Louisiana’s public colleges make big changes to help assure students are not made victims of sexual misconduct. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (38) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

In Sabine Parish, an EF-2 tornado tore through the Peason community Sunday morning. Dozens of structures were destroyed or badly damaged and at least six people hurt; some seriously.

For the first time since the 2016 season, the Saints are not playoff-bound. New Orleans beat Atlanta Sunday, but the 49ers come from behind win over the Rams keeps the Black and Gold out of the postseason, despite a winning record. Coach Sean Payton says it’s a disappointing end to a difficult season…

 Cut 6 (07) “…all season” 

The Louisiana National Guard continues to support Covid missions around the state in 2022. Cindy Haygood, Task Force commander with Louisiana National Guard says 886 service members are currently working at 28 vaccine sites and administering Covid tests at 31 sites.

Cut 5 (11) “regions”

Guardsmen are also helping at food banks and warehouse support.

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 9 (15) “…a COVID shot.”

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

Cut  11 (09)  “…Medicaid patients.” 

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

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled hospitals can fire their employees if they do not receive a COVID vaccine. Plaintiffs argued the state’s medical consent law gives adults the ability to refuse medical treatment, Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the Supreme Court correctly determined the law only applies to the relationship between a health care provider and a patient…

Cut 14 (07)  “…Ochsner.” 

Approximately 30,000 homeowner policyholders in Louisiana of two insurance companies deemed to be insolvent will now have coverage under SafePoint. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says SafePoint will cover any insurance claims made on or after December 1^st. As for claims prior to December, particularly those from Ida…

Cut 8 (07) “…per claim.” 

For more information visit the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s website

Louisiana argues its case against Biden Administration vaccine mandates before the U.S. Supreme Court. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled hospitals can fire their employees if they do not receive a COVID vaccine. Dozens of Ochsner employees filed the lawsuit after Ochsner Health announced its workers must get vaccinated or face possible termination.

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 and the baiting ban for those parishes has been lifted. LDWF Biologist Director Scott Durham encourages hunters statewide to continue submitting samples because CWD is an issue they consistently monitor.

Cut 5 (10) “…looking for.”

CWD has been detected in the bordering states of Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi.

Approximately 30,000 homeowner policyholders in Louisiana of two insurance companies deemed insolvent will now have coverage under SafePoint Insurance. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says this is great news for those who had policies with Access Home or State National Fire for more than three years.

 Cut 6 (10) “…until renewal.” 

As new COVID infections reach another single-day high and hospitalizations continue to mount, many are questioning if a statewide indoor mask mandate will be reinstated. At Thursday’s briefing, Governor John Bel Edwards stopped short of requiring face masks again.

Cut 4 (09) “… activities.” 

COVID hospitalizations have reached 14 hundred, a 700-percent increase from three weeks ago.

Amidst the fifth COVID surge, the ability to find a rapid test is proving to be extremely difficult. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says supply is not able to keep up with demand but if you are showing symptoms or have a known exposure you can receive a PCR test.

Cut 13 (11) “…of those.“

Call 2-1-1 for the nearest testing site.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is in D.C. presenting oral arguments to the Supreme Court against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID vaccines for healthcare workers at facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. Arguments began at 10.

With football playoffs and the Super Bowl coming in the next few weeks, many want to know when the state will approve online sports betting apps. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Governor Edwards hasn’t reinstated a statewide mask mandate as cases reach an all-time high but he fully supports guidance for masks in schools for two reasons, because they are indoors for an extended period of time and a large majority of school-aged children are not vaccinated.

Cut 5 (12) “…mask mandate.”

The State Department of Education is allowing each school system to set their own mask rules.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is in D.C. about to present oral arguments to the Supreme Court against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID vaccines for healthcare workers at facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. Landry says this rule could be harmful to medical staff…

Cut 8 (11) “…of the hospital.” 

Arguments begin at 10 am.

Amidst the fifth COVID surge, the ability to find a rapid test is proving to be extremely difficult. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says if you need testing call 2-1-1. He says there are approximately 400 sites in the state where you can be tested for COVID, but if you’re looking for a home test…

Cut 15 (09)  “…isolate accordingly.”

The NFL playoffs begin next weekend, and many are wondering if online sports betting will be up and running. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says no, but they are getting close…

Cut 12 (14) “…that’s very, very soon.”
The Saints are 3.5 point favorite to beat Atlanta on 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 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

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With football playoffs and the Super Bowl coming in the next few weeks, many want to know when the state will approve online sports betting apps. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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As new COVID infections reach another single-day high and hospitalizations continue to mount, many are questioning if a statewide indoor mask mandate will be reinstated. At Thursday’s briefing, Governor John Bel Edwards stopped short of requiring face masks again.

Cut 4 (09) “… activities.” 

However, Edwards supports the health department’s current guidance for masks in schools for two reasons, because they are indoors for an extended period of time and a large majority of school-aged children are not vaccinated.

Cut 5 (12) “…mask mandate.”

Research indicates students learn better when they are at school versus remote learning. Edwards says masks in schools will allow them to remain in the classroom as long as possible.

Cut 6 (13) “…go to class.”

The decision to require face masks in school is currently made by local school systems.

____________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry is in Washington D.C. today presenting oral arguments to the Supreme Court against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for select healthcare workers. Landry says it’s a big day for the country…

Cut 7 (08) “…for the next century.”

The Supreme Court is expected to decide whether or not to sustain the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rule that requires all health care workers at facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs to roll up their sleeves and be fully vaccinated unless they are eligible for medical or religious exemptions. Landry says this rule could be harmful to medical staff…

Cut 8 (11) “…of the hospital.” 

The case will be one of two heard Friday that represents plaintiffs from Louisiana; the first featuring a case against OSHA requirements for companies with over 100 employees to mandate vaccines. Landry says he’s worried that if the President’s mandate is held in place it could create a healthcare shortage…

Cut 9 (07)  “…this is America.”

Oral arguments will be heard at 10:00 AM CT and will be streamed live on C-SPAN.

_______________________________________________

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.”

John says he’s aware that a number of high-profile sports events are coming – like college playoffs, NFL playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Those would, of course, mean more revenue for the state if sports betting apps are approved and online. Johns says work is proceeding to make that happen with all due haste…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…as soon as possible.”  

So, the question is, “when?” Sports Kings, Caesar’s, Wynn Bet, and more are all waiting in the wings for their sportsbook apps to go live. Johns says they want to make sure there are no bugs or potential user problems before he approves them. He says the Gaming Control Board cannot yet commit to a date…:

Cut 12 (14) “…that’s very, very soon.”

_______________________________________________

Amidst the fifth COVID surge, the ability to find a rapid test is proving to be extremely difficult. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says supply is not able to keep up with demand but if you are showing symptoms or have a known exposure you can receive a PCR test.

Cut 13 (11) “…of those.“

Kanter says the rapid test that gives results, typically 15 minutes, and the at-home tests are very hard to come by as the highly contagious Omicron variant and post-holiday surge in cases continues.

Cut 14 (07)  “…private market.”

If you need testing Kanter says to call 2-1-1 or visit LDH-dot-LA-dot-GOV. He says there are approximately 400 sites in Louisiana where you can be tested for COVID, but if you’re looking for a home test…

Cut 15 (09)  “…isolate accordingly.”

Kanter highly encourages those in need of testing to call 2-1-1 or use their website and avoid ERs so they can treat emergency patients.

________________________________________

For the Saints to get back in the playoffs on Sunday, New Orleans will have to beat the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday and the Rams need to beat the 49ers in Los Angeles. Both games will kick-off at 3:25 and Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says he will not be scoreboard watching…

Cut  16 (25) “…look outside.”

Jordan says they are not guaranteed another game after Sunday, so all of their focus is going into beating the Dirty Birds…

Cut 17 (16) “ …what it is.”

The Saints have been leaning on the defense as the offense has only scored one touchdown in the last three games. Quarterback Taysom Hill says the offense is not far away from breaking out….

Cut 18 (19) “ …to win.” 

The state reports a single-day high of more than 14-thousand new COVID cases. Gov. John Edwards says many of the new cases are re-infections from COVID. The CDC estimates for the month of December that 98-percent of are the Omicron variant. Edwards says with the increased transmission there’s a higher positivity rate…

Cut 13 (13) “….in one week. “

The governor says this surge has led to a less accurate representation of actual current cases…

Cut 14 (12)  “…out there.” 

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 current COVID guidelines will remain in place but wouldn’t stop citizens from celebrating in true New Orleans fashion. Cantrell also praised the city’s high vaccination rate…

Cut 10 (09)  “…applause for that”

At today’s press conference, Cantrell honored the legacy of “Mr. Mardi Gras” Blaine Kern which lives on through Kern Studios and Mardi Gras World. Cantrell also took time to thank her co-chairs of the mayor’s Mardi Gras advisory…

Cut  11 (07)  “…move through it” 

And because it’s King’s Day that means it’s open season for enjoying King Cake.

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

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state reports more than 14-thousand new COVID cases today, which is another single-day record of new cases since March 2020.  Governor John Bel Edwards is holding a 2:30 press briefing today.

The Louisiana Department of Health says 90-percent of all COVID cases in the state are the Omicron variant. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease specialist Dr. John Vanchiere  (van CHERRY) says their lab sequencing indicates a significant jump in northwest Louisiana…:

Cut  11 (12)  “…week prior.”  

LSU Health Shreveport is once again conducting COVID tests and vaccines at the state fairgrounds.

Today is King’s Day, marking the official beginning of carnival season and that means you can start enjoying King Cake. Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is known for sharing its award-winning pastry around the country and co-owner David Haydel says they are ready.

Cut 7 (11) “…good season.” 

Today marks the one-year anniversary of when pro-Trump supporters stormed the U-S Capitol as Congress was set to certify President Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. Senator Bill Cassidy took to social media as House and Senate members were escorted to a safe location and delivered this message…

Cut 4 (05) “…unamerican period.”

Later that night, Cassidy was the lone Republican member of Louisiana’s delegation who voted to certify presidential election results.

Republican Congressman Garret Graves says he’s disappointed the House committee investigating January 6^th is a mostly partisan panel, with only two members from the Republican party.

Cut 6 (12) “…political theater.”

Five people died as a result of the Capitol riot.

Construction is underway on the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish. Deputy Executive Director for Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Greg Grandy says the main piece of equipment being used in the project is a cutter head dredge to transport sediment to the marshes…

Cut 9 (08)  “…back in those areas.”

Grandy says this is the largest marsh creation project that the state has ever undertaken…

Today is King’s Day, marking the official beginning of carnival season. It’s also the first day you can enjoy King Cake and be not chastised for it. David Haydel, Jr. co-owner of Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans says they are already inundated with revelers ready to kick off Mardi Gras with their famous King Cakes.

 Cut 6 (06) “…all morning.” 

Haydel says they anticipate shipping about 50,000 King Cakes across the country and selling the same amount to walk in customers.

One year ago today, pro-Trump supporters stormed the U-S Capitol as Congress was set to certify Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Lawmakers were escorted out of the chambers. Here’s Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson describing the scene that day

Cut 3 (13) “…secure location.”

And Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves says he’s disappointed the House committee investigating January 6^th is a mostly partisan panel and says partisan bickering over what happened a year ago and who is directly or indirectly responsible is counter-productive for the country and Congress…:

Cut 7 (11) “…North Korea and others.”

Gov. John Bel Edwards announces construction in underway on the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish. Deputy Executive Director for Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Greg Grandy says this is the largest marsh creation project that the state of Louisiana has ever undertaken…

Cut 8 (08) “…near Shell Beach.” 

The project’s construction budget is $61 million.

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.”

Thompson says Brooks claimed the key to longevity is to serve God and be nice to people.