The US Department of Justice is investigating the Louisiana Department of Corrections over allegations the state is keeping prisoners incarcerated long past their release date. Attorney William Most says the investigation was the result of a series of lawsuits that uncovered information about the overdue release of prisoners. Most identified one of the biggest problems leading to these delays.

Cut 4 (11)   “…time.”  

Saturday is election day, but Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin predicts a turnout of only around 20-percent after a turnout of 70-percent for the presidential election. Ardoin says after a rough year, many voters are fatigued…
cut 13 (12) “…burnout”
Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.

The department of health reports all but four ICU beds are in use at area hospitals in the Acadiana region COVID numbers continue to spike. Dr. Henry Kaufman, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette says he’s extremely concerned. As for staffing Kaufman says medical professionals have one of the highest burn-out rates and the ongoing pandemic has been taxing on them all.

Cut 7 (12) “..do it.”

Bob Hannaford, the organizer of a swinger’s convention in New Orleans where 41 of the people who attended ended up positive for COVID-19, told Jim Engster he regrets holding the convention this year after dozens of tested positive and one person had to be hospitalized. He says they did what they could to prevent an outbreak…

Cut 10 (11) “…socialize.”

Polls open statewide at 7 AM and will stay open until 8 PM Saturday for the December runoff election. The Presidential election saw a 70 percent turnout, but Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says this time around they only expect 20 percent.

Cut 12 (10) “…this time” 

The state health department reports all but four ICU beds are in use at Acadiana region hospitals as COVID numbers continue to spike. Dr. Henry Kaufman, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette, is extremely concerned.

Cut 6 (12) “…heading.”

The health department reported an increase of 32 hospitalizations in the state Friday for a total of 1,357.

The U.S Justice Department is investigating the Louisiana Department of Corrections over the long delays in releasing prisoners past their release dates. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

The state health department reported 24-hundred new coronavirus cases Friday and 22 deaths to bring Louisiana’s death toll to 6,548. The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital also increased by 32 to 1,357 and ventilator use increased by 12 to 154 patients.

The US Department of Justice is investigating the Louisiana Department of Corrections over allegations the state is keeping prisoners incarcerated long past their release date. Attorney William Most says the DOC has known since 2012 that they hold about 2,200 inmates past their release date every year.

Cut 3 (11)  “…per year.”

Polls open statewide at 7 AM and will stay open until 8 PM Saturday for the December runoff election. The November election had a 70-percent voter turnout but Secretary of State Kyle Ardion anticipates only a 20-percent for the December election. The ballot has one statewide amendment along with a series of local DA’s and judicial runoffs, a Congressional race in the 5^th District, a Public Service Commission runoff, and a Mayor’s race…

Cut 14 (04) “…and vote.” 

The state health department reports all but four ICU beds are in use at Acadiana region hospitals as COVID numbers continue to spike. Dr. Henry Kaufman, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette says while the majority of those who contract COVID will not require extensive care it’s when a surge breaks out hospitalizations go up.

Cut 8 (11) “…a crisis.”

The organizer of a swingers convention in New Orleans where 41 of the people who attended ended up positive for COVID-19 days after the event last month is planning another convention in the Big Easy in 2021. But Bob Hannaford told the Jim Engster show that their next convention is scheduled for August

Cut 9 (08) “…forward.”

Polls open statewide at 7 AM and will stay open until 8 PM Saturday for the December runoff ballot. The November election saw 70 percent turnout, but Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says this time around they only expect 20 percent.

Cut 12 (10) “…this time” 

The US Department of Justice is investigating the Louisiana Department of Corrections over allegations the state is keeping prisoners incarcerated long past their release date. Attorney William Most says the investigation was the result of a series of lawsuits that uncovered information about the overdue release of prisoners. Most identified one of the biggest problems leading to these delays.

Cut 4 (11)   “…time.”  

The department of health reports all but four ICU beds are in use at area hospitals in the Acadiana region COVID numbers continue to spike. Dr. Henry Kaufman, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette says he’s extremely concerned. As for staffing Kaufman says medical professionals have one of the highest burn-out rates and the ongoing pandemic has been taxing on them all.

Cut 7 (12) “..do it.”

Organizers of the swingers convention Naughty Nawlins that was held last month in New Orleans say 41 of their some 300 attendees have since tested positive for COVID. Organizer Bob Hannaford says based on their own contact tracing, sexual activity was not the main reason for the spread of the virus…

Cut 11 (12) “…who knows.”

The department of health reports all but four of the ICU beds were in use at area hospitals in the Acadiana region of the state as COVID numbers continue to spike. Dr. Henry Kaufman, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette says he’s extremely concerned.

Cut 6 heading:12

The organizer of a swinger’s convention in New Orleans where 41 of the people who attended ended up positive for COVID-19, Bob Hannaford told Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana he regrets holding the convention this year after dozens of tested positive and one person had to be hospitalized. He says they did what they could to prevent an outbreak…

Cut 10 (11) “…socialize.”

The U.S Justice Department is investigating the Louisiana Department of Corrections over the long delays in releasing prisoners past their release dates. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “  I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

The Legislature’s vote to increase sales taxes to address a massive budget deficit in 2016 has become a hot button issue in the soon to be decided race for the 5^th Congressional District. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson along with his wife Kelly were both infected with COVID and have since recovered according to his spokesperson. Representative Garrett Graves is currently quarantining after exposure and State Treasurer John Schroder is hospitalized with COVID.

With coronavirus vaccine doses expected to arrive in Louisiana this month, it will be up to federal and state officials to convince the public they are safe to take. Some are concerned corners were cut to produce the vaccine in record time. But US Health Assistant Secretary Admiral Brett Giroir says these vaccines have been tested in tens of thousands of individuals.

Cut 8 (06) “…possible”

A Gallup poll claims four in ten Americans do not want to take the vaccine.

The Louisiana Film Channel, a streaming service of bayou state-related movies, is now accessible to film buffs. President of the LFC, Dr, Lucas Fry, says the channel was established so the public can see productions from up and coming filmmakers and established ones. Fry says many of the films are award-winning and have only been seen at festivals.

Cut 4 (08) “…future of it.”

The app is free and available on most platforms and some titles require a subscription.

If you’ve exhausted your movie queue already now you can check out productions a little closer to home on the Louisiana Film Channel. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

It took less than a year for a COVID vaccine to be developed and some are concerned that the lightning-fast pace of production was the result of cut corners. Governor Edwards swears that’s not true…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________________

The Legislature’s vote to increase sales taxes to address a massive budget deficit in 2016 has become a hot button issue in the soon to be decided race for the 5^th Congressional District. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

__________________________________________

The Louisiana Film Channel, a streaming service of bayou state-related movies, is now more accessible for film buffs. Dr. Lucas Fry President of LFC says the channel was established to get productions of up and coming filmmakers and established ones to the public. Fry says many of the films have won awards and were only seen at festivals.

Cut 4 (08) “…future of it.”

Fry says the library of productions on the Louisianan Film channel has genres ranging from how to wrestle an alligator to spooky stories of the underworld of New Orleans.

Cut 5 (10) “…of Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Film Channel app is available via iPhone and android along with Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast.  Fry says there are several free titles for viewing and they expect to launch brand new feature films soon.

Cut 6 (08) “…paywall.”

Fry says since the channel launched, they’ve had viewers from all over the world download the app.

________________________

State and Federal officials say there will be a substantial public education campaign accompanying the rollout of vaccines to convince folks that they are safe to take.

US Department of Health Assistant Secretary Admiral Brett Giroir says the campaign will explain in detail why officials trust that the vaccines are safe.

Cut 7 (06)  “…safety.”

Pfizer and Moderna will be the first vaccines out the gate, likely followed by AstraZeneca.

Some are concerned corners were cut in order to produce the vaccine in such record time. Giroir says that’s not true and officials will detail how this vaccine was created so quickly.

Cut 8 (06) “…possible”

Reports and polls indicate many minorities are less likely to take the vaccine due to a mistrust of the medical community. Governor Edwards says they will be tailoring outreach.

Cut 9 (10) “…as well.

_____________________________________________________

The 5th Congressional District run-off between Republicans Alexandria lawmaker Lance Harris and retiring Congressman Abraham’s former Chief of Staff Luke Letlow will be decided tomorrow.

Letlow’s pitch centers on his record of getting things done alongside his well-liked former boss Abraham, who would’ve cruised to reelection if he had sought a fourth term.

Cut 10 (10) “…this year.”

Letlow has a 2:1 fundraising advantage over Harris.

But Harris argues his life experience as a small businessman and Legislative leader makes him the ideal voice for the largely rural district.

Cut 11 (10) “…career.”

The two are sparring over Harris’ Legislative record, specifically Harris’ vote to approve a sales tax increase as the state faced a massive budget deficit in Governor Edwards’ first year.

Letlow says it was a tax increase 5^th District constituents couldn’t afford.

Cut 12 (11) “…deal.”

Letlow noted the 5^th District, which includes northeast and central Louisiana along with the north side of the Florida Parishes, is the 2^nd poorest district in the country.

But Harris argues it’s a bad faith attack and the tax was necessary due to the fiscal mismanagement of the Jindal Administration, which Letlow worked in.

Cut 13 (10) “…there.”

Harris says it’s because of his work that the sales tax increase had an expiration date. When that expiration hit and the budget stabilized he voted against the renewal.

__________________________

Amendment One would allow two out-of-state residents to serve on college boards. Currently, state colleges and university boards only allow 15 voting members appointed by the governor to live in the state. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott on why the Amendment was proposed.

Cut 14 (09) “…themselves.” 

College boards are comprised of two members from each of the six congressional districts and three at large members. The Amendment allows the governor to appoint two of the three at large members to be out of state residents.

Scott says some question if the Amendment is brought about now to appoint a specific person.

Cut 15 (10)“…had on.” 

_______________________________________________

The Saints will visit the Falcons on Sunday after beating the dirty birds 24-9 just two weeks ago after a great defensive performance. The Black and Gold have the highest rated defense in the NFL, but defensive end Cam Jordan says the ranking doesn’t matter if they don’t accomplish their goals.

Cut 16 (16) “…the game before.”

While the defense is playing at a high level, Jordan is having a down year statistically due to being double-teamed a lot. Cam says it’s not about his individual stats, it’s about the team.

cut 17 (18) “…more of a we thing.”

Quarterback Taysom Hill made his first start two weeks ago against Atlanta, meaning the Falcons have experience in defending him.  Despite being 2-0 as the starter, Hill says there’s still a lot of things he needs to improve on.

cut 18 (09) “…doing that well.”

_____________________________________________________

The 25th ranked Cajuns will face the Appalachian State Mountaineers tonight in a game that ESPN is televising at 7:30. The Mountaineers will not repeat as Sun Belt champs this year, but they still own a seven and two record. U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says they have another good  running back in Camerun Peoples

cut 19 (22) “…this way.”

Peoples has rushed for 639 yards and they also have Daetrich Harrington, who has rushed for nearly 6000 yards. The two have combined to score 13 touchdowns. The Cajuns have yet to beat App State in eight previous tries. Napier says they have complete respect for the Mountaineers…

cut 20 (17) “..this week.”

Authorities have arrested a Lincoln Parish father and mother of a 20-month old boy who died in a house fire in late August. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the toddler died in the blaze, but an autopsy on the child’s body also found evidence of abuse

Cut 12 (10) “…it, unfortunately.” 

32-year-old Jessica Lewis and 37-year-old Christopher Bell have been charged with one count of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

The CDC Guidelines for quarantine after a COVID exposure were revised this week. US Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Admiral Brett Giroir says if you’ve had close contact with a COVID positive person you can quarantine for ten days and if testing involved it can be reduced to seven days.

Cut 7 (10) “..had before.”

A photo has gone viral that shows Governor John Bel Edwards not wearing a mask while out in public. A spokeswoman for the governor says the picture was taken last month as Edwards ate at the Baton Rouge Country Club. The governor’s office says Edwards stood up without a mask on to speak to another person when the photo was captured. Edwards says he did not violate his own mask mandate.

Cut 3 (09)  “…today’s rules.”

Bar owners and microbrewers vented their frustrations with COVID restrictions they say are overly burdensome to a House committee. Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild Director Carey Koch says large breweries are barred from indoor service while small restaurants are allowed to operate as bars.

Cut 10 (11) “…beer.”

Louisiana Bar owners and microbrewers vented their frustrations to a House committee over COVID restrictions. Matt Chiasson, owner of Lafayette’s Grouse Room, says the “bad actors” who are operating their bars against state restrictions are doing so out of desperation as everyone in the industry hemorrhages cash.

Cut 11 (06) “…desperate.”

Authorities have arrested a Lincoln Parish father and mother of a 20-month old boy who died in a house fire August 31^st. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the toddler died in the blaze, but an autopsy on the child’s body also found evidence of abuse.  Rodrigue credits dedicated investigators.

Cut 14 (10) “…to see it.” 

32-year-old Jessica Lewis and 37-year-old Christopher Bell have been charged with one count of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

A photo has gone viral that shows Governor John Bel Edwards not wearing a mask while out in public. A spokeswoman for the governor says the picture was taken last month as Edwards ate at the Baton Rouge Country Club. Even though most establishments require a mask to be worn upon entry, Edwards says no one is required to wear one while at the table.

Cut 5  (05) “…at a table with a mask on.” 

The photo shows Edwards standing next to a table without a mask.

The CDC Guidelines for quarantine after a COVID exposure were revised this week. US Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Admiral Brett Giroir says if you’ve had close contact with a COVID positive person, which is less than six feet unmasked for 15 minutes or longer, the period is now 10 days.

Cut 6 (12) “…quarantine.” Quarantine is reduced to 7 days if you test negative after 5 days.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he did not violate the state’s mask mandate in a photo of him that shows him not wearing a mask in public. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “  I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

_______________________________________

The CDC revises quarantine guidelines if you’ve been exposed to COVID. Brooke Thorington explains.

cut 2 (31) … I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_____________________________

A photo has gone viral that shows Governor John Bel Edwards not wearing a mask while out in public. A spokeswoman for the governor says the picture was taken last month as Edwards ate at the Baton Rouge Country Club. The governor’s office says Edwards stood up without a mask on to speak to another person when the photo was captured. Edwards says he did not violate his own mask mandate.

Cut 3 (09)  “…today’s rules.”

While the photo appears to show Governor Edwards getting up from his table, he says that the photo only tells part of the story.

Cut 4 (11)   “…with a mask on.”  

Even though most establishments require masks to be worn upon entry, Edwards says no one is required to wear one while at a table.

Cut 5  (05) “…at a table with a mask on.” 

_____________________________________________

The CDC Guidelines for quarantine after a COVID exposure were revised this week. US Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Admiral Brett Giroir says if you’ve had close contact with a COVID positive person, which is less than six feet unmasked for 15 minutes or longer, the period is now ten days.

Cut 6 (12) “…quarantine.”

Giroir says the CDC also reduced the quarantine to seven days, instead of fourteen when testing is involved.

Cut 7 (10) “..had before.”

Giroir says the new guidelines are welcome news as many are unable to quarantine for two weeks, however, it’s still recommended to do so after you’ve been exposed to the virus.

Cut 8 (11) “…good news.”

Giroir says the data now shows a shorter quarantine period than before is not as risky despite an ongoing surge in cases.

______________________________________________

Bar owners and microbrewers vented their frustrations with COVID restrictions they say are overly burdensome to a House committee.

Rock and Bowl owner Johnny Blanchard says if the state would work with bar and music venue owners on looser restrictions a lot of service industry workers could be moved off unemployment.

Cut 9 (05) “…unemployment.”

The state’s unemployment trust fund has been drained dry and Louisiana is currently having to take out federal loans to pay out state benefits.

Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild Director Carey Koch says large breweries are barred from indoor service while small restaurants are allowed to operate as bars.

Cut 10 (11) “…beer.”

Matt Chiasson, owner of Lafayette’s Grouse Room, says the “bad actors” who are operating their bars against state restrictions are doing so out of desperation as everyone in the industry hemorrhages cash.

Cut 11 (06) “…desperate.”

______________________________________________

Authorities have arrested a Lincoln Parish father and mother of a 20-month old boy who died in a house fire in late August. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the toddler died in the blaze, but an autopsy on the child’s body also found evidence of abuse

Cut 12 (10) “…it unfortunately.” 

Rodrigue says 32-year-old Jessica Lewis and 37-year-old Christopher Bell have been charged with one count of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

Cut 13 (06) “… this week.”

Their home in Choudrant caught on fire on August 31. Rodrigue says it’s heartbreaking to learn this child was mistreated before his tragic death…

Cut 14 (10) “…to see it.”