Federal lawsuits fly, as President Biden moves forward with mandating COVID vaccine shots for millions of American workers. Dave Brannen has more…:

CUT 01  (35)        “…Brannen.”

Meanwhile the state Department of Health reports 538 new cases of coronavirus today with 226 patients in hospitals; the lowest reported number since spring of 2020. Since the start of the pandemic, over 14-thousand Louisianans have died from COVID.

Drug maker Pfizer says their experimental antiviral pill for COVID cuts the rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90-percent in high-risk adults. Dr. Julio Figueroa, Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans says if the data holds true the drug is noteworthy…:

CUT 03(12)      “…significant. Very significant.”

Pfizer wants the FDA to authorize the new drug ASAP. Merck has a COVID pill that’s been OK’ed in Britain, but not yet in the U.S.

A Lake Charles man wins $1.3-million in last Saturday’s Louisiana Lotto drawing. Lottery spokesman Dennis Annison says Terrell Joseph Sr. claimed the pot early this week. Annison says the store that sold the ticket won its largest commission ever for selling the winning ticket…:

CUT 14(10)      “…the jackpot prize.”

No word on what Mr. Joseph plans to do with all that money.

Law men have shot and killed the man believed responsible for the murders of three people early this morning in Shreveport. 36-year-old Barry Rigsby allegedly killed two adults and a 12-year-old child in a home in the city’s West Grove area, then fled the scene. His car was found later in Franklin Parish, some 150 miles east. Franklin Sheriff Kevin Cobb says they located Rigsby in an apartment in Wisner and called in State Police…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…at this point deceased”

Can your dog or cat get COVID if you’ve been exposed? Alma Roy, with the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab says it’s pretty un-common, but yes it is possible. She says if Rover or Snowball are acting sick take them to the vet right away…:

CUT 08(07)      “…animal tested.”

A suspected child predator is behind bars in assumption Parish. Sheriff’s deputies say an investigation that started last month led them to arrest 26-year-old Layne Barras, of Napoleonville, on two counts of aggravated rape. Barras’ victim is an underage child.

Open enrollment is now underway through January 15 for those seeking health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Brannen”

A massive manhunt is underway across northern Louisiana after three people were found murdered in a Shreveport home early this morning. The suspected killer is 36-year-old Barry Rigsby. Shreveport PD spokesperson Sgt. Angie Wilhite says it started with a woman checking up on her son found the three victims; one of them just 12 years old…:

CUT 09  (12)        “…shot to death.”

Rigsby is apparently headed east. His car was found a few hours ago in Franklin Parish; some 150 miles from the murder scene.

Need health insurance? Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act is underway now through December 15^th. The coverage is aimed at those who cannot get health care insurance through conventional means, or who cannot afford it. Chris O’Brien is with United Healthcare of Louisiana…:

CUT 05  (10)        “…Medicare or Medicaid.”

A cotton farmer in northeast Louisiana describes this year’s cotton harvest as better than average. Edward Greer grows 22-hundred acres of cotton in Richland and Ouachita Parishes and expects to see more cotton planted in the state next year because of the higher than normal price for cotton…:

CUT 12(04)      “…cotton prices.”

However, Greer says, agriculture – like most other industries – is having supply issues which are causing problems.

A new report finds that Monroe is the fourth most dangerous college city in America. That report is from online safety resource, SafeWise and cites findings based on FBI statistics from 2020. SafeWise is quick to add that crimes aren’t necessarily happening on the UL-Monroe campus, but rather within the city in general.

Louisiana’s shortage of doctors and nurses isn’t getting any better. The shortage began before the COVID pandemic, but has since been aggravated by some medical facilities demanding workers be vaccinated or face termination. A fair number have simply resigned.

Police across northern Louisiana are searching for man suspected of murdering three people last night in Shreveport. Shreveport PD Sergeant Angie Wilhite says 36-year-old Barry Rigsby is considered to be armed and dangerous. His vehicle was found in Franklin Parish; about 150 miles east of where the murders took place…:

CUT 11  (08)        “…out of our jurisdiction”

Wilhite says a domestic dispute led to Rigsby allegedly killing three people; one a 12-year-old child.

Most of us had no idea we could give the COVID virus to our pets … but we apparently can. Alma Roy is with the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab. She says if you’ve had it and your pet is sick, testing them is a good idea…:

CUT 07(06)      “…PCR test.”

She says COVID in pets is far from common, but it can happen.

Open Enrollment is underway for the Affordable Care Act. Dave Brannen reports, if you need health coverage, you only have until December 15^th…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Brannen.”

Louisiana’s two U.S. Senators are among a group of 30 are opposing President Biden’s COVID vaccine mandate. The Executive Order says private companies with 100 or more employees must order them to get the shots or pay federal OSHA fines. A Congressional Review Act could let Congress overturn the order as unconstitutional or beyond the reach of the Executive Branch. Senators Cassidy and Kennedy says they’re all for the shots, but they should not be mandated.

Elections held in parts of the nation Tuesday were won mostly by Republicans, and that may not bode well for Democrats in next year’s mid-term elections. In Virginia, GOP candidate for governor Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe by a decent margin. So why would Blue State voters go Red? Louisiana pollster John Couvillon…:

CUT 12(07)      “…economic issues.”

He says this could foreshadow the 2022 mid-terms, although he feels Louisiana incumbents are all in a comfortable place for re-election.

A Pineville man has been arrested for a fatal hit-and-run crash last weekend in Grant Parish. State Police say 62-year-old Keith Roland struck and killed 35-year-old April Dubios as she walked along the shoulder of U.S. Highway 71, just north of Montgomery…then left the scene. Roland is in the Grant Parish jail. Troopers are still seeking the vehicle he drove Saturday morning as evidence.

State Police say the man shot and killed by Houma cops Tuesday charged the officers, using a screwdriver as a weapon. 36-year-old Johnny Magee died from his injuries. Trooper Ross Brennan says the incident remains under investigation…:

CUT 05(08)      “…later on.”

Saints fans were hoping all-pro wide receiver Michael Thomas would return soon and now he’s not coming back at all this season. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Palermo.”

In a few days, pediatric doses of the Pfizer COVID vaccine should be available to vaccine providers in Louisiana. On Tuesday the CDC approved the vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the two-step dosage is a third less potent than what’s given adults. Kanter says, even though kids are less at risk from coronavirus, they can carry it home to a loved one who could be more susceptible…:

CUT 08(11)      “…those kids.”

Kanter advises parents to talk with their pediatrician about it.

State Police investigators say a man fatally shot by cops in Houma Monday had a screwdriver in his hand. Trooper Ross Brennan says after officers arrived at the home to check on a disturbance, 36-year-old Johnny Magee charged at them with the hand tool; refusing to comply with demands to stop…:

CUT 04(07)      “…service weapon.”

Magee’s mom says her son suffered from mental illness.

Elections held in parts of the nation Tuesday were won mostly by Republicans, and that may not bode well for Democrats in next year’s mid-term elections. In what’s considered an upset, Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe. Louisiana Pollster John Couvillon says the outcome of Tuesday’s election is not likely to spell trouble for anyone running next year in the Bayou State…:

CUT 14(10)      “…of political trouble.”

Saints receiver Michael Thomas will miss the rest of the season, after a setback following his ankle surgery last summer. Coach Sean Payton says it’s a tough break for the Black & Gold offense…:

CUT 09(11)      “…procedure done.”

This just 2 days after the announcement that starting quarterback Jameis Winston is out for the rest of the season as well.

The vaccine rate among 12 to 18-year-olds in the state is 35-percent and with the COVID vaccine expected to be approved for 5 to 11 years olds will parents get them vaccinated? Dr. Ben Springgate with LSU Health New Orleans says he thinks a third will have them vaccinated ASAP and others will speak with their pediatrician first. But, he says, there are minimal side effects reported in youngsters…:

CUT 05(11)      “…so far”

The FDA has already approved the COVID shots for kids 5 to 11. The CDC alsoapproved the shots today.

A Bossier Parish man is charged with inappropriate contact with two minors. Bossier Sheriff’s deputies say a tip led them to 72-year-old Jimmy Dillard, who reportedly admitted the three separate acts with two kids younger than 13; one of which happened in his home. Charged with molestation of a juvenile, Dillard’s bond is set at $600-thousand.

State Police are investigating a fatal police shooting in Houma Monday. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 02(28)      “…Palermo.”

That man is now identified as 36-year-old Jimmy McGee of Houma.

Senator Bill Cassidy reintroduces bipartisan legislation to keep the National Flood Insurance Program pretty much as it is for five more years; avoiding huge premium increases which he calls “unacceptable”…:

CUT 13(09)      “…to have it.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is among those on Capitol Hill reintroducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program for five years. He says the reform measure has several goals that include placing guardrails on a drastic increase to flood insurance premiums…:

CUT 12(12)      “…their flood risk.”

Under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 plan, flood insurance premiums would increase dramatically for many living in flood prone areas. Cassidy says that’s unacceptable.

As COVID vaccinations for kids ages 5 – 11 come closer to reality, some worry about the possible health risks. There’ve been reports of heart inflammation among some kids who’ve had the vaccine. LSU Health’s Dr. Ben Springgate says it’s natural some parents would have concerns and it should be monitored..:

CUT 04 (10)     “…outweigh the risks.”

Orleans Parish is engaged in Early Voting for the November 13^th elections for Mayor and City Council. What’s the big Hot Button issue with voters in the Crescent City? UNO research director Dr. Ed Chervenak…:

CUT 08(08)      “…quality of life”

Mayor LaToya Cantrell has 13 people challenging her bid for a second term. Despite that, Chervenak says her chances of re-election of pretty good. No mayor in modern New Orleans history has failed to win a second term.

Attorney General Jeff Landry sounded every bit the candidate for Governor while speaking with a Republican Women’s group in Monroe Monday. “I will be right on the side of you, working to make sure that Louisiana is better, safer, and more free,” Landry told the group at the West Monroe Convention Center. Landry and Lt. Governor Bill Nungesser are considered GOP front-runners to be the state’s next governor in 2023.

Early voting continues in Louisiana, with four Constitutional Amendments on ballots statewide. Orleans Parish is a big exception, with races for mayor and city council to be decided. LaToya Cantrell is seeking a second term, and no mayor in the city’s history has lost a re-election bid. UNO Research Director Dr. Ed Chervenak says she has great chances of winner her next term, with only 30-percent surveyed disapproving of her. This despite more than a dozen challengers…:

CUT 07  (09)        “…take her on.”

The election is next Tuesday. Early voting ends Saturday.

State Attorney General Jeff Landry announces a new program aimed at ending the opioid epidemic. One effort, he says, is a website called “EndEpidemic.com”…:

CUT 10  (13)        “…where to seek help”

A Shreveport couple face charges after EMS came to their home and found a 3-year-old severely malnourished and very sick. The toddler weighed just 11 pounds. 30-year-old Ietadterneisha (eye-TAD-er-neesh-uh) Marshall and 36-year-old Derrick George were arrested and charged with 2^nd-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

The vaccine rate among teens in Louisiana is 35-percent but when 5- to 11-year-old are eligible will their vaccine rate be comparable? Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington.”

State troopers are continuing to investigate ten fatal crashes that turned the roads scary across Louisiana over the Halloween weekend. Sergeant James Anderson…:

CUT12  (08)      “…south Louisiana.”

Twelve persons were killed in car crashes across the state, including two children. Anderson says some were due to impairment, some distracted driving, some persons weren’t properly restrained … most all preventable.

Governor John Bel Edwards is in Glasgow, Scotland for the big COP26 Climate Conference. Speaking to those gathered, Mr. Edwards noted Louisiana’s loss of coastal lands due to natural disasters…:

CUT 07(10)      “…from storm surge.”

He says, though we ARE an oil & gas state, Louisiana welcomes investments in low or no-carbon projects.

A Ouachita Parish prison guard is under arrest for allegedly killing his wife and one-year-old daughter on Halloween morning. Ouachita deputies say Blake Bardwell was taken into custody after a preliminary investigation. He’s charged with two counts of 2^nd-degree murder and has been fired from his job with the Sheriff’s office.

The season is over for Saints Quarterback Jameis Winston, so who will lead the Black and Gold the rest of the way. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Palermo.”