Governor John Bel Edwards calls today a historic moment as the first frontline healthcare workers in Louisiana received the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (28) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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It’s a momentous day in Louisiana as the first COVID vaccinations are administered to healthcare workers. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards was on-site at Ochsner’s Jefferson Parish campus this morning as the first Pfizer COVID vaccinations were administered in Louisiana.

Edwards called it a historic moment.

Cut 3 (06)  “..now.”

The state received thousands of doses Sunday and by Wednesday will have received 39,000 doses total. Next week we’ll receive another shipment of 40,000 doses.

As Edwards spoke healthcare providers were lining up in the background receiving their shots. He called this moment the beginning of the end of the pandemic…

Cut 4 (08)   “..here.”  

Ochsner anticipates being able to vaccinate 88 percent of their COVID unit staff with this first week’s allocation. Other hospitals and healthcare providers have also begun the process of administering vaccines to frontline healthcare workers.

Frontline healthcare workers are first up to get vaccinated, followed by nursing home residents and staff once the Moderna vaccine is approved. Edwards warns…

Cut 5  (09) “…priority” 

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The first COVID-19 vaccine for the state was administered this morning at Ochsner Health in New Orleans.  Dr. Leonardo Seoane (Swani), a Pulmonary Critical Care Physician who also oversaw clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine was the first to be inoculated on this historic day.

Cut 6 (12) “…community.”

According to the CDC, Blacks, American Indians, and Latinos are 2.7 times more likely to die from COVID compared to whites.

Dr. Obinna Nnedu (Oh-bee Nah-doo) an Infectious Disease Senior Physician at Ochsner was among the first physicians to receive the Pfizer vaccine, he wanted to reassure the public that might be apprehensive about the vaccine.

Cut 7 (12) “…safe.”

Dr. Robert Hart, Chief Medical Officer at Ochsner reminded those who were vaccinated today to follow up in 21 days with the second shot to receive maximum protection which has been shown to be 95-percent effective with the booster shot.

Cut 8 (09) “…that yet.”

The general public is expected to receive vaccinations next spring.

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Louisiana’s eight Electoral College electors cast their ballots for President Donald Trump at the Capitol today.

States across the country are certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win. With that happening, State GOP Chairman Louis Gervich looked towards the future…

Cut 9 (12) “.Republic.”

Biden is expected to receive 306 electoral votes today barring any faithless electors. The United States Supreme Court over the weekend and earlier today rejected President Trump’s legal efforts to overturn the results in certain battleground states won by Biden.

Party member Ross Little Jr. celebrated President Trump’s last four years. He noted the Trump campaign visited Louisiana in 2016 during the great flood despite it not being a battleground.

Cut 10 (06) “…greatly.”

For about four and a half minutes Little Jr. named a list of accomplishments Trump should be celebrated for starting with…

Cut 11 (10) “…wall”

Trump won the state this year with 58 and a half percent of the vote.

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Two LSU players were named SEC Players of the Week for their performance in the Tigers’ upset win over Florida. Freshman Max Johnson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 239 yards and three scores. The 19-year-old says he was comfortable running the offense

Cut 12 (10) “..game for us” 

Johnson has come off the bench in several games, but this was his first start…

Cut 13 (07)“…for me”

Cade York was named Special Teams Player of the Week. He nailed a game-winning, school-record 57-yard field goal and also made two other field goals. York is glad he had the chance to make history

Cut 14 (09) “…pretty awesome” 

The first Pfizer COVID vaccines are expected to be administered to frontline healthcare workers today. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Much like after nine-eleven when there was a rush to join the military, the pandemic has motivated many to enter the medical field. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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As cases surge across the state in Shreveport Willis-Knighton Doctor Jennifer Prime plead with residents to mask up and socially distance to stop the spread…

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Louisiana’s eight Electoral College electors will meet today at 11:30 AM at the Capitol to cast their votes for President Donald Trump.

The state GOP selected the eight electors, one from each of Louisiana’s six Congressional Districts and two at large candidates. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta represents the 1^st District…

Cut 4 (08) “…electors.”

Skrmetta was selected by the party as a result of being one of the state’s Trump campaign co-chairs.

Skrmetta says it will not take  long for the electors to cast their ballot and sign the paperwork needed to award President Trump the state’s eight electoral votes.

Cut 5 (08) “…Trump.”

President Trump won the state with 59-percent of the vote to President-elect Joe Biden’s 40 percent.

Skrmetta says barring any action by the US Supreme Court we should have an official accounting of who the next President will be today.

Cut 6 (07) “…vote”

Barring judicial intervention, or faithless electors, President-elect Joe Biden will win the Presidency with 306 electoral votes.

________________________

The first Pfizer COVID vaccines arrived in Louisiana Sunday and the state will begin administering them to frontline healthcare workers today. Ochsner received 9,375 of the first wave of doses. Pharmacy Director Heather Maturin says the vials must be kept very cold to remain effective, so once it leaves their deep freezer…

Cut 7 (09)  “…gold”

The state will be receiving 39,000 doses in total for this first week. Another roughly 40,000 Pfizer doses are expected to arrive next week.

Maturin says workers in COVID units will be the first to get vaccinated this week. She says this week’s allotment will have a huge impact.

Cut 8 (09) “…patients.”

The Orleans/Jefferson campus will receive over 5,000 of the doses, with Lafayette and Shreveport getting 1,300 and 3,000 respectively.

Maturin says when these vaccines arrive on-site to be administered today they will be frozen solid at negative 94 degrees. She says personnel have had to train extensively on how to handle it.

Cut 9 (11) “…concentration.”

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Medical schools are experiencing an unprecedented surge in applications across the country. The Association of Medical Colleges reports an increase of 18-percent, it’s a phenomenon known as the “Fauci Effect.”  Associate Dean for Admissions at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Angela McLean says Dr. Anthony Fauci’s leadership has inspired medical leaders of the future.

Cut 10 (09) “…inspiring.”

The surge in applications to medical colleges is comparable to interest in the military after 9/11. McLean says it’s one of the positive effects of the pandemic, more young people motivated to help others.

Cut 11 (12) “…like Fauci.”

The surge in applications has increased the competition to enter medical school with only a specified number of slots for incoming classes. At LSU Health New Orleans Dr. McLean says the limit is 200, however, the Fauci effect isn’t restricted to becoming a physician.

Cut 12 (10) “…all programs.”

Dr. McLean recommends applicants for medical school demonstrate volunteer initiatives that show them helping improve the lives of others.

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Louisiana is in the midst of a third major wave of COVID cases and medical professionals are begging the public to recommit to masking and social distancing before they run out of healthcare capacity.

Shreveport based Willis Knighton Dr. Jennifer Prime is one of them. She says to date she has cared for 750 COVID patients and lost 92 of them.

Cut 13 (12) “…offer.”

Prime says she’s having end-of-life discussions with people who you’d never think would die so young.

Cut 14 (07) “…living.” 

She asks everyone to please get back to mitigating the spread. She says she drives home every day to see people coming out of packed restaurants and gyms…

Cut 15 (07)“…their life.”

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The Saints nine-game winning streak ended last night with a 24-21 upset loss to Philadelphia. New Orleans streak of holding rushers to under 100 yards in a game also came to an end at 55 as the Eagles had two players cross the century mark, Miles Sanders and rookie Jalen Hurts who made his first start at quarterback. Coach Sean Payton says Hurts played well…

Cut 16 (16) “…good job.”

The Saints trailed 17-0 at halftime. New Orleans scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to get back in the game, but never took the lead. Payton blames himself for the team’s performance…

cut 17 (19) “…games today”

The loss drops the Saints record to 10-3 and they also fell out of the top spot in the NFC standings. Green Bay now holds the number one seed with three games left to play. New Orleans Quarterback Taysom Hill threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns, but he also turned it over twice…

cut  18 (18) “…own destiny.”

_____________________________________________________

It’s been a disappointing season for the LSU Tigers, but the Bayou Bengals found a way to pull off a memorable 37-34 upset victory over the sixth ranked Florida Gators in the Swamp. The wins comes on the heels of a 38-point defeat to Alabama, but Coach Ed Orgeron had belief his guys would get a “W” on Saturday night…

cut 19 (19) “…got it done.”

LSU’s maligned defense forced three turnovers, Max Johnson threw three touchdowns in his first collegiate start at quarterback and Cade York made three field goals, including the game-winning 57-yard field goal that goes down as a school record. York knew his celebration before the ball split the uprights…

cut 20 (20) “….to do that.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will not make it mandatory to get a COVID vaccine nor will he provide financial incentives. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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An AARP report from October to mid-November shows 476 new cases among nursing home staff in Louisiana and 17-percent have a PPE shortage. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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In the past two weeks, six people have died in fires in Louisiana, including the latest fatal fire which occurred in Lafayette Thursday night.  While the causes remain undetermined, State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue believes unsafe heating practices could be factors.

Cut 3 (12)  “…in your home.”

Last year 75 people in Louisiana died due to fires and another 70 lives have been claimed in 2020.  Rodrigue says cooking and heating tips can help keep people safe.

Cut 4 (13)   “…flammable.”  

Rodrigue says it’s important to have a working smoke alarm…

Cut 5  (07) “…get out safely.” 

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Vaccine rollout is imminent and Governor John Bel Edwards is imploring residents to take it when available.  A Pew poll shows 40 percent of Americans would refuse to take the vaccine if offered. Edwards says he hopes they change their mind but it won’t be mandatory in Louisiana, and…

Cut 6 (06) “…do it.”

The first wave of Pfizer vaccines are expected to be administered to frontline COVID-facing healthcare workers early next week. A vaccine by Moderna is expected to be approved in December as well and that will be given to nursing home residents and staff.

European reports indicate the vaccine has some side effects, but Edwards says he’s reviewed the data and there are vaccines people already take with side effects worse than this…

Cut 7 (11) “…too.”

Those reports indicate the heaviest side effects for the Pfizer vaccine come after taking the booster shot 21 days after you are first vaccinated.

Edwards warns the vaccine won’t be available to the general public until sometime in spring and right now we’re facing a highly concerning spike in cases.

Cut 8 (09) “…holds”

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State Trooper Jacob Brown of Rayville has been charged with one count of Aggravated Second Degree Battery and Malfeasance in Office for allegedly using excessive and unjustifiable force during an arrest of a black man in Ouachita Parish in May of 2019. Trooper Michael Reichhardt says a lawsuit filed by the victim in October started the investigation…

Cut 9 (09) “…at that time.”

A law office in Monroe has identified the victim as Aaron Bowman. They claim Bowman was dragged to the ground and beaten senselessly during the arrest. Reichhardt says the 30-year-old Brown was assisting the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office when he engaged in excessive force…

Cut 10 (04) “…administrative investigation.”

Reichhardt says when the investigation determined that Brown did commit the violations, the trooper was promptly arrested.

Cut 11 (08) “…his supervisors.”

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An AARP dashboard report indicates nursing homes in Louisiana face concerning trends.  Data analyzed from October 19^th to November 15^th show an increase in staff cases and an ongoing shortage of staff and PPE. AARP State Director Denise Botcher says community spread is responsible for 476 new staff COVID cases.

Cut 12 (05) “..have COVID.” 

The report indicates a staff shortage of 37-percent and 17-percent of long-term care facilities have less than a week supply of PPE on hand.

The report analyzed data before the Thanksgiving holiday among nursing homes. Botcher says an adequate supply of medical-grade PPE is vital and with only 17-percent of facilities reporting a one-week supply, she fears the worst.

Cut 13 (11)“…PPE.”

Of the statewide death total from COVID, 40-percent of those fatalities are in nursing homes. Healthcare workers and nursing home residents are prioritized to receive vaccinations once authorized by the FDA. Botcher is encouraged but knows the vaccines will take time to show results.

Cut 14 (07) “…population.” 

New Orleans based data analyst Jeff Asher’s analyst proves the flu is in no way comparable to COVID. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Forty percent of the American’s say they won’t be vaccinated for COVID… but can they lose their job over it? Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (30) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Statewide in the eight and a half months since our first COVID linked fatality, we’ve had enough COVID deaths to fill eight average flu seasons.

Those numbers come from New Orleans-based data analyst Jeff Asher who says when extrapolating current rates out to 12 months COVID will likely rival cancer and heart disease deaths.

Cut 3 (09)  “…astounding.”

The average flu season was taken by averaging flu deaths every year between 2012 and 2016 which came out to 765.

Asher says the high number of COVID fatalities came despite a historic effort to prevent the spread.

Cut 4 (09)   “…diseases.”  

Louisiana has the fifth-highest number of COVID fatalities per capita in the nation.

The state reports 6,684 COVID deaths. Asher says that number is likely undercounting the real total.

Cut 5  (10) “..reported.” 

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Rumors have swirled that LSU freshman Tight End Arik Gilbert would opting out of the remainder of the season, and head coach Ed Orgeron confirmed that Gilbert has left the team. Orgeron says he spoke with Gilbert yesterday

Cut 6 (11) “..transferring.”

While Gilbert has not announced any plans to transfer, Orgeron says LSU will re-recruit him to get him back next season.

Cut 7 (07) “..next year.”

There were also reports that Gilbert was homesick and his mother came in from Georgia to speak with him this week. The mental health of players has also been brought up during this difficult season. Orgeron says the school does a great job addressing mental health issues.

Cut 8 (11) “…go through.”

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Sixty percent of people questioned by a Pew Research Survey say they plan to get vaccinated for COVID. But for the other 40 percent can your employer require you to be inoculated? According to Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino in Louisiana the short answer is yes.

Cut 9 (07) “…to COVID.”

Ciolino says exceptions would be, for example, if an employee has a collective bargaining agreement, or they could be protected under certain federal laws if they have a disability, a sincere religious belief…

Cut 10 (08) “…accommodation.”

Health experts say vaccine mandates are to be expected in some professions such as healthcare and public education. Ciolino says this is not the first time the issue has gone to court.

Cut 11 (08) “…apply here.”

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Two are dead and three injured including a four-year-old after a shooting incident in Lacombe Tuesday.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Captain Scott Lee says shortly after 10 AM yesterday deputies were called to the 28-thousand block of Palmer Drive…

Cut 12 (05) “…guns.” 

Scott says the homeowner was not struck by gunfire, but two of the four-armed people who entered his house were fatally shot and the other two wounded…

Cut 13 (08) “…recovery.”

It’s unclear if any of the alleged home invaders actually fired their weapons. Scott says the incident is still under investigation.

Cut 14 (05) “…scene.” 

Sheriff Randy Smith says this was an isolated incident and all partied involved have been accounted for.

Louisiana dry ice manufacturers are preparing for the rollout of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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LSU could lose another one of its playmakers on offense. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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An investigating is underway into a Monday morning house fire that claimed the lives of an 89-year-old woman and her 58-year-old son in St. Martinville. An exact cause of the fire has not been determined, but State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says a space heater could’ve been involved.

Cut 3 (11)  “…space heater.”

With the weather turning colder, Rodrigue says it’s important to take safety precautions with space heaters.

Cut 4 (12)   “…of course”  

Rodrigue says a working smoke detector has not been located in the home…

Cut 5  (12) “..out safely” 

The deceased individuals have been identified as 89-year-old Mazel Sam and 58-year-old Gregory Sam.

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Thousands of pounds of dry ice will be needed to ship and store the Pfizer COVID vaccine and dry ice companies are stepping up to make that happen. One of those is Red Ball Oxygen of Shreveport. CEO Alex Kennedy says the product is the only way that vaccine can make it from Pfizer into your arm.

Cut 6 (10) “..below zero.”

When dry ice also gets too warm it sublimates, transitioning straight from solid ice to gas, meaning there’s no cleanup to worry about or chance of water contaminating vaccines.

Kennedy says it doesn’t take a lot of dry ice to keep a package of vaccines cold enough to travel from the deep freezer to distribution sites.

Cut 7 (12) “..ice.”

Red Ball is providing Shreveport pharmaceutical delivery company, Morris and Dickson, with dry ice for their deliveries to regional medical facilities. Pfizer will deliver vaccines straight to major hospitals.

Kennedy says if the Pfizer vaccine becomes the go-to vaccine for the U.S. the industry will experience a level of demand never before seen.

Cut 8 (09) “…demand”

______________________________________________

LSU Freshman Tight End Arik Gilbert is considering opting out of the season.  Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the Georgia native is apparently homesick and wants to give his body a break, but a lot of questions still remain.

Cut 9 (10) “..not a good thing.”

Higgins says there is not a lot of chemistry within the program right now and it has shown with opts outs and on-field performance.

Cut 10 (13) “…himself.”

LSU still has two more games left on its schedule and Athletics Director Scott Woodward has said the Tigers are also interested in playing a bowl game. But Higgins says this program should be anxious for the offseason to start…

Cut 11 (08) “…with staff.”

Higgins expects several members of LSU’s football staff will be replaced. Defensive coordinator Bo Pelini is certainly on the hot seat.

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Ochsner Hospital for Children is one of 24 systems around the country participating in a Pfizer COVID vaccine trial in children as young as 12 years old. Ochsner Principal Investigator, Dr. Julia Garcia-Diaz, says a new vaccine must be tested on various age groups because the reactions and efficacy could be different.

Cut 12 (07) “..age group.” 

Garcia-Diaz says 50-percent of participants will be given the vaccine in two doses, 21 days apart and the other half will receive placebos. The vaccine is the same one given to adults and kids between the ages of 12 to 17 are participating in the clinical trial.

Cut 13 (10) “…80-100 kids”

Data from the Pfizer COVID vaccine trial for adults indicates a 95-percent efficacy rate from the virus. Garcia-Diaz on why a pediatric clinical trial is needed…

Cut 14 (07) “…works.” 

She says they hope to have enough data by June of next year.

The U.S Justice Department is investigating the Louisiana Department of Corrections over the long delays in releasing prisoners past their release dates. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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In Acadiana, the state health department reports just four ICU beds are available, which is a concern for hospital staff in the Lafayette area. Brooke Thorington has more

cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The US Department of Justice is investigating the Louisiana Department of Corrections over allegations the state is keeping prisoners incarcerated long past their release date.

Attorney William Most says the DOC has known since 2012 that they hold about 2,200 inmates past their release date every year.

Cut 3 (11)  “…per year.”

The investigation was the result of a series of lawsuits that uncovered information about the overdue release of prisoners.

Most identified one of the biggest problems leading to these delays.

Cut 4 (11)   “…time.”  

Most says other states have release delays of a few days at most, and that no other state they’ve found has delays that last over a month.

Most says not only is the practice unjust and illegal, it’s costing taxpayers a lot of money.

Cut 5  (08) “..didn’t.” 

The Louisiana Department of Corrections says they will fully cooperate with the US Department of Justice and the DOC takes this very seriously.

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The state health department reports all but four ICU beds are in use at Acadiana region hospitals as COVID numbers continue to spike. Dr. Henry Kaufman, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette, is extremely concerned.

Cut 6 (12) “…heading.”

Kaufman says the hospital is licensed for a specific number of beds with supporting staff, but they can expand into other areas of the hospital if needed.  As for staffing Kaufman says medical professionals have one of the highest burn-out rates and the ongoing pandemic has been taxing

Cut 7 (12) “..do it.”

Kaufman says while the majority of those who contract COVID will not require extensive care it’s when a surge breaks out hospitalizations go up.

Cut 8 (11) “…a crisis.”

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The organizer of a swingers convention in New Orleans where 41 of the people who attended ended up positive for COVID-19 days after the event last month is planning another convention in the Big Easy in 2021. But Bob Hannaford told the Jim Engster show that their next convention is scheduled for August

Cut 9 (08) “…forward”

Hannaford says he now regrets holding the convention this year after dozens of attendees tested positive for COVID-19 and one person had to be hospitalized. He says they did what they could to prevent an outbreak…

Cut 10 (11) “…socialize.”

About two-thousand people attended the convention last year, but only 300 this year.  Naughty N’awlins is described as an opportunity for open-minded couples to embrace their sexuality.  Hannaford says based on their own contact tracing, sexual activity was not the main reason for the spread of the virus…

Cut 11 (12) “…who knows.”

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Polls open statewide at 7 AM and will stay open until 8 PM Saturday for the December runoff election. The Presidential election saw a 70 percent turnout, but Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says this time around they only expect 20 percent.

Cut 12 (10) “…this time” 

Ardoin says the big drop in turnout is proof the state needs to move away from December elections. He says it’s just not a convenient time for fatigued voters.

Cut 13 (12) “… burnout”

Voters will have to follow all the same COVID guidelines as they did in November. That means masking up and staying six feet apart.

The ballot has one statewide amendment along with a series of local DA’s and judicial runoffs, a Congressional race in the 5^th District, a Public Service Commission runoff, and a Mayor’s race…

Cut 14 (04) “…and vote.” 

________________________

LSU’s defense played its best game of the year last Saturday and they face a huge challenge on Saturday when they host number one ranked Alabama, who is averaging 49 points a game. Defensive Coordinator Bo Pelini says it took time for him to learn the personnel and the players to learn his 4-3 system.

Cut 15 (11) “…starting to understand.” 

Pelini is impressed with Alabama’s offense which is led by Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Mac Jones, bruising running back Najee Harris and Louisiana’s own DeVonta Smith, who has 12 touchdowns.

Cut 16 (10) “…do that yet” 

A swingers convention in New Orleans held last month is making national headlines as s super spreader event. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Today the US Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that argues all Louisiana prisoners serving time on a non-unanimous jury verdict deserve a retrial. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (29) … I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_____________________________

A swingers and alternative lifestyle convention held in New Orleans last month produced 41 positive COVID-19 cases according to organizers. The annual Naughty Nawlins had 250 attendees. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s spokesperson, Beau Tidwell, says he’s heard all the jokes, but the event has serious consequences.

Cut 3 (12)  “…reason for that.”

Event organizer Bob Hannaford says they incorporated COVID guidelines including testing and admits they neglected to social distance. Hannaford says most of the cases were asymptomatic or very mild, but one had to be hospitalized.

Tidwell says he would not wish the virus on anyone…

Cut 4 (11)   “…guidelines.”  

Tidwell says the convention was not a permitted event and they did meet with organizers prior to the convention and discussed safety protocols.

Cut 5  (11) “…spreader event.” 

The event, originally scheduled for July, normally attracts 2,000 attendees.

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The US Supreme Court heard arguments today in a case involving a Louisiana man that could result in retrials for prisoners serving time on non-unanimous verdicts.

Attorney Andre Belanger argued an earlier ruling that deemed non-unanimous jury verdicts unconstitutional should be retroactive.

Cut 6 (12) “..at all”

Belanger represents Thedrick Edwards, who is serving a life sentence in Angola on multiple non-unanimous convictions related to a 2006 crime spree in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill argued against giving Edwards and other non-unanimously convicted inmates retrials.

Cut 7 (08) “..verdict.”

Murrill said that in Edwards’ case his crimes are severe, had an eye witness, and included armed robbery, kidnapping, and rape. She also said Edwards ultimately confessed to committing the crimes.

An estimated 1,500 Louisiana inmates are behind bars right now due to non-unanimous convictions. Murrill said giving them all retrials would be a burden.

Cut 8 (09) “crimes”

But Belanger countered…

Cut 9 (09) “..right”

In 2018 Louisiana voters approved a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous verdicts. That law took effect in 2019 but was not retroactive.

______________________________________________

A homicide suspect out of Ohio was killed during a shootout with federal authorities at a motel in Pineville. 47-year-old James Edward Hawley, who also went by the alias of Ahmad Ben David, was wanted for the murder of 69-year-old Norma Matko and the disappearance of her 45-year-old daughter. FBI special agent John Fortunado

Cut 10 (06) “.arrest warrant”

An FBI agent was wounded during the exchange of gunfire. The missing woman. 45-year-old Thoue Nichole Bronowski was found alive in the apartment.

Fortunado says they knew Hawley was armed and dangerous based on the online photos he posted of himself with firearms

Cut 11 (07) “…some cops.”

Authorities say Bronowski was kidnapped last Wednesday and they believe her disappearance is linked to her mother’s death. Fortunado credits the work of the FBI office in New Orleans in helping to locate Hawley…

Cut 12 (11) “…they could” 

____________________

Entergy Louisiana is reportedly on track to produce enough power from solar plants to fuel 60,000 homes within the next three years. Entergy Louisiana Director of Resource Planning Jonathan Bourge says that started with a solar plant in West Baton Rouge Parish.

Cut 13 (11) “… resources”

Six of Entergy’s either constructed or planned sites are clustered in southeast Louisiana. Bourge says the area is just right for solar farming.

Cut 14 (08) “.forward” 

Entergy has issued a proposal to construct a solar energy farm in Morehouse Parish. If approved it would be the only site outside of southeast Louisiana in the state.

Windfarms and hydroplants are gaining in popularity in other parts of the country but Bourge says in Louisiana solar is the focus for renewable energy.

Cut 15 (10) “..energy” 

Southwest Louisiana breathes a sigh of relief as the 2020 Hurricane Season comes to an end. Matt Doyle spoke with Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter about the historic struggles his city faces…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

LSU’s best wide receiver Terrace Marshall has decided to end his college career and get ready for the NFL draft. Jeff Palermo has the story..

cut 2 (31) … I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

_____________________________

We will see the coldest temperatures of the season tomorrow morning with lows dipping into the upper 20s. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says if you use a space heater, make sure it’s at least three feet away from combustible objects and plugged directly into wall outlets

Cut 3 (10)  “…a fire”

Rodrigue says make sure you have a working smoke detector…

Cut 4 (11)   “…our website”  

Rodrigue also advises residents to get a carbon monoxide detector. She says if you have a chimney that can burn wood, make sure you have the chimney cleaned before starting a fire…

Cut 5  (10) “… too late” 

_____________________________________________

Southwest Louisiana says good riddance to the worst hurricane season in recent memory. Lake Charles and surrounding areas were hammered by Hurricane Laura in late August and then Hurricane Delta six weeks later. Mayor Nic Hunter says residents are still fighting to recover.

Cut 6 (09) “..pieces.”

Laura was tied for the most powerful storm to make landfall in Louisiana in recorded history. It brought horrendous wind damage that stretched from Cameron Parish all the way into Monroe. Delta produced heavy floods due to rain.

Hunter says the good news is that vital services have returned and major employers and industries in the area are committed to staying.

Cut 7 (12) “..back.”

Hunter says they don’t quite have a timeline on when life will fully return to normal but it’s likely to at least take months as debris still lines the streets.

Cut 8 (12) “.basis.”

_______________________________________________________

In Kenner, a 30-year old gas station clerk was brutally murdered early this morning after cooperating with two men that robbed the store. Kenner PD Lt. Michael Cunningham says Abd Del Ghader Sylla was killed when two men entered the station on Williams Boulevard as if they were shopping then approached the clerk with a gun and demanded cash.

Cut 9 (12) “…no reason.”

Kenner Police are asking for the public’s assistance as the suspects remain at large. Photos of the suspects are posted on the Kenner PD’s Facebook page; Cunningham says the gunman was wearing a white knit cap and black face mask.

Cut 10 (10) “…call us.”

Cunningham says surveillance video from the store shows Sylla cooperated with the suspects and no struggle ensued whatsoever, but still the clerk was shot while on his knees with his hands in the air.

Cut 11 (07) “…the street.”

You can call Kenner Police Department at (504) 712-2222 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111

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Today is Cyber Monday, one of the largest online shopping days of the year. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana says according to an Accenture Holiday Shopping Survey more people are shopping online this year than before.

Cut 12 (12) “…COVID disease.” 

Million says there are a few things you should do to make sure your online purchases are safe, for example, avoid popup windows and check for secure sites.

Cut 13 (12) “… it’s activated.”

Million says also look for the Better Business Bureau seal and click on it to see if they are an actual accredited member.

Another tip before you put that purchase in your shopping cart, Million says to compare prices but also check shipping dates so it will arrive on time. But most importantly Million says to use a credit card as opposed to a debit card, where the money comes directly out of your account.

Cut 14 (11) “…misrepresented” 

Also check return policies, especially on large items, you might be responsible for a restocking fee and shipping.

One sector that has seen an increase in sales this year despite COVID is the real estate industry, Brooke Thorington tells us how things are in the Bayou State

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Matt Doyle checks in with ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley for the state of the 5^th Congressional District run-off race ahead of Saturday’s election…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Today marks the end of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Matt Doyle spoke with State Climatologist Barry Keim about this record breaking year…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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According to Zillow, more homes are changing hands now than in the last 15 years, something that is hard to believe in a year of economic downturn. CEO of Louisiana Realtors Norman Morris says historically low mortgage rates are allowing many to become homeowners for the first time and existing homeowners to upgrade.

Cut 4 (12) “…larger home.”

Morris says some areas across the state are reporting quite an increase in sales compared to 2019, for example, in Northeast Louisiana, residential sales are up 13-percent, in the Central part of the state they’ve seen an increase of 16 million in sales, Northwest Louisiana is up 8-percent and the New Orleans market is up 15-percent.

Cut 5 (11) “…11 months.”

Morris says many buyers are looking for additional space to create a home office now that more employers are allowing workers to work from home during the pandemic.

Morris also credits Realtors for their adaptability to the changing market and embracing technology to show homes for a safer experience.

Cut 6 (10) “…COVID time.”

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The race for the open 5^th District Congressional seat will be decided Saturday with state lawmaker Lance Harris up against retiring Congressman Ralph Abraham’s former Chief of Staff Luke Letlow. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Letlow is the favorite given his substantial fundraising lead…

Cut 7 (10)  “…place.”

Harris has raised half a million dollars to Letlow’s 1.1 million.

But Stockley cautions against counting Harris out. He says this race is likely to come down to geography with Harris being from Alexandria and Letlow hailing from Ouachita Parish.

Cut 8 (10) “…election.”

Letlow secured 33 percent of the vote in the first round while Harris grabbed 17-percent, just nudging past Democrat Sandra Christophe’s to make the runoff.

Democratic candidates secured about a third of the vote in the primary, but Stockley says many of those voters will not cast a ballot in the December runoff…

Cut 9 (11) “…vote.

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A historic 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season ends today, one Louisiana residents will remember for a long time. State Climatologist Barry Keim notes the 30 total named storms broke the record of 28 set in 2005, and of those 30, five made landfall in Louisiana, another record.

Cut 10 (08) “…December”

12 named storms made landfall in the United States, also a record.

Southwest Louisiana is still recovering from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Keim says Laura tied for the honors of being the most powerful storm to make landfall in Louisiana in recorded history.

Cut 11 (11) “..parish”

Laura made landfall on August 27^th. After that ten named storms then developed in September, also a record, including one day where three named storms formed within six hours of each other, another record.

Keim also says we had a highly unusual number of dual landfalls, where named storms make landfall practically in the same place at different times.

Cut 12 (13) “.Louisiana”

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It wasn’t much of a football game, but it goes down as a Black and Gold victory as New Orleans defeated the quarterback less Denver Broncos 31-3. Because of COVID issues involving the Broncos QBs, Denver was forced to use a practice squad receiver and running backs as their quarterbacks. Coach Sean Payton summed it up well…

Cut 13 (06) “…it is what is”

The victory improves the Saints record to 9-2 and New Orleans starting quarterback Taysom Hill is not apologizing for taking advantage of the short-handed Broncos…

Cut 14 (12) “…get it” 

Hill only threw for 78 yards. But Payton says the game plan was to keep the ball on the ground…

Cut 15 (10)“…of that” 

Hill rushed for 44 yards and two touchdowns, while Latavius Murray led all rushers with 124 yards and two touchdowns. Denver completed just one pass and had 112 yards of offense.

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It was a rough night for LSU’s offense in 20-7 loss to Texas A-and-M on Saturday night. The Tigers rushed for just 36 yards and starting quarterback TJ Finley had another bad game on the road, throwing for 118 yards and two interceptions. Coach Ed Orgeron says the offensive line didn’t give Finley much help

Cut 16 (22) “..should of.”

After Finley threw a pick six, Max Johnson played a little better and threw for 113 yards and one touchdown. Orgeron said numerous times in the post-game that the Tigers need a better plan

cut 17 (17) “….better plan.”

LSU’s defense played well. They gave up a 52-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Spiller, but senior QB Kellen Mond was just 11-of-34 for 105 yards. Linebacker Micah Baskerville led the way with 12 tackles. He says the team plans to stick together

cut 18 (18) “…getting better”

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The 23rd ranked Ragin Cajuns won their fifth in a row as they beat ULM by 50. U-L Lafayette quarterback Levi Lewis accounted for five touchdowns in the 70-20 win. Coach Billy Napier says it was a good performance by the offense in their first game since November 14th…

cut 19 (21) “…Central Arkansas game”

Lewis threw for 147 yards and three touchdowns. Trey Ragas and Elijah Mitchell each rushed for over 90 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Kyren Lacy led the receivers with five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. Napier’s offense produced 511 total yards…

cut 20 (20) “…in mind”