Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves gives strong comments on how Donald Trump should spend his final few days as President. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (28) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

The state reported 105 deaths from COVID today the second-highest daily death toll from the virus in Louisiana. Governor Edwards said we’ve lost nearly ten months of hard work to slow the spread of COVID and despite all warnings, some still insist on ignoring mitigation measures. Currently, 2,069 COVID patients are hospitalized.

A storm system moving through the south is expected to drop snow on the northern half of Louisiana this weekend. National Weather Service Meteorologist Davyon Hill says it will be a cold weekend and rain will begin to fall Sunday afternoon…

Cut 9 (12) “…morning.”

Over an inch of snow could fall north of Natchitoches and Jena to the Arkansas state line.

Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and Baton Rouge Representative Ted James calls for a boycott of Rouses after a photograph of co-owner Donald Rouse Sr. attending the pro-Trump Rally in DC Wednesday circulated. Rouse issued a statement saying he attended to support Trump but condemns the violence. James questions why Rouse only condemns violence at the Capitol.

Cut 6 (12) “…in Virginia.”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is overwhelmed with calls since the boosted unemployment benefits resumed. To deal with the demand Secretary Ava Dejoie says LWC will begin working expanded hours to clear the backlog of applications piling up due to new enhanced ID requirements.

Cut 5  (08) “…next week.” 

Those new ID requirements came into effect after Louisiana and other states were slammed with thousands of fraudulent claims from overseas scammers.

Snow is in the forecast for parts of the State. National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist Davyon Hill says on Sunday we’ll have a surface low that will develop along the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast and an upper-level disturbance move across the I-20 corridor.

Cut 9 (12) “…morning.”

Hill says to pay attention to the forecast this weekend.

Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and Baton Rouge Representative Ted James calls for a boycott of Rouses after co-owner Donald Rouse Sr. attended the pro-Trump Rally in DC Wednesday. Rouse issued a statement he supports Trump but not the violence and the country needs to come together and heal. James agrees with a unified front and that the violence we saw unfold Wednesday is a turning point.

Cut 8 (12) “…all of us.”

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Rep Garret Graves tells WWL Radio in New Orleans that Trump should effectively resign and take back seat immediately. Trump has said he won’t attend Biden’s inauguration.

Cut 14 (13) “…healing our nation.” 

The new year means an expansion in food stamp benefits for Louisiana residents. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State Democratic Party leaders condemned Louisiana Republican Party elected officials, calling them culpable in Wednesday’s mob assault on the US Capitol. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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You’ll want to pay attention to the weather on Sunday especially if you’ll be in North Louisiana. There’s a possibility snow will make an appearance. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The COVID Relief Bill will help food stamp recipients in Louisiana receive more in benefits and allow more people to qualify.  Recipients will see an increase of roughly 15-percent in benefits for the first half of 2021. DCFS Secretary of the Division of Family Support Shavana Howard says for a household of three…

Cut 4 (12) “…a month.”

Before the weekly $300 federal boost of pandemic unemployment benefits worked against one’s eligibility for food stamps, Howard says that’s now changed.

Cut 5 (10) “…the table.”

In addition to an increase in benefits and more Louisianans eligible to receive SNAP, Howard says now college students who are enrolled at least half-time are eligible for benefits.

Cut 6 (09) “…assistance.”

________________________

Louisiana Democratic Party leaders gathered on the steps of the State Capitol Thursday afternoon to cast blame for Wednesday’s Capitol Hill riot on the Republican Party.

State Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt issued a demand to the Louisiana Republican Congressional delegation, most of whom voted against certifying the Biden electoral win…

Cut 7 (12)  “…standing”

Senator Bill Cassidy was the lone delegation member to not vote against any election certifications. Congressman Garret Graves initially voted against some but ultimately voted for full certification.

Bernhardt accused elected Republicans of standing by while their constituents called for violence on the internet, and did nothing to prevent the ultimate violent outcome Wednesday.

Cut 8 (11) “…democracy.”

All members of the Louisiana Republican Congressional delegation have released statements condemning the mob that assaulted the Capitol Wednesday.

Bernhardt says when Joe Biden lost Louisiana in November they didn’t attack the legitimacy of the election because they knew our election system is fair.

Cut 9 (07) “…party.”

The state Republican Party responded to the event saying “The LAGOP stands with Congressional Republicans who called for a full investigation into allegations of electoral fraud. The party condemns violent protests by any and all groups on either side of the political spectrum. Violence should not be tolerated- it is not part of our democratic process!”

________________________________

A wintery mix is in the forecast to begin the workweek Monday in north Louisiana.  National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Matt Hemmingway says the current cooler temps will remain in place as a front from the Rockies enters the state on Sunday thus creating…

Cut 10 (07) “…Monday morning.”

Hemmingway says while it’s still too early to predict exactly how much of the Bayou State could see snow, they are getting an indication that it could be a widespread event across North Louisiana.

Cut 11 (06) “…north Louisiana.

As for any accumulation, Hemmingway says forecasting snow in the southeast is always difficult, but an inch is not out of the question.

Cut 12 (12) “…Alexandria.”

Hemmingway says some parts could see more than an inch but it’s still too early to tell.

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There are reports that some high-ranking federal officials are pushing the Vice President to invoke the 25^th Amendment to remove President Trump from office less than two weeks before he’s set to leave.

It’s a sensational suggestion but LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan calls it an unlikely outcome.

Cut 13 (10) “…to it.”

Vice President Mike Pence reportedly has told officials he opposes invoking the 25^th Amendment.

Further putting the idea in question is the likelihood that his loyalist cabinet full of appointed acting secretaries would actually support the move, and…

Cut 14 (11) “…Senate.” 

It seems unlikely this could get done before Joe Biden’s inauguration, but if it were to happen Hogan believes it would be because the Republican Party was seeking to distance itself from the President…

Cut 15 (10)“…aberration.”

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It’s win or go home as the NFL playoffs begin this weekend. The Saints will host the Chicago Bears as New Orleans looks to avoid its third straight postseason home defeat. A loss could also mean the end of quarterback Drew Brees’ career as there’s speculation this will be his last season. But Brees has known for a while his career is close to the end

Cut 16 (09) “…much the same.”

Saints running backs Latavius Murray and Dwayne Washington have been removed from the reserve-COVID-19 list and New Orleans is hopeful Alvin Kamara will be activated on Sunday after testing positive last week. Brees says their ability to run the football has been a key to their success…

Cut 17 (15) “..good formula.”

The Saints are a 10-point favorite on Sunday. New Orleans needed overtime to beat the Bears in the regular season and defensive end Cam Jordan says if another close game takes place Sunday they have confidence they can get the W…

Cut  18 (10) “…built.”

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After splitting a pair of games last week versus Marshall, Louisiana Tech will take on Conference USA preseason favorite Western Kentucky tonight and tomorrow on their home floor. Coach Eric Konkol on the matchup between two teams that have an identical record of 8-and-3

Cut 19 (23) “…the past.”

The league schedule in Conference USA features back-to-back games against an opponent. Last weekend there was only one two-nothing sweep, the rest were splits, including La Tech who one game against Marshall and lost the other. Konkol says the unusual scheduling makes conference play that much more interesting…

cut 20 (23) “…fascinating race.”

Senator John Kennedy joined five other GOP Senators in voting against certifying President-elect Biden’s electoral win. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

A photo circulating on social media of Rouses Supermarket co-owner Donald Rouse Sr at the pro-Trump rally Wednesday in DC has some calling for a boycott of the grocery chain. Rouse has issued a statement acknowledging that he was there but left before the violence began and condemns the actions of those who stormed the Capitol.

 The number of COVID patients in the hospital has surpassed two-thousand for the first time since the pandemic began in March. Governor John Bel Edwards says many of these individuals are not getting the virus in public places…

Cut 9 (09) “ people’s homes”

COVID-19 Hospitalizations in the state reached a new high today with 2,033 patients.

People over 70 can now be vaccinated at select locations across the state but due to limited supply it may take a while for you to get an appointment. Each of the 107 approved pharmacies only received 100 doses Monday and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says part of the reason was…

Cut 4 (09) “…the vaccine” 

The expectation is what next week pharmacies will be significantly increasing their total number of vaccinations.

President-elect Joe Biden’s win in the Electoral College Wednesday night. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says with Kennedy’s highly conservative track record it’s likely the only person who could give him a run for his money two years from now would-be Democratic Governor Edwards, but…

Cut 13 (08)“…politician.”

An Alexandria man who killed a pizza delivery driver in 2017 has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Braylon Dozier who fatally shot 25-year-old Steven Allen pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.  Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell says Dozier appears to be remorseful of what he calls a senseless murder…

Cut 8 (05) “…random act.”

Demand for the COVID-vaccine greatly outweighs supply as hundreds over the age of 70 are on waitlists at select pharmacies. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says many providers feared receiving too many doses and not enough cold storage space, so they requested less. Next week that will change.

Cut 3 (11)  “…pushed out.”

The number of COVID patients in the hospital has surpassed two-thousand for the first time since the pandemic began in March. Governor John Bel Edwards most of the positive cases are from small gatherings and says going to a person’s home just because you know them doesn’t mean it’s COVID free…

Cut 10 (13) “…that guidance.”

This first week of the vaccine rollout for those 70 and older has frustrated many seeking to be vaccinated when only 107 pharmacies in 52 parishes received doses. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Senator John Kennedy joined five other GOP Senators in voting against certifying President-elect Biden’s electoral win. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Demand for the COVID-vaccine greatly outweighs supply as hundreds over the age of 70 are on waitlists at select pharmacies. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says many providers feared receiving too many doses and not enough cold storage space, so they requested less. Next week that will change.

Cut 3 (11)  “…pushed out.”

Morrison Dixon is the logistics company helping distribute the vaccine. Spoilage is an issue if vaccines are not properly stored.

Kanter said while many were frustrated with the lack of vaccine availability compared to demand, he says the pharmacies and providers wanted to gain familiarity with the vaccine itself.

Cut 4 (09) “…the vaccine.” 

Kanter says the intent is to increase the number of pharmacies in the program so all parishes have access to the vaccine, currently, only 52 of the 64 parishes are in the pharmacy program.

Cut 5  (12) “…the public.” 

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An Alexandria man who killed a pizza delivery driver in 2017 has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Braylon Dozier fatally shot 25-year-old Steven Allen and pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell says Allen’s family did not want Dozier to get the death penalty or serve a life sentence…

Cut 6 (09) “…maximum penalty.”

Allen’s father, Warren Dossman Senior, spoke to Dozier before the sentencing came down in court and said he forgives him, and he’ll pray for him, but wishes it never happened. Terrell says Allen’s parents are great people…

Cut 7 (12) ..have a life.”

Terrell says Dozier appears to be remorseful of what he calls a senseless murder…

Cut 8 (05) “…random act.”

_____________________________

The number of COVID patients in the hospital has surpassed two-thousand for the first time since the pandemic began in March. Governor John Bel Edwards says many of these individuals are not getting the virus in public places…

Cut 9 (09) “…people’s homes.”

Edwards says going to a person’s home just because you know them, doesn’t mean it’s COVID free…

Cut 10 (13) “…that guidance.”

While Edwards is frustrated with those who are not following the COVID mitigation measures, he knows there many residents who are following them…

Cut 11 (11) “…your community.”

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Senator John Kennedy was one of six US Senators to vote against certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win in the Electoral College.

UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Kennedy has clearly determined the biggest risk to his reelection in 2022 would be if he faces a strong challenger from his right…

Cut 12 (08) “…at all.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy voted to certify the results. Five of the six Senators who voted against certification come from SEC states.

Cross says with Kennedy’s highly conservative track record it’s likely the only person who could give him a run for his money two years from now would be Democratic Governor Edwards, but…

Cut 13 (08)“…politician.”

Every Republican member of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation, except for Senator Bill Cassidy objected to accepting at least one state’s elector votes. Cross says those members are reflecting the clear will of Republican voters.

Cut 14 (11) “…saying so.” 

Senator John Kennedy joined five other GOP Senators in voting against certifying President-elect Biden’s electoral win. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

Leaders of the Louisiana Democratic Party issued a statement condemning the behavior of those who stormed the capitol yesterday and called on members of the state’s congressional delegation that supported the effort to not certify Biden’s win to bring about an end to the election fraud charade and violence.

The number of COVID patients in the hospital has surpassed two-thousand for the first time since the pandemic began in March. Governor John Bel Edwards says many of these individuals are not getting the virus in public places…

Cut 9 (09) “ people’s homes”

COVID-19 Hospitalizations in the state reached a new high with 2,033 patients.

An Alexandria man who killed a pizza delivery driver in 2017 has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Braylon Dozier who fatally shot 25-year-old Steven Allen pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.  Allen’s father, Warren Dossman Senior, spoke to Dozier said he forgives him, he’ll pray for him, but wishes it never happened. Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell on Allen’s parents.

Cut 7 (12) ..have a life.”

Terrell says Dozier appears to be remorseful.

As COVID hospitalizations continue to rise across the state, Ochsner Health System says they are managing for now. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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At his first COVID briefing of the year, Governor Edwards voiced his frustrations as the state set an all-time high hospitalization rate. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana leaders condemn Wednesday’s assault on Capitol Hill by a pro-Trump mob opposing the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (42)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Representatives for Ochsner Health System say while they are managing the current surge of COVID patients they are looking at contingency plans for the predicted increase. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says we have yet to see the highest hospitalization rates.

Cut 4 (10) “…ahead of us.”

As of Wednesday, Ochsner Health System reported approximately 640 COVID patients across the state including Lafayette General. CEO Warner Thomas says with the expected increase of hospitalizations approximately three weeks after Christmas and New Year’s, they are working on making adjustments.

Cut 5 (10) “…our system.”

While Ochsner has yet to cancel surgeries and stop intake of non-COVID patients, Thomas says it’s a challenge as the patient load continues to spike among COVID patients.

Cut 6 (10) “…need to.”

Ochsner reports more than fifty percent of their staff has been vaccinated and rollout so far this week to those over the age of 70 at their facilities is going smoothly.

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While the Capitol was stormed in DC, here in Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards held the first COVID briefing of 2021 addressing the state’s all-time high hospitalization rate. While Edwards didn’t change the current Modified Phase Two restrictions, he did voice frustration with citizens who refuse to prevent the spread of COVID.

Cut 7 (09)  “…follow those.”

As case numbers, hospitalizations and fatalities continue to set all-time highs in Louisiana, Edwards voiced his irritation at those who refuse to heed mitigation warnings and gathered anyway over the holidays.

Cut 8 (10) “…we’re not.”

Edwards reminded residents of the importance of social distancing and proper mask usage until the vaccine curbs the pandemic. He says mitigation efforts work but we all must adhere.

Cut 9 (12) “…damn onerous.”

Edwards also voiced his annoyance and reprimanded COVID deniers and who justify their actions by believing conspiracy theories.

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Louisiana Congressional delegation members spoke out against the pro-Trump mob that stormed the Capitol Wednesday as Congress debated the certification of the Presidential Election results.

Congressman Mike Johnson says the incident was shocking. He was in the Lower Chamber as the mob smashed through police barricades…

Cut 10 (13) “…location.”

After Johnson and other Representatives were moved out of the Chamber there was a tense standoff at the door as guards drew guns on rioters as they attacked the door.

Johnson says Wednesday was a sad event in the history of the United States.

Cut 11 (10) “…peril.

Senator Bill Cassidy was in the Upper Chamber at the time. He says there was a commotion as the mob descended on the Senate Chambers.

Cut 12 (09) “…the Capitol.”

Senators were then escorted to a safe location. Afterward, the mob broke into the Upper Chamber.

Cassidy condemned the attack on the Capitol in strong terms and called for a peaceful transition of power into the Biden Administration.

Cut 13 (11) “…sedition.”

All other members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation have also issued statements denouncing the attack on Capitol Hill.

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the situation at his afternoon press conference and asked for a bipartisan repudiation of the chaos.

Cut 14 (09) “…calm.” 

Edwards called for an end to any more injuries to people and property…

Cut 15 (06)“…country.”

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Saints All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas was designated to return from injured reserve and is reportedly expected to practice on a limited basis ahead of Sunday’s playoff game against the Chicago Bears. Thomas has missed several games this year due to an ankle injury.  to deal with an injury.  Coach Sean Payton is hopeful Thomas can take the field Sunday.

Cut 16 (09) “…significant.”

Only three-thousand fans will be in the Dome for Sunday’s game. Payton says the team will need to create its own energy in order to have a home-field advantage.

Cut 17 (17) “…other factors.”

Payton has an idea of how to fill up the Dome with Who Dats as he jokingly suggested quarantining the Saints faithful leading up to the game.

Cut  18 (17) “…taken off or not.”

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LSU names Carolina Panthers quarterback coach Jake Peetz as the Tigers new offensive coordinator. Also coming over from Carolina is DJ Mangas. Mangas is LSU’s new passing game coordinator. He was with the Tigers in 2019 as an offensive analyst. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says both of these coaches are in their 30s and both worked with former LSU assistant Joe Brady this past season

Cut 19 (11) “…he hired.”

Brady was LSU’s passing game coordinator during the 2019 national championship season. Brady connected well with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow and Higgins says the goal is to re-create that magic, but with different coaches and players

cut 20 (12) “…in there.”

The US Capitol has finally been cleared of the pro-Trump mob that invaded the grounds and took over the building for a few hours earlier today. Thousands pushed past the limited amount of security, shattered windows and broke doors open, and fought with Capitol police inside the halls of Congress as debate over certifying President-elect Biden’s Electoral College win was ongoing.

Congressman Mike Johnson was in the lower chamber at the time. He says lawmakers were mid discussion when they heard a mob was descending on the House chamber…

Cut 10, 13 seconds, location

Senator Bill Cassidy was in the Upper Chamber at the time as news broke…

Cut 13, 9 seconds, Capitol

A kidnapped 11-year-old was saved and her alleged kidnapper is behind bars in Grant Parish after communicating with the minor over the internet. The girl went missing late Sunday in Madison Parish and was located in Grant Parish Monday evening resulting in the arrest of 22-year-old Angel Ramirez. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt…

Cut 12 (06) “…safely” 

LSP, Grant Parish Sheriffs, and the FBI were involved in the hunt for Ramirez and the young girl.

Alabama wide receiver and Amite native DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy last night. Despite choosing Alabama over the home-state LSU Tigers, Smith says his hometown has been very supportive throughout his college career.

Cut 4 (14) “my journey” 

He’s only the second Louisiana native to win the prestigious award.

Senator John Kennedy posted a statement on Twitter after the capitol was stormed today by Trump supporters. Kennedy says quote “I condemn this violent assault on the democratic process & will not be intimidated by a mob that confuses chaos & destruction with strength & wisdom. I’ll continue to work for Louisiana.”

The Chaos erupted shortly after 2:30 in D-C while the U-S House and Senate debated the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory. Lawmakers were evacuated. Senator Bill Cassidy denounced the violence that erupted between Capitol police and the protesters

Cut 15 (05) “…period” 

Cassidy is the only Republican from the Louisiana Congressional delegation that stated he would not vote against Biden’s electoral victory.

Ochsner Physician Dr. Jay Brooks was among the first healthcare providers to be vaccinated in Baton Rouge and he’s now received his second injection of the COVID vaccine. As for side effects, Brooks says he’s somewhat achy after the injections.

Cut 6 (07) “…a one.”

Brooks says the COVID vaccine shot is comparable to a flu shot and he says he had more side effects with the shingles vaccination.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announces that Amite City Councilman Emmanuel Zanders has been arrested and charged with eight counts of election fraud. Landry says the District 3 councilman illegally registered voters at addresses they did not live at…

Cut 9 (12) “ vacant lot”

Landry says there’s also evidence Zanders submitted a voter registration application on behalf of a citizen using his own address