Louisiana Radio Network I’m Jeff Palermo…
cut 12 (09) “….concerning”
That’s Governor John Bel Edwards during a COVID-19 briefing he gave yesterday. Edwards says the number of coronavirus patients has surpassed 16-hundred, the highest it’s been since early May.

The state’s Domestic Violence Flexible Housing Assistance Program receives a million-dollar grant. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state transportation department is moving forward with a plan to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, but the proposal calls for tolls to pay for the project that would cost between 700 to 800-million dollars….
cut 5 (06) “…be there”
That’s Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson, who says the state legislature has given him the green light to seek a private partner who will finance the costs for a new bridge and toll revenues will be used to pay the firm that invests in the project.

Congressional negotiators will work over the weekend on a COVID-19 economic relief package that Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has helped put together. Cassidy says a central element of the legislation is 300-billion dollars in aid for businesses…
cut 3 (12) “…remain employed”
Federal lawmakers also want to provide taxpayers with a second round of stimulus checks.

Governor Edwards is celebrating the progress made this week in administering the first Pfizer COVID vaccinations. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond is the latest high profile elected official to test positive for the coronavirus. He’ll quarantine for 14 days. The Sun Belt Football Championship Game has been canceled because of a COVID issue with Coastal Carolina. The Ragin Cajuns have been declared co-champs.

State lawmakers have given the Louisiana Department of Transportation the green light to seek private partners to finance and build a new Interstate 10 toll-bridge over the Calcasieu River. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the current bridge is not structurally deficient but it was not built to accommodate the current volume of traffic…
cut 4 (12) “…strangled”
Wilson understands a toll bridge is not a popular idea among motorists but it’s the only way to fund this proposed 700 to 800 million dollar project.

We’re a week away from Christmas Day and this is one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. Amazon spokesperson Alyssa Bronikowski says the online retailer also has options for last-minute shoppers.
Cut 13 (10) “…delivery.”.

Seventy-one Louisiana hospitals have received the first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine….
cut 10 (11) “…that number”
Governor John Bel Edwards says they are also keeping an eye on the number of patients hospitalized by COVID-19. It has surpassed 16-hundred for the first time since early May.

More domestic abuse victims can acquire housing thanks to a million-dollar grant awarded to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Director Mariah Wineski says domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women with children and the funds will help immensely.
Cut 7 (09) “…safe housing.”
Wineski says earlier this year a pilot program benefited 600 victims that were connected with eleven domestic violence organizations.

The state will begin accepting proposals from private financiers for a public-private partnership to construct a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Christian pop music singer Lauren Daigle says she’s disappointed her spontaneous participation in a prayer event in the French Quarter last month has led to political discourse and she’s saddened by the divisive agendas. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is upset Daigle sang in front of a large crowd, while Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser blames Cantrell for keeping Daigle from performing on a New Year’s eve television broadcast.

Governor John Bel Edwards says so far at least seven thousand coronavirus vaccines have been administered to hospital workers this week and some of the five-dose vials of vaccine actually have a sixth dose…
cut 11 (10) “…to us”
But the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital has surpassed 16-hundred. That’s the highest it’s been since early May.

Today is the deadline to send mail and packages by first class mail in order for that gift to arrive by Christmas Day. Amazon says December 23rd will be the last day for one-day delivery. Amazon spokesperson Alyssa Bronikowski says air fryers, headphones and board games are the most popular items shipped…
cut 15 (11) “…country”

The state’s Domestic Violence Flexible Housing Assistance Program receives a million-dollar grant…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU executive deputy athletic director Verge Ausberry has stepped down from LSU’s presidential search committee. Ausberry faces allegations he did not properly report accusations that a former football player hit his girlfriend.

Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s unfortunate that Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry supported a lawsuit that sought to overturn millions of votes in the presidential election. Edwards says the Trump campaign has yet to provide any real evidence of widespread voter fraud. He says it’s time to accept President-elect Joe Biden’s victory…
cut 5 (07) “…unify”

Exxon Mobil is looking at making a 240-million dollar investment to modernize its Baton Rouge refinery, but plant manager Gloria Moncada says Exxon will only agree to do the project if local governments in East Baton Rouge Parish grant them a property tax break through the Industrial Tax Exemption Program…
cut 14 (13) “…project funding”
The city-parish, schools, and the sheriff’s office would see less money if the property tax is approved.

A Shreveport man serving a life sentence for selling two bags of marijuana has been released after 12 years in Angola. Brooke Thorington spoke with the Innocence Project New Orleans.
cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested an Iowa High School student who told others that he was trigger happy and would kill as many students as he could. The 16-year-old has been charged with terrorizing. A school resource officer notified deputies of the possible threat.

Louisiana received 39-thousand doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine this week and Governor Edwards says the state will receive another 40-thousand doses next week. After that, they’ll find out what the state’s allotment is on a week to week basis…
cut 9 (11) “….orders”
The Moderna vaccine could receive F-D-A approval soon. An advisory panel of the F-D-A is meeting today looking at Moderna’s trial results. Assistant Dean for Translational Research at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele, says the data looks remarkably good and the side effects are minor…
cut 12 (07) “…concern”
Miele says the efficacy rate for the Moderna vaccine is 94-percent.

New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson has launched her campaign for the Louisiana’s Second Congressional District seat. Peterson also served as the Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Peterson says she’s not afraid to tackle the issues
cut 5 (08) “…doing that”
New Orleans Senator Troy Carter is also campaigning to replace Cedric Richmond, who is stepping down for a position in the Biden Administration.

LSU signed 19 players on the first day of the early signing period and Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says it was a good day for Coach Ed Orgeron and his recruiting staff..
cut 14 (08) “…four stars”
The two five-star recruits are Terrebonne Defensive tackle Maason Smith and Lafayette Christian Safety Sage Ryan. Alabama was after both prospects.