After meeting at the state capitol today it’s now official the 8 electoral votes have been cast for President Trump who won the majority of the vote in the state.

Governor John Bel Edwards calls today a historic moment for Louisiana as the first frontline healthcare workers in the state were given the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (28) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

And the state reports 1,022 new COVID 19 cases today and 27 fatalities. Hospitalizations are currently at 1,527 and 147 of those patients are on ventilators.

At Ochsner Health in New Orleans this morning the first round of Pfizer COVID vaccinations began among healthcare workers. Dr. Obinna Nnedu (Oh-bee Nah-doo) an Infectious Disease Senior Physician at Ochsner was among the first to be inoculated, he wanted to reassure the public that might be apprehensive about the vaccine.

Cut 7 (12) “…safe.”

Louisiana is in the midst of a third major wave of COVID cases and medical professionals are begging the public to recommit to masking and social distancing before they run out of healthcare capacity. Shreveport based Willis Knighton Dr. Jennifer Prime is one of them. She says to date she has cared for 750 COVID patients and lost 92 of them.

Cut 13 (12) “…offer.”

Healthcare workers at Willis Knighton began receiving COVID vaccinations this morning.

COVID-19 Immunizations are underway in Louisiana this morning. Governor Edwards and others observed the first dose be administered at Ochsner in New Orleans. Director of Pharmacy at Ochsner Health, Heater Maturin, says when the vaccines arrived, they were frozen solid at negative 94-degrees…

Cut 9 (11) “…concentration.”

79,000 doses are to arrive in the state this month and be administered to frontline healthcare workers.

Louisiana’s eight Electoral College electors will meet today at 11:30 AM at the Capitol to cast their votes for President Donald Trump. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta who represents District 1 says barring any action by the US Supreme Court we should have an official accounting of who the next President will be today.

Cut 6 (07) “…vote”

As cases surge across the state in Shreveport Willis-Knighton Doctor Jennifer Prime plead with residents to mask up and socially distance to stop the spread…

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

LSP is in investigating an officer-involved shooting in Woodworth that happened early Sunday morning. A Woodworth Police Officer pulled over 30-year-old Quentin Terrell of Cottonport for speeding on Robinson Bridge Road and during the traffic stop an altercation occurred. Terrell was shot by police and taken to a local hospital.

The FDA authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer COVID vaccine Friday. Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement saying “Truly, the last nine months have been a struggle for all of us, especially for the families of the 6,767 Louisianans who unfortunately have lost their lives due to COVID-19. Louisianans are a strong people and, though we are all tired from this pandemic, I am inspired by their sacrifice and selfless commitment to each other.

Edwards says he will not make it mandatory to get a COVID vaccine nor will he provide financial incentives. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

A vaccine by Moderna is expected to gain approval sometime this month and be administered in a first wave to nursing home residents and staff, but AARP State Director Denise Botcher is concerned that it may not produce results fast enough to address what are some concerning trends in nursing home infections and deaths…

Cut 14 (07) “…population.” 

State Trooper Jacob Brown of Rayville has been charged with one count of Aggravated Second-Degree Battery and Malfeasance in Office for allegedly using excessive and unjustifiable force during an arrest in Ouachita Parish in May of 2019. Trooper Michael Reichhardt says 30-year-old Brown was assisting the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office…

Cut 10 (04) “…administrative investigation.”

A law office in Monroe has identified the victim as Aaron Bowman.

The FDA authorized emergency approval of the Pfizer vaccine Friday. Early reports out of Europe, where the Pfizer vaccine is already being administered, indicate there may be some side effects after getting your shot. Governor Edwards says it’s still no reason not to take it once it becomes available to you…

Cut 7 (11) “…too.”

For most of the public that vaccine won’t be available until late spring

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has set deadlines for people who need to file proof of loss documents for insurance claim damages from Hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta. February 23rd is the deadline for Laura, April 7^th for Delta and April 26^th for Zeta. Donelon’s office says state law requires giving property owners within a disaster declaration area at least 180 days from the event to submit proof of loss information.

An AARP dashboard report indicates nursing homes in Louisiana face concerning trends.  Data analyzed from October 19^th to November 15^th show an increase in staff cases and an ongoing shortage of staff and PPE. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says community spread is responsible for 476 new staff COVID cases.

Cut 12 (05) “..have COVID.” 

The report indicates a staff shortage of 37-percent and 17-percent of long-term care facilities have less than a week supply of PPE on hand.

The state fire Marshal’s office says over the past two weeks, six people have died in house fires bringing the total to 70 for the entire year. State Fire Marshal’s office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue is urging residents to make sure they have a working smoke detector…
cut 5 (07) “….get out safely”

The FDA authorized emergency approval for the Pfizer COVID Friday and Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement saying, “This is a historic and hopeful moment for our country and state, and we would be remiss if we did not pause to thank the scientists, doctors, health care workers and other researchers who have worked tirelessly not only to fight COVID but also their considerable talent and training towards creating this vaccine.” Edwards also thanked clinical trial participants.

Once vaccines are readily available to the public in 2021 Governor John Bel Edwards is imploring residents to take it.  A Pew survey shows 40 percent of Americans would refuse to take the vaccine if offered. Edwards says he hopes they change their mind but it won’t be mandatory in Louisiana, and…

Cut 6 (06) “…do it.”

State Trooper Jacob Brown of Rayville has been charged with one count of Aggravated Second-Degree Battery and Malfeasance in Office for allegedly using excessive and unjustifiable force during an arrest of a black man in Ouachita Parish in May of 2019. Trooper Michael Reichhardt says a lawsuit filed by the victim in October started the investigation…

Cut 9 (09) “…at that time.”

In the past two weeks, six people have died in fires in Louisiana, including the latest fatal fire which occurred in Lafayette Thursday night.  While the cause remains undetermined, State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue believes unsafe heating practices could be factors.

Cut 3 (12)  “…in your home.”

Last year 75 people in Louisiana died due to fires and so far 70 lives have been claimed in 2020.

In the past two weeks, six people have died in fires in Louisiana, State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says last year 75 people died due to fires and so far, 70 lives have been claimed in 2020.  Rodrigue says cooking and heating tips can help keep people safe.

Cut 4 (13) “…flammable.”  

State Trooper Jacob Brown of Rayville has been charged with one count of Aggravated Second-Degree Battery and Malfeasance in Office for allegedly using excessive and unjustifiable force during an arrest in Ouachita Parish in May of 2019. Trooper Michael Reichhardt says 30-year-old Brown was assisting the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office…

Cut 10 (04) “…administrative investigation.”

A law office in Monroe has identified the victim as Aaron Bowman.

Vaccine rollout is imminent in the US and European reports indicate the vaccine has some side effects, but Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s reviewed the data and there are vaccines people already take with side effects worse than this…

Cut 7 (11) “…too.”

Reports indicate the heaviest side effects with the Pfizer vaccine are from the booster shot 21 days after the first shot.

An AARP dashboard report indicates nursing homes in Louisiana face concerning trends.  Data analyzed from October 19^th to November 15^th show an increase in staff cases and an ongoing shortage of staff and PPE. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says community spread is responsible for 476 new staff COVID cases.

Cut 12 (06) “..have COVID.” 

And the report indicates 17-percent of long-term care facilities have less than a week supply of PPE.

Governor Edwards says the first COVID vaccinations in Louisiana are set to begin very, very soon. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

LSP has arrested one of their own for second-degree battery and malfeasance from an allegation that he used excessive force in May of last year. 30-year-old Jacob Brown of Rayville turned himself in Thursday, after an investigation resulting from a lawsuit that claims Brown dragged a black man to the ground beat him excessively, and failed to report it.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry joins 16 other Attorneys General in supporting a lawsuit filed by Texas challenging the legitimacy of mail-in ballots in battleground states. Senator Bill Cassidy has tweeted there’s no evidence presented yet that would overturn Biden’s win, but says it is important that if there are legitimate claims that they are fully aired out.

Cut 10 (10) “…issue.”

A positivity rate of 16.9-percent snuffs out St James Parish’s annual Christmas Eve bonfires on the levee. Parish President Pete Dufresne (Duh-fren) says they worked diligently on a plan for crowd-control but ultimately case numbers worked against them.

Cut 15 (12)“…manipulated.” 

The State Fire Marshal only allows events if the COVID case positivity rate is below 15-percent.

Governor Edwards says the first COVID vaccinations in Louisiana are set to begin very, very soon. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Seventeen Republican Attorneys General have joined a Texas lawsuit challenging election results in four battleground states won by President-elect Joe Biden. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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St. James Parish cancels bonfires on the levees, Brooke Thorington reports on the difficult decision to scrap the event.

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

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The Bossier City arena has a new name as it’s now known as the Brookshire (Brook-shear) Grocery Arena. The Tyler, Texas-based chain replaces CenturyLink as the naming rights sponsor. Brookshire Grocery CEO Brad Brookshire says they are thrilled about this new partnership.

Cut 4 (07) “…the BGA.”

The grocery chain signed a ten-year commitment with the 4,000 seat multi-purpose arena. COO Trent Brookshire says a lot of work when into the new logo for the arena.

Cut 5 (11) “…in Bossier.”

Trent Brookshire says the once the COVID era ends the BGA will be a major tourist attraction again.

Cut 6 (09) “…stands for.”

Brookshire Grocery has been in the Bossier City-Shreveport area for 60 years.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says it is possible we could be administering COVID vaccines to frontline healthcare workers as early as late this weekend.

A panel of medical experts Thursday submitted its recommendation to the FDA that the Pfizer vaccine be given emergency authorization. Edwards says that means…

Cut 7 (09)  “…vaccine.”

Edwards says the vaccine is staged and ready to be shipped to locations that have been selected throughout the state.

Cut 8 (11) “…UPS.”

Edwards says we expect to receive about 39,000 doses within the next few days, followed by 40,000 the next week. He says unlike other states and the feds, we will be using all doses upon arrival.

Cut 9 (10) “…number.”

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Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry joins 16 other Attorneys General in supporting a lawsuit filed by Texas challenging the legitimacy of mail-in ballots in battleground states.

Senator Bill Cassidy has tweeted there’s no evidence presented yet that would overturn Biden’s win, but says it is important that if there are legitimate claims that they are fully aired out.

Cut 10 (10) “…issue.”

The lawsuit challenges results in Wisconsin, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Those states were key in President-elect Joe Biden’s path to winning over 270 electoral votes.

Cassidy says it is vital that Americans trust the electoral process, and it may be that this issue needs to go before the highest court in the land to do that.

Cut 11 (07) “…be it.”

Cassidy says he hopes this issue can be settled so that the country can come together again.

Cut 12 (12) “…served.”

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St James Parish’s annual Christmas Eve bonfires on the levee have been extinguished for 2020, due to a high positivity rate of COVID cases. Parish President Pete Dufresne (Duh-fren) says large outdoor events are only permitted if the positivity rate remains below 15-percent. As of Wednesday morning, the bonfires were a go with only an 8-percent positivity rate.

Cut 13 (12) “…St James Parish.”

Dufresne says many have questioned the issuing of permits to construct bonfires if there was a possibility of canceling the event.  He says the decision was made before Thanksgiving,

Cut 14 (10) “…next week.” 

The tradition of lighting bonfires to guide Papa Noel on Christmas Eve goes back to the late 1800s and the annual event in St. James Parish attracts thousands. Dufresne says they worked diligently on a plan for crowd control, but rising case numbers worked against them.

Cut 15 (12)“…manipulated.” 

The parish will issue permit refunds and requests that the construction of bonfires be discontinued.

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Two quarterbacks who like to run the football will face off Sunday when the Saints visit the Eagles. Taysom Hill will make his fourth straight start at quarterback for New Orleans, while rookie QB Jalen Hurts will make his first NFL start for Philadelphia. Hill has rushed for 178 yards in his four starts and he’s impressed with what Hurts did in college

Cut 16 (10) “…as a player.”

Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins on facing a quarterback who is making his first NFL start…

cut 17 (29) “…give or take.”

Jenkins spent six seasons in Philadelphia winning a Super Bowl in February of 2018. The veteran is looking forward to returning to Lincoln Financial Field…

cut  18 (20) “…the opportunity.”

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LSU is once again big underdogs heading into Saturday’s SEC match-up against sixth-ranked Florida. The Gators are averaging 42 points a game and feature one of the best tight ends in the country in Kyle Pitts. Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron…

cut 19 (18) “…lot of speed.”

Linebacker Jabril Cox expects LSU will give good effort despite the team’s struggles this season

cut 20 (29) “….look forward.”

Two brothers wanted for the shooting death of a gas station clerk in Kenner were arrested in Memphis, Tennessee. Kenner Police Chief Michael Glaser says they’ve been searching for 28-year-old Lamonte Loggins and 29-year-old Eric Rodgers since committing the cold-blooded killing on November 30th

Cut 12 (11) “..zero reasons.” 

D.C. lawmakers are increasingly confident a new roughly 900 billion dollar COVID relief bill will soon be passed. The White House is pushing for a new round of stimulus checks in lieu of federally boosted unemployment, but Senator Bill Cassidy says this isn’t a stimulus bill…

Cut 10 (09) “…rent.”

The LSU football program has self-imposed a one-year bowl ban as a way to punish itself for violating NCAA rules. It’s the first time LSU will not participate in the postseason since 1999. But LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau says the NCAA may not look at this as a serious punishment…

Cut 3 (12)  “…this seasons gone.”

The FDA is expected to vote today on emergency approval for the Pfizer COVID vaccine and next week the Moderna vaccine.  LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Fred Lopez says with two COVID vaccine options on the cusp of being approved when asked which one you should take he says the first one that’s offered.

Cut 7 (09) “..effective.”

The state reports 25-hundred new COVID-19 cases today and 40 fatalities.

Louisiana’s Senior Senator provides an update on negotiations over a 900 billion dollar plus COVID relief bill that includes another round of PPP and federally boosted unemployment payments. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder sets February 6^th as a special election to fill the vacant seat of Republican Stephen Dwight of Lake Charles. Dwight resigned from the District 35 House seat after winning a fall election to become the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney. District 35 represents Beauregard and Calcasieu parishes.

The FDA is expected to give emergency approval for the Pfizer COVID vaccine and next week they will vote on the Moderna vaccine.  LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Fred Lopez says this is very good news considering the spike in cases we are seeing.

Cut 6 (07) “…encouraging.”

LSU has self-imposed a one-year bowl ban, for NCAA rules violations. Back in October, LSU decided to cut its number of available scholarships by eight over the next two years, reduce the number of allowable recruiting visits, and ban former player Odell Beckham Junior for two years. USA Today Network reporter Glen Guilbeau says the NCAA may add to these penalties when they complete their investigation

Cut 4 (08)   “…asked for.”