All of us want to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner this year, but without the proper food preparation steps, you could be setting yourself up for a foodborne illness. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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Local Christmas tree farmers say this season is shaping up to be their busiest ever. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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With folks preparing to fix their Thanksgiving meals, the USDA’s Meredith Caruthers outlines some safety protocols to stick to during the process. Two of them deal with cleaning and separating.

Cut 3 (12) “…to eat food.”

She also advises to heed the cooking directions and then to properly chill any leftovers to additionally avoid the possibility of food poisoning.

The USDA’s Meredith Caruthers says two of the four steps to keeping your Thanksgiving dinner safe for consumption both before and after the meal has to do with the cooking of it and then chilling the leftovers.

Cut 4 (14) “…than two hours.”

To make sure your turkey is properly cooked, Caruthers says poke a food thermometer in three different places into the bird…

Cut 5 (15) “..ready to eat.”

The USDA notes that 48 million Americans a year get sick from foodborne illnesses leading to three thousand deaths annually.

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According to Triple-A, Thanksgiving travel is up 13-percent and law enforcement is concerned the increase in travel could lead to a large number of motor vehicle crashes. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says during last year’s Thanksgiving holiday period nearly 800 people were injured and eight people killed in crashes in Louisiana…

 Cut 6 (07) “…these roadways” 

Last year, nearly half of the fatal crashes investigated involved impaired drivers. Brennan says Troopers have a zero-tolerance policy and those caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be arrested…

Cut 7 (09) “…out there.”  

State Police and local law enforcement will also be working to enforce the state’s seat belt laws as part of the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration’s Click It or Ticket seat belt awareness campaign…

Cut 8 (12) “..proper seat belt.”

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Christmas Tree Farmers say they’re already off to a busy start with more people decorating earlier this season. And to meet the demand Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish says for the first time they opened the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Cut 9 (09) “…trees are available.”

But if you’re dead set on a certain type of tree you might be out of luck. Kay Gersch of Yawn Station Christmas Tree Farm in Livingston Parish says Fraser Firs are hard to come by.

Cut 10 (11)  “…eight foot.”

Farmers say there are plenty of pick and cut trees from Louisiana growers even though Ida did leave her mark this summer on local growers. Gersch says some of their barns lost roofs and their trees were also impacted, a majority had to be re-supported.

Cut  11 (08)  “…a few.”  

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The state’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program is continuing to move forward with more than 13-hundred travel trailers already placed in the hardest-hit parishes for those affected by the storm.

Cut 12 (05) “…families leased in.”  

That’s GOHSEP acting director, Casey Tingle, who says the state purchased nearly 21-hundred of the trailers under the program announced by Governor Edwards in early October to serve as a bridge to help displaced families until FEMA’s Direct Housing mission gets up and running.

Tingle says the current pace of the trailers being newly occupied is about 40 a day.

Cut 13 (07) “….into their units”

Tingle on how many families may get access to these trailers by next month, just over three months after Ida made landfall.

Cut 14 (09) “…to do that.” 

The Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program offers temporary, non-congregate sheltering. Meaning that survivors of the storm have a living space until other temporary permanent housing options become available to them.

In an effort to reduce gasoline prices President Biden orders 50 million barrels to be released from the strategic reserve. Brooke Thorington has more from an energy expert who says it’s too little, too late.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The cruise business is ramping back up in New Orleans as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ease. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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President Biden orders 50 million barrels of oil to be released from the strategic reserve in an effort to reduce energy costs. LSU Center for Energy Studies, Executive Director David Dismukes says the move is a classic example of do-nothing politics.

Cut 3 (11) “…past January.”

If you’re hoping this means you’ll save at the pump for Thanksgiving, no such luck. The barrels of oil to be released will not hit the market until mid to late December. Dismukes estimates that prices, which are already trending down, towards the end of the year will correct as demand also decreases.

Cut 4 (08) “…administration’s part.”

In addition to supply versus demand driving up prices, Dismukes says it’s not a favorable market to invest in petroleum because of clean energy policies enacted by the Biden administration, for example, the moratorium on new oil and gas leases, which was eventually overturned.

Cut 5 (08) “…energy prices.”

In addition to gasoline, Dismukes warns proposed Biden energy policies aimed at taxing the industry will continue to drive up energy costs and consumers should expect higher natural gas prices to heat their homes this winter.

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wane, the cruise business is picking back up in places like New Orleans. Jessica Ragusa, communications director with the Port of New Orleans, says next year should be a record year for cruising out of the Big Easy.

 Cut 6 (07) “…ever had there.” 

By comparison, there were 251 cruises out of New Orleans, involving both ocean-going vessels and river cruises. The comeback began with the arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway last Sunday, a noteworthy milestone after cruises completely stopped in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

Ragusa says efforts are in place to ensure the safety of passengers against the spread of the coronavirus as they cruise in and out of the Port of New Orleans.

Cut 7 (07) “….everything like that.”  

Ragusa says cruises into and out of New Orleans provide a significant economic impact to the city, regional and state economy.

Cut 8 (05) “..passengers are spending.”

She says that includes 300-thousand hotel room nights alone over a year’s time in New Orleans, with most guests traveling into the city from out of state.

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The Louisiana Department of Health is proposing to add COVID-19 vaccines to the list of required shots for some students. It’s a move Governor John Bel Edwards supports.

Cut 9 (08) “…the covid vaccines.”

It’s said that parents could opt-out of the requirement for their child by simply signing a statement of exemption.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is clearly opposed to the COVID-19 mandate for students.

Cut 10 (08)  “…abuse and bullying.”

Governor Edwards outlines what the COVID-19 vaccine mandate means.

Cut  11 (09)  “…16 and above.”  

The proposal will be reviewed by the state’s Health and Welfare Committee before a decision is made to move forward with it. A date for the committee meeting has not been set.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is accusing Governor Edwards of overreach by supporting a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for kids 16 and older.

Cut 12 (09) “…parents, not bureaucrats.”  

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A three-vehicle crash along Highway 1 in Avoyelles Parish that claimed the life of an eight-year-old remains under investigation. Trooper Casey Wallace says it happen just before 8 am Monday when a car signaled to turn left into a private drive north of Fifth Ward and was struck from behind by a commercial vehicle.

Cut 13 (09) “….exact road”

Four people were in the car that was hit, an adult female driver, and three juveniles. All sustained moderate injuries with the exception of the eight-year-old that was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver is the mother of the child that was killed.

Wallace says they keep seeing more and more crashes that involve distracted drivers.

Cut 14 (06) “…right now” 

He says no charges have been filed yet and toxicology reports of all drivers are pending.

Motorists have something to be thankful for, gas prices going down, ever so slightly with the average for regular gas $3.09 a gallon. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Seven people lost their lives in two fatal crashes in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes involving suspected drunk drivers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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There’s something to be thankful for at the pump this week. Gas Buddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price for regular gas in Louisiana is down a penny and half with the statewide average at $3.09 a gallon, down four cents from last month. He says it has to do with the price of oil which was $85 a barrel.

Cut 3 (10) “…ahead of Thanksgiving.”

DeHaan says the Department of Interior issuing new leases on federal land is part of the reason for the drop in prices and less demand in Europe as some countries are facing lockdowns again as COVID cases increase.

Cut 4 (11) “…of oil.”

Compared to 2020, prices are much higher, up a $1.28 a gallon, but so is demand, DeHaan says more people are traveling this year as COVID cases are down in the U-S this Thanksgiving and they are traveling farther. If you are driving out of state DeHaan says, be prepared for even more sticker shock since Louisiana is typically lower than the national average.

Cut 5 (05) “….higher prices.”

The national average for regular gas is $3.41 a gallon.

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Nicholls State University is mourning the death of three students who were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Lafourche Parish involving a suspected drunk driver just after midnight on Saturday. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they believe 39-year-old Joey Clement (Clay-monh) was impaired when his pick-up truck slammed into an SUV…

 Cut 6 (11) “…that crash.” 

The three victims are from Luling (Loo-ling) and they’ve been identified as 19-year-old Lily Dufrene and 18-year-olds Hali Coss and Michaila Bowling. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the families cover the funeral expenses.

Brennan says Clement displayed signs of impairment and was arrested for DWI fourth offense…

Cut 7 (11) “….Lafourche Parish jail”  

Brennan says State Police is also investigating another fatal crash that occurred Friday night in Terrebonne Parish. He says this two-vehicle wreck killed four people including the suspected impaired driver, 42-year-old Charles Triggs of Raceland…

Cut 8 (13) “..was killed.”

The three other people killed in this wreck have been identified as 21-year-old Dannon Fulwiley of Raceland, 23-year-old Corey Porter of Raceland, and 25-year-old Ariana Lachico of Houma.

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Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of a 125-million-dollar I-10 widening project between I-49 and Breaux Bridge. The ribbon-cutting involved the replacement of more than seven miles of pavement.

Cut 9 (12) “…westbound traffic.”

Since Edwards took office in 2016, just shy of one billion dollars has been spent on I-10 projects statewide.

The governor says spending money on such infrastructure projects is beneficial to the motoring public.

Cut 10 (09)  “…to travel here.”

Edwards says the continuing improvements to I-10 is a plus to business and ease the commute times for everyone else.

Cut  11 (09)  “…and go traffic.”  

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Sports reporter Glen Guilbeau with Outkick-dot-com reports Baylor Head Coach Dave Aranda, Louisiana’s Billy Napier and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell are the three finalists to replace Ed Orgeron as LSU’s head coach. Guilbeau says Aranda, who spent four years as LSU’s defensive coordinator, is the front-runner…

Cut 12 (12) “…Woodward wants.”  

The 45-year-old Aranda is in his second season as head coach of the Bears and has them in contention for a Big 12 championship with a nine and two record. He left LSU after helping the Tigers win the national championship in 2019 and Guilbeau says he’s well thought of in Baton Rouge…

Cut 13 (08) “….qualified”

Guilbeau says Napier is also high on LSU’s head coaching list as he’s led the Cajuns to four straight Sun Belt West Division titles. But he says Florida, who just fired head coach Dan Mullen, is also very interested in Napier…

Cut 14 (12) “…is wrong” 

He says Matt Campbell from Iowa State is also in the mix. Guilbeau’s sources tell him LSU could make a hire at the end of this week or early next week.

Thanksgiving arrives Thursday, and while what goes into making the meal for the day may cost a bit, Louisiana residents are paying less than the national average. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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The state receives a $1.5 million grant to address human trafficking. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of House Education. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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As Louisianans sit down for a Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, know that the price tag for the meal is lower than the national average. That’s according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau and spokesman Avery Davidson on the costs of a dinner to feed ten people.

Cut 4 (10) “…average of $68.72. “

Davidson says compared to 2019, a Thanksgiving meal in the Bayou State this year costs about five dollars more, no thanks to inflation and the nearly two-year-old global COVID pandemic.

Davidson says regardless of the price, the main staples for a Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S. and Louisiana are also among the cheapest worldwide.

Cut 5 (10) “…thank for that.”

A lot of folks can’t bypass having sweet potato-something on the Thanksgiving dinner table and Davidson says even those veggies cost less in Louisiana than the national average.

Cut 6 (07) “..the national average.”

He says you can even pay less by buying directly from a grower of sweet potatoes.

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As we move into the holiday season Governor Edwards continues to encourage COVID vaccinations and for those who already are, he’s also touting booster shots. Edwards says last year’s holiday gatherings brought about a surge in cases.

Cut 7 (12) “…it is to do it.”

Booster shots are now available for anyone 18 and older already fully vaccinated for COVID more than 6 months since their last dose, or two months since the single Johnson and Johnson dose. Edwards says it’s important to boost your immunity to protect those who are more susceptible.

Cut 8 (07) “…to disease.”

Vaccine immunity has been shown to drop after six months on the two-dose vaccines, and two months after the one-dose vaccine, so Edwards says it’s best to add a booster.

Cut 9 (07)  “…as well.”

It has also been approved to mix and match doses if needed for example if your first two doses were Pfizer it’s ok to receive a Moderna booster.

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The newly established Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention receives a $1.5 million federal grant to improve outcomes for young victims of the crime. Executive Director of the office Dr. Dana Hunter says they will continue to work with key experts in the community and come together to combat human trafficking.

Cut 10 (07)  “…and recovery.”

Louisiana is one of two states selected for the 2021 grant and two years ago received a $1.2 million award. Hunter says the multi-year grant will fund the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative and Accessibility Initiative.

Cut 11 (11) “…care coordination.”

In addition to providing protection for victims, Hunter says the office will also use the grant to fund prosecution, build partnerships, and the prevention of trafficking. For example, educate more law enforcement, especially in rural areas to recognize the crime.

Noting that the I-20 I-10 corridor does increase the ability for out-of-state victims to easily enter Louisiana, Hunter says however the majority of child trafficking victims are homebred, meaning they are groomed and lured into the crime locally.

Hunter says that Louisiana has some of the toughest laws to combat human trafficking, but her office wants to revisit those laws and also educate municipalities and law enforcement about them.

Cut 12 (09) “…enacted.”

To report a crime of human trafficking you can call the Louisiana State Police Fusion hotline at 1-800-434-8007 or local law enforcement.

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Alexandria State Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of the House Education Committee. Harris has been in the Legislature since 2012 and has served on key committees like Appropriations, Retirement, and the Joint Budget Committee. He says he looks forward to the challenges of chairing Education…:

Cut 13 (14) “…where we are going.”

Harris says he’ll “hit the ground running” as Education Committee Chairman…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…state education system.”

One big education issue Mr. Harris says he is ready to tackle is whether or not Louisiana schools should teach Critical Race Theory…:

Cut 15 (12)  “…decisions on it.”

Harris feels the delicate matter can be debated professionally and calmly. He starts as Education Committee Chair right away.

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The Saints gave up 242 rushing yards and turned it over three times as they lost their third straight yesterday as Philadelphia pounded the Black and Gold 40-29. New Orleans Coach Sean Payton says they didn’t do the things needed in order to win in the NFL…

Cut  16 (15) “..better job”

Saints Quarterback Trevor Siemien was intercepted twice. Darius Slay returned one of the interceptions 51 yards for a touchdown right before halftime to give the Eagles a 20-point lead. Siemien says they made too many mistakes…

Cut 17 (17) “ so small” 

Siemian and the Saints were missing four-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara and starting tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk are also hurt and missed the game. During the game, tight end Adam Trautman went down with a left leg injury. New Orleans doesn’t have much time to heal as they host the Bills on Thanksgiving night. Siemian says they have to rebound…

Cut 18 (18) “..for sure”  

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The LSU Tigers ended their three-game losing streak with a 24-14 win over ULM. Quarterback Max Johnson returned as the starting quarterback and threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns, but the offense still had trouble putting points on the board. Coach Ed Orgeron admits it was not a pretty win…

Cut 19 (19)  ” heck of a game” 

It’s the third straight game the defense held an opponent to fewer than 21 points. The regular season ends Saturday at home against Texas A-and-M. A win for the Tigers will make them bowl eligible, but Oregeron says that will not be the main motivation…

Cut 20 (10) “.motivating factor” 

The Louisiana Supreme Court will be the next stop for two combined cases challenging Ochsner Health’s mandate that all its workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.  More from Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House this morning after an overnight delay on the vote. Brooke Thorington has more on the $1.75 trillion bill to support working families.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Governor Edwards told U-S Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge the state is ready to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funds to help southwest Louisiana rebuild from the 2020 hurricanes. Edwards says they are anxious for the feds to issue rules on how the grant dollars can be used.

Cut 3 (13) “…we get started.”

Edwards much of the money will go to storm victims who need help to rebuild their homes and businesses. He says 90-million dollars of this allocation is also required to pay efforts…

Cut 4 (06) “…as well.”

Edwards was in Washington D-C earlier this week seeking additional money for southwest Louisiana because the 595-million is not enough. He believes the trip will help pay dividends…

Cut 5 (06) “.through Congress.”

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The legal tussle over whether Ochsner Health can require its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face termination should be resolved next month by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola University law professor, Dane Ciolino, says in this case that the justices will consider…

 Cut 6 (10) “…them very quickly.” 

A hearing on the matter is set for December 7^th.

Ciolino expressed surprise when the state’s 2^nd Court of Appeals sided with Shreveport Ochsner employees opposed to the vaccine mandate, blocking it last month.

Cut 7 (11) “….and can’t do.”  

Ciolino predicts that Ochsner Health will emerge victorious in the state Supreme Court case given that Louisiana is an “at will” state when it comes to employment.

Cut 8 (07) “…private employer mandate.”

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The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House this morning after an hours-long speech overnight delayed the vote. The $1.75 trillion bill will assist working families with childcare for about 300,000 young children, provide universal pre-school and Pell Grant awards.

Congressman Troy Carter says it’s so important to educate children even before kindergarten during their formative years

Cut 9 (10) “…their education.”

Opponents say the bill will cost an estimated $1.6 trillion and it’s the largest non-emergency spending measure since the 60s. President of business group LABI Stephen Waguespack says Congress needs to stop spending in this economy.

Cut 10 (10)  “…back on track.”

Carter says he respectively disagrees the bill will discourage citizens from re-entering the workforce, he says by assisting with childcare more parents will be able to return to work.

Cut  11 (10)  “…my party.”  

Waguespack says instead of helping the economy, which is at its highest in over 30 years, the BBB will do the opposite.

Cut 12 (07) “…right now.”  

The bill now heads to the Senate.

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Louisiana GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow is introducing the Parents Bill of Rights Act that’s geared toward further opening the line of meaningful dialog between families and their child’s school.

Cut 13 (12) “…boards and educators.”

Letlow says education is not a job parents or schools can do by themselves, and notes that many schools in the nation and in Louisiana are already practicing what’s in her bill.

Letlow says the legislation would also bring more transparency to a school’s budget and spending.

Cut 14 (11) “…activity at school.” 

Letlow speaks about the reason she finds this legislation important to the educational process.

Cut 15 (09) “…should have input.” 

New Orleans hosted the first offshore oil and gas lease sale in 2021 today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A 17-year-old convicted and sentenced to life without parole for killing an East Baton Rouge deputy is getting out of jail after nearly 58 years in prison. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (38)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held the first Gulf oil and lease sale of 2021 in New Orleans today. President Biden placed a moratorium on new oil and gas development on federal land and waters, but a 13-state lawsuit led by Attorney General Jeff Landry resulted in a nationwide injunction against the executive order

Cut 3 (10) “….lease sales.”

Landry says today’s sale is a win for the hundreds of millions of Americans who rely on affordable and dependable energy…

Cut 4 (12) “…the most.”

Landry says today’s lease sale is welcome news but he’s still looking for the Biden Administration to take public action on developing the five-year lease program and without that plan, energy prices will continue to increase…

Cut 5 (12) “..the supply.”

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Drivers in Louisiana won’t be getting a break anytime soon on the cost of getting from here to there. Tim Waldenback, co-founder of Zutobi, an online driver’s education platform, says in a report just issued that insurance premiums will help keep the state as the most expensive in the nation to operate a vehicle in 2031.

 cut 6 (09) “…years as well.” 

Fuel prices will also keep the Bayou State as one of the most expensive for travel by motor vehicle.

Waldenback says he sees no indication that fuel costs will reverse course significantly over the next decade, keeping the state on track for wallet-draining prices at the pump, more so than any other state in the U.S.

Cut 7 (09) “….in 2031.”  

Insurance rates are expected to average close to 33-hundred dollars a year by 2031, with the overall annual costs to own and operate a vehicle in Louisiana to just over 71-hundred dollars a year, a more than 800 dollar increase compared to now.

The report put out by Zutobi is based mostly on the use of combustion engine vehicles, which Waldenback says may change as more and more electric vehicles hit the road.

Cut 8 (09) “…a large role.”

He says it currently costs nearly 63-hundred dollars a year to own and operate a vehicle in Louisiana, or about 800-less than the projected costs for 2031.

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A 75-year-old Louisiana man who has spent about 58 years of his life in prison for the shooting death of an East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s deputy when he was 17 was granted parole today by the Louisiana Parole Board.  Kerry Myers, Deputy Director of the Louisiana Parole Project, says the release of Henry Montgomery, follows a 2012 Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentencing without parole for juveniles was cruel and unusual punishment…

Cut 9 (08) “…of his life.”

Montgomery had originally been sentenced to death for the murder of Deputy Charles Hurt.

Myers says Montgomery’s case opened the door for many other such cases involving juveniles to be reviewed.

Cut 10 (09)  “…an automatic release.”

The Louisiana Parole Board had reviewed Montgomery’s parole request two times previously before granting it today.

Myers says the paroling of Montgomery is similar to thousands that have occurred nationwide and dozens in Louisiana.

Cut  11 (09)  “…of that change.”  

Montgomery’s death sentence for killing Deputy Charles Hunt was tossed on fair trial challenges, his retrial ending in a sentence of life without parole that was eventually deemed cruel and unusual punishment because he was 17.

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A cold front will be crossing into the state tonight and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the chances of scattered showers will persist today and tomorrow.

Cut 12 (08) “…artic air.”  

Keim says expect highs Thursday in the 60s in northern parishes and in the 70s in the southern parishes. He says the cold air will continue to barrel into the state and as for Friday, you might want to have a jacket handy.

Cut 13 (09) “…coastline.”

As for Friday afternoon and evening, Keim says we should have ideal weather for playoff games but don’t worry it will warm up again as we continue this oscillating pattern of mild and cold temps.

Cut 14 (05) “…cool air.” 

The leader of the Louisiana House is expressing disappointment at the failure of Constitutional Amendment 1 on Saturday.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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A task force established to come up with solutions to Louisiana having the highest auto insurance rates in the country finds that rates are on the rise again. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is reacting to the voter rejection of Amendment 1 on Saturday that would have set the wheels in motion for the state to have a centralized tax collection system.

Cut 3 (09) “….it go down.”

The state currently has 54 tax collection entities making it complex for businesses and individuals to maneuver through and is seen as unconstitutional by experts following a Supreme Court ruling in 2018.

Schexnayder was pleased to see Amendment 2 that favorably addresses lowering state income taxes pass, but believes Amendment 1 would have been a plus for the state too.

Cut 4 (11) “…into our state.”

A federal lawsuit was filed Monday against the state’s complex system of tax collections.

Schexnayder says he doesn’t believe state lawmakers are about to throw in the towel on having Louisiana adopt a single tax commission, rather than the flurry of ones dotting the state now.

Cut 5 (05) “…through this time.”

The legislature could take another run at the issue when it meets in the spring.

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In 2020, when lawmakers approved legislation that changed how the courts would handle lawsuits involving car accidents, supporters said it would lead to lower auto insurance rates. But Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said during a task force meeting on Affordable Automobile Insurance that rates are actually going up

 cut 6 (06) “…through october” 

The 2020 tort reform legislation will lead to more jury trials, resulting in lower damages paid out to plaintiffs and the measure also caps certain medical expenses. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the law went into effect this year and it has to have an impact on rates

Cut 7 (08) “….later on.”  

Donelon says auto insurance rates stayed relatively flat from 2018 to 2020, but they are on the rise this year and an increase in traffic fatalities over last year is a potential cause…

Cut 8 (10) “…distracted driving.”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry has filed another suit against the Biden Administration, concerning vaccine mandates. Now he’s challenging the legality of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, mandating all employees be vaccinated at facilities that receive CMS funding.

Cut 9 (09) “…CMS bucket.”

The mandate requires full-time and part-time employees, along with volunteers and contract employees at healthcare facilities that receive CMS funding be vaccinated, otherwise that funding could be withheld.

The Attorney General’s office which also investigates Medicaid fraud in the state, Landry says the CMS vaccine mandate hits too close to home for his office.

Cut 10 (07)  “…be vaccinated.”

Landry says the mandate is unconstitutional and could impact the state’s budget if federal monies are withheld from agencies that do not follow the vaccine mandate. He says this will also create healthcare employee shortages.

Cut  11 (11)  “…want to do.”  

Landry joins colleagues from 10 other states in filing the lawsuit against the CMS vaccine mandate.

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Senator Bill Cassidy is lauding the signing of the trillion-dollar-plus infrastructure bill by President Biden on Monday.

Cut 12 (11) “…improve internet access.”  

Cassidy says when he ran for office he said he would work to find real solutions to problems facing our families and he says the infrastructure bill will deliver to improve the lives of people in Louisiana.

Senator Cassidy says he would have preferred a Republican been tapped to oversee the administration of the infrastructure bill, but he spoke positively today about the naming of Mitch Landrieu for the post.

Cut 13 (11) “…can only help.”

The one-point-two-trillion-dollar bill was signed into law Monday by President Biden and will funnel funds to help improve the nation’s roads and bridges and other infrastructure needs.

The dramatic increase in gasoline prices is drawing the ire of Senator Bill Cassidy who points the finger of blame at the Biden administration for not putting Americans back to work in our American energy sector, instead turning to OPEC for help.

Cut 14 (05) “..increase their production.” 

Cassidy says he doesn’t see policies coming from the White House to address the high price of gasoline that’s climbed from a dollar-85 last year to three-15 now, as well as what are expected to be significantly higher home heating costs this winter.

Louisiana’s Mitch Landrieu will be a senior advisor on the implementation of President Biden’s historic infrastructure bill. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is investigating to see if the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans is also in whitetail deer. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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An audit of the Louisiana Workforce Commission finds the agency made $2.9 million in payments that potentially violated both state and federal unemployment rules. Brent McDougall, Senior Analyst with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor says this is the fourth audit of LWC since the pandemic.

Cut 3 (11) “….same week.”

McDougall says the audit found cases where the overpayments had not been identified and cases to retrieve those overpayments have not been established yet. He says LWC already has already flagged some incidents of overpayment and is working with those individuals to recapture funds.

Cut 4 (05) “…done that.”

McDougall says when you look at overall unemployment payments during the height of the pandemic, the overpayments are only a small percentage and he acknowledges it was a very difficult time for the agency.

Cut 5 (09) “…effective.”

The audit found $898,000 in improper payments, almost two million of weekly benefits overpayment allowed during the period of February 2020 through April 2021, and almost $34,000 in duplicate payments.

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Former New Orleans Mayor and Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu will serve as President Biden’s senior advisor on the distribution of Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act funding that’s being signed into law today. UNO Political analyst Ed Chervenak on what Landrieu brings to the table in this policy role.

Cut 6 (08) “…how things work.” 

The one-point-three-trillion-dollar infrastructure bill will provide funding for improvements to such things as roads, bridges and airports, and Landrieu’s influence could mean a positive impact for Louisiana.

The decision to tap Mitch Landrieu as a senior advisor on the investments being made under the historic infrastructure bill is being lauded by UNO political analyst Ed Chervenak.

Cut 7 (10) “….it’s really great.”  

Given all of the infrastructure needs and problems in New Orleans and Louisiana left unaddressed, Chervenak was asked about the criticism that may come Landrieu’s way as a senior advisor for dealing with infrastructure needs nationwide.

Cut 8 (09) “…at anybody.”

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Louisiana is beginning to test whitetail deer for the presence of COVID-19 after the same animals tested positive for the virus in Iowa. LDWF Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon:

Cut 9 (12) “…within those samples.”

Bordelon says the state is now joining with the USDA Wildlife Services to collect blood for testing from whitetail deer harvested by hunters in Louisiana. It’s not known if the deer can transmit the virus to humans.

Bordelon says that even if a deer is infected with the coronavirus, they don’t appear to show any signs of it.

Cut 10 (05)  “…of the virus.”

Bordelon says it comes as no surprise that deer and other animals can be infected with the COVID virus, but how it’s transmitted is the bigger question.

Cut  11 (08)  “…of an unknown.”  

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A new report from Bank-rate-dot-com finds Louisiana ranks as the second-worst state for drivers. Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster says a main reason for the high ranking is that Louisiana is expensive for drivers, the state’s average car insurance rates are the highest in the country at 27-hundred dollars…

Cut 12 (06) “…a driver”  

Foster says in addition to the high cost for drivers, Louisiana has a high fatality rate.

Cut 13 (11) “…auto insurance premiums”

Foster says Louisiana’s auto insurance premiums are about one-thousand dollars more than the national average. She says the state also ranks 20th for the highest cost of auto repairs and 17th for the longest average commute time at 27-minutes…

Cut 14 (11) “..to other states” 

Louisiana voters rejected three of the four constitutional amendments on Saturday’s statewide ballot. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The President will sign the historic $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill today. It contains a reported $6-billion for roads and bridges in Louisiana.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A legal showdown is brewing over whether persons convicted by split jury verdicts in Louisiana should get a new trial. Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Three of the four constitutional amendments on Saturday’s ballot failed, including Amendment One supported by business groups and legislative leaders. Proponents say it would streamline tax collections. But political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says many local governments opposed the measure over concerns they would lose out on tax revenue…

Cut 4 (11) “…pretty good. “

Voters also rejected Amendments 3 and 4. Amendment three would have increased taxing authority for some local levee districts.  Amendment four would have allowed lawmakers to cut protected funds during tough budget times. Pinsonat says voters are feeling constitutional amendment fatigue

Cut 5 (08) “of it”

Voters approved amendment two. Tax policy expert Jason Decuir says it’s real tax reform that’s revenue-neutral for the state. He says it will lead to lower income tax rates for many individual tax filers and reduce taxes on small businesses…

Cut 6 (10) “…the franchise tax.”

If the amendment had been voted down, the Constitution’s current tax rates would remain and continue to allow the federal taxes paid deduction.

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Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Dr. Shawn Wilson is in the nation’s capital for the President’s signing of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Wilson says it’s going to make a big impact in Louisiana in terms of guaranteeing revenue for projects.

Cut 7 (11) “…on bridges.”

Wilson says not only will the bill allow for spending up to $470-million on public transportation in Baton Rouge but also things like electric vehicles and close to $200 million for airport investments

Cut 8 (08) “…new program.”

Governor John Bel Edwards, Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Broome, and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell are also in DC for the bill signing today, along with Senator Bill Cassidy who co-authored the legislation, and Congressman Troy Carter who also voted for the bill.

Wilson says he’s looking forward to rolling out EV charging stations at public facilities and delivering what he believes will be the first passenger rail expansion in the state for quite some time with service from New Orleans to Mobile.

Cut 9 (07)  “…businesses alike.”

In addition to major transportation projects, Wilson says he also wants to use infrastructure funds for road safety projects due to the state being one of 16 that failed to meet safety goals. Wilson says along with infrastructure projects to make our roads safer he envisions using funds for safety education and technology to reduce crashes.

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A legal showdown is brewing over whether persons convicted of serious crimes by split jury verdicts in Louisiana should get a new trial. After voters statewide banned non-unanimous convictions, the New Orleans-based 4^th Circuit Appeals Court ruled in favor of re-trials, but the Lake Charles-based 3^rd Circuit ruled new trials weren’t needed. Hardell Ward is a defense attorney, who represents two men – one in each court district – whose fates would be affected either way…:

Cut 10 (08)  “…is a new trial.” 

Louisiana’s law allowing 10-to-2 convictions was over 120 years old, and many agree it smacked of Jim Crow and often led to sometimes innocent persons of color going to prison. It was overturned by voters in 2018. The differing court decisions on re-trying those convictions mean the state Supreme Court will have to settle the matter. Ward feels it’s the only correct thing to do…:

Cut 11 (08) “…criminal justice system.”

Opponents of re-trials say that would create chaos on court dockets, but Ward thinks a great number of the hundreds of cases could be settled with a plea deal and no jury involvement…:

Cut 12 (13) “…actually affect things.”

Ward says the Louisiana Supreme Court could take up the case in Spring of 2022, but he cannot be certain.

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Governor John Bel Edwards will be next to act on the Louisiana Pardon Board’s unanimous recommendation to posthumously pardon the late Homer Plessy. The man known as a 19th-century civil rights pioneer was arrested for trying to sit in the White section of a segregated train bound for Covington. Orleans Parish D-A, Jason Williams, spoke Friday in favor of Plessy’s pardon.

Cut 13 (12) “…in this country.”

Plessy died in 1925 with the conviction for violating the railroad segregation law still a part of his record.

Louisiana’s 2006 Avery C. Alexander Act required the pardon board to recommend Plessy’s posthumous pardon for those convicted of violating segregation laws, and brought noteworthy comments from District Attorney Williams.

Cut 14 (12)  “…is deeply symbolic.”

Keith Plessy, Homer’s first cousin, three generations removed, also appeared before the Louisiana Pardon Board, to press the panel for the posthumous pardon of his relative.

Cut 15 (10)  “…Homer Adolph Plessy.”

There’s no indication when Governor Edwards will act on the Pardon Board’s recommendation of a posthumous pardon for Plessy whose name was part of the infamous U.S. Supreme Court Case, Plessy v. Ferguson.

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LSU football will finish in last place in the SEC West after losing to Arkansas 16-13 in overtime on Saturday. It’s the second straight game the Tigers multiple chances to win but couldn’t get over the hump…

Cut  16 (15) “..don’t score again”

Freshman quarterback Garrett Nussmeier played most of the game and threw for 179 yards and a touchdown. But he was also intercepted twice….

Cut 17 (15) “ keep fighting.” 

Even though LSU made a change at quarterback, it’s the third straight week they failed to score more than two touchdowns. Orgeron is not happy with the play calling including an ill-timed play call that had Ty Davis Price lining up at quarterback and it resulted in a turnover…

Cut 18 (23) “..do that.”  

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For the second straight week, the Saints nearly pulled off another great comeback but came up two points short in a 23-21 loss to Tennessee. The difference in this game was two missed extra points. Coach Sean Payton says it was a disappointing loss…

Cut 19 (15)  ” hard-fought game.” 

The Saints were penalized nine times for 65 yards. Quarterback Trevor Siemian was sacked four times, but he threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns. Not only is New Orleans down All-pro receiver Michael Thomas, but star running back Alvin Kamara and offensive tackle Terron Armstead did not play because of injuries. Siemian says they can’t use injuries as an excuse…

Cut 20 (15) “…get it fixed.” 

Voters across Louisiana are finally getting their chance to vote Saturday after weeks of delay caused by Hurricane Ida. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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Bonfires on the Levee are officially greenlit for this Christmas Eve in St. James Parish after COVID snuffed them out last year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Voters head to the polls tomorrow in Louisiana, but for most, there’s not a lot to cast their votes on. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says every registered voter will have the opportunity to decide the outcome of four constitutional amendments.

Cut 3 (09) “….what we have.”

Orleans Parish has the most items on the ballot because of municipal races, including the bid by Mayor LaToya Cantrell for a second term. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.  (Any absentee ballots have to be received by 4:30 this afternoon.)

Ardoin says because of an expected 35 percent voter turnout in Orleans Parish, voters statewide should be aware that New Orleans could have the largest impact on the fate of the constitutional amendments.

Cut 4 (13) “…folks would want.”

Ardoin says if you aren’t sure where your polling location is or what’s on your ballot you can visit the website geauxvote.com. (that’s g-e-a-u-x vote-dot.com)”

Cut 5 (11) “…experience, I promise.”

A note, that Terrebonne Parish has moved 40 of its 77 polling locations and Lafourche relocated ten in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

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The National Average for a gallon of regular gas has decreased by a penny to $3.41. The decrease in demand has led to a slight price relief. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says with holidays around the corner he’s hoping the slight decrease is a sign that prices might be stabilizing for the winter at least…

Cut 6 (11) “…going up.” 

The statewide average in the Bayou State is $3.16 a gallon and crude oil prices remain above $80 a barrel.

Redman says while there has been a slight decrease, he doesn’t expect to see prices change drastically one way or the other as we approach winter.

Cut 7 (11) “….into the winter.”  

And even though most of us tend to dislike the time change, Redman says it might have one redeeming quality, especially right now because it’s darker on your commute home.

Cut 8 (11) “…the price.”

Redman says and while OPEC has agreed to slowly increase production he says we most likely won’t see an impact in prices at the pump for some time.

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The longtime Louisiana Christmas tradition of the Lighting of Bonfires is officially back on the calendar after being extinguished last year due to the pandemic. St James Parish President Pete Dufresne says the Christmas Eve pastime of lighting the way for Papa Noel has been a community event for decades…

Cut 9 (10) “…St James Parish.”

Dufrense says canceling it last year was the most difficult thing he’s had to do as parish president and he’s overjoyed the event can finally be held again this year, weather permitting.

Cut 10 (11)  “…normalcy.”

The Parish will begin issuing permits for the bonfires at the Parish Welcome Center on November 20^th and the bonfire season runs from November 21^st to December 27^th. As for Christmas Eve Dufrense says they are lit at 7 PM and thousands come to witness it.

Cut  11 (08)  “…Chrismas morning.”  

As for when the tradition began in southeast Louisiana, Dufrense says that’s a hard question to answer but well over a century ago.

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is up for re-election on Saturday. Cantrell also opposes Constitutional Amendment one on the ballot which creates a single commission to collect sales and use taxes. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says business groups support amendment one

Cut 12 (07) “…almost immediately”  

Cantrell is expected to win re-election on Saturday as she does not face any well-funded challengers.

There are races for open legislative seats in New Orleans, Lake Charles and Monroe. He says the most interesting race is in Lake Charles as Republican businessman Jeremy Stine is battling with a high-profile Democrat…

Cut 13 (14) “…year ago.”

Alford says the other major storyline in this election is the expected low turnout…

Cut 14 (09) “..lines.” 

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A suspect has been arrested in the second of two fatal shootings that took place on Grambling State’s campus during homecoming week. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the suspect has been identified as Ahmad Green

Cut 15 (08) “…been arrested.” 

Green was arrested in Shreveport and booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on a four-million dollar bond. Reichardt says they are still looking for the suspect in the first shooting, that occurred on October 13th. His name is Jatavious Carroll of Delhi…

Cut  16 (10) “..get your information”