The coronavirus treatment given to President Trump when he was admitted to Walter Reed Hospital is now available in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says the monoclonal antibody fusion treatment can help high-risk patients from becoming seriously ill. Those considered high risk for COVID are 65 and older with obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease, and those 55 and older with heart disease or hypertension are possible candidates for the new treatment.
Cut 9 (10) “…infusion.”

Eighteen schools made it to the Prep Football Classic, but no team endured more than the Grand Lake Hornets. The small school in Cameron had two devastating hurricanes make landfall in their parish, but they persevered and will play in today’s Class One-A Championship game. Jeff Wainwright is their head coach…
This is Grand Lake’s first appearance in a state championship football game. Wainwright told the players to enjoy the moment and do not worry about the score
Cut 15 (08)“…those memories”

A new study indicates that pregnancy and childbirth complications have risen 32% as more millennial females have pre-existing conditions increasing the risks. Senior Medical Director of Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana Dr. Dee Barfield stresses the importance of prenatal visits; she says their study is from women who have access to care due to coverage and they are not seeking medical care early enough in their pregnancy.
Cut 5 (12) “…complications.”

Green Bay beat the Titans last night, but New Orleans still has a chance to earn the number one seed in the NFC playoffs. For that to happen, the Saints will need to beat Carolina on Sunday in the regular season finale, the Bears would need to defeat the Packers and Seattle would have to knock off the 49ers, which would set up a three-way tie for first place in the NFC. The Saints would win the tie breaker under that scenario. If Green Bay defeats Chicago then the Saints will miss out on the top seed.

The treatment that President Trump received for COVID is now available in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington reports on how this can be a two-fold game changer.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A new study indicates that pregnancy and childbirth complications have risen 32% as more millennial females have pre-existing conditions increasing the risks. Senior Medical Director of Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana Dr. Dee Barfield.
Cut 4 (10) “…both angles”

The 900-hundred billion-dollar coronavirus relief bill received overwhelming support in the House and Senate. Stockley says many on Capitol Hill were blindsided when the President initially said he would not sign the legislation. Trump signed it yesterday.
Cut 12 (06) “…four years.”

Eighteen schools made it to the Prep Football Classic but no team endured more than the Grand Lake Hornets. The small school in Cameron had two devastating hurricanes make landfall in their parish.
Grand Lake is 8-and-1 heading into today’s One-A title game versus top-seeded and defending champion Oak Grove. Coach Jeff Wainwright says the team has been an inspiration and an escape for Cameron Parish residents…
Cut 14 (12) “…cheering go”

A Blue Cross Blue Shield study indicates pregnancy complications are up 32-percent as more pregnant women have chronic health conditions. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says the monoclonal antibody fusion treatment can help high-risk patients from becoming seriously ill. That’s the same treatment President Trump was given at Walter Reed hospital. Edwards says monoclonal antibody fusion is available in Louisiana and beneficial in two ways.
Cut 8 (06) “…lives.”

Despite strong objections, President Donald Trump has signed a 900-billion dollar pandemic relief package that will result in many Americans receiving a 600-dollar stimulus check, ULM Political Science Professor Doctor Joshua says The legislation also extends unemployment benefits. It’s unclear why the president decided to sign the bill after initially threatening to veto it. Stockley says many Americans are glad Mr. Trump had a chance of heart…
Cut 11 (11) “…difficult year.”

Eighteen schools made it to the Prep Football Classic but no team endured more than the Grand Lake Hornets. The small school in Cameron had two devastating hurricanes make landfall in their parish, but yet they persevered and will play in today’s Class One-A Championship game. Jeff Wainwright is their head coach…
Cut 13 (08) “…us a game”

Despite strong objections, President Donald Trump has signed a 900-billion dollar pandemic relief package that will result in many Americans receiving a 600-dollar stimulus check. Mr. Trump threatened not to sign the bill, as he pushed for a stimulus check of two-thousand dollars. The U-S House still intends to push for a higher stimulus check, but ULM Political Science Professor Doctor Joshua Stockley doesn’t see the Senate going along
Cut 10 (12) “…new Congress”

The coronavirus treatment given to President Trump when he was admitted to Walter Reed Hospital is now available in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says the monoclonal antibody fusion treatment can help high-risk patients from becoming seriously ill.
Cut 7 (12) “…hospitalized.”

If you’re looking for a team to root for in the LHSAA Prep Classic, Grand Lake is your squad. Jeff Palermo on their remarkable journey…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Crowley Representative and Republican John Stefanski has been tapped to chair House and Governmental Affairs; the committee tasked with overseeing redistricting next year. It will define the boundaries of each Legislative and Congressional district and can result in maps that are a major boon for the party in control of the Legislature, but Stefanski says he aims to be fair…

Cut 4 (08) “…right”

The map must win full Legislative approval in the Republican-dominated Capitol, but could be vetoed by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards.

Lafayette will have a new police chief New Year’s Eve. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has appointed Thomas Lee Glover Sr. of Dallas. Glover retired from the Dallas Police Department in 2017. The new chief says his first priority is to make Lafayette safer with a focus on community policing.

The Day 1 Families Fund awards Catholic Charities of Acadiana a $5-million dollar grant to help families facing homelessness. Catholic Charities Spokesperson Ben Broussard says The Day 1 Families Fund is a part of the Jeff Bezos Day One charitable organization, Bezos is best known as the founder of Amazon

Cut 7 (11)  “…to us.”

High School Football Fans will begin flocking to Natchitoches today to attend the annual LHSAA Prep Classic.  Kelli West, spokesperson for the Parish Tourist Commission says they are catering to football fans by extending hours for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Northwest Louisiana History Museum and there’s plenty of other activities for visitors.

Cut 11 (11) “…see and do.”

Games for the Prep Classic kickoff Sunday.

It’s a chilly Christmas Day in the Bayou State, and as many people are inside opening presents or gathering around the table for a Christmas meal,  Governor John Bel Edwards understands 2020 has been a difficult year for most families, but he’s looking forward to a better 2021…
cut 30 (07) “….me in prayer”

The Day 1 Families Fund awards Catholic Charities of Acadiana a $5-million dollar grant to help families facing homelessness. Catholic Charities Spokesperson Ben Broussard says with the pandemic and two major hurricanes the grant couldn’t have come at a better time.
Cut 6 (11) “…homelessness.”
The money comes from a charitable organization created by the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder names Crowley Representative and Republican John Stefanski the chair of House and Governmental Affairs, the committee tasked with overseeing redistricting next year. We don’t have census data just yet but Stefanski says they’re confident about one thing…

Cut 3 (08) “…right now.”
Ten years ago the state lost a congressional seat after a population loss post-Hurricane Katrina.

The LHSAA Prep Football Classic is set to begin Sunday in Natchitoches. Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission spokesperson Kelli West says they are ready to welcome thousands of football fans, and many of them are visiting for the first time…
cut 9 (07) “…favorite team”
Their famous Christmas Light Display will be still be up and the quaint town is also home to the house featured in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias.

A Crowley Republican has been tapped to chair the House committee in charge of the legislative and congressional districts next year.

 Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A spokesperson with the Baton Rouge Police Department says they have arrested a man for making a bomb after discovering suspicious devices following an incident in North Baton Rouge on Christmas Eve. Sgt. Don Coppola says 22-year-old Joseph Paul Mobley of Baton Rouge is charged with possession and manufacturing of a bomb. They were initially called to the scene for a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Catholic Charities of Acadiana has received a five-million-dollar grant to help solve family homelessness. Catholic Charities of Acadiana spokesperson Ben Broussard says with mass evictions and the hurricanes they’ve spent half a million dollars to keep families from being homeless. He says the five-million-dollar grant from The Day One Families Fund will help them build a new shelter and aid more families…

cut 8 (11) “…right there”

Natchitoches is preparing to host the L-H-S-A-A’s Prep Football Classic. The four-day event begins Sunday. This is a real tourism opportunity for the town as they have an already scheduled fireworks show set for Saturday night and they hope football fans check out their renowned Christmas lights…
cut 10 (12) “….and scenes”
That’s Parish Tourist Commission spokesperson Kelli West.

Crowley Representative and Republican John Stefanski has been tapped to chair House and Governmental Affairs; the committee tasked with overseeing redistricting next year. It will define the boundaries of each Legislative and Congressional district and can result in maps that are a major boon for the party in control of the Legislature, but Stefanski says he aims to be fair…

Cut 4 (08) “…right”

The map must win full Legislative approval in the Republican-dominated Capitol, but could be vetoed by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards.

Lafayette will have a new police chief New Year’s Eve. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has appointed of Thomas Lee Glover Sr. of Dallas. Glover retired from the Dallas Police Department in 2017 where he served as deputy chief since 2012. The new chief says his first priority is to make Lafayette safer with a focus on community policing.

The Day 1 Families Fund awards Catholic Charities of Acadiana a $5-million dollar grant to help families facing homelessness. Catholic Charities Spokesperson Ben Broussard says The Day 1 Families Fund is a part of the Jeff Bezos Day One charitable organization, Bezos is best known as the founder of Amazon

Cut 7 (11)  “…to us.”

High School Football Fans will begin flocking to Natchitoches Saturday to attend the annual LHSAA Prep Classic.  Kelli West, spokesperson for the Parish Tourist Commission says they are catering to football fans by extending hours for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Northwest Louisiana History Museum and there’s plenty of other activities for visitors.

Cut 11 (11) “…see and do.”

Games for the Prep Classic kickoff Sunday.

A Crowley Republican has been tapped to chair the House committee in charge of redistricting in 2021. Matt Doyle has the story.

 Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

As football fans get ready for the LHSAA Prep Classic, this year it’s the city of Natchitoches putting out the red carpet for attendees. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

 __________________________________________

Crowley Representative and Republican John Stefanski has been tapped by the State House Speaker to chair House and Governmental Affairs, the committee tasked with overseeing redistricting next year.

We don’t have census data just yet but Stefanski says they’re pretty confident about one thing…

Cut 3 (08)  “…right now.”  

Ten years ago the state lost a congressional seat after the population plummeted post-Hurricane Katrina.

Redistricting defines the boundaries of each Legislative and Congressional district and can result in maps that are a major boon for the party in control of the Legislature, but Stefanski says he aims to be fair…

Cut 4 (08) “…right”

The map will be crafted in House and Governmental Affairs and must win full Legislative approval in the Republican-dominated Capitol, but could be vetoed by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards.

Stefanski says redistricting is a major endeavor but the Legislature’s first priority upon returning to session in April will be addressing a likely COVID-induced budget deficit…

Cut 5 (08) “..redistricting.”

The Legislature is scheduled to convene the regular session on April 12^th and can run until June 10^th. A redistricting focused special session could take place a day after the regular session ends.

__________________________________________

The Day 1 Families Fund awards Catholic Charities of Acadiana a $5-million dollar grant to help families facing homelessness. Catholic Charities Spokesperson Ben Broussard says with the pandemic and two major hurricanes the grant couldn’t have come at a better time.

Cut 6 (11) “…homelessness.”

The Day 1 Families Fund is a part of the Jeff Bezos Day One charitable organization, Bezos is best known as the founder of Amazon. Broussard says this is the largest grant they have ever received in their 47-year history.

Cut 7 (11)  “…to us.”

Broussard says just this year with mass evictions and the hurricanes they’ve spent half a million dollars to keep families from being homeless. The $5 million grant will help them build a new shelter and aid more families.

Cut 8 (11) “…right there.”

Broussard says they’ve seen family homelessness grow by 200-percent in the Acadiana area this year.

_____________________

High School Football Fans will begin flocking to Natchitoches Saturday to attend the annual Louisiana High School Athletic Associations’ Prep Classic.  Kelli West, spokesperson for the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission says they are looking forward to new visitors.

Cut 9 (07) “…favorite team.”

The games were moved away from New Orleans due to COVID restrictions.

West says fans can get an early start on taking in the sites Saturday night with a fireworks show before games kick off on Sunday. They can also bask in the city’s renowned Christmas lights.

Cut 10 (12) “…and scenes.”

Natchitoches will be catering to football fans by extending hours for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Northwest Louisiana History Museum.  West says there’s plenty of activities for visitors.

Cut 11 (11) “…see and do.”

Natchitoches is also home to the house featured in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias.

The games will be played at Northwestern State, Sunday through Wednesday.

_____________________________________

The Saints continue the race for the 1^st seed in the NFC playoffs today against the 6-8 Vikings in the Dome with kickoff set for 3:30.

Minnesota haunts the dreams of Black and Gold fans and Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins says while their nemesis has struggled this year their record is not reflective of their talent…

Cut 12 (08) “…A-game.”

Six of the Viking’s eight losses have been by a touchdown or less. The Saints are only a game and a half behind Green Bay for the only bye week in the playoffs.

The Saints now top receiver Emmanuel Sanders is excited about the Christmas Day contest. He says it’ll be a packed, but fun day for him and his family.

Cut 13 (11) “…Day.”

It’s the first time the Saints have ever played on Christmas Day. The last NFL games to be played on Christmas were in 2017.

_________________________

The Ragin Cajuns go after their tenth win of the season Saturday when they take on Texas San Antonio in the Servpro First Responder Bowl in Dallas. U-L Lafayette enters the game as co-champs of the Sun Belt Conference. They were disappointed the conference tite game was canceled because of COVID issues with Coastal Carolina, but Coach Billy Napier says his team is now focused on winning this bowl game…

Cut 14 (14) “…right way” 

U-L Lafayette is 9-1, while the Roadrunners are 7-and-4 and enter the game on a three-game winning streak. U-T-S-A features the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year in Sincere McCormick, who has rushed for 13-hundred yards. Napier says they must slow down McCormick…

Cut 15 (15)“…success.”

_____________________________________

We’re only a day away from Christmas and state officials are asking residents who have made plans to gather for the holiday outside of their immediate household to cancel those plans. COVID hospitalizations are at their highest level since April and Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says our red levels of community spread mean any large gathering statistically will have one infectious person…

Cut 10 (07) “…accurate.”

COVID deaths now total 7,272.

Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, who won the runoff for the 5^th district Congressional seat, has been moved into the ICU but is reportedly in stable condition with COVID. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis tested positive late Tuesday and is reportedly suffering mild symptoms. And a spokesperson for the Lt. Governor says Billy Nungesser is recovering nicely from COVID-19.

2020 Retail sales have been a mixed bag according to LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice. He says while online sales were up dramatically only some brick-and-mortar stores did better than in the past, Rice says athletic stores, bicycle shops, and home improvement stores are doing well. Other holiday staples however are not.

Cut 8 (10) “…from home.”

64-year-old Terry Bowden is the new football coach at ULM. The former Auburn coach has a big task in front of him as he takes over a program that failed to win a game in 2020 at a school that has the smallest athletic budget among FBS schools. But Bowden says he’s ready for the challenge…

Cut 12 (14) “…grinder.”