Moderna says preliminary data indicates their booster can increase neutralizing antibody levels by 37-fold compared to without a booster and should decrease severe infection from Omicron. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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New Orleans Mardi Gras parades will go on next year, at least Dave Brannen reports that’s the word today from Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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State police continue to investigate a deadly two-vehicle accident Monday afternoon in Ouachita Parish that left a teen dead and a passenger in his car seriously injured. Trooper Michael Reichardt:

Cut 3 (10) “…Mack dump truck.”

The 17-year-old driver, from Wisner, was not wearing a seatbelt while his passenger was. The truck driver was not hurt. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Reichardt says it’s not clear if Temple would have survived the wreck even if buckled up given the severity of the crash.

Trooper Reichardt says a deadly crash like this involving a child comes at a time that’s supposed to be about celebrating the holidays, not mourning the death of a loved one.

Cut 4 (08) “…a happy time.”

He urges everyone to buckle up and to avoid distractions while traveling during the holidays since the roads will be packed.

State police say 17-year-old Logan Temple of Wisner is dead after driving unrestrained through a stop sign in Ouachita Parish yesterday afternoon near Monroe where his Honda Civic was hit broadside on the driver’s side by a Mack dump truck. A buckled-up passenger in his car suffered serious injuries. The truck driver was not hurt. Trooper Michael Reichardt offers this advice:

Cut 5 (06) “..drink and drive.”

Reichardt says a toxicology sample was obtained from Temple and is being submitted for analysis. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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Preliminary data from Moderna indicates their COVID booster shot increases antibody levels against the Omicron variant. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says while it’s still early data and hasn’t undergone a thorough scientific review…

 Cut 6 (10) “…and older” 

Lopez says Moderna’s announcement of significant booster protection against Omicron models data released from Pfizer and their booster shot.

Cut 7 (12) “…prove it.”  

Less than 33% of the population in the US is boosted. Lopez says with Omicron sweeping the country and COVID cases and hospitalizations on the uptick in Louisiana more individuals need to prioritize their third shot.

Cut 8 (11) “…advantage of them.”

Lopez also advises if you are gathering outside of your immediate home for the holidays or traveling, to get tested for COVID before, and when you return.

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A reconfirmation today from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell that Mardi Gras 2022 will take place as scheduled with route changes made for some crews, though all crews will roll on their scheduled days. Cantrell offered this example:

Cut 9 (13) “…avenue and Prytania.”

She says public safety will be of utmost concern and that she believes Mardi Gras can be carried off safely despite the flare-up in COVID cases nationwide given that 80 percent of local residents have been vaccinated and by urging others to be tested, vaccinated and to wear masks to protect themselves and other parade-goers.

Police Superintendent Shawn Ferguson said safety was top of mind in resorting to two parade routes during the Mardi Gras season given the all-hands on deck need for police manpower.

Cut 10 (04)  “…entire parade route.”

Mayor Cantrell downplayed the need to cancel Mardi Gras 2022 even though COVID appears to be tightening its grip once again on Louisiana and the rest of the nation thanks to the Omicron variant. She says the city has a high-rate of vaccination:

Cut  11 (10)  “…our people vaccinated.”  

She says no crews have opted to cancel their parades because of COVID.

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Today is the first day of winter and the Climate Prediction Center predicts a warmer and drier than normal winter. State Climatologist Barry Keim says La Nina climate conditions will bring the Bayou State above-average temperatures and dry conditions through February

Cut 12 (11) “..United States.”  

Keim says we’ll experience what should be a mild winter starting with above-normal temperatures this holiday weekend …

Cut 13 (08) “…Christmas Day.”

Keim says during La Nina winters, Louisiana benefits from warm air coming off the Gulf of Mexico…

Cut 14 (11) “…than normal.” 

You might think putting a puppy or kitten under the tree will be a memorable Christmas gift, but it might go over as well as you hoped. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A horrific turn of events leads to five people dead and two critically injured on I-49 in St Landry Parish late Friday night. The story from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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If you have autism, you can now have a driver’s license that indicates you have the medical problem. Matthew Boudreaux, Public Information Director for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, says the designation was approved by the legislature.

Cut 3 (10) “…on their license.”

The autism indicator will appear below the driver’s picture. The individual must present a Medical Examiner’s Certification of Autism Spectrum Disorder completed by a medical or mental health professional to have the autism indicator placed on their license.

Matthew Boudreaux on why the autism indicator can prove both helpful to the holder of the license and a law enforcement officer, given that the person with autism may express themselves differently.

Cut 4 (10) “…potentially dealing with.”

If you have autism and want the indicator on your driver’s license Boudreaux says you need to present certain documentation.

Cut 5 (09) “..autism indicator added.”

He says an individual can have the autism indicator removed at their request at any time. Applicable fees apply to have the autism indicator added or removed.

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Who doesn’t love a Christmas photo of a puppy or kitten under the tree but in reality the gift of a pet for is not always ideal. Puppies and kittens grow up and they require care for several years. Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center Supervisor Shelley Delahoussaye (Dela-who-see) says the recipient might not have the ability to support them.

 Cut 6 (10) “…back here” 

While you might want to keep the gift of a pet a surprise Delahoussaye says it’s better to bring the intended recipient into the shelter with you and allow them to choose their pet. She also says while children can go through a phase of wanting a pet they don’t understand the responsibility of pet ownership.

Cut 7 (12) “…responsiblity.”  

Delahoussaye says instead of a surprise gift of a pet for Christmas some shelters offer gift certificates where you pay the adoption fee and then the recipient can later choose their pet at the shelter. Another option you might want to see if your local shelter offers a fostering program where they can come home with you on a temporary basis.

Cut 8 (09) “…home environment.”

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Five people are dead as the result of two-related accidents Friday night on I-49 in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the first wreck was caused by a wrong-way driver from Dallas, Georgia.

Cut 9 (11) “…the left lane.”

The 54-year-old Lundy was killed as was the driver of the other vehicle and two other passengers, ages 20, 16 and 14. Two were critically injured. Subsequently, an 86-year-old man was killed when his Silverado slammed head-on into an LSP unit diverting traffic off the interstate.

Trooper Gossen explains how Billy Lee of Terrell, Texas became a victim that night as the other accident scene was being investigated on I-49 South.

Cut 10 (10)  “…was diverting traffic.”

The trooper sustained minor injuries.

Trooper Gossen says an investigation continues to determine how Lundy wound up traveling north in the southbound lanes of I-49 and for how long.

Cut  11 (08)  “…to determine that.”  

Troop I alone this year has investigated 61 fatal crashes resulting in 75 deaths.

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It was an impressive victory for the Saints last night as the Black and Gold blanked the Buccaneers nine to nothing in Tampa Bay. New Orleans’s defense got after Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady, sacking him four times and forcing two turnovers. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan recorded his 100th career sack during the game…

Cut 12 (11) “…this game.”  

The Saints only had 212 yards of total offense. Quarterback Taysom Hill threw for just 154 yards. He says what the defense did against a Brady-led offense is impressive…

Cut 13 (12) “…incredibly well.”

The Saints are now 7-and-7 and they’ve defeated Tampa Bay twice and the Green Bay Packers, who is also a Super Bowl contender. Safety C-J Gardner-Johnson had an interception last night and says teams should not overlook the Black and Gold…

Cut 14 (12) “…rude awakening.”