A Blue Cross Blue Shield study indicates pregnancy complications are up 32-percent as more pregnant women have chronic health conditions.  Brooke Thorington explains.

 Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

The treatment that President Trump received for COVID is now available in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington reports on how this can be a two-fold game changer.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

 __________________________________________

If you’re looking for a team to root for in the LHSAA Prep Classic, Grand Lake is your squad. Jeff Palermo on their remarkable journey…

Cut 3 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________________________

A new study indicates that pregnancy and childbirth complications have risen 32% as more millennial females have pre-existing conditions increasing the risks. Senior Medical Director of Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana Dr. Dee Barfield says claims data from 2014 to 2018 shows the increase in complications.

Cut 4 (10) “…both angles”

Barfield stresses the importance of prenatal visits; she says their study is from women who have access to care due to coverage and they are not seeking medical care early enough in their pregnancy.

Cut 5 (12) “…complications.”

The study also indicates the average age to have a child increased to 31.  Barfield says the older you are the more likely you are to already have a chronic condition before pregnancy.

Cut 6 (11) “…countries.”

Barfield says they worry that more pregnant women have avoided medical care and prenatal visits due to the pandemic and we’ll see more pregnancy and childbirth complications in the near future.

__________________________________________

The coronavirus treatment given to President Trump when he was admitted to Walter Reed Hospital is now available in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says the monoclonal antibody fusion treatment can help high-risk patients from becoming seriously ill.

Cut 7 (12)  “…hospitalized.”

Edwards says candidates for this type of treatment must begin treatment as soon as they are diagnosed and be showing symptoms for no more than 10 days. Because this is an outpatient procedure, Edwards says monoclonal antibody fusion is beneficial in two ways.

Cut 8 (06) “…lives.”

Edwards says while he is not a physician, he’s heard promising results about treatment from the White House Task Force and from CEOs of local hospitals.

Those considered high risk for COVID are 65 and older with obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease, and those 55 and older with heart disease or hypertension are possible candidates for the new treatment.

Cut 9 (10) “…infusion.”

There are two companies that make the treatment Regeneron and Eli Lilly.

_______________________________________________

Despite strong objections, President Donald Trump has signed a 900-billion dollar pandemic relief package that will result in many Americans receiving a 600-dollar stimulus check. Mr. Trump threatened not to sign the bill, as he pushed for a stimulus check of two-thousand dollars. The U-S House still intends to push for a higher stimulus check, but ULM Political Science Professor Doctor Joshua Stockley doesn’t see the Senate going along

Cut 10 (12) “…new Congress”

The legislation also extends unemployment benefits. It’s unclear why the president decided to sign the bill after initially threatening to veto it. Stockley says many Americans are glad Mr. Trump had a chance of heart…

Cut 11 (11) “…difficult year.”

The 900-hundred billion-dollar coronavirus relief bill received overwhelming support in the House and Senate. Stockley says many on Capitol Hill were blindsided when the President initially said he would not sign the legislation

Cut 12 (06) “…four years.”

_________________________________________________________

Eighteen schools made it to the Prep Football Classic but no team endured more than the Grand Lake Hornets. The small school in Cameron had two devastating hurricanes make landfall in their parish, but yet they persevered and will play in today’s Class One-A Championship game. Jeff Wainwright is their head coach…

Cut 13 (08) “…us a game”

Grand Lake is 8-and-1 heading into today’s One-A title game versus top-seeded and defending champion Oak Grove. Wainwright says the team has been an inspiration and an escape for Cameron Parish residents…

Cut 14 (12) “…cheering go” 

This is Grand Lake’s first appearance in a state championship football game. Wainwright told the players to enjoy the moment and don’t worry about the score

Cut 15 (08)“…those memories”

The coaching staff shakeup is underway at LSU as Bo Pelini is out as the Tigers defensive coordinator. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

Big economic development news as Amazon plans on building a 100 million dollar fulfillment center in Carencro next year. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_____________________________

After a historically bad season for the LSU defense, Bo Pelini is out as defensive coordinator. The school announced last night that Pelini and LSU mutually parted ways with two years left on his contract, which puts his buyout at five-point-two million dollars. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says a change had to be made

Cut 3 (11)  “…somewhere”

LSU says Pelini has accepted a one-time payment, but an exact amount was not given. The school has said previously the pandemic has cost the athletic department 80-million dollars. So Higgins says financial resources might be tight as Coach Ed Orgeron looks for a new defensive coordinator

Cut 4 (10 )  “.which happens”  

The 53-year-old Pelini was LSU’s defensive coordinator when the Tigers won the National title in 2007. But Higgins says there was skepticism when Pelini returned…

Cut 5  (12) “…very beginning” 

_______________________

When COVID vaccines are more widely available to the public you might wonder who’s paying for them, especially after the pandemic has hurt so many financially. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wiggington says the federal government is paying for the vaccine itself with CARES Act funding, but there is a fee to administer the shot.

Cut 6 (09) “…to members.”

Wiggington says while most health insurance companies will be paying the administrative fee for the vaccine if you don’t have insurance you might be charged.

Cut 7 (09) “…the vaccination.”

Wiggington says the vaccines will be rolled out in phases based on one’s age and health risks and it will likely take several months before the COVID vaccines are widely available like the flu shot.

Cut 8 (08) “…and pharmacies.”

Last week frontline healthcare workers began receiving the Pfizer vaccine in Louisiana and this week the state also received its first shipments of Moderna vaccine. LDH has added vaccine data to the COVID dashboard.

______________________________________________

Amazon selects Carencro as the site of its first fulfillment center in Louisiana, with the 500 job facility expected to open a year from now. Governor John Bel Edwards says Amazon is investing 100 million dollars in the Lafayette Parish project.

Cut 9 (13) “..things.”

Amazon already operates two regional delivery stations in the state in New Orleans and Baton Rouge along with seven Whole Foods stores. The company also says they’ll be conducting Amazon Prime air operations out of Louis Armstrong International Airport.

Edwards says the location is the perfect site for a shipping hub.

Cut 10 (11) “…49.”

Amazon currently employs about 1,500 Louisianans.

The company’s Director of Fulfillment Mark Marzano calls it a state of the art facility.

Cut 11 (11) “..wiring.”

______________________________________________

The state unemployment rate fell 1.1 percent from October to 8.3 percent in November as we continue slowly regaining jobs lost earlier in the pandemic.

Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie says every single market except Hammond gained jobs month-to-month…

Cut 12 (08) “…pandemic.” 

Month-to-month the state is up 18,500 jobs from October.

The unemployment rate is still just over three percent higher than it was a year ago, but Dejoie says we’re clawing back many of those lost jobs.

Cut 13 (11)“…services”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state last month had 90-thousand fewer jobs than the previous November. The New Orleans metro area is responsible for about half of that number. Dejoie says the city’s job losses are historic

Cut 14 (12) “..bust” 

Baton Rouge follows in 2^nd for total year to year losses at 16,000, with hurricane-ravaged Lake Charles at 14,400, Lafayette at 9,000 and Shreveport at 7,400.

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is entering the state this week. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

The state health department reported 65 more COVID-19 deaths today. Jeff Palermo has the latest coronavirus numbers…

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

_____________________________

For the first time in 44 years, the Independence Bowl will not be played in Shreveport on Saturday. The I-Bowl could not find an opponent for Army who accepted a bid to play in the bowl game. I-Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson says it’s crushing that this annual holiday tradition can not happen this year

Cut 3 (10)  “..didn’t happen.”

Army was set to play a school from the Pac-12, but Evenson says five teams from that league decided not to play in a bowl game this season, reducing their options

Cut 4 (07 )  “.line-up”  

Evenson says they tried to find a school outside of the Pac-12 to play Army, but no luck

Cut 5  (11) “…slots” 

Fans who purchased tickets, can request a re-fund or roll over the purchase to next year’s game. BYU is set to play in next year’s game against a school from Conference USA.

_______________________

The Louisiana Department of Education plans to use eight million dollars provided by the state legislature to purchase new computers for public school students. Superintendent Cade Brumley on how the funding originated.

Cut 6 (11) “…spring semester.”

The department just received news of the funding and Brumely says they are working on a plan to purchase and distribute 23,000 Chromebooks to school systems by next Spring.

Cut 7 (12) “…in the field.”

Brumley says students and educators have made incredible pivots throughout the pandemic and while virtual learning has certainly come a long way since March, they still have several hurdles to overcome.

Cut 8 (11) “…and deserve.”

Brumley says the Chromebooks have touchscreen technology which makes them more accessible for a wider range of students and easier use for younger students.

______________________________________________

Louisiana will receive nearly 80,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine over the next three days. About 36,000 of those will head to nursing homes and the remaining 44,000 will be sent to tier two hospitals and medical first responders. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter celebrates the news…

Cut 9 (10) “… us.”

Last week the state received about 40,000 doses of Pfizer’s vaccine and is expecting just under 30,000 this week. Those are reserved for frontline healthcare workers.

Moderna will now be in circulation with the Pfizer vaccine. Kanter says right now you won’t really have a choice which one you get to take but the truth is they’re both just as effective and safe…

Cut 10 (09) “…vaccine.”

Both vaccines have 94 to 95 percent rates of effectiveness. The Moderna vaccine requires a booster shot 28 days later versus Pfizer, which requires a booster 21 days later.

Kanter says the difference between the two is that the Moderna vaccine is easier to transport than its Pfizer cousin because it doesn’t have to be kept nearly as cold.

Cut 11 (08) “..after that.”

Vaccinations of nursing home residents are expected to begin sometime next week.

______________________________________________

After sunset tonight you’ll definitely want to take a look at the western skies and view a phenomenon dubbed the Christmas Star.  LSU Professor of Astronomy Dr. Tabetha Boyajian (boy-ah-gin) says it’s not actually a star but planets Jupiter and Saturn aligning closer together, they will appear within a tenth of a degree from each other.

Cut 12 (10) “…to see.” 

The best viewing of the so-called Christmas Star is tonight after dusk, but it will be visible until the 25^th. Dr. Boyajian explains the Christmas connection.

Cut 13 (12)“…it’s planets.”

Dr. Boyajian says you won’t need a telescope to view the once in a lifetime event and try to find a location without tall trees, buildings, and bright lights for best viewing.

Cut 14 (07) “…like that” 

If you miss it tonight you won’t have another chance until 2080.

Governor Edwards is asking residents to cancel any holiday plans with extended family members. Matt Doyle has the story.

 Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

A Grant Parish Representative tore into the insurance industry for what he says is a concerted effort to lowball customers on their hurricane damage settlements. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________________

Looking to “Reboot Your Career?” The Louisiana Community and Technical College System is helping many do just that and in fields looking for workers. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

__________________________________________

Governor Edwards asks Louisiana residents not to gather outside their household for Christmas this year.

Edwards says if you are planning on having a regular Christmas, you are making a big mistake. He says every single parish in the state is experiencing incredibly high levels of community spread.

Cut 4 (09) “…contagious.”

State officials are concerned that adding a post-Christmas surge on top of our current post-Thanksgiving surge could start to overwhelm our healthcare capacity.

He also shot down the idea that you can have a safe, multigenerational gathering by having everyone involved take a COVID test beforehand…

Cut 5 (12) “..tested.”

The current Phase Two order is set to expire Friday. Edwards says to expect, at the very least, that the current level of restrictions will be extended into 2021…

Cut 6 (07) “…for sure.”

A White House Coronavirus Task Force report shows overall test positivity appears to be decreasing in Louisiana even as total numbers of new cases hold steady.

_____________________

As the first COVID vaccine is being administered to frontline healthcare workers, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office warns of vaccine scams where con-artists play on your anxiety about the pandemic.  AG spokesperson Cory Dennis says the fraudsters are making false claims like…

Cut 7 (11)  “…after that.”

Dennis says scams about COVID testing, treatments, and personal protective equipment have been ongoing during the pandemic and they fear fraudsters offering too good to be true offers with the vaccine is next.

Cut 8 (11) “…in stone”

Dennis warns scam-artists will contact you by phone, text, email, or even showing up at your door claiming to be from the government.

Cut 9 (11) “…emergency”

The AG’s Office urges you to contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 if you’ve been a victim of such frauds or visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus

___________________________________

Freshman Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says there’s a lot of “disturbing” evidence that home insurance companies are shortchanging customers with hurricane damage on their settlement offers.

Firment says there’s a concerted effort by insurers to cut costs by giving you less than you are owed. It starts by replacing traditional adjusters with technology.

Cut 10 (07) “…remotely.”

Firment is a 20-year veteran insurance adjuster who is in his freshman year.

He says another technique he’s seeing insurance companies employ is to send customers lowball settlement offers and then make the appeals process a nightmare.

Cut 11 (10) “…disaster.”

2020 was the most expensive year for Louisiana home insurers since 2005.

Firment says the problem is really prevalent once your claim moves from the local level up to corporate headquarters.

Cut 12 (06) “…disturbing.”

One example he noted was insurance companies only compensating contractors pre-hurricane prices on materials purchased post-storm. He says everyone in a hurricane zone knows prices shoot up after a hurricane strikes.

___________________________________________________

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System is helping residents who’ve lost their jobs during the pandemic with a program called “Reboot Your Career.” LCTCS System President Dr. Monty Sullivan says unemployment claims at record levels Sullivan says being able to offer options for those who’ve lost their jobs is vital.

Cut 13 (12) “…begin with.”

Before the end of the year, Sullivan says 1,500 workers will have completed the program.

Cut 14 (12) “…to have.” 

As for costs, Sullivan says it varies by program, the CARES funding acts as a performance-based reimbursement to community colleges and technical schools, so the courses are discounted for participants.

As for finding a job once you’ve been trained, Sullivan says that’s also part of the program.

Cut 15 (12)“…with placement.”

Industries looking for workers where training is offered are health care, transportation and logistics, information technology, manufacturing and construction.

For more information about the program visit the Louisiana Community and Technical College website and search for Reboot Your Career.

_____________________________________

The LSU Tigers avoided a losing season by outscoring Ole Miss 53-48 on a wet afternoon in Tiger Stadium. Coach Ed Orgeron is glad they finished a difficult season with two victories

Cut 16 (16) “…keep working”

The 2020 Tigers were hurt by a large number of entering the NFL after winning a national championship and then the Bayou Bengals lost several more players who decided opt out either before this year started or during the season. Orgeron is hoping he can convince a bunch of players to return this season…

cut 17 (16) “…we’ll see.”

 ___________________________________________________

The Saints battled the Kansas City Chiefs in the Superdome on Sunday, but the Super Bowl champs still came away with a 32-29 victory. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees looked rusty in his first game in four weeks completing 15 of 34 passes, but Coach Payton points to the one for 11 on third down

cut  18 (27) “…third downs.”

Kansas City had the ball for 41 minutes as Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns. Payton was proud of how his defense competed…

cut 19 (18) “…Kansas City team.”

Brees threw three touchdowns, he was also intercepted once and the 19 incompletions stood out. The future hall of famer has confidence they’ll play better this Friday against Minnesota…

cut 20 (21) “….to that.”

Quarterback Drew Brees will start Sunday against the Chiefs, his first game back in action in just over a month. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

_______________________________________

Governor Edwards implores business owners to recommit to COVID safety as cases surge statewide…

cut 2 (29) ….I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_____________________________

Congressional negotiators will work over the weekend on a COVID-19 economic relief package that Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has helped put together. Cassidy says a central element of the legislation is 300-billion dollars in aid for businesses…

Cut 3 (11)  “..remain employed.”

The 900-billion dollar measure would also boost unemployment benefits by 300-dollars a week. Cassidy says the proposal also contains money for renters and help out landlords who are not getting regular rent checks

Cut 4 (11)   “..bit longer”  

There’s also discussion about a second 600-dollar stimulus check. Cassidy says he has not been part of those talks…

Cut 5  (09) “…there too.” 

_______________________

Saints Coach Sean Payton says Drew Brees will start at quarterback against Kansas City on Sunday after missing the last four games with multiple rib fractures and a punctured lung. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Brees’ returns to the field as New Orleans battles Green Bay for the top seed in the NFC playoffs…

Cut 6 (08) “…week off.”

The Saints and Packers are 10-3, but the Packers own the tie breaker, since they won in New Orleans in September.

Detillier says the Saints have been testing Brees’ durability in practice, but there’s no way to simulate what the Chiefs will try to do to him on Sunday

Cut 7 (10) “…quarterback.”

Kansas City is only 21^st in the league in sacks per game at just under two.

Detillier says having Brees return ahead of schedule gives you some insight into how Coach Sean Payton views the Taysom Hill experiment.

Cut 8 (07) “…playing him.”

Kickoff against the 12-1 Chiefs is set for 3:25 in the Dome.

______________________________________________

The discount you’ve seen with your auto insurance is coming to an end. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it’s not necessarily an increase in rates, it’s the end of rebates 38 insurance companies gave to policyholders in the state due to reduced driving during the pandemic.

Cut 9 (08) “… year.”

Donelon says stay-at-home orders early in the pandemic decreased the number of motorists on the roads which also reduced the number of traffic accidents.

Cut 10 (10) “…policyholders.”

Personal auto insurance premiums decreased on average 6-percent due to the pandemic and as those rebates come to an end, Donelon explains it’s not an increase in your rate.

Cut 11 (08) “…rate increase.”

______________________________________________

An animated Governor Edwards begged business owners at a Resilient Louisiana Commission meeting to start taking the pandemic seriously again as cases surge statewide.

Edwards says he knows this is tough but recommitting to requiring people to mask up and socially distance in stores is vital right now.

Cut 12 (11) “…today.” 

The state is just shy of reaching 7,000 COVID-19 deaths.

Edwards says the public’s response to this third wave of the virus will be judged by later generations.

Cut 13 (08)“…respond.”

Edwards says this should be an exciting time for the state now that the first vaccines have been rolled out, but…

Cut 14 (09) “…work.” 

On his monthly talk show, Governor Edwards went after Attorney General Jeff Landry for his participation in a lawsuit that sought to overturn the results of the Presidential election. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

A Shreveport man serving a life sentence for selling two bags of marijuana has been released after 12 years in Angola. Brooke Thorington spoke with the Innocence Project New Orleans.

cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_____________________________

On his monthly talk show Governor Edwards said it’s past time everyone accepts President-elect Joe Biden won the November election.

Edwards says it’s hard to justify holding out considering just earlier this week the Electoral College gave Biden 306 votes.

Cut 3 (11)  “..loser.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is the only member of the Louisiana Republican Congressional Delegation to publicly acknowledge Biden’s win.

Edwards bemoaned what he called a “fruitless” effort by some Republican Attorneys General, including Jeff Landry, to challenge the legitimacy of votes in key battleground states.

Cut 4 (13)   “..evidence”  

Over the weekend the US Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit filed by the Texas AG challenging those votes.

Edwards says it is vital for our democracy that these results be accepted.

Cut 5  (07) “…unify” 

36 percent of all voters and 77 percent of Trump voters in a recent Fox News poll believe the election was stolen from the President.

_______________________

Fate Winslow is a free man after serving 12-years in prison for selling marijuana to an undercover police officer in Shreveport for 20-dollars. Winslow was sentenced to life in prison in 2008 because he was a fourth-time habitual offender. Innocence Project New Orleans Executive Director Jee Park says Winslow was released on the grounds of ineffective counsel.

Cut 6 (12) “…excessive.”

Park says IPNO has been working for about a year to overturn the sentence due to ineffective counsel and working with the Caddo Parish District Attorney.

Cut 7 (10) “…after September 2008”

Winslow had three previous felony convictions but they were nonviolent offenses. Park says the 53-year-old spent almost a quarter of his life behind bars for selling two bags of marijuana valued at 20 bucks…

Cut 8 (09) “…for food.”

Winslow is the third individual IPNO has freed this year through its new Unjust Punish Project. Park also noted that the crime Winslow was convicted of is no longer a crime in 16 states and the District of Columbia

______________________________________________

Tomorrow is the last day to ship a Christmas present via USPS First-Class Mail and have it arrive in time for Christmas.

USPS spokesperson Albert Ruiz says it’s vital you ship that package ASAP because a lot more packages are getting shipped this season than in prior years.

Cut 9 (08) “…last year”

The priority mail deadline is December 19^th.

Ruiz says USPS workers are doing overtime hours to meet the massive demand this year.

Cut 10 (07) “…week”

If you wait any longer than tomorrow your final and most expensive option for a Christmas delivery is Priority Mail Express, due by December 23^rd. Ruiz says using that option might not get it in time for Christmas Eve, but…

Cut 11 (08) “…as well”

______________________________________________

ExxonMobil is looking at investing 240-million dollars into its Baton Rouge refinery and a decision on whether to proceed would be made next year. Exxon’s Baton Rouge refinery manager Gloria Moncada says they plan to install new technology into the refinery that’s been around for 110 years…

Cut 12 (11) “…refinery emissions” 

Baton Rouge Exxon Mobil refinery employs 13-hundred workers. Moncada says the project would not add permanent jobs, but it would provide hundreds of construction jobs…

Cut 13 (09)“…middle of 2021.”

Moncada says in order for the project to be approved, they need local governments in East Baton Rouge to grant them a property tax break through the Industrial Tax Exemption Program…

Cut 14 (13) “…project funding” 

Moncada says they also plan to use the state’s workforce development training program known as FastStart.

Senator Bill Cassidy says the historic pace of COVID vaccine development, is a triumph of the Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed. Matt Doyle has more

Cut 1 (28) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

A second miner has been found dead following Monday’s roof collapse at the Avery Island salt mine. Don Molino has more…

cut 2 (27) …I’m Don Molino”  

_____________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy says the Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed should be praised for producing a COVID vaccine in record time. Cassidy says the program built an innovative way to fast-track development and set a precedent for future vaccine research.

Cut 3 (08)  “..months.”

The first vaccines were administered in Louisiana on Monday, just 275 days after the state suffered its first COVID death.

But that rapid pace of development has many Americans fearing the vaccine is not safe. Cassidy says if you feel that way talk to one of the nurses that got vaccinated this week.

Cut 4 (09)   “..them”  

Cassidy says he would take the vaccine if offered but expects he is far down the priority list due to his prior infection and likely current immunity.

Cassidy says vaccine compliance will be the key to ending this pandemic and restarting the economy.

Cut 5  (11) “..go down” 

_____________________________________________

A new wasp species has been discovered by a grad student at the LSU Ag Center and has been named Joeburrowi, after former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.  Entomologist Nathan Lord with the LSU Ag Center says the name is appropriate due to the insect’s unique pattern.

Cut 6 (11) “…number one”

Ilgoo Kang discovered the wasp during LSU’s championship run.  Lord says it’s a great way for his student to honor Burrow.

Cut 7 (10) “…after Joe”

This particular species is very rare, as Lord says so far this is the only Wasp of its kind that has been discovered.

Cut 8 (10) “…border of Thailand.”

______________________________________________

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has doubled down on his comments that New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell had Christian performer  Lauren Daigle of Lafayette booted from Dick Clark’s Rockin New Year’s Eve television show.  A NOLA.com report contradicted that claim, but Nungesser says he confirmed Daigle’s participation with ABC before Cantrell found out about the proposed performance from Jackson Square…

Cut 9 (09) “…New Orleans.”

The NOLA.com report has ABC and Daigle sources that claim the Grammy-winning Christian music artist was never offered a slot on the program in the first place, calling the accusations “categorically false”.

Nungesser exected Daigle to play the gig until Cantrell sent a letter to ABC attacking the singer for participating in an illegal, crowded, and mostly unmasked French Quarter Christian concert.

Cut 10 (10) “…channel.”

Nungesser says after he was told Daigle would not be a part of the show he pulled the state’s support for the program. The Fleur Dis Lis is still set to drop New Year’s Eve in New Orleans as ABC looks set to work directly with the City instead.

Nungesser says the City needs to bounce back with a big tourism year in 2021, so…

Cut 11 (03) “…forward”

______________________________________________

The Louisiana Insurance Department says they’ve received over 700 consumer complaints from hurricane victims this year, with over 600 of them coming from policyholders who suffered Hurricane Laura damage. Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Consumer Services Jeffrey Zewe says 450 of the complaints are closed…

Cut 12 (08) “…relief done.” 

Zewe says they still have 250 disaster complaints open and most of the complaints are the result claim delays and estimate amounts. He says the estimate from an adjuster is just an estimate on what it will cost to repair the damage

Cut 13 (11)“…additional payment.”

Zewe says right after Hurricane Laura they received a lot of calls from policyholders about the amount of the hurricane deductible…

Cut 14 (14) “…that issue” 

As the state waits on more vaccines to come into Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards expresses concern that hospitals are getting stretched to their limit. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (28) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy warns that a 748 billion dollar bipartisan COVID relief bill is American’s only hope of getting some aid from Congress before the Christmas break. Matt Doyle has more…

cut 2 (28) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_____________________________

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors.

AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson says if your package gets stolen contact your local authorities but just know it is a difficult crime to solve. She says your best bet in solving that crime is…

Cut 3 (08)  “..camera.”

But Fuson says preventing your package from being stolen in the first place should be your top priority. She’s got a few tips for avoiding that potential heartbreak…

Cut 4 (11)   “..alerts”  

Fuson also recommends having a trusted neighbor pick up your packages once you get a delivery alert that they have arrived.

And the best way to guarantee your package makes it safely under the Christmas Tree is for you to handle it yourself.

Cut 5  (10) “..possession” 

_____________________________________________

The state health department reported 50 more COVID-19 deaths today bringing the death toll to 6,895. The number of COVID patients hospitalized increased by 70 and there are nearly 16-hundred COVID patients in the hospital. Governor John Bel Edwards says he was on a call with CEOs of the state’s largest hospitals this week

Cut 6 (07) “…so forth”

Edwards says there’s been a surge in COVID patients following Halloween and Thanksgiving and it’s important to avoid another surge following Christmas. He says the best way to preserve capacity is by following the mitigation measures…

Cut 7 (12) “…patients”

Edwards says the state will receive 39-thousand Pfizer vaccines this week and another 40-thousand next week. He says the Moderna coronavirus vaccine which is up for F-D-A approval this week, will be available for Louisiana nursing home residents starting on December 28th…

Cut 8 (10) “…these vaccines.”

______________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy says lawmakers either pass a 748 billion dollar bipartisan COVID relief bill or nothing will get done before Congress’ Christmas break.

Cassidy worked on this legislation with a few of the more centrist Democrat and Republican Senators and House members. He says with split chambers this is American’s only hope for relief…

Cut 9 (10) “.in town.”

The legislation does not include another stimulus check. A separate effort is ongoing to force a vote on a new round of 1,200 dollar direct payments.

Cassidy highlighted the two biggest pieces of the bill…

Cut 10 (10) “…businesses.”

That new round of PPP would include restaurants and music venues. Food assistance, rental assistance, and vaccine distribution funds are also included.

Cassidy says the bill actually features very little new spending.

Cut 11 (09) “…here”

A separate 160 billion dollar companion bill was also introduced that would include funding for state and local governments suffering from lost revenue. That bill only seems possible if an agreement can be reached on a COVID liability shield for businesses.

______________________________________________

Small businesses in Louisiana continue to struggle with the pandemic. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says they’ve performed 14 surveys and consistently one in four respondents say if the economy doesn’t improve soon, they will have to close their doors. Starns says it’s imperative they receive relief as soon as possible.

Cut 12 (08) “…relief done.” 

Starns says while several small business owners took advantage of Paycheck Protection Program as the pandemic enters its ninth month the PPP loan hasn’t been sustainable.

Cut 13 (11)“…hoped.”

The most recent survey indicates 47-percent of small business owners don’t anticipate business conditions to return to pre-pandemic levels until next year and 36-percent fear it will be 2022 before they rebound.

Starns says 56-percent of small business owners plan to be vaccinated for COVID.

Cut 14 (08) “…to do” 

Starns says however 36-percent of business owners say they will encourage their employees to be vaccinated but not require it.