Today’s COVID numbers for Louisiana are startling, 35-hundred, the highest the state has seen since the start of the pandemic in March.  News of a 90-percent effectiveness rate on a vaccine was released Monday, but the vaccine has yet to be approved and distributed. Governor John Bel Edwards says it will be sometime before the vaccine can make a difference.

Cut 10 (13) “…. recommendations.”

A poll is out showing there would be a tight race for the 2nd Congressional District should Congressman Cedric Richmond leave his seat to join the Biden administration. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s only a matter of time before we find out the job Richmond takes.

Cut 12 (10) “…coming” 

LSU, LA Tech and ULM will not play this weekend due to COVID-19 issues.  LSU has already lost one home game this year when the matchup against Missouri was moved to Columbia due to Hurricane Delta.  LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward says the school can’t afford to lose another home game because the university will miss out on millions of dollars.

Cut 4 (13)   “…program.”  

Gron Fuels is considering constructing a 9.2 billion dollar renewable fuel complex in the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the West Baton Rouge-based port is perfectly situated on the Mississippi River and already is built to handle the kinds of advanced logistics necessary to transport the complex’s product.

Cut 7 (10) “…products.”

Three college football games in the state of Louisiana have been canceled as LSU, LA-Tech, andULM have all postponed their games this weekend due to Covid-19 concerns.  LSU was supposed to play Alabama this week and even though neither team has a bye week left, Athletic Director Scott Woodward says LSU could possibly move the Ole Miss game to December 19^th in order to play Alabama on December 5^th.

Cut 3 (09)  “…to me”  

Gron Fuels is considering constructing a 9.2 billion dollar renewable fuel complex in the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the facility would produce clean-burning fuels and would utilize one of Louisiana’s cash crops.

Cut 6 (08) “…diesel”

The leftover soybean husks from the process could then be turned into cattle feed.

Fall 2021 Tulane University will be more affordable and accessible for low income and middle-income Louisiana families. The Louisiana Promise initiative will allow students whose families make less than $100,000 to attend debt-free. Tulane President Michael Fitts says the future of Tulane and Louisiana are inextricably linked and the Louisiana Promise initiative is an investment both.

Cut 12 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

The Mayor of Shreveport, Adrian Perkins, will feature on tonight’s episode of the long-running CBS hit Undercover Boss. Perkins goes undercover and around town working shifts and mingling with city employees. He says the toughest gig he worked was at the fire department.

Cut 4 (12) “…fire.”

Undercover Boss will air tonight at 8 PM on CBS

Attorney General Jeff Landry plans to appeal a ruling made Thursday by a state judge declaring a law unconstitutional that led to House Republicans signing a petition ordering Governor John Bel Edwards to cancel his coronavirus restrictions. Judge William Morvant ruled the law unconstitutional because it does not involve both chambers of the legislature. The governor’s executive counsel Matthew Block says the petition posed a public health threat…

Cut 15 (11) “.. they’re working.”

Fall 2021 Tulane University will soon be more affordable and accessible for low and middle-income Louisiana families. The Louisiana Promise initiative will allow students whose families make less than $100,000 to attend debt-free. Tulane President Michael Fitts says only 11-percent of their undergraduate students are from the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (04) “…Louisiana.”

The Mayor of Shreveport, Adrian Perkins, will feature on tonight’s episode of the long-running CBS hit Undercover Boss. Perkins goes undercover and around town working shifts and mingling with city employees. Perkins says the show is going to be a lot of fun and pretty humorous, but it comes with a good message.

Cut 6 (10) “…this city.”

Undercover Boss will air tonight at 8 PM on CBS

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says more than 60 glamping sites will be available at eight Louisiana State Parks. With glamping, you get a pre-set sturdy canvas tent on a wooden deck platform, queen size bed, heater, a picnic table, grill, and solar shower. Nungesser says the budget-friendly activity is available for December bookings beginning today…
cut 9 (07) “…pretty incredible”
Go to state parks website for more info.

Governor John Bel Edwards wins a legal battle as a state judge rejects an effort by Republicans in the Louisiana House to cancel his emergency coronavirus orders. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Department of Health reported 2,173 new COVID-19 cases today. Case numbers were not released yesterday due to the holiday. The state also reported 34 additional fatalities.

A Baton Rouge physician is charged with simple battery stemming from an incident involving a Southern University female-athlete on Monday afternoon near the LSU Lakes. Baton Rouge Police spokesperson Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says 54-year old Shane McKinney came in for questioning after a photograph of McKinney, given to police by a witness was circulated and identified him as a suspect.

Cut 3 battery arrest :12

A number of coronavirus vaccines look like they’re nearing completion and state officials are game-planning how to make sure you can get one as soon as they are available. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says the first people to get a vaccine will be frontline healthcare workers who have contact with COVID patients.

Cut 6 (09) “…employees”

State Judge William Morvant rules a petition signed by Republicans in the Louisiana House to end the governor’s coronavirus emergency order is unconstitutional. Loyola of New Orleans University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says today’s ruling is a victory for the governor, but the state’s highest court will likely have to weigh in…

Cut 13 (10) “…first circuit.”

Senate President Page Cortez did not urge Senators to sign the petition, because he didn’t think the state needed to loosen the restrictions.

As a number of coronavirus vaccines appear to be nearing completion and state officials are planning on how to make sure you can get one as soon as possible. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says the first people to get a vaccine when available will be frontline healthcare workers who have contact with COVID patients.

Cut 6 (09) “…employees”

A 54-year-old Shane McKinney a Baton Rouge pediatrician faces a simple battery charge after allegedly hitting and then verbally assaulting a Southern University student who was jogging by as the LSU Lakes in Baton Rouge Monday. McKinney claims his elbow contacted the accuser as she passed on a narrow sidewalk. Baton Rouge police spokesman Sergeant L’Jean Mckneely says accusations of racial language currently lacks evidence.

Cut 5  (12) “…that charge.” 

Hurricane Zeta knocked out power to more than 480,000 Entergy Customers, and two weeks later power has been restored.  Entergy Spokesperson David Freese with Zeta says it took a large team to get power restored.

Cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana.”

A Baton Rouge judge denies the petition of House Republicans to revoke, the Governor’s current coronavirus restrictions. Judge William Morvant ruled the petition unconstitutional saying it requires approval by both chambers of the legislature. An appeal is expected and most likely the State Supreme Court will have to hear the case.

FDA approval for a COVID vaccine could come as early as by the end of the year but most folks won’t be getting a shot for months. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Department of Health reports 2,173 new positive COVID-19 cases today. Case numbers were not released yesterday due to the holiday

54-year old Shane McKinney a Baton Rouge pediatrician faces a simple battery charge after he allegedly hit and verbally assaulted a Southern University female student near the LSU Lakes Monday. Baton Rouge police spokesman Sergeant L’Jean Mckneely says so far, they have not determined a motive that led to the incident.

Cut 4 (09)   “…chest area.”  

McKinney issued a statement from his attorney claiming he’s innocent and allegations that he threw a punch and made racially offensive comments are not true.

Hurricane Zeta knocked out power to more than 480,000 Entergy Customers, and two weeks later power has been restored.  Entergy Spokesperson David Freese says their quick response was key in getting power restored quickly.

Cut 10 (08) “….storm “

Zeta marks the third major hurricane restoration effort in Louisiana this season following Laura and Delta.

A Baton Rouge physician is charged with simple battery stemming from an incident involving a Southern University female-athlete on Tuesday afternoon near the LSU Lakes. Baton Rouge Police spokesperson Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says 54-year old Shane McKinney came in for questioning Wednesday after a photograph of McKinney, given to police by a witness was circulated and identified him as a suspect.
Cut 3 battery arrest :12
A number of coronavirus vaccines look like they’re nearing completion and state officials are game-planning how to make sure you can get one as soon as they are available. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says the first people to get a vaccine when it becomes available will be frontline healthcare workers who have contact with COVID patients.
Cut 6 (09) “…employees”

LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says President-elect Joe Biden’s win over President Donald Trump could cause problems for Louisiana’s oil-dependent economy. Biden’s climate policy calls for the country to be carbon-neutral by 2050 along with the rollback of fossil fuel-related industries. Scott says on Biden’s campaign website it says if elected he would stop all permitting in public waters, which includes the Gulf of Mexico.
Cut 8 (12) “…of this.”

A new state law gives families who have special needs children at group homes the ability to see each other during the coronavirus pandemic. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler says her measure also puts rules in place for the children to leave the facility and return…
cut 12 (07) “…the facility”
Butler has a 31-year-old child who lives in such a facility.

A hearing is underway to determine whether a petition signed by House Republican members has the power to cancel the state’s coronavirus restrictions put in place by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. But Judge William Morvant has told attorneys for the Attorney General and GOP lawmakers in the Louisiana House that the petition dealt with a previous emergency order from the governor, so any ruling from him would be moot. Edwards issued a new coronavirus order on Friday.

LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says President-elect Joe Biden’s win over President Donald Trump could cause problems for Louisiana’s oil-dependent economy. The Obama Administration placed new limits on offshore drilling through executive orders, bypassing Congress. Scott says a repeat could spell trouble for one sector.

Cut 7 (10)  “…of Mexico.”

A new state law allows close family members to visit special needs individuals living in group homes during a public health emergency. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler authored the measure. She has a 31-year-old child in a facility in Alexandria and the rules call for precautions to be taken during those visits…

cut 11 (07) “….their child”
Over 35-hundred children and adults live in nearly 500 sites statewide.

In the past few days, Louisiana State Police have been made aware of a telephone scam by a caller pretending to be a State Police Investigator.  The scammer has targeted people living in the Orleans and Jefferson Parish area.  Louisiana State Trooper Monroe Dillon explains how the perpetrator has pulled off the scam.

Cut 13 (11) “…. investigation.”

Governor Edwards and the House, represented by Attorney General Jeff Landry, face off in court today over the fate of the Governor’s public health emergency declaration. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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An LSU Economist warns President-elect Joe Biden’s victory could spell problems for oil-exploration dependent south Louisiana economies. Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Taylor Sharp.” 

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Parents of special needs children now have the right to visit them in intermediate care facilities during public health emergencies in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

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

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Today a Baton Rouge judge hears a case determining whether a State House petition has the power to overturn Governor Edwards’ public health emergency.

Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the House is arguing the act that gives the Governor the power to issue those orders also allows a majority vote of one chamber the right to cancel them. Edwards disagrees…

Cut 4 (06) “…arguements.”

The House is represented in Judge William Morvant’s court by Attorney General Jeff Landry. Last week Morvant rejected a request by the AG to block the Governor’s extension of Phase Three pandemic restrictions into December.

The act used by the House was passed and signed into law in 2003 but never utilized until now. Ciolino says the Governor is arguing it is unconstitutional because of the power it gives a single chamber.

Cut 5 (09) “…to the test.”

A similar petition was never circulated in the State Senate. Senate President Page Cortez said that was because of member’s concerns there’s not enough data to support overturning the orders.

Edwards has so far prevailed in court defending the declaration, but Ciolino says previous legal attacks only focused on the constitutionality of the public health restrictions.

Cut 6 (10) “…federal constitution.”

Edwards vetoed the only legislative instrument that made it to his desk from the recent special session that would have allowed the Legislature to limit his public health authority.

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LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says President-elect Joe Biden’s win over President Donald Trump could cause problems for Louisiana’s oil-dependent economy.

The Obama Administration, where Biden served as Vice President, placed new limits on offshore drilling through executive orders, bypassing Congress. Scott says a repeat could spell trouble for one sector.

Cut 7 (10)  “…of Mexico.”

Biden’s climate policy calls for the country to be carbon-neutral by 2050 and for the expansion of renewable energy jobs along with the rollback of fossil fuel-related industries.

Scott says on Biden’s campaign website he vowed that if elected he would stop all permitting in public waters, which includes the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 8 (12) “…of this.”

Governor Edwards has also vowed to see the state cut its carbon emissions by a quarter in the next five years, half within the next ten years, and be carbon neutral by 2050, a goal set by the Paris Climate Agreement.

Scott says Biden’s energy policy impact would be most felt most in exploration-based economies in south Louisiana…

Cut 9 (09) “…Port Fourchon.”

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There’s a new law that allows parents of special needs children in intermediate care facilities access during public health emergencies. The measure was approved in the recent special session and Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler says it’s an issue that hits close to home. She’s a mother of a special child.

Cut 10 (10) “…the table.”

The bill signed into law by the Governor allows visitation for close family members, and Butler made sure the law required precautions be taken during those visits.

Cut 11 (07) “…their child.”

Some special needs patients go back and forth between home and a care facility, and regulations were set in place for those situations like Butler’s.

Cut 12 (10) “…the facility.”

More than 3,500 children and adults live in nearly 500 of the sites statewide with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and other ailments that require 24-hour treatment.

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In the past few days, Louisiana State Police have been made aware of a telephone scam by a caller pretending to be a State Police Investigator.  The scammer has targeted people living in the Orleans and Jefferson Parish area.  Louisiana State Trooper Monroe Dillon explains how the perpetrator has pulled off the scam.

Cut 13 (11) “….investigation.”

Although this hoax sounds well-thought-out, it’s not exactly accurate.  Trooper Dillon explains what a legitimate investigation would be like.

Cut 14 (09) “…phone call.” 

Even though phone calls are not the norm, Dillon says that if you’re concerned, you should ask questions during the call.

Cut 15 (05) “…number there.”

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A win on Saturday over South Alabama and the Ragin Cajuns will clinch a Sun Belt West title and a spot in the conference championship game. It would be the third straight divisional title for Coach Billy Napier

Cut 16 (20) “…of the season.”

South Alabama brings a 3-4 record into Lafayette, 2-and-2 in league play. Napier says when he watches the tape, he sees a fundamentally sound Jaguar football team…

cut 17 (19) “…and yards.”

South Al has the Sun Belt’s most accurate passer in sophomore Desmond Trotter. Napier says receivers Jalen Tobert and Kawaan Baker are also very good

cut 18 (19) “…for you.”

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The Saints will host a banged-up San Francisco 49ers team this Sunday in the Superdome. The defending NFC Champs have been hit by the injury bug as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, All pro tight end George Kittle and pass rusher Nick Bosa are out with injuries. But Coach Sean Payton says the scheme San Francisco uses still makes them a tough team to beat

cut 19 (24) “…well-coached.”

Last season, the 49ers pulled off a 48-46 victory over the Black and Gold in New Orleans. Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders threw a touchdown pass in that game for San Fran and he also caught seven passes for 157 yards and a TD. Payton is glad Sanders is on his team this time…

cut 20 (20) “…we are doing.”

Saturday’s LSU-Alabama game in Baton Rouge has been postponed due to Covid-19 issues within the LSU program. The Tigers do not have any bye weeks to make up the game before the SEC Championship game, but Coach Ed Orgeron hopes the SEC can figure out a way for the rivalry game to be played this year…

Cut 3 (10)  “…challenge”  

Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says the vote to legalize sports betting in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes on Election Night paves the way for sports bets to be placed in Louisiana by the end of next year. Legislators will work on rules and regulations in the upcoming spring session, Henry says a big point of contention that will shape sports betting, is how virtual the activity can be…

Cut 13 (11) “…establishment.”

The mandatory evacuation order in Cameron Parish was finally lifted early this morning for the entire parish. The southwestern coastal parish had been under a mandatory evacuation order since Hurricane Laura made landfall on August 27^th. Vice President of the Cameron Parish Police Jury, Scott Trahan says they hope to have power restored in Cameron by the end of the week, but water remains undrinkable.

Cut 11 (12) “…power company.”

A committee studying potential policing policy reforms met again yesterday with Chair Cleo Fields questioning new State Police Superintendent Lamar Davis on dash and body camera policy.

Fields summarized the day’s findings to Davis…

Cut 6 (13) “…situations.”