The Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and Baton Rouge Representative is calling on a boycott of Rouses. Brooke Thorington has more. 351

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_______________________________________

Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves gives strong comments on how Donald Trump should spend his final few days as President. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (28) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is being inundated with calls and wait times are very long as the 300 dollar federally boosted unemployment benefits resumed this week.

Secretary Ava Dejoie says LWC received 140,000 calls in all of December but took 70,000 calls in the first week of January while dealing with a new wave of COVID.

Cut 3 (10)  “…COVID.”

The state has, so far, had to borrow 133 million dollars from the feds in zero-interest loans to make state unemployment payments to eligible recipients.

Dejoie recommends using the online HiIRE messaging and account system at louisianaworks.net to get info instead of calling.

Cut 4 (10) “…way.” 

Despite the absolute crush of calls Dejoie says LWC still managed to pay 139,000 unemployed Louisianans nearly 41 million in federal benefits this week.

To deal with the demand Dejoie says LWC will begin working expanded hours to clear the backlog of applications piling up due to new enhanced ID requirements.

Cut 5  (08) “…next week.” 

Those new ID requirements came into effect after Louisiana and other states were slammed with thousands of fraudulent claims from overseas scammers.

_______________________

Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and Baton Rouge Representative Ted James calls for a boycott of Rouses after a photograph of co-owner Donald Rouse Sr. attending the pro-Trump Rally in DC Wednesday circulated. Rouse issued a statement saying he attended to support Trump but condemns the violence. James questions why Rouse only condemns violence at the Capitol.

Cut 6 (12) “…in Virginia.”

James, who says he was a regular patron at Rouses will still no longer shop at the grocer because of the owner’s perceived support to overthrow the election process.

Cut 7 (10) ..problematic.”

Rouse Sr’s statement also noted that the country needs to come together and heal. James agrees and that the violence we saw unfold Wednesday is a turning point.

Cut 8 (12) “…all of us.”

_____________________________

A storm system moving through the south is expected to drop snow on the northern half of Louisiana this weekend. National Weather Service Meteorologist Davyon Hill says it will be a cold weekend and rain will begin to fall Sunday afternoon…

Cut 9 (12) “…morning.”

Hill admits forecasting frozen precipitation in the south is never easy but it looks as if areas north of Alexandria will see snow overnight on Sunday.

Cut 10 (10) “…two inches.”

Over an inch of snow could fall north of Natchitoches and Jena to the Arkansas state line. Hill says the last major show event for the region was January 16, 2018, so we are due

Cut 11 (11) “…is possible”

Hill says keep an eye on the forecast this weekend because it could change.

_________________________

With less than two weeks to go in the Trump presidency and the country still reeling from Wednesday’s chaotic day at the US capitol, Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves tells WWL Radio in New Orleans that President Donald Trump should effectively resign

Cut 12 (12) “…to Pence.” 

Graves says invoking the 25th Amendment to forcibly remove the president or impeaching him would only ramp up the decisiveness. The U-S Representative from Baton Rouge says Mr. Trump has a powerful voice and needs to take a step back as the country recovers from a dark day in its history…

Cut 13 (08)“…that is better.”

President Trump said on Friday he will not attend Joe Biden’s inauguration on December 20th. Graves says President Trump attending would only be a negative…

Cut 14 (13) “…healing our nation.” 

Many healthcare workers are receiving their second COVID-19 vaccination and more are eligible to receive their first dose. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The Louisiana Attorney General’s office announces the arrest of a city councilman in Tangipahoa Parish on election fraud charges. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Alabama wide receiver and Amite native DeVonta Smith won the Heisman Trophy last night, becoming the first receiver to win the award since Desmond Howard in 1991.  Smith credits the hard work he put in while growing up in Amite City.

Cut 3 (11)  “prove everybody wrong”

Despite choosing Alabama over the home-state LSU Tigers, Smith says his hometown has been very supportive throughout his college career.

Cut 4 (14) “my journey” 

He’s only the second Louisiana native to win the prestigious award. Springhill native John David Crow won the award in 1957 after a standout season as a halfback for Paul Bear Bryant at Texas A&M.

The six-foot-one, 175-pound Smith hopes he can inspire kids who have been told they are too small to play big-time football.

Cut 5  (08) “…too big” 

_______________________

Ochsner Physician Dr. Jay Brooks was among the first healthcare providers to be vaccinated in Baton Rouge and he’s now received his second injection of the COVID vaccine. As for side effects, Brooks says he’s somewhat achy after the injections.

Cut 6 (07) “…a one.”

Brooks says the COVID vaccine shot is comparable to a flu shot and he says he had more with the shingles vaccine.

Beginning this week those over the age of 70 and dialysis patients are now eligible to be vaccinated in Louisiana. Brooks says they began inoculations for patients in the Ochsner healthcare system that met the criteria.

Cut 7 (07) …at all.”

Brooks says vaccines are our best protection. Last week Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, who had no known preexisting conditions, died from COVID at age of 41. Brooks says the medical community has yet to fully understand why the virus affects some worse than others.

Cut 8 (10) “…lives.”

Brooks highly encouraged all residents when it’s their turn to be vaccinated.

_____________________________

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announces that Amite City Councilman Emmanuel Zanders has been arrested and charged with eight counts of election fraud. Landry says the District 3 councilman illegally registered voters at addresses they did not live at

Cut 9 (12) “ vacant lot”

Landry says there’s also evidence Zanders submitted a voter registration application on behalf of a citizen using his own address…

Cut 10 (12) “.not there’s”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin takes election integrity seriously and if you try to commit election fraud, you’ll be caught

Cut 11 (08) “..worked as it should”

_________________________

A kidnapped 11-year-old was saved and her alleged kidnapper is behind bars in Grant Parish after communicating with the minor over the internet.

The girl went missing late Sunday in Madison Parish and was located in Grant Parish Monday evening resulting in the arrest of 22-year-old Angel Ramirez. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt…

Cut 12 (06) “…safely” 

LSP, Grant Parish Sheriffs, and the FBI were involved in the hunt for Ramirez and the young girl.

The incident is still under investigation but Reichardt says they can confirm that the young girl is back home with her family after the traumatizing ordeal.

Cut 13 (05)“…ok.”

The kidnapping appears to be the result of some online communications and Reichardt says this is a reminder that all parents need to keep a close eye on their children’s online devices…

Cut 14 (09) “…want” 

Ramirez is facing one count of aggravated kidnapping but more charges are expected to be filed against him.

________________________

Chaos has erupted in Washington D-C as Trump protesters have stormed the U-S Capitol while the U-S House and Senate debated the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory. Lawmakers were evacuated. Senator Bill Cassidy denounced the violence that erupted between Capitol police and the protesters

Cut 15 (05) “…period” 

Cassidy says this is supposed to be a peaceful transition of power. He says what they are doing is wrong and un-American

Cut 16 (05) “…hooligans” 

A person very close to the late Luke Letlow, may run for the 5th district Congressional seat that remains vacant following his death form COVID-19. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_______________________________________

Unemployed workers are receiving an extra 300-dollars a week on top of the 247-dollars they receive from the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

A new law took effect this year that requires health insurance companies to cover newly developed precision genetic treatments for cancer patients.

River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot authored the law which was signed last June. He says it fills a coverage gap for cancer patients wanting to try new procedures.

Cut 3 (12)  “.body”

The bill passaged unanimously in both chambers.

Talbot says the new law was inspired by the experience of one of his friends who had breast cancer.

Cut 4 (09) to her” 

Talbot says before this law went into effect most cancer patients couldn’t get health insurance coverage for these types of treatments without putting up a serious fight.

Cut 5  (08) “…treatment” 

Talbot says cancer patients who were denied coverage for this treatment as recently as last month should now be eligible to have it covered.

_______________________

The wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow is reportedly considering a run for the 5^th Congressional district seat. USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn broke the story that 41-year-old Julia Letlow has been asked to run. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s a personal decision for Julia Letlow.

Cut 6 (11) “…public service.”

It wouldn’t be a first for Louisiana. in 1973 Lindy Boggs successfully ran for her late husband’s, Hale Boggs, Congressional seat.

Stockley says former Congressman Ralph Abraham is also a possibility to run for the seat, even though he’s publicly stated he’s retired from Congress.

Cut 7 (11) …challengers.”

Stockley says if Julia Letlow does run, the campaigns of her opponents will take on a different tone.

Cut 8 (11) “…tragic loss.”

Qualifying for the March 20^th special election is January 20^th through the 22^nd.

_____________________________

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are splitting on tomorrow’s Congressional vote to certify the Presidential Election results with Cassidy for and Kennedy against.

President Trump has called on Republicans to reject the election results, calling them fraudulent. LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan says that call has GOP members in a bind…

Cut 9 (12) “ contrary”

Courts have rejected Trump Administration lawsuits challenging the election results and Louisiana’s head of election Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says there is no evidence of cheating.

Hogan says it’s not surprising Kennedy is rejecting the results. He says while Cassidy is safe for another six years, Kennedy is up for reelection in two years and may have greater ambitions…

Cut 10 (11) “.behind”

Kennedy has joined with a faction of Congressional Republicans that want a commission to review vote results in battleground state’s lost by the President and seek to establish a commission to investigate allegations of voter fraud.

Hogan says it will be interesting to watch how the state’s House Republican Delegation votes given how conservative those districts are…

Cut 11 (10) “..Presidency”

_________________________

Unemployed workers are receiving an extra 300-dollars a week. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says the extra money is the result of the COVID relief bill approved by Congress…

Cut 12 (10) “…top of that.” 

The maximum an unemployed worker gets from the state is 247-dollars per week. Dejoie says unemployed workers have been trying to live off of that for months because additional federal assistance was not available

Cut 13 (11)“…manner.”

The additional 300-dollar a week benefit is expected to last until March 13th. She says since the onset of the pandemic, the state has distributed about seven billion dollars in funds to nearly 700-thousand Louisianans…

Cut 14 (12) “…uptick in cases” 

Individuals over the age of 70 and dialysis patients can now receive the COVID vaccine, but the number of doses is extremely limited. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_______________________________________

The Saints enter the N-F-C playoffs as a two seed and will host the Chicago Bears this Sunday at the Superdome. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

The state’s senior U.S. Senator, Republican Bill Cassidy, was sworn in for a second six-year term Sunday.

Cassidy cruised to reelection with 59 percent of the vote in November. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says his reelection efforts will get easier from here…

Cut 3 (08)  “…years”

Cassidy’s next closest competitor was Shreveport Mayor and Democrat Adrian Perkins, who only snagged 19 percent.

The Baton Rouge native is not joining an effort by dozens of Congressional Republicans, including fellow Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, in opposing the Presidential Election certification. Cross says that’s because Cassidy’s M.O. has never been hyper-partisanship…

Cut 4 (07) is” 

The former Earl K. Long Medical Center Doctor began his political career getting elected to the State Senate in 2006 as a Republican after spending most of his life previously as a Democrat. In 2008 he was elected to the US House before unseating incumbent US Senator Mary Landrieu in 2014.

Cassidy’s most recent legislative achievement came as part of a bipartisan coalition that crafted the recent COVID relief bill. Cross says the Senator is positioned to be quite influential…

Cut 5  (09) “…to come” 

_______________________

People over the age of 70 and those on dialysis are now eligible to be vaccinated. The website of CovidVaccine.LA.gov offers a list of 107 pharmacies in 51 parishes that have the vaccine. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says unfortunately for this first week the number of doses is extremely limited.

Cut 6 (10) “..we could.”

Kanter says patients without an appointment will not be vaccinated and currently, each of the 107 pharmacies only received 100 doses of the vaccine, but more doses should be available in the coming weeks.

Cut 7 (11) …what it is.”

Kanter says vaccines are being given in a tier system to those most likely to be exposed and those more likely to die or have severe complications from the virus and by doing so they hope to reduce hospital capacity.

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

Hospitalizations increased by 58 patients today for a total of 1,891.

Kanter says we should see the full effect of holiday gatherings in the next two weeks.

_____________________________

The Saints finished off a 12-4 regular season with a 33-7 win over the Carolina Panthers yesterday. New Orleans is the two seed in the NFC playoffs and will host Chicago this Sunday. Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins has won two Super Bowls and knows how to approach postseason football

Cut 9 (12) “    it is”

Since the Saints will host Chicago on Sunday, it increases the chances that running back Alvin Kamara can play after testing positive for COVID-19 on New Year’s Day. Jenkins says the team understands the importance of avoiding a COVID outbreak now that the postseason has arrived

Cut 10 (12) “..the playoffs”

This could be Quarterback Drew Brees’ last chance at a second Super Bowl ring. Brees says his focus is on beating the Bears

Cut 11 (12) “..and play”

_________________________

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine will be available at 107 pharmacies across the state this week. Each pharmacy will only receive 100 doses for those over the age of 70, dialysis patients and additional health care workers. Springhill Family Pharmacy Pharmacist Suzanne Smith in Webster Parish says interest is extremely high…

Cut 12 (12) “…reserved.” 

Smith says they’ve already reserved the 100 doses for patients who called in this morning. When they receive the vaccine tomorrow, they will begin setting up appointments for the week.

Cut 13 (11)“…manner.”

Smith says despite being overwhelmed with calls today asking for the vaccine and with Monday being typically a busy day for pharmacies they are happy with the reception to the vaccine.

Cut 14 (07) “…smoothly.” 

For a list of pharmacies go to CovidVaccine.la.gov

Laws aimed at lowering auto insurance rates through lawsuit reform went into with the new year. Matt Doyle spoke with a supporter of the reforms…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

Congressman-elect Luke Letlow was laid to rest on Saturday and a special election for the now vacant seat will be held in March. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_____________________________

Beginning today more Louisiana residents are eligible to be vaccinated. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

__________________________

A new law that supporters say will lower auto insurance rates went into effect with the start of the new year. The tort reform legislation was approved during the June special session. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry CEO Stephen Waguespack backed the changes…

Cut 4 (12) “…courtrooms”

The law lowers the “jury trial threshold” from 50,000, by far the highest in the nation, to 10,000 dollars.

The legislation sought to lower auto insurance rates by saving insurers money in court settlement costs. Waguespack says Louisiana is no longer an outlier…

Cut 5 (08) “..courtrooms”

Opponents argue the changes will make it more difficult for victims of vehicular or business negligence to win a fair settlement in court.

Opponents also pointed out the law does not require insurers to lower rates, and in hearings, insurers refused to commit to doing so if it were implemented. Regardless, Waguespack is optimistic prices will drop.

Cut 6 (09) “…time”

______________________________

A special election will be held in March to fill the now vacant 5^th Congressional District seat left open after the passing of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, who lost to Letlow in a December runoff, has to be seriously considering a second run…

Cut 7 (07)  “…Republicans.”

Another potential favorite would be Congressman Ralph Abraham, should he want to return to the seat he just retired from.

Stockley says it’s hard to pinpoint another likely competitive candidate for the seat outside of Harris or Abraham.

Cut 8 (12) “…official”

Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson, who received the third most votes of any Republican in the November 3^rd primary, is also a potential contender for the seat.

Stockley says the problem for any new candidate is they’ll only have two months to run up enough name recognition to win in the state’s largest and advertising inefficient district.

Cut 9 (12) “…overlaps.”

Letlow’s funeral was held Saturday in Monroe. He was set to be sworn in Sunday.

________________________

Beginning today more people are eligible to be vaccinated for COVID in Louisiana. Governor Edwards made the announcement last week and over the weekend many people visited pharmacies ahead of doses arriving. People over the age of 70 and those on dialysis can now be vaccinated. Edwards says adverse side effects of the vaccine are rare.

Cut 10 (09) “…Louisiana.”

Others now eligible are schools of allied health students, residents, and staff; and home agency patients and personnel, and those who work in ambulatory and outpatient health care.

Edwards says even for those who’ve received one dose of the vaccine,  we all still need to follow mitigation efforts like masking because we are still in a critical state of the pandemic.

Cut 11 (09) “…this mask.”

Studies show that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are now available in the US, are highly effective and Edwards stressed that fact for those on the fence about being vaccinated.

Cut 12 (09) “…of COVID.”

For a list of pharmacies where the vaccine is available visit CovidVaccine.la.gov and you must make an appointment to be inoculated.  To receive the maximum protection of the vaccine you must receive two doses.

_______________________________________________

2020 was an unprecedented year for the Department of Family and Children Services as more than $674 million was distributed in emergency food stamps. Deputy Assistant Secretary Jean Guinta has the breakdown.

Cut 13 (13) “…EBT benefits.”

And $92.6 million in hurricane disaster SNAP benefits was also distributed.

Jean Guinta says to keep staff and recipients safe they made changes in the distribution of SNAP benefits last year.

Cut 14 (11) “…the need.” 

And because of the success of the virtual program, Guinta says other states have asked for guidance and are modeling their distribution process after Louisiana’s.

From March to December of 2020, Guinta says demand for SNAP benefits increased 26-percent. She credits the work of her staff for meeting the unprecedented demand.

Cut 15 (12)“…these families.”

The department also secured waivers to allow recipients to use their benefits to purchase hot or prepared foods. Guinta says that aided hurricane recipients while they were living in hotels or without a kitchen to prepare food.

_____________________________________

The Saints completed a sweep of NFC South opponents and is the second seed in the NFC playoffs after a dominating 33-7 win over Carolina. New Orleans won despite having five players on the reserve-COVID-19 list, including their top two running backs Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray. Coach Sean Payton was asked the COVID issues

Cut 16 (13) “…team win.”

The Saints starting free safety Marcus Williams also did not play, but New Orleans still intercepted five passes. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson says he’s not surprised they didn’t miss a beat

Cut 17 (18) “this thing.”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees was in rhythm from the start and threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns. Receiver Emmanuel Sanders needed eight catches to get to 60 catches on the season, which would result in a 500-thousand bonus. Sanders had nine catches on the day

Cut  18 (16) “…be out there.”

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The Pelicans continue their four-game homestand tonight as they host the Indiana Pacers. New Orleans has won two in a row and they are coming off a 120-116 win over the Raptors. Recently acquired guard Eric Bledsoe had a good game with 19 points and 10 assists. Coach Stan Van Gundy on Bledsoe trying to fit in

Cut 19 (19) “…more comfortable”

___________________________________________________

 The LSU basketball team fell to 1-1 in SEC play as they lost to Florida in Gainesville, 83-79. Field goal percentage was the key stat, as the Gators shot 50-percent from the field, while the Tigers shot 41-percent. LSU Coach Will Wade says his team missed a lot of shots near the rim

cut 20 (20) “….to finish.”

Louisiana’s top public health expert has been encouraged by the COVID vaccine rollout distribution so far. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_______________________________

The Mayor of Lake Charles remains optimistic about recovery efforts despite enduring the 5^th strongest hurricane to hit the United States.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

 __________________________________________

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is going slower than many expected. The state’s top public health expert says Louisiana will have received more than 210-thousand vaccine doses by Saturday. Over 45-thousand doses have been administered. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter admits it’s a complex operation

Cut 3 (12)  “…doses.”  

Kanter says starting the rollout during the holidays has also been problematic. But he remains encouraged…

Cut 4 (11) “…new year.”

There are currently 249-thousand people eligible to receive the vaccine and that group includes health care workers. nursing home residents and first responders. Kanter says starting Monday another 649-thousand people will be eligible and that includes a select number of individuals over the age of 70…

Cut 5 (06) “…health care services.”

__________________________________________

2020 was the busiest year on record for the Louisiana National Guard with the pandemic, hurricanes, and a deployment of more than 2,000 guardsmen overseas. LANG spokesperson Noel Collins said since March, guardsmen have assisted with testing sites and food banks.

Cut 6 (06) “…of food.”

And distributed more than 56-million PPE items and 4,500 PPE delivery missions.

The hurricane season was the busiest ever with relief efforts for Laura, Delta, and Zeta preparations for Cristobal, Marco, Sally, and Beta. Collins says LANG assisted with 400 generator missions; distributed 5.7 million meals, 7.8 million liters of water, 1.4 million bags of ice, and 267-thousand tarps.

Cut 7 (11)  “…efforts.”

Collins says in addition to the demands of the pandemic and an unprecedented hurricane season for the state, the guardsmen are involved in overseas missions.

Cut 8 (10) “…this year.”

_______________________________________________

The City of Lake Charles took a beating not once but twice with hurricanes in 2020, Laura was first responsible for widespread destruction and then Delta just added insult to injury. Mayor Nic Hunter says recovery efforts have come a long way in four months, however…

Cut 9 (09) “…recovered.”

Hunter says as for Federal recovery efforts it’s still too early to judge. He says while FEMA has responded well with some things…

Cut 10 (09) “…housing.”

In addition to housing Hunter says another major factor for the city to recover is major employers’ commitment to stay and rebuild.

Cut 11 (08) “…rebuilding.”

Overall, Hunter is optimistic about the recovery of Lake Charles, because it’s residents and business community are resilient.

_______________________________________________

The 87th annual Sugar Bowl is tonight in New Orleans and it’s a much different event this year due to the pandemic. Ohio State and Clemson will play in the national semifinal game and Sugar Bowl C-E-O Jeff Hundley says only three-thousand fans will be in attendance and none of their other events will take place

Cut 12 (09) “…of town.”

Hundley says they are looking forward to a great game between the Tigers and Buckeyes

Cut 13 (15) “…more exciting.”

Hundley says while the Sugar Bowl parade and other public events tied to the bowl game have been canceled, at least they are having a game this year…

Cut 14 (11) “…next year.” 

Hundley says a smaller Sugar Bowl means community donations will also be scaled back.

_____________________________________

After a record-tying six rushing touchdowns in an NFL game what will Saints running back Alvin Kamara do for an encore this Sunday when New Orleans closes out the regular season at Carolina on Sunday. Kamara says he has not reflected much on his historic Christmas Day performance…

Cut 15 (15)“…accomplish”

In his fourth season with the Black and Gold, Kamara is having his best season and is 68 yards away from a one-thousand yard rushing season. That’s a milestone he would like to reach

Cut 16 (20) “…stuff to do.”

Starting Monday, more Louisianans will be eligible to get a Moderna COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

Casinos in Louisiana were cold in 2020 with the pandemic and competition from other states.  Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (32) ….I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_____________________________

State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue urges residents to practice fireworks safety tonight. She says never light fireworks when you are impaired and light them on a steady non-combustible surface for example concrete or asphalt.

Cut 3 (11)  “…your hand.”

With rain in the forecast, some might attempt to light fireworks from a garage, carport, or patio, Rodrigue says that’s a bad idea, you should light them 200 feet away from property.

Cut 4 (08)        around” 

Rodrigue says never allow children to handle fireworks, even sparklers.

Disposal of fireworks is also important, but sure to wet them down after use and put them away from anything flammable.

Cut 5  (11) “…catch fire.” 

_______________________

2020 will be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Hurricane Laura left a major mark on the state when it made landfall in Cameron Parish on August 27th as a strong Category four with 150 miles per hour winds

Cut 6 (09) “..170 years.”

Laura caused massive destruction in southwest Louisiana and significant wind damage in central and north Louisiana. At least 28 deaths in Louisiana were attributed to Laura. Keim says there was also Hurricane Delta in the second week of October and Hurricane Zeta made landfall in Terrebonne Parish a few days before Halloween

Cut 7 (07) …October 28th”

Keim says it’s highly unlikely the 2021 hurricane season will match what we saw this year…

Cut 8 (14) “…improbable.”

_____________________________

Starting Monday, a very limited supply of vaccine doses will be available for Louisiana residents 70 years and older and additional healthcare workers. Governor John Bel Edwards says this new “Group 1B” includes about 640,000 people on top of the 250,000 people who are currently eligible.

Cut 9 (09) “..simultaneously”

That expanded group of healthcare workers includes schools of allied health students, residents, and staff, home healthcare workers, ambulatory, outpatient, medical, dental, and behavioral health clinic workers.

About 100 pharmacies across the state will receive Moderna doses, but Edwards says if you’re in Group 1B you’ll have to get an appointment to receive one…

Cut 10 (10) “..group.”

They will release the names of those pharmacies, along with contact information on the Louisiana Department of Health website Monday.

Edwards warns this is just the beginning of vaccinations for this new group so it may take you a while to get an appointment to receive one.

Cut 11 (11) “..week.”

He notes once we receive more vaccines the next group up will be essential workers like teachers and grocery store employees.

_________________________

The Louisiana casino industry had a difficult 2020 with forced closures for almost two months, reduced capacity and one casino shut its doors for good.  Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says this will result in a loss of taxes revenues for the state

Cut 12 (09) “…100-million.” 

Non-gaming losses include revenue from concerts, restaurants, and bars at casino venues. Duty says even with the gaming numbers showing a rebound of 75 to 85-percent since reopening, being unable to offset non-gaming revenue, the industry continues to struggle.

Cut 13 (07)“…sectors”

Diamond Jacks in Bossier City was the casino that closed this year and the Isle of Capri in Lake Charles has yet to reopen from hurricane damage. Duty says casinos are anxious for legal sports betting to take place in Louisiana, but the state legislature has to establish regulations and a tax structure.

Cut 14 (10) “…realistic one.” 

Duty says Louisiana casinos were suffering from competition in neighboring states before the pandemic and COVID restrictions only added to the downturn. He also says many players, especially seniors have been reluctant to return to casinos since they reopened.

After a historic number of jobs lost and more of the working poor applying, approximately 39 percent of the population in Louisiana has Medicaid coverage now. Brooke Thorington has more.

 Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

The Alexandria Senior High football team is competing for their first state championship in school history when they take on top-seeded Carencro tonight.  Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Taylor Sharp.” 

 __________________________________________

A committee advising the CDC has laid out its recommendations for what groups should be next to get their COVID vaccinations in 2021. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

____________________________________________

Medicaid enrollment increased by 208-thousand in Louisiana this year alone and now approximately 1.8 million receive Medicaid benefits or 39-percent of the state’s population. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says the pandemic’s effect on the economy forced many to seek coverage.

Cut 4 (09) “…insurance.”

Medicaid enrollment in Louisiana been increasing since 2016 when Medicaid expansion allowed the working poor to qualify for coverage. Moller says with the pandemic highlighting the importance of medical coverage it also prompted those with low-paying jobs to seek coverage.

Moller says another reason more people are on Medicaid because early in the pandemic Congress passed The Families First Coronavirus Relief Act.

Cut 5 (10) “…coverage.”

Moller noted in addition to a historic number of jobs lost during the pandemic, thousands also dropped out of the labor force to take care of children at home when schools closed or went virtual. He says Medicaid is serving its purpose.

Cut 6 (12) “…supposed to do.”

According to the state department of health, approximately 160-thousand currently covered by Medicaid are ineligible and the department is working with the federal government on how to end coverage once the federal public health emergency ends.

__________________________________________

Alexandria will be looking to make history tonight when they take on Carencro for the state championship.  A win would give the team their first state title in school history.  Head coach Thomas Bachmann says his team making it to the title game proves the doubters wrong.

Cut 7 (13)  “…be done.”

Bachmann says establishing a culture and setting high expectations has been vital to his team’s postseason run.

Cut 8 (11) “…accomplish.”

Bachmann credits his team’s success this season to the number of leaders he has on this year’s squad.

Cut 9 (08) “…character.”

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With Phase One of COVID vaccinations underway to frontline healthcare workers, nursing home staff and residents, many are wondering who’s next up to get their shots in 2021.

A CDC advisory committee suggests group 1B should cover frontline essential workers and those over 75. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the state is crafting its own plan, but…

Cut 10 (04) “…recommended.”

Group 1C covers the rest of essential workers and those over 65, plus people with health conditions that can lead to more severe COVID-19 cases.

Those 1C and 1B groups include hundreds of thousands of Louisianans. Kanter says it’s likely the percentage of our population in those groups will be higher than the national average.

Cut 11 (04) “…metrics.”

Governor Edwards says those with end-stage renal disease who receive regular dialysis treatments have already begun receiving the vaccine ahead of their CDC recommended schedule.

Unfortunately, Kanter says we can’t pinpoint an exact date yet for when the state will move out of Phase One vaccinations and into Phase 1B.

Cut 12 (06) “…we get.”

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Congressman-elect Luke Letlow has died from COVID-19 at the age of 41. Letlow, who was was elected to Louisiana’s 5th Congressional district earlier this month, died at Ochnser-LSU Health Shreveport last night after spending ten days in the hospital. Louisiana’s Congressional delegation is devasted. Senior Senator Bill Cassidy released a video message on Twitter…

Cut 13 (12) “…in your prayers.”

Letlow’s death came on a day when the state surpassed seven-thousand confirmed COVID deaths. Cassidy says COVID can kill anyone…

Cut 14 (06) “…it can.” 

Letlow was set to be sworn in next week, as he was replacing Ralph Abraham. He leaves behind a wife and two young children. Cassidy asks residents to pray for the Letlow family…

Cut 15 (08)“…we should do.”

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The New Orleans Saints will wrap up the regular season on Sunday as they travel to take on the Carolina Panthers.  Despite the team’s success this year, quarterback Drew Brees says, they need to fine-tune some things before the playoffs.

Cut 16 (11) “…the field.”

Brees believes a good performance on Sunday is vital because he wants the team to be playing its best once the post-season arrives.

Cut 17 (10) “improve.”

The Saints have locked up a spot in the playoffs but are still fighting for the number-one seed.  Linebacker Demario Davis says the team has been in a playoff mindset for weeks now and needs to win on Sunday.

Cut  18 (12) “…the playoffs.”