The Health and Welfare Committee voted 13-2 against Governor Edward’s plan to add COVID vaccines to the list of scheduled shots required for students. Like other vaccines, families have the choice to opt out, and students can still attend school. State Superintendent Cade Brumley maintains the vaccine is a personal choice.

Cut 3 (09) “…their kid.”

Two remembrance ceremonies were held today on the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum, one to mark the 80^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor where 46 Louisianans lost their lives. The other was held to remember the 17 crew members who died when the Coast Guard buoy tender White Alder crashed on the Mississippi River on December 7, 1968. Museum executive director Rosehn Gipe says it’s important to hold these types of ceremonies.

Cut 7 (07) “…in the world.”  

Today marks the 100^th day of Hurricane Ida recovery. St. Charles Parish President Matt Jewell says temporary housing is still a problem for residents, and the parish’s group site home is still up and running. Jewell says the group site was the first one because the parish took the initiative to begin the site and now it’s being operated by the state.

Cut 9 (11) “…been put out.”

An East Feliciana Parish man has a one-in-five chance of becoming a millionaire on New Year’s Day. It started with a multi-state Powerball “First Millionaire of the Year” promotion; asking players to enter the drawing with a photo of their Powerball ticket. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says 29 Louisiana finalists were randomly selected and their names sent to Powerball.

Powerball selected Aaron Rose, of Slaughter, as one of only FIVE finalists for a January 1^st drawing for a million dollars.

The Health and Welfare Committee voted 13-2 Monday against Governor Edward’s plan to add COVID vaccines to the list of scheduled shots required for students. Like other vaccines, families have the choice to opt out and students could still attend school. State Superintendent Cade Brumley maintains the vaccine is a personal choice.

Cut 3 (09) “…their kid.”

Governor Edwards issued a statement that he still plans to add the COVID vaccine to the school schedule in Fall of 2022 that right now would only apply to students 16 and older because it’s only FDA approved for that age group.

LSU reports that Louisiana reported its fewest number of vehicle crash injuries ever, but there was a sharp increase in traffic fatalities. 

Cut 21 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Sixty-four men and women are now taking part in Cadet Class 100 of the Louisiana State Police. Lieutenant Robert Fontenot says the new class gathered for the first time Sunday afternoon and has about six months of initial training. Among other things, cadets will undergo training aimed at implicit bias recognition.

Cut 9 (10)  “…into these cadets.”

According to Lt. Fontenot, one of the more important and timely matters of concern is the training the cadets will receive in the lawful use of force.

A Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony will be held shortly at the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum in Baton Rouge. It’s scheduled to get underway at 11:55 this morning. The original USS Kidd was one of the most decorated warships of World War II. The Kidd was named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, Sr. who was killed during the Pearl Harbor attack while onboard the USS Arizona.

Health and Welfare heard from both sides on the Governor’s plan to add the COVID vaccine to the shot schedule for schools next fall. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A milestone in Louisiana State Police cadet training hit a historic mark this week. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Data out of LSU reports that Louisiana reported its fewest number of vehicle crash injuries ever, but there was a sharp increase in traffic fatalities. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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House Health and Welfare heard from both sides concerning Governor Edwards’s plan to add the COVID vaccine to the list of shots required to attend schools next fall, for ages 16 and older. The committee voted 13-2 to reject the addition, but the governor could overturn the decision. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says those who choose not to be vaccinated can opt-out.

Cut 4 (10) “…philosophical reasons. “

Michelle Wags, a New Orleans resident spoke in opposition and says she’s being treated as a second-class citizen in her hometown because of vaccine requirements and pleaded to the committee to vote no.

Cut 5 (09) “…you guys.”

Monroe Representative Michael Echols pressed Kanter on the intent of the vaccine requirements for schools and that it would force those who are unvaccinated to leave the classroom. Kanter responded that students can opt-out and still attend school

Cut 6 (07) “… the intent of this.”

David Oats, an Air Force Veteran, and Realtor told the committee he had treatments for the virus available to pass out to anyone who’s interested and because there are treatments the vaccines are obsolete.

Cut 7 (11) “…need no vaccine.”

The committee meeting began at 10 AM Monday morning and continued for the remainder of the day.

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Sixty-four men and women are now taking part in Cadet Class 100 of the Louisiana State Police. Lieutenant Robert Fontenot says the new class gathered for the first time Sunday afternoon and has about six months of initial training to undergo.

Cut 8 (10) “…into a team.”

The instruction they’ll receive will include firearm proficiency, tactical driving and impaired driving detection, as well as leadership values that exemplify LSP Core Values. Graduating troopers then undergo ten to 16 weeks of field training before beginning their careers.

Lt. Fontenot says the cadets will undergo training aimed at implicit bias recognition.

Cut 9 (10)  “…into these cadets.”

According to Lt. Fontenot, one of the more important and timely matters of concern is the training the cadets will receive in the lawful use of force.

Cut 10 (10)  “…mitigate those.”

If you’d like to apply for Cadet Class 101 that begins training next year visit laspc.dps.louisiana.gov.

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Early voting for the December 11^th primary ended on Saturday and one of the most followed issues on any ballot in the state is the bid by a group to win approval to build a gambling resort near Slidell.  Pollster John Couvillon says the proposal to build the 325-million-dollar facility helped boost early voting in St. Tammany Parish:

Cut  11 (07)  “…in the primary.”  

Couvillon, himself, is expecting a majority of St. Tammany voters to give a thumbs-down to the Camellia Bay casino, the parish having a strong anti-gambling history.

Cut 12 (13) “…of casino gambling.”

Couvillon is of the opinion that voters will largely side with what officials, especially those in law enforcement, think about opening a land-based casino in St. Tammany Parish.

Cut 13 (10) “…have respect for.”

He doesn’t believe ex-Saint Drew Brees’s support of the project, which would include a sports complex for kids, is having much of an impact on swaying voter opinion in favor of the casino operation.

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Louisiana set a record last year for the fewest motor vehicle crash injuries, but 2020 also produced the most fatalities since 2008. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says the pandemic resulted in fewer cars on the road, which resulted in fewer crashes, but there were more high-risk drivers…

Cut 14 (09)  “…seat belts”

According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU, 828 people were killed in crashes involving motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Lambert says the data found that bicycle crash fatalities increased by more than 54-percent…

Cut 15 (09)  “..risky behavior.”

Lambert says pedestrian fatalities were up by 19-percent. He says these statistics are in line with national figures that show a sharp increase in fatalities even though there were fewer drivers on the road because of the pandemic…

Cut  16 (09) “…normally do”

House Health and Welfare vote 13-2 to reject a rule to add COVID vaccines to the state’s immunization schedule.  The new rule would have initially only apply to students 16 and up at the start of the 2022 school year. Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s part of a larger effort to battle the pandemic.

Cut 5 (10) “…18 or below.”

Anti-vaccine activist and attorney Bobby Kennedy Jr, a guest of Attorney General Jeff Landy attended the committee meeting and told the committee instead of a four-year study, the Pfizer vaccine trial ended at six months and was given authorization by the FDA.

Cut  11 (14)  “..never know.”  

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter stated that’s Kennedy’s presentation was a gross misinterpretation of the truth.

The Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight held its first meeting today. The senators are reviewing L-S-P’s use of force policies as the state agency has come under fire after several documented cases of Troopers beating up Black motorists. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux…

Cut 14 (10) “..do that.” 

Hurricane victims from 2020 and 2021 continue to struggle with insurance companies on getting paid for their storm damage claims. Houma Senator Mike Fesi says many of his constituents can’t even get a call back.

 Cut 6 (11) “..biggest complaint.” 

Fesi says he expects a lot of legislation will be considered in the 2022 regular session on how they can force insurance companies to provide timely claims.

Governor John Bel Edwards wants to add the Covid vaccine to a list of required shots needed to attend K-12 schools and higher education. The new rule would initially only apply to students 16 and up at the start of the 2022 school year because it’s only FDA-approved for that age group.

Cut 3 (11) “…as well.”

A House Health And Welfare Committee meeting is underway, receiving public input from the governor’s plan to add the COVID vaccine to required shots. Attorney General Jeff Landy says it’s an overreach of the Department of Health because they are also dictating who can attend K-12 public schools.

Cut 10 (07)  “…0f Health”

Parents have the ability to request permission for their child to opt out of the vaccine requirement for any of the vaccines on the shot list for schools.

 A special committee made up of state senators began hearings today on the use of force policies that State Police has in place. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

A cruise ship carrying at least 17 passengers and crew members with breakthrough COVID infections when it docked in New Orleans has set sail again with new passengers. Nine crew members and eight passengers were infected when the Norwegian Breakaway arrived on Sunday according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

Governor Edwards wants to add the COVID vaccine to the list of shots to attend public schools K-12 and higher education. But it’s garnered opposition at the House Health and Welfare Committee. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is showing up in more and more places. Mississippi is reporting a case of Omicron where the individual was fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Hurricane victims from 2020 and 2021 continue to struggle with insurance companies on getting paid for their storm damage claims. Houma Senator Mike Fesi says he expects a lot of legislation will be considered in the 2022 regular session on how they can force insurance companies to provide timely claim responses.

Cut 7 (10) “…much trouble.”  

The Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight held its first meeting today. The senators are reviewing L-S-P’s use of force policies as the state agency has come under fire after several documented cases of Troopers beating up Black motorists. Colonel Lamar Davis says several changes have been made since his appointment, but unfortunately, some of the changes can’t take place overnight…

Cut 13 (10) “…those things.”

Davis has headed up the LSP for just over a year.

The first case of the COVID-19  Omicron variant has been detected in Louisiana and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter stresses vaccinations and boosters.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Hurricane victims from 2020 and 2021 continue to struggle with insurance companies on getting paid for their storm damage claims. Houma Senator Mike Fesi says many of his constituents can’t even get a call back.

 Cut 6 (11) “..biggest complaint.” 

Fesi says expects a lot of legislation will be considered in the 2022 regular session on how they can force insurance companies to provide timely claims.

The Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight is holding its first meeting today and will hear from LSP Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis. Baton Rouge Senator Franklin Foil says their primary goal will be to determine if legislation needs to be enacted to reduce excessive force among police officers and as a legislative branch, they have oversight authority.

Cut 21 (10) “…their policies.”

Congressman Troy Carter is proposing legislation that would erase student loan debt equal to that of any SBA loans taken out to recover from a disaster since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s called the ‘No Double Debt for Disaster Survivors Act”.

Cut 13 (07) “…have a restart.”

Stats show that the nation has nearly 43-million borrowers owing one-point-five-nine billion dollars in federal student loans.

Nearly 300 workers at Ochsner Health in Louisiana and Mississippi have been fired for not coming into compliance with the firm’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, though 99 percent of additional staff members have. Tulane Health Care Economist, Charles Stoecker, says the Ochsner Health vaccination policy isn’t really all that strict given the alternative provisions for those who choose not to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Cut 13 (11) “…be tested weekly.”

The Omicron Covid-19 variant is now in Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health late Friday reported the state’s first probable case of the variant that has now spread to at least nine states and nearly three dozen countries.  The Louisiana person infected with the variant is said to be in the Greater New Orleans Area and had traveled within the U.S. recently. The LDH says Omicron may be more transmissible than previous strains of the virus and may carry an increased risk of reinfection compared to other variants.

Today is your last chance to vote early in the December 11^th election. While quite a few parishes don’t have anything to vote on, there are more than 30 others that do, ranging from candidate runoffs to various propositions. Long-time Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman is seeking to hold onto his seat against a progressive Democrat.  St. Tammany Parish voters are casting ballots to decide the fate of parish’s first-ever casino in what has become a battle royale between supporters and opponents.

Over the past 30 days, Louisiana State troopers say they’ve seized more than six million dollars in illegal narcotics during numerous traffic stops across the state. Trooper William Huggins says the makeup of the drug seizures during the traffic stops was large quantities of meth.

Cut 10 (08)  “…4.6 million”

Huggins says it’s hard to tell if more drugs are crossing the state’s highways.

Cut  11 (08)  “..focused on it.”  

During the traffic stops over the past month, troopers seized 577 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated one-point-six-million dollars.

It’s now Louisiana’s turn to be concerned about Omicron. That’s the latest of the COVID-19 variants that’s now sweeping parts of the globe and has infected individuals in at least nine states, including Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health reported late Friday that a person in the Greater New Orleans Area had become infected with the Omicron variant while traveling within the United States. State Health Officer Joe Kanter says the “single best action you can take to protect yourselves” from the virus is to be vaccinated or boosted

Concerns are growing in the state about the possibility of Chronic Wasting Disease infecting white-tailed deer in Louisiana.  This after CWD was found in one of the animals in Union County, Arkansas.

 Cut 6 (06) “..concerning to us.” 

That’s State Veterinarian Jim LaCour with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries who says the agency has issued a ban on baiting and feeding in nearby Morehouse and Union parishes beginning December 6.  CWD is a neurodegenerative disease of white-tailed deer that can prove fatal to the deer and other animals.

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280 workers at Ochsner Health in Louisiana and Mississippi have been fired for not coming into compliance with the firm’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, though 99 percent of additional staff members have. Tulane Health Care Economist, Charles Stoecker, posed this question when asked about the situation.

Cut 12 (08) “…covid to you”  

Most of the 280 people terminated are contract employees who work on an as-needed basis.

Early voting wraps up today in Louisiana for the December 11^th election. The Secretary of State isn’t predicting early voting will create much of a turnout except in certain areas, such as New Orleans and St. Tammany Parish. Incumbent Orleans Parish sheriff Marlin Gusman is facing a progressive Democrat in his runoff for the post. While in St. Tammany, voters are deciding whether to allow a gambling resort to set up shop near Slidell, the project valued at 325-million-dollars. To this date, St. Tammany voters have been against having casino operations in their parish.