Team Gleason and Ochsner Health are teaming up to bring enhance health care to those living with ALS and other neurological diseases. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_______________________________________________

The updated COVID vaccines that target the XBB 1.5 variant are now available at parish health units. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

______________________________________________

A Tuesday night house fire kills three children in New Orleans and their father has been charged in their murder. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

Ochsner Health and Team Gleason have teamed up to improve research and quality of life for sufferers of ALS and other neurological diseases. They just broke ground on the Debra H and Robert J Patrick Neuroscience Center. Ochsner Health Chair of Neurology Dr. Richard Zweifler says it will be the only freestanding major neuroscience facility of its kind between Houston and Atlanta…

Cut 4 (09) “…future.”

The mission of the both Ochsner and Team Gleason is to improve quality of life and Zweifler says, the Gleason Assistive Technology Lab will be important part of the center…

Cut 5 (11) “…with ALS.”

The Lab will also make advancements possible for other neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and stroke

The Patrick Neuroscience Center will house several disciplines to care for those living with neurological diseases

Cut 6 (08) “…behavioral health.”

_________________________________________________

Doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available at some parish health units which adds to the supply already available at pharmacies and other locations. State Health Officer Joe Kanter says the updated shots target the XBB variant.

Cut 7 (12) “…Wuhan China.”

The two new vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna received the green light from FDA and CDC last month. The vaccine shots are available for anyone six months and older, especially those with underlying health conditions.

Kanter says there’s been an increase in cases and hospitalizations in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (10) “…level out” 

Kanter says most health insurance plans will cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. He points out the vaccine will be updated regularly.

Cut 9 (12)  “…flu vaccine.”

To find a location near you, visit vaccines.gov.

__________________________________________________

During his monthly radio call-in show, Democrat John Bel Edwards promised a smooth and robust transition as Republican Governor-Elect Jeff Landry prepares to take over as the state’s highest elected official. Edwards and Landry have disagreed politically several times, but the current governor wants the next governor to succeed…

Cut 10 (06) “…good job”

Edwards is a moderate Democrat, while Landry has a reputation as a hard-line Republican and the two differ on many conservative policies But Edwards says Landry’s instincts take him further to right, but he’s hopeful the Republican from St. Martinville will consider everyone’s interests…

Cut 11 (11) “…eight years” 

_________________________________________________________________

A father suspected of setting fire to his home in New Orleans and killing his three children inside the house is in police custody. NOPD superintendent Ron Lubrano says they tracked down 29-year-old Joseph Washington Senior Wednesday morning after he leapt from an I-610 overpass in an effort to get away from the cops…

Cut 12 (09) ” aggravated arson.” 

The children’s mother told police that Washington was threatening to set their house on fire. She was not at home at the time. Interim NOPD Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick says she has since tried to reach out to the distraught mother, only to get her voicemail…

Cut 13 (09) “…happen here”

The children killed in this domestic violence incident range from three to eight years old. Kirkpatrick says it’s a senseless crime..

Cut 14 (07) “…this community”

Washington’s vehicle was found partially submerged in the Mississippi River by Gretna Police. The suspect was taken to the hospital from injuries he sustained while trying to run away from police.

____________________________________________________________

The Saints will face the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight in Thursday night football. New Orleans’ offense better look out as the Jags lead the NFL with 15 takeaways. Coach Dennis Allen on the Jacksonville defense…

Cut 15 (13) “…attacking the ball.”

The Saints starting offensive tackles will not play…Ryan Ramczyk and James Hurst are out with injuries. Linebacker Demario Davis will be a gametime decision with a knee injury. Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence is also questionable with a knee injury, but Allen says they are expecting the former top overall pick to play…

Cut 16 (08) “…yeah”

_____________________________________________________________________

LSU defensive end Paris Shand had a break out performance in last Saturday’s win over Auburn as the transfer from Arizona had a career-high six tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and a pass batted down. Shand grew up in Canada and was a standout basketball player. He says an accounting teacher urged him to try football, so he did…

Cut 17 (17) “…..playing football”.

Shand played 24 games at Arizona and transferred to LSU following the 2022 campaign. He says going up against the Tigers offensive line has helped improve his game…

Cut 18 (18) “…better now”

________________________________________________________

Northwestern State will play its first football game tonight since last week’s tragic shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. The Demons canceled its game last week against Nicholls and will play Southeastern Louisiana tonight so they can attend Caldwell’s funeral in Texas this weekend. Northwestern Coach Brad Laird says his team will play with heavy hearts tonight…

Cut 19 (19) “…move forward” 

Both Northwestern and Southeastern are winless, but Laird contends the Lions are a talented team…

Cut 20 (21) “…conference” 

Kick-off in Turpin Stadium is at 7 PM. No one has been arrested in Caldwell’s murder.

The National Federation of Independent Business is optimistic tax cuts will occur during Governor Elect Jeff Landry’s administration. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

The low Democratic turnout for Saturday’s election has political analysts in shock that a runoff didn’t take place for in the governor’s race. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”  

______________________________________

The National Federation of Independent Business is looking forward to Republican Jeff Landry taking over as governor in January and they hope he’ll urge the state legislature to cut taxes. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says  states surrounding Louisiana are already in the mode of reducing the tax burden…

Cut 3 (07) “…later”

McVea says Louisiana can afford the tax cuts, because for the last few years,  state revenues continue to produce hundreds of millions of dollars in state surpluses. She says tax reductions would really benefit small businesses and their employees…

Cut 4 (10) “…their location”

When a new Legislature convenes next year some lawmakers will oppose cutting taxes, because the state’s sales tax is expected to drop .45-percent in 2025. But McVea says it’s possible legislators can cut taxes to boost the economy and allow the temporary state sales tax to expire…

Cut 5 (10) “ …so afraid of”  

__________________________________________________

Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says voter turnout for the gubernatorial election proves the Louisiana Democratic Party is no longer a legitimate opposition party. Collins says the Democratic party turnout was nearly 30 percent lower than in 2019.

Cut 6 (12) “…the party.”

Historically, when Democrats have gotten out the vote in early voting, it led to victories for their party. In 2008, Mary Landrieu and Barack Obama won in Louisiana by big margins. And in 2015 & 2019, John Bel Edwards won both his terms in office. Collins says the Democratic turnout in Orleans Parish for last Saturday’s election was 27 percent.

Cut 7 (13) “…your voters.” 

Only 24 percent of Louisiana’s black registered voters showed up to the polls in Saturday’s primary compared to 72 percent of white voters. Collins believes the Democratic Party needs to rebuild with new leadership.

Cut 8 (12) “… right now.”

_______________________________________________________________

The Advocate’s political reporter Tyler Bridges is reporting Metairie Republican Cameron Henry will be the next Louisiana Senate President. Bridges says Henry beat out Leesville Senator Mike Reese for the top spot in the upper chamber…

Cut 9 (09) “…made the difference 

An official vote will take place when a new Senate is sworn in on January 8th. But Bridges says the Senate has already come to an agreement on their Senate President…

Cut 10 (10) “…very good relations”

Henry is 48 years old and a business consultant. Bridges says Henry was a legislative aide to now Congressman Steve Scalise, when Scalise was in the state House. After that Henry served 12 years in the House and is set to begin his second term in the Senate.

Bridges says Governor-elect Jeff Landry and Henry have a good relationship politically…

Cut 11 (08) “…the budget”

Two State Representatives have been elected to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Colleen Crain has more on their plans for Louisiana students…

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_______________________________________________

The state treasurer’s race is down to a runoff between Republican John Fleming and Democrat Dustin Granger. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

______________________________________________

The LSU women’s basketball team starts off a new season like they finished the last one, ranked number one. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

Two state representatives will continue to serve Louisiana as they’ve been elected to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Republicans Paul Hollis and Lance Harris agree that attracting and keeping quality teachers is a must. Hollis says…

Cut 4 (03) “…more pay.”

Harris says, we must also be sure teachers have access to the resources they need to educate our children

Not every student will go to college after high school, so Hollis wants to prepare non-college-bound students for success in the job market.

Cut 5 (10) “…employed.”

While Representative Hollis has plans to increase success for high school graduates, Building on the work that’s being done to ensure quality early childhood education is essential says Representative Harris…

Cut 6 (08) “…in life.”

The newly elected BESE members are optimistic about the future and Harris says it’s time to look at giving parents more say

Cut 7 (09) “…Child’s needs.”

_________________________________________________

The Louisiana National Guard will host a ceremony at 10 a.m. today to officially rename Camp Beauregard in Pineville as the Louisiana National Guard Training Center. Installation Commander Colonel Dirk Erickson says more than 200 names were submitted by the public and a committee narrowed it down.

Cut 8 (12) “…center Pineville.” 

Louisiana National Guard decided to remove the moniker Camp Beauregard which was named after Confederate Army General Beauregard in 1917.  While the name of the installation is changing, Erickson says the mission, values, and services will remain the same….

Cut 9 (09)  “…at all.”

The move was mandated by Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 to remove Confederate names from U.S. military installations. Erickson says this installation means a lot to the more than 11 thousand soldiers who serve in the Louisiana National Guard.

Cut 10 (12) “…to do.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

The state treasurer’s race is in a runoff between Republican John Fleming and Democrat Dustin Granger. Fleming previously served four terms in Congress and worked in the Trump administration.  He’s also a physician and a businessman and says he wants to use his experience as a businessman to improve the state’s economy…

Cut 11 (10) “…to Louisiana” 

Granger is a financial advisor from Lake Charles. He says Louisiana’s economy does not work because it gives tax breaks to big businesses…

Cut 12 (12) “… vicious cycle.” 

Granger says as State Treasurer he also wants to improve the state’s unclaimed property program, work with the Insurance Commissioner on fixing the state’s insurance crisis and he also wants to help revitalize small towns…

Cut 13 (13) “…have left”

Fleming also believes the State Treasurer can take on a larger role than just protecting the state’s revenues…

Cut 14 (10) “…that team”

____________________________________________________________

The defending national champs in women’s college basketball, LSU, is ranked first in the AP preseason Top 25 poll, a first in program history. The Lady Tigers have a loaded roster that includes superstar Angel Reese. The All-American had a very busy offseason and is an NIL queen. But the Voice of the Lady Tigers, Patrick Wright, says Reese and the rest of the team is focused on winning another national title…

Cut 15 (10) “…definitely no.”

During the offseason, LSU added a couple of big-time scorers from other schools, Haily Van Lith and Aneesah Morrow. Wright says the players seem more committed to winning basketball games than putting up big individual numbers…

Cut 16 (10) “…they may”

UCONN is ranked second in the AP preseason poll, followed by Iowa, UCLA, Utah and then last year’s SEC regular season champs, South Carolina. Wright says winning another title will not be easy…

Cut 17 (10) “…good again.”

LSU tips off the regular season in Las Vegas where they’ll play 20th ranked Colorado on November sixth.

__________________________________________________

LSU has one of the best offenses in the country and Tigers head coach Brian Kelly believes offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock deserves a lot of credit…

Cut 18 (22) “…out of the park”

LSU’s defense has shown improvement over the last seven quarters. Kelly says the players have bought into worrying about their own assignments…..

Cut 19 (20) “…else’s job” 

The last two games LSU has been penalized because of defensive players clapping. It’s a penalty because the refs believe LSU’s defensive players are trying to mimic the quarterback when he calls for the snap. Kelly says the players clapping are in the defensive secondary and he’s only trying to get the attention of his teammate…

Cut 20 (20) “…communicating” 

Chair of LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, Bob Mann has announced his resignation at the end of the school year, because Jeff Landry has been elected as governor. Teiko Foxx explains why…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

______________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Elect Tim Temple has formed an advisory council to come up wtih policy solutions to make insurance more affordable. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

LSU Manship School of Mass Communication Chair, Robert Mann says he will step down at the end of the academic year following Governor-Elect Jeff Landry’s victory.  Mann said he doesn’t want Landry to punish the school he loves because of his presence.

Cut 3 (13) “…my department”

Landry sent an aide to an LSU Faculty Senate meeting to read a letter stating vaccine mandates violated people’s right to religious freedom. In response, Mann tweeted “sending some flunkie to read a letter attacking COVID vaccines.”

Cut 4 (13) “…my speech”

Mann has been with LSU for more than 17 years. He says he’s concerned about the future of higher education in the Bayou State under Landry’s leadership.

Cut 5 (11) “ …higher education.”  

Mann has been a vocal critic of the state government not spending money to build the school a new campus library.

__________________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner-Elect Tim Temple has formed an Insurance Advisory Council. Temple has selected five individuals to help develop specific policy solutions to aggressively tackle the insurance crisis

Cut 6 (10) “…regulatory solution.”

The advisory council will look at issues involving property, automobile, life and health insurance.

Temple wants to see a special session called early next year so that they can make changes to property insurance market, so that it results in more insurance providers writing policies

Cut 7 (09) “…premiums.” 

Temple says at his website Temple-for-Louisiana-dot-com, click the tab that reads transition team and you can offer suggestions on how to make insurance more affordable…

Cut 8 (09) “..working group”

_______________________________________________________________

A new report ranks Louisiana 48th in the country for the health of its women and children. Pediatrician Dr. Arethusa Kirk with United Health Care says an increase in overdose deaths among adult women helped produce the negative ranking…

Cut 9 (08) “…44” 

Kirk says another concerning statistic, a 55-percent increase in firearm deaths among children.

Cut 10 (10) “…in general”

A high infant mortality rate is also a challenge for Louisiana.

Kirk says the report contained some bright spots for Louisiana. She says the Bayou State has a high enrollment in early childhood education, a lot of women have a dedicated health care provider and are going for well-women visits…

Cut 11 (09) “…public health needs”