Wednesday, LDH says 1-in-4 were among kids under 18. Dr. Hassig says youngsters may not be as severely affected by the virus, but they can still transmit it – even if vaccinated…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…they can learn the best.”

Of the 2000 people hospitalized with the virus, 75-percent are not fully vaccinated.

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While the temps might have cooled in Louisiana the housing market sure hasn’t. Typically, this time of year home sales slow down, but that hasn’t been the case since the pandemic. Louisiana Realtors Association Director of Business and Professional Development Amy Fennell says a low inventory of homes continues to drive the market.

Cut 10 (11) “…lots of buyers.”

It remains a seller’s market and in some places, it’s more exacerbated than others. Fennell says areas of the state recovering from recent natural disasters are seeing even higher demand for homes.

Cut  11 (07)  “…bayou area.”  

Fennell says supply chain issues have drastically slowed the construction of new homes and also postponed the remodeling of existing homes.

And because it remains a seller’s market as opposed to a buyer’s market, and some sellers are entertaining multiple offers. Fennell says if you’re looking to buy in order to have a competitive advantage you need to have the guidance of an experienced Realtor.

Cut 12 (12) “…looking for it.”

Another bonus to working with a Realtor is they have knowledge of homes that are about to be listed and many sales are negotiated before a sign is even placed in the yard.

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With voters in St. Tammany Parish rejecting a proposal to move a Bossier City casino license to Slidell last month, what becomes of that casino? State Gaming Control Commissioner Ronnie Johns says state law dictates that Diamond Jack’s casino must re-open within 60 days of the failed referendum…:

Cut 13 (08) “…very short extension.”

Johns says Diamond Jacks has petitioned for a short extension to get together their re-opening plan for approval. He says the Gaming Control Board has granted the extra days…:

Cut 14 (15)  “…are gonna be.”

Johns says Diamond Jack’s will present their plan to the Gaming ControlBoard on February 17^th for approval. He says the casino has been allowed to get a bit run down and will need some TLC in order to compete; something to Board must heavily weigh. He says that isn’t all Diamond Jack’s is up against…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…staff in place.”

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LSU football has added two potential starters to its defensive secondary with the help of the transfer portal. Arkansas safety Joe Foucha and Ragin Cajuns cornerback Mekhi Gardner have posted on social media they will transfer to LSU. Foucha started 33 games at Arkansas over three years and last season had two interceptions and 7.5 tackles for a loss. The Athletic’s Brody Miller says Foucha is one of the better SEC safeties you’ll find

Cut  16 (20) “…creative with.”

LSU’s depth in the defensive secondary has been depleted due to players transferring, entering the NFL draft early, or guys who have used up their eligibility. Miller expects LSU will go after several other players in the transfer portal, including another Arkansas defensive back…

Cut 17 (21) “ ..seeing”

Miller says there’s a real possibility LSU will sign over a dozen transfers…

Cut 18 (14) “ ..back” 

With three declared candidates for the U.S. Senate seat this fall, a Louisiana political expert handicaps the race – as it is now. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Sen. John Kennedy announced today he raised in $3.3 million in the final quarter of 2021. Going into 2022, Kennedy has raised a total of $18.2 million for his Senate campaign and has $11 million cash on hand.

Special Session to redistrict Louisiana begins February 1^st. Governor Edwards has stated he feels Louisiana should have a second majority-minority congressional district. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says doing so without gerrymandering will be the real task.

Cut  11 (14)  “…where the dilemma is.”

Persons of Color represent nearly a third of Louisiana voters, so a second minority district is mathematically called for.

A teacher in the St. James Parish school system has been arrested on charges of indecent behavior with juveniles and molestation of a juvenile. Sheriff Willy Martin says they started investigating 50-year-old Lisa Samuels after the victim called the state’s child abuse hotline…

Cut 12 (08) “…the victim.”  

There’s a global shortage of blood and Louisiana is not the exception. Ochsner Pathologist Dr. Aimee Goodier says it’s a dire situation and when a trauma patient could require anywhere from six to twelve units of blood if there are multiple accidents the supply could easily be depleted.

 Cut 6 (07) “…on the shelf.” 

Hospitals and blood banks are requesting donations from all blood types. You can donate every eight weeks. If you have had a COVID infection 14 days after symptoms have resolved.

The state reports 1,999 COVID patients are in Louisiana hospitals, and 111 are on ventilators. 3/4s of those patients are unvaccinated. More than 17-thousand new cases have also been tallied, and that does not include positive home test results. Beginning today an indoor mask mandate is in effect for New Orleans.

With three declared candidates for the U.S. Senate seat this fall, a Louisiana political expert handicaps the race – as it is now. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Lincoln Parish Schools will be closed this Thursday and Friday due to an outbreak of COVID, colds, flu, and stomach viruses. Students are scheduled to return to the classroom on Tuesday after the Monday Martin Luther King holiday.

The Governor’s Office announces a federally funded program to help homeowners that are behind on their mortgage due to the pandemic. Louisiana Office of Community Development spokesperson Gina Campo says the state has received nearly $147-million. Homeowners must meet a certain criteria to qualify for up to $25-thousand in mortgage assistance…:

Cut 5 (07) “…servicer or lender.”

For more info visit LAcovidhousing.com

The most recent survey of small business owners indicates that 22-percent of mom-and-pop shops say inflation is the biggest issue they are facing, and the influx in prices has reached levels not seen since the early 80s. State NFIB Director Dawn McVea says inflation is increasing the cost of doing business.

Cut 10 (09) “…to the consumers.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference has officially recognized Louisiana has an additional $840 million dollars in revenues for the current budget year and an additional $765 million for next year’s budget. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…:

Cut 7 (13) “…surrounding the pandemic.”
State economists say the higher-than-expected revenues are the result of hurricane recovery, higher wages, and the economy bouncing back from pandemic-related shutdowns.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is on a mission to “Save Mardi Gras,” and they want you to follow in their steps and create your own video. You just learn the dance and show off your moves.  LPB Executive Producer Linda Midgett they’ll feature some of the best submissions on the air and social media pages.

Cut 14 (08)  “…fun video.”

For more information visit LPB.org/SaveMardiGras

New Orleans is reinstating their indoor mask mandate beginning Wednesday due the rapid increase in COVID cases causing disruptions in schools and overwhelming hospitals. New Orleans Department of Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno.

Cut 9 (11) “…further notice.”

LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has signed a name, image, and likeness deal with well-known injury attorney Gordon McKernan. He encourages other businesses to look into NIL deals with student-athletes because players look at the amount of money they can make off the field when it comes to where they’ll go to school…

Cut 14 (09)  “…the sidelines.” 

The New Iberia native will be paid to appear in digital ads promoting the law firm

Baton Rouge community activist Gary Chambers says he’ll run for U.S. Senate this fall; making him the second announced Democrat to challenge John Kennedy. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

In Leesville, officials with the State Fire Marshal’s Office fear carelessly discarded fireworks from New Year’s may have started the blaze that destroyed much of a church. Investigators haven’t determined a definite cause of the fire at Christian Living Fellowship but did find remnants of fireworks in the area where the fire started.