State and federal law enforcement agencies say they are prepared for this weekend’s planned demonstrations and will be monitoring the situation at the State Capitol. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

Louisiana native, Lt General Russel Honore will lead the review of security at Capitol Hill following the violent riot on January 6^th. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Honore’s appointment Friday and says he was chosen due to his strong experience. The Green General is also known for his command of a Joint Task Force after Katrina.

A Lafayette man has been charged for allegedly participating in last week’s riot at the U-S Capitol. 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon made his first court appearance Thursday. He faces two charges, including knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Gordon got himself in trouble for posting pictures and there’s also video on FB of him discussing being inside Capitol with a friend.

Cut 4 (08) “…happening” 

The Saints and Buccaneers will meet for a third time on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game. In the two regular-season meetings, the Saints allowed just 13 points a game and they’ve intercepted Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady five times. Saints Offensive tackle Terron Armstead says they’ll stick with what they’ve done all season…

Cut 14 (09) “.a way to win.” 

Kickoff Sunday is at 5:30 in the Dome.

A Lafayette man faces charges for participating in the January 6^th storming of the US Capitol building. 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon faces the rough equivalent of some trespassing misdemeanors for being in the Capitol that day and got caught after describing his participation to the Advocate and talking about it on a social media video. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Gordon may not be the only Bayou State native who gets arrested…

Cut 5  (12) “…event” 

Protests are expected this weekend outside of all 50 State Capitol Buildings. Security has been heightened and Governor John Bel Edwards is asking for the demonstrations to remain peaceful and protesters should also wear a mask…
cut 11 (11) “…environment.”

Louisiana Tech’s Forever Loyal Campaign exceeded its goal and raised more than $171 million for the University.  LA Tech President Dr. Les Guice says the funds have already been used to assist students and they have other infrastructure projects that are in the works.

Cut 7 (11) “…needs.”

More than 23,500 donors made more than 100-thousand individuals’ donations.

The Saints and Buccaneers will meet for a third time on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game. In the two regular-season meetings, the Saints allowed just 13 points a game and they’ve intercepted Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady five times. Brady has a lot of respect for the New Orleans defense

Cut 12 (11) “…long time” 

Kickoff is Sunday at 5:30.

State and federal law enforcement agencies say they are prepared for this weekend’s planned demonstrations and will be monitoring the situation at the State Capitol. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

Louisiana native, Lt General Russel Honore will lead the review of security at Capitol Hill following the violent riot on January 6^th. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Honore’s appointment Friday and says he was chosen due to his strong experience. The Green General is also known for his command of a Joint Task Force after Katrina.

A Lafayette man has been charged for allegedly participating in last week’s riot at the U-S Capitol. 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon made his first court appearance Thursday. He faces two charges, including knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Gordon got himself in trouble for posting pictures and there’s also video on FB of him discussing being inside Capitol with a friend.

Cut 4 (08) “…happening” 

The Saints and Buccaneers will meet for a third time on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game. In the two regular-season meetings, the Saints allowed just 13 points a game and they’ve intercepted Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady five times. Saints Offensive tackle Terron Armstead says they’ll stick with what they’ve done all season…

Cut 14 (09) “.a way to win.” 

Kickoff Sunday is at 5:30 in the Dome.

So far only one Louisianan has been arrested for participating in the riot at the Capitol last week, 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon of Lafayette. Gordon isn’t accused of being violent, only of misdemeanors, but legal analyst Tim Meche says everyone at the Capitol that day who gets caught will pay a price…

Cut 3 (12)  “..accountable”

One police officer was beaten to death with a fire extinguisher and another committed suicide several days after.

Governor John Bel Edwards asks everyone participating in this weekend’s protests to stay peaceful and follow the law. Edwards touted the fact that election protestors have been holding demonstrations at the State Capitol for weeks without issue, hopes they will continue to do so.

Cut 10 (10) “…The United States.”

Louisiana native and retired Lt. General Russell Honore has been tapped by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to review security at the US Capitol in wake of last week’s events. The Green General is best known for leading the Katrina Joint Task Force.

Louisiana Tech’s Forever Loyal Campaign raises more than $171 million. Tech President Dr. Les Guice says they are overwhelmed with the generosity of the fundraiser. The La Tech campus was heavily damaged on April 25^th of 2019, by an EF3 tornado, Guice says the unfortunate event spurred donations to the campaign.

Cut 8 (12) “…they say.”

Law enforcement officials say they have not identified any substantial threat to life or property on the State Capitol or other government buildings as they prepare for possible protests leading up to Wednesday’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Tulane Emergency and Security Studies Professor Becky Rouse says if someone you know is actively plotting to commit acts of political violence, report it to authorities, but don’t waste law enforcement’s time with false alarms…
Cut 5 (10) “…this.”

Efforts are underway in Cameron Parish to restore Rabbit Island to assist population growth for the Brown Pelican. Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Project Manager Todd Baker says the Island has decreased in size over the last 7 decades.

Cut 9 (11) “…as well.”

Louisiana alumni of Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business Voices pitched Congress on what they feel needs to be done to help companies struggling with the pandemic. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

The City of Scott announced today that the 8^th Annual Boudin Festival has been postponed until September 24-26 due to COVID. The event was scheduled to take place the second weekend of April. And the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is scheduled for the weekends of October  8^th and 15^th this year.

Social media is abuzz with stories of people reporting family members to the FBI over alleged participation in political violence last week. Matt Doyle spoke with an expert on when to draw the line on reporting…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Restoration operations are underway to restore the only Brown Pelican colony in Southwest Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________

Louisiana alumni of Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business Voices pitched Congress on what they feel needs to be done to help companies struggling with the pandemic. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

__________________________

Law enforcement is on alert ahead of this weekend’s planned pro-Trump demonstrations at State Capitols across the country.

Tulane Emergency and Security Studies Professor Becky Rouse says due to the potentially heavily armed and tense nature of these demonstrations she does not recommend you go counter-protest…

Cut 4 (08) “…expect”

The FBI has reportedly warned law enforcement agencies that there is a heightened chance for violence at demonstrations leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Biden.

Rouse says if someone you know is actively plotting to commit acts of political violence this weekend, report it to authorities, but you don’t want to waste law enforcement’s time with false alarms…

Cut 5 (10) “…this.”

Rouse says if you have a loved one who you are concerned may get violent at a protest this weekend, try to talk them out of going.

Cut 6 (08) “…great”

State Police released a joint statement with other law enforcement agencies including the FBI saying they are monitoring the situation but have so far not identified any specific threats to anyone’s life or property.

________________________

Efforts are underway in Cameron Parish to restore Rabbit Island to assist population growth for the Brown Pelican. Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Project Manager Todd Baker says even with coastal areas in the state losing acreage, they are focusing on rebuilding the area to protect nesting sites.

Cut 7 (11)  “…each year.”

Located in Cameron Parish, Baker says Rabbit Island is the only Brown Pelican habitat in Southwest Louisiana, and restoring the area not only assists the state bird.

Cut 8 (09) “…species.”

Despite set back from two hurricanes last year, the project to restore the coastal Island is on track which Baker says has decreased in size over the last 7 decades.

Cut 9 (11) “…as well.”

The entire $16.4 million project is funded with settlement money from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and is expected to be completed before nesting begins this year.

________________________________

About 50 Louisiana small business owners, alumni of Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business Voices, pitched lawmakers via Zoom Wednesday on how best to proceed with small business COVID relief.

Owner of Lafayette-based IT company Techneaux, Ben Johnson, says members talked to Congressional staff about the need for a liability shield against COVID-infection related lawsuits.

Cut 10 (08) “…around that.”

Staff for all of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation was on hand for the series of Zoom calls.

97 percent of the program’s 10,000 members wanted to let Congress know the rising cost of healthcare coverage for their employees is being felt especially during the pandemic.

Cut 11 (10) “…safe.”

The incoming Biden Administration has previewed its 1.9 trillion dollar COVID relief plan that does not include a liability shield or healthcare-related subsidies. Johnson hopes Congress will consider including those two issues.

Cut 12 (09) “…quickly.”

The 1.9 trillion dollar Biden plan includes funding for 1,400 dollar stimulus checks, 400 dollars a week federally boosted unemployment assistance, increased child tax credits and earned income tax credits and a call for a 15 dollar minimum wage among other items.

______________________________________________

Mega Millions is up to 750 million dollars for tonight’s drawing and Powerball is at 640 million for Saturday’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says jackpots this large for both games is rare but not unheard of.

Cut 13 (07) “….unprecedented”

Chopin says it’s also interesting that these two jackpots have been rolling over almost simultaneously.

Cut 14 (11) “…together.” 

When the Jackpots were in the $300-million range Chopin says weekly sales in the state averaged $1.6 million dollars, now they are seeing weekly sales almost double since both Jackpots exceeded $400-million.

Chopin says it’s been some time since a Jackpot has hit in the Bayou State.

Cut 15 (09)“…we’re due.”

Chopin says both Jackpots are in their respective games Top five; Mega Millions is in its second-largest and Powerball is in its fifth-largest Jackpot. Mega Millions numbers will be drawn at 10 PM tonight and Powerball tomorrow night at 10 PM.

_____________________________________

La Tech men’s basketball will host UTSA for two games beginning tonight. The Bulldogs are 9-4, 2-2 in Conference USA after splitting a pair of games at Western Kentucky last week. The Roadrunners are 5-and-6, 1-and-3 in Conference USA, and snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over North Texas last Saturday. Bulldogs Coach Eric Konkol says the Texas San Antonio is getting better

Cut 16 (16) “…other end.”

_____________________________

The Ragin Cajuns will be their first road game in 44 days tonight as U-L Lafayette begins a two-game series against U-T Arlington. Both teams are two and two in Sun Belt play. U-L Lafayette Coach Bob Marlin has a scouting report on the Mavericks…

Cut 17 (16) “…per game.”

_____________________________________________

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees turns 42-years-old today and on Sunday he’ll look to beat Tampa Bay, who is led by 43-year-old Tom Brady. Brees says exchanged text messages with the Buccaneers quarterback earlier this week as two joked about their historic matchup

Cut  18 (16) “…appreciate.”

Brees isn’t surprised to see Brady in the playoffs, in fact, he expected this game all season.

Cut 19 (16) “…the Bucs.”

Defensive end Cam Jordan gives credit to Brady for leading the Bucs to the playoffs

cut 20 (21) “…playoff caliber team.”

Louisiana State Police say while they continue to prepare for possible protests at the state capitol this weekend, they have not received any specific or substantiated threat to life or property. LSP issued a statement today.  They are also working with federal, state, and local public safety agencies to coordinate security protocols and ensure the safety of protestors, and Capitol staff.

The wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow has announced she will run for the Congressional seat he won last December. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The average price of a gallon of gas in Louisiana is just over two dollars, up nine cents over last week and up nearly 20 cents from last month. AAA spokesperson Don Redman does not expect we will see another major jump in price like we did this week, nor does he expect the price of gas to fall back to under two dollars a gallon in the near future.

Cut 8 (07) “..toilet.”

COVID Nursing Home data from AARP indicates fatalities in Louisiana have more than doubled during the period of November 23^rd to December 20^th. COVID fatalities increased by 70 to 175 from the previous four-week period. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says policymakers must act immediately to change this dangerous trend.

Cut 10 (10) “…overnight.”

Vaccine rollout began at the end of December, and the booster shot for the Moderna vaccine is 28 days after the first.

Julia Letlow, the wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, announces she is running for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat. Julia Letlow, a Monroe native, and ULM graduate announced her candidacy on K-W-C-L Radio. She says everything in her life and in her marriage prepared her for this moment…

Cut 4 (08) “…he did” 

Luke Letlow died last month days before being sworn-in from COVID.

A man who allegedly stole a car in New Orleans dies in a fiery wreck on the interstate just outside of Lafayette after a police chase ended in a construction zone. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says it happened on the Westbound lane of Louisiana Avenue on I-10. He says while this is drastically different from most crashes, it should serve as a reminder to be cautious in construction zones.

Cut 14 (11) “.workzones.” 

Gas prices have jumped nine cents in just a week, now putting the average price for a gallon in Louisiana above two dollars. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone says he’s dropping his bid to unseat the current Chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party. Rispone stated he does not have the time due to business and personal obligations to spearhead initiatives he believes are necessary for the Republican Party. Rispone who ran for Governor lost to Governor John Bel Edwards in the December 2019 runoff.

The wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow has announced she will run for the Congressional seat he won last December. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The state reports 5,318 new COVID cases and 58 fatalities from the virus. Hospitalizations are back below 2,200 at 1,975. LDH also reports more than 201-thousand vaccine doses have been administered.

COVID Nursing Home data from AARP indicates fatalities in Louisiana have more than doubled. AARP looked at numbers from November 23^rd to December 20^th and COVID fatalities increased by 70 to 175 from the previous four-week period. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says policymakers must act immediately to change this dangerous trend.

Cut 10 (10) “…overnight.”

Vaccine rollout began the end of December, and the booster shot for the Moderna vaccine is 28 days after the first.

The average price of a gallon of gas in Louisiana is just over two dollars, up nine cents over last week and up nearly 20 cents from last month. AAA spokesperson Don Redman does not expect we will see another major jump in price like we did this week, nor does he expect the price of gas to fall back to under two dollars a gallon in the near future.

Cut 8 (07) “..toilet.”

Julia Letlow the widow of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow who died last month from COVID, it is running for the 5^th Congressional seat. Luke Letlow served as former Congressman Ralph Abraham’s chief of staff and worked for former Governor Bobby Jindal. Julia Letlow wants to continue his legacy of public service.

Cut 5  (11) “…great work” 

Alexandria businesswoman Candy Christophe, who is a Democrat is also a candidate.

A suspect who allegedly stole a Dodge Charger in New Orleans died in a fiery wreck and injured three workers on I-10 just outside Lafayette after being pursued by police. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says the driver allegedly stole the vehicle in New Orleans, was spotted in Iberville, and pursued to the Louisiana Avenue Westbound lane on I-10…

Cut 12 (12) “…cones.” 

The suspect is currently unidentified due to the severity of the crash.

COVID Nursing Home data from AARP indicates cases and fatalities in Louisiana have more than doubled. AARP looked at numbers from November 23^rd to December 20^th and case numbers jumped from 456 to 1,171 in the previous four-week period. AARP Louisiana Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says we can’t depend on the vaccine.

Cut 9 of coronavirus :09

Vaccine rollout among nursing homes began December 28^th and Moderna Vaccine requires a booster shot 28 days after the first.

The average price of a gallon of gas in Louisiana is just over two dollars, up nine cents over last week and up nearly 20 cents from last month. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the increase in gas prices is good news for Louisiana’s oil sector which has been battered by months of low prices.

Cut 7 (09) “…barrel.”