The family of a teenager who was found dead in Iberia Parish after being reported missing under mysterious circumstances is calling for an independent investigation into what happened. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

________________________________

A study published in the journal Nature says climate change is causing hurricanes to retain their strength longer. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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After months of relative calm Louisiana appears to be facing a third wave of COVID. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

Civil rights activists and the ACLU demand an independent investigation into the death of a 15-year-old Black male who was found dead in an Iberia Parish sugar cane field.

An Iberia Parish Coroner’s report concluded that Quawan “Bobby” Charles drowned and that damage to his face was caused by wildlife, but ACLU of Louisiana head Alanah Odoms believes it may have been a hate crime.

Cut 4 (12) “…going on.”

Charles’ body has been sent to an independent forensics lab in Texas. A report from that lab is expected soon.

Charles’ parents have expressed serious concern with the lack of transparency and the slow pace of the investigation. Odoms says the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Department has provided little information to the family…

Cut 5 (08) “…life.”

Last week an Iberia Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing and there is little information that can be given out at this time, but the death is being investigated as a possible homicide.

Charles went missing on October 30^th in Baldwin. Odoms says it’s highly frustrating that Baldwin Police did not contact State Police about putting out an Amber Alert after being contacted by Charles’ family.

Cut 6 (05) “…there.”

Charles was found 20 miles away from his home in the field near Loreauville on November 3^rd.

_____________________________

An article in the journal Nature claims hurricanes are keeping their staying power longer once they make landfall, thus more inland destruction. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we know once storms make landfall, they are cut off from their energy source of warm water.

Cut 7 (11)  “…much longer.”

Keim says the study showed the average length of time it took a storm to weaken to two-thirds of its landfall strength in the 1960s was about 17-hours.

Cut 8 (04) “…same extent.”

Keim says a good example of longer staying power is Hurricane Laura, it made landfall as a Category 4 and was still at hurricane strength when it reached Shreveport 250-miles inland.

Keim says hurricanes are no longer seen as a coastal issue as warmer sea temperatures from climate change serve as an energy reservoir for storms.

Cut 9 (10) “…makes landfall.”

The study compared 71 Atlantic hurricanes with landfalls as far back from 1967.

_____________________________

Governor Edwards says he’s concerned about the recent spike in COVID cases and indicated that if it were to continue the state may have to move back to Phase Two or more.

The US has shattered total new daily case records throughout November, leading to new restrictions and lockdowns elsewhere in the country. Edwards says he hopes that’s not needed here…

Cut 10 (11) “…die.”

Edwards says unlike the first wave of cases in the spring if we were to begin running out of hospital capacity we couldn’t just send patients out of state right now.

Cut 11 (11) “…available.”

Edwards says we can avoid the fate much of the rest of the country is facing if we redouble our mask-wearing and social distancing efforts, and we need to start now if we want to get ahead of the virus.

Cut 12 (08) “…weeks.”

__________________________________

The Saints fell behind 10-0, lost quarterback Drew Brees to a rib injury, but still ended up beating San Francisco 27-13 for their sixth straight win. Brees took a big hit in the first half and that drew a roughing the quarterback penalty. He did not play in the second half. Coach Sean Payton

Cut 13 (12) “….made the switch”

Jameis Winston took over as the number one QB in the second half and led the Saints on an important fourth-quarter drive that resulted in a Alvin Kamara touchdown, his third of the day. Kamara says he knew Winston would be ready…

Cut 14 (12) “..one person.” 

Brees says he’ll take his injury one day at a time and he may have injured more than one rib. He wasn’t the only starter who got hurt on Sunday. Tre’Quan Smith and Josh Hill both left the game with a concussion. Payton says his team was able to adapt to the personnel changes…

Cut 15 (12)“.. playing well” 

____________________________________________________

The 24th ranked Ragin Cajuns are Sun Belt Western Division champs for a third consecutive season. U-L Lafayette clinched a spot in the conference title game with a 38-10 win over South Alabama. Coach Billy Napier says it was their best performance of the year as a football team

Cut 16 (23) “…tackled well.”

The Cajuns started off fast as they scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and had a balanced effort throughout with 254 yards rushing and 252 yards passing. The defense didn’t allow any points in the second half. Napier says it was nice to see his team take control early…

cut 17 (18) “…our plan”

The Cajuns will play in the Sun Belt Championship on December 19th against either Coastal Carolina or Appalachian State. But Napier’s team still has three regular-season games left before that contest…

cut 18 (18) “..continue to improve.”

____________________________________________________

Tulane won its third straight on Saturday as they had no trouble beating Army 38-12 at Yulman Stadium. Green Wave Coach Willie Frtiz says all three phases played well

cut 19 (20) “… clock”

Tulane will seek a fourth straight win on Thursday night when they visit 25th ranked Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane is 4-0 in the American Athletic Conference after beating previously 19th ranked SMU. Green Wave defensive end Patrick Johnson says Tulsa will be tough to beat…

cut 20 (07) “…next week now”

Instead of hosting number one ranked Alabama on Saturday, Tiger Stadium will be empty as a COVID-19 outbreak has sidelined the team. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (29) “  I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

Louisiana moves past 200-thousand coronavirus cases since the pandemic started after reporting nearly 35-hundred new cases on Friday. Don Molino has more…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”  

_____________________________

Three college football games involving teams from Louisiana have been postponed this weekend due to Covid-19 concerns. LSU, Louisiana Tech and ULM are each dealing with coronavirus cases on their team. The Tigers were scheduled to host Alabama. Athletic Director Scott Woodward says LSU could possibly move the Ole Miss game to December 19^th in order to play Alabama on December 5^th.

Cut 3 (09)  “…to me”  

LSU has already lost one home game this year when the matchup against Missouri was moved to Columbia due to Hurricane Delta.  Woodward says the school can’t afford to lose another home game because the university will miss out on millions of dollars.

Cut 4 (09)   “…program.”  

Woodward says there is only a small number of players who have tested positive, but many more are in quarantine. He says none of the players who have tested positive, have experienced a serious illness.

Cut 5  (14) “…vulnerable.” 

____________________________________________________

Gron Fuels is considering constructing a 9.2 billion dollar renewable fuel complex in the Port of Greater Baton Rouge.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the facility would produce clean-burning fuels and would utilize one of Louisiana’s cash crops.

Cut 6 (08) “…disesel”

The leftover soybean husks from the process could then be turned into cattle feed.

Pierson says the West Baton Rouge-based port is perfectly situated on the Mississippi River and already is built to handle the kinds of advanced logistics necessary to transport the complex’s product.

Cut 7 (10) “…products.”

If constructed the first phase of the project would be a 1.2 billion dollar investment. Once all phases are complete the facility would employ over 1,000 workers at an average salary of just under six figures.

A final investment decision is expected in 2021, and Pierson is feeling confident we will land it.

Cut 8 (09) “..positioned.

___________________________________________

Today’s COVID numbers for Louisiana are startling, 35-hundred, the highest the state has seen since the start of the pandemic in March.  Governor John Bel Edwards says they show an alarming trend two weeks after Halloween and the House Petition to overturn coronavirus restrictions in the state.

Cut 9 (07) “…the summer.”

News of a 90-percent effectiveness rate on a vaccine was released earlier this week, but the vaccine has yet to be approved and distributed. Edwards says it will be sometime before the vaccine can make a difference.

Cut 10 (13) “….recommendations.”

Edwards implored Louisianans to take precautions and to wear face masks. The CDC released a report this week that face masks also benefit the wearer. While Edwards is optimistic about the pandemic next summer and a vaccine, the present situation is dire.

Cut 11 (08) “….of Louisiana”

Governor Edwards will be holding a press conference at 3 pm today and LDH will unveil a new COVID dashboard.

___________________________________________

A new poll shows a tight race for the 2nd Congressional District should Congressman Cedric Richmond leave his seat to join the Biden administration.

LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s only a matter of time before we find out what job Richmond, a close ally of President-elect Biden, works next…

Cut 12 (10) “…comming” 

The 2^nd District is the state’s majority-minority district and it covers New Orleans and communities along the Mississippi River into north Baton Rouge.

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu leads in the poll, followed by City Councilwoman Helena Moreno, and State Senators Troy Carter, Cleo Fields, and Karen Carter Peterson…

Cut 13 (07) “…too soon.”

Landrieu is far out ahead of the pack, scoring 25 percent support in the poll but should he not run Moreno and Carter would be nearly tied for the lead.

Alford says should the highly coveted seat come open he expects things will get down and dirty pretty quickly.

Cut 14 (12) “…the ladder” 

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is tonight’s Undercover Boss on CBS. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

________________________________

If you want to visit a state park but roughing it is not your thing, then Lt Governor Billy Nungesser suggests Glamping.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

__________________________________________

Tulane University will soon be more accessible for low- and middle-income families in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_______________________________

The Mayor of Shreveport, Adrian Perkins, will feature on tonight’s episode of the long-running CBS hit Undercover Boss.

Perkins goes undercover and around town working shifts and mingling with city employees. He says the toughest gig he worked was at the fire department.

Cut 4 (12) “…fire.”

Perkins also worked with the police, park maintenance team, and at a youth recreation center.

Perkins plays “Wayne”, a man who looks nearly twice the 35-year-old’s age. The Mayor says no one suspected a thing…

Cut 5 (11) “…going for.”

Perkins says the show is going to be a lot of fun and pretty humorous but it comes with a good message.

Cut 6 (10) “…this city.”

Undercover Boss will air tonight at 8 PM on CBS.

_____________________________

Glamping is the latest trend to come to Louisiana State Parks. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the camping fad is an innovative partnership with Tentrr to increase accommodation options at eight state parks in the Bayou State. So what exactly is Glamping…

Cut 7 (08)  “…a heater.”

Nungesser says state parks have experienced a 45-percent increase in visits this year as part of the Sunshine Plan to revitalize the tourism industry and Glamping is the newest initiative. The 60 unique glampsites feature safari-style tents and queen-sized cots. The spacious tents are strategically placed in distinctive settings throughout the parks.

Cut 8 (06) “…of them.”

Nungesser wants to entice all tourists to enjoy Glamping. Tents that are wheelchair accessible, senior, and pet-friendly are also available to rent.

Glampers will also have access to park facilities such as showers and toilets.

Nungesser hopes to attract Glamping aficionados to the state and lure more Louisianans to the great outdoors for Staycations.  The budget-friendly trend will be available for December bookings beginning today

Cut 9 (07) “…pretty incredible.”

For more information go to www.LAstateparks.com/glamping

_____________________________

Tulane University will be more affordable and accessible next fall for low and middle-income Louisiana families. The Louisiana Promise initiative will allow students whose families make less than $100,000 to attend debt-free. Tulane President Michael Fitts acknowledges the private university’s tuition is costly.

Cut 10 (11) “…loan free.”

Tuition at the university is just shy of $51-thousand per semester.

Fitts says students come from all over the world and the country to attend Tulane, but only 11-percent of undergraduate students are from the Bayou State. The Louisiana Promise initiative will change that for Fall 2021 students.

Cut 11 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

Fitts says the future of Tulane and Louisiana are inextricably linked and the Louisiana Promise initiative is an investment both.

Cut 12 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

Tulane is partnering with community-based organizations to inform students of scholarship opportunities.

__________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry plans to appeal a ruling made Thursday by a state judge declaring a House petition overturning the Governor’s public health emergency order unconstitutional.

Landry says Judge William Morvant had already made up his mind before the hearing and positioned the case to be heard in the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Cut 13 (12) “….strikes.”

The case was triggered by the signing of a legislative petition in October by 65 Republican members of the State House that claimed to have the authority to end the ongoing pandemic restrictions and orders. The petition came after Legislative efforts to limit the Governor’s public health authority failed.

Morvant decided the petition was unconstitutional because it only involved one chamber of the Legislature, that being the House. Landry has this advice for petition supporters in the meantime…

Cut 14 (10) “…petition.” 

Last month Senate President Page Cortez says there was little support for a similar petition in the Upper Chamber because members did not believe the order should be overturned.

Edwards Administration Executive Counsel Matthew Block says the petition could have been dangerous had its constitutionality been upheld.

Cut 15 (11) “.. they’re working.”

Edwards has described the petition as “reckless” and “irresponsible”.

Block says it’s clear under the state constitution that you need both the Senate and House to create and enact laws.

Cut 16 (07) “…times.”

The 2003 statute that established the petition process had not been used by lawmakers or challenged, until now.

______________________________________

Linebacker Kwon Alexander is eligible to make his Saints debut on Sunday when New Orleans hosts San Francisco. The Saints acquired Alexander in a deal with the 49ers before the trade deadline. The former LSU Tiger is 30-years-old and was a Pro Bowler in 2018. Safety Malcolm Jenkins is impressed with Alexander’s athletic ability

cut 17 (15) “…better defense.”

After appearing in the Super Bowl last season, the 49ers have been hit with a bunch of injuries and enter Sunday’s game with a four and five record. Quarterback Drew Brees says he’s not taking San Fran lightly

cut 18 (18) “..doing that.”

The Saints enter the game relatively healthy as wide receiver Michael Thomas is set to play in his second straight game after missing six straight contests with ankle and hamstring injuries. Running Back Alvin Kamara says when Thomas is on the field, opposing defenses have to account for him…

cut 19 (15) “… it’s complimentary.”

FDA approval for a COVID vaccine could come as early as by the end of the year but most folks will not get a shot for months. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards wins a legal battle as a state judge rejects an effort by Republicans in the Louisiana House to cancel his emergency coronavirus orders. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

A Baton Rouge pediatrician faces a simple battery charge after he allegedly hit and verbally assaulted a Southern University student while she was walking near the LSU Lakes. Baton Rouge police spokesman Sergeant L’Jean Mckneely says 54-year old Shane McKinney was questioned yesterday after he was identified as a suspect.

Cut 3 (12)  “…battery arrest”  

McKinney issued a statement from his attorney claiming he’s innocent and allegations that he threw a punch and made racially offensive comments are not true.

Mckneely says so far they have not determined a motive that led to the incident.

Cut 4 (09)   “…chest area.”  

McKinney’s statement says the physician’s elbow contacted the accuser as she jogged by on a narrow sidewalk and that simple battery requires intentional use of force or violence. As for if the incident involved racial language Mckneely says they don’t have enough evidence.

Cut 5  (12) “…that charge.” 

McKinney’s attorneys are requesting anyone to come forward with video footage of the incident.

____________________________________________________

A number of coronavirus vaccines look like they’re nearing completion and state officials are game-planning how to make sure you can get one as soon as they are available.

State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says the first people to get a vaccine will be frontline healthcare workers who have contact with COVID patients.

Cut 6 (09) “…employees”

Right behind that group will be “essential workers”.

Welch says a vaccine could begin being administered to frontline healthcare workers at their workplace in Louisiana within days of it receiving FDA approval. Then for the general public…

Cut 7 (11) “…vaccine.”

Welch says there are indications that everyone in the general public will have access to the vaccine by late-spring.

There’s some concern that many folks just won’t trust the vaccine. Welch says the best way to address those fears is to show people the trial data proving the vaccine is safe.

Cut 8 (11) “..patients.”

Welch also mentioned that a robust adverse event reporting system is in place that would alert the public should concerns be raised about any of the many coming vaccines.

___________________________________________

Hurricane Zeta knocked out power to more than 480,000 Entergy Customers, and two weeks later power has been restored.  Entergy Spokesperson David Freese with Entergy says it took a large team to get power restored.

Cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana.”

Freese says their quick response was key in getting power restored quickly.

Cut 10 (08) “….storm “

Zeta marked the third major restoration effort in Louisiana following a hurricane. Freese says the utility company will seek other avenues before placing restoration fees on customers’ bills…

Cut 11 (08) “….assistance”

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State Judge William Morvant rules a petition signed by Republicans in the Louisiana House to end the governor’s coronavirus emergency order is unconstitutional. Loyola of New Orleans University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says not having the Senate back the petition was the key point…

Cut 12 (07) “…effect of law” 

Senate President Page Cortez did not urge Senators to sign the petition, because he didn’t think the state needed to loosen the restrictions.

Ciolino says today’s ruling is a victory for the governor, but the state’s highest court will likely have to weigh in…

Cut 13 (10) “…first ciruit.”

Today’s decision means the state’s mask mandate, limits on gatherings, and capacity restrictions on businesses remain in place. Ciolino says based on today’s ruling, Judge Morvant believes the emergency orders have the force the law, and the House and Senate must agree to revoke those orders…

Cut 14 (05) “…not sufficient.” 

Hurricane Zeta devastated citrus crops and nurseries in southeast Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

Veterans Day this year has prompted some ceremonies to be altered due to the pandemic, but it’s still important to honor the tradition. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

__________________________________________

A COVID outbreak on the LSU football team has led to the postponement and possible cancellation of this weekend’s contest in Tiger Stadium against Alabama. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (24)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

Hurricane Zeta did a lot of damage to citrus crops and nurseries in southeast Louisiana, the most hurricane damage suffered in the area since Katrina in 2005.

LSU Ag Center Horticultural Agent Joe Willis says growers lost 75 to 90 percent of the fruit in impacted areas.

Cut 4 (12) “..up”

Farmers were either mid-harvest for some fruits like satsumas or just weeks away from picking their harvest.

Willis says the late timing of the storm was brutal for vegetable farmers who had already transitioned to their fall crops. He says the damage is less than for the fruits, only about half were lost.

Cut 5 (09) “…planting”

Cauliflower in particular took a beating, with the top leaves being torn from the plants leaving them alive, but discolored and difficult to sell.

The worst damage was in the poinsettia crops. Willis says 95 percent of the holiday staple crop was lost in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 6 (07) “…crops”

_____________________________

As we honor veterans this veteran’s day, the Louisiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs says COVID has presented challenges to several observations in 2020. Veterans Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says ceremonies that are normally held at VA homes are closed to the public this year.

Cut 7 (08)  “…general public.”

Strickland says several schools are holding ceremonies across the state to honor vets and in Bossier City today a Women’s Veterans statue will be dedicated.

To assist Louisiana vets Strickland says the department works with several organizations whose sole focus is to place veterans in the workforce and now there is a new program to help vets become business owners.

Cut 8 (08)…or website”

Strickland says helping veterans during the pandemic has been a challenge for the department, not being able to meet in person and attend conferences, but they are doing the best they can.

Cut 9 (11) “…new challenge.”

PAVE website

https://www.opportunitylouisiana.com/small-business/special-programs-for-small-business/pathway-to-assist-veteran-entrepreneurs

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Governor John Bel Edwards announced a major technology agreement in northwest Louisiana Tuesday at LSU-Shreveport. The more than $3-million agreement with the university and LED will help advance students’ careers in technology at the Cyber Collaboratory.

Cut 10 (10) “…breathtaking.”

Edwards says LSUS is the fastest-growing higher education campus in the state and the new Cyber Collaboratory will only continue to attract new students.

Cut 11 (11) “…campus”

The expansion is not exclusive for technology students, Edwards credits Chancellor Larry Clark with allowing the Collaboratory to benefit students of all majors.

The LSUS technology agreement is the latest in a series of milestones along the I-20 Cyber Corridor. Edwards says when he visits the Nation’s Capital, leaders are impressed with growing advancements.

Cut 12 (09) “…corridor.”

__________________________________

Saturday’s LSU-Bama game in Baton Rouge has been postponed due to a COVID outbreak on LSU’s team.

CBS Sports National College Football Writer Dennis Dodd says it’s not a surprise that we would lose a game of this magnitude because despite team’s best mitigation efforts these college players aren’t living in a bubble…

Cut 13 (13) “….party.”

Cases are also spiking in over 40 states. Louisiana is doing better than most in the country but there’s an indication that cases in Louisiana are on the rise as part of the dreaded “Winter Wave.”

Rescheduling the game will be tough considering LSU already had to flex their Florida game into a later season bye-week. It’s a blow to the local economy and Dodd says it’s yet another blow to the program’s finances…

Cut 14 (08) “…more” 

Dodd says the cancellation also leads to a crisis of legitimacy for the College Football Playoffs if the SEC doesn’t manage to get a full season in.

Dodd says the rash of COVID outbreaks in the sport could result in New Orleans no longer hosting a first-round college football playoff game as officials seek to create a playoff bubble.

Cut 15 (10) “…of those”

____________________________

Even though we are seeing more and more canceled high school football games because of COVID-19, the LHSAA is moving forward with plans to have a postseason, with the championship games at the Superdome from December 26th to the 28th. Executive Director Eddie Bonine says teams must play four games to make the playoffs and the size of the playoff brackets will not change

Cut 16 (11) “..the constitution”

Bonine says schools with a COVID issue during the postseason will be removed from the bracket and their opponent will advance to the next round.

There are still two more regular-season games left. Bonine is glad they’ve made it this far with a vast majority of the games being played

cut 17 (24)   good”  

In December, the Saints are allowed to have 15-thousand fans at their home games. Bonine says he’s not sure the exact number that will be allowed in the Dome, but they’ll do what the local authorities ask…

cut 18 (22) ” the games”   

The Republican Attorneys General Association, headed by Louisiana AG Jeff Landry, asks the US Supreme Court to declare many Pennsylvania mail-in ballots illegal. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

Deployment ceremonies for the 256^th Brigade of the Louisiana National Guard began today as they depart for a yearlong mission. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul is confident they’ll find out what exactly happened on Saturday night when three of his officers had an encounter with freshman LSU wide receiver Koy Moore. Moore says he was harassed and violated by the cops who assumed he had a gun and drugs. Paul says their internal affairs investigators are leading the probe

Cut 3 (09)  “…this investigation”  

Paul says the law enforcement bill of rights gives the three officers, who have been placed on leave, 30 days to hire an attorney…

Cut 4 (12)   ” .the investigation”  

Paul says they are still collecting the facts and it’s too early to tell if the officers violated Moore’s civil rights. He says the officers face additional training and potential punishment if it’s found they treated Moore unfairly…

Cut 5  (10) “…as well.” 

____________________________________________________

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, head of the Republican Attorneys General Association, asks the US Supreme Court to hear a case challenging the legality of many Pennsylvania mail-in ballots.

Before the November 3^rd election the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that mail-in ballots that arrived after polls closed could be counted. Landry says those votes shouldn’t count.

Cut 6 (12) “…ballot”

Under the ruling, a vote could be counted as long as the mail-in ballot was postmarked by Election Day.

Landry says the lower courts allowing ballots received after 8 PM Election Day to be counted is like allowing referees to change the rules of a football game at halftime.

Cut 7 (10) “..the law”

President-Elect Joe Biden is currently winning the state by 45,000 votes. On election night he trailed significantly but caught up once a flood of mail-in ballots were tallied.

Landry says this challenge is about preserving election integrity.

Cut 8 (11) “.system”

Democrats argue the challenge is a partisan attempt to overturn election results that show an unambiguous win for President-Elect Biden. Should the US Supreme Court side with Landry and the state go to President Trump, Biden would still have enough electoral votes to win the Presidency.

___________________________________________

One of several deployment ceremonies for the 256^th Brigade of the Louisiana National Guard was held in Lafayette this morning. In total, about 2,000 soldiers are involved in the yearlong Middle East mission in support of U.S. Central Command. General Keith Waddell of the Louisiana National guard addressed members of the 141^st Field Artillery Regiment.

Cut 9 (08) “a hero”

Due to the pandemic, the ceremony was closed to soldiers only and live-streamed online. General Waddell expressed his gratitude to members of the Louisiana National Guard who have been extremely busy in 2020, assisting with pandemic response efforts and hurricane recovery.

Cut 10 (09) “…this year. “

Deployment ceremonies will continue over the next week for the 256^th Brigade. Soldiers will first report to Fort Bliss in El Paso for premobilization training before heading overseas to aid in the continued fight against ISIS.   General Waddell reminded servicemen of their mission.

Cut 11 (12) “…constitutionals rights”

___________________________________________

The state health department reported 13-hundred new coronavirus cases today bringing the state’s total to nearly 190-thousand. Governor John Bel Edwards says the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized also increased by 32 and the positivity rate on tests is also going up…

Cut 12 (04) “ to Louisiana” 

The total number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital is 684 and that’s up from 596 on November first. Edwards says many states have been experiencing a surge in cases this fall and he’s asking everyone to do their part to prevent the spread

Cut 13 (05) “…really, really important”

Edwards says we’ll eventually get past the pandemic and it was good news when Pfizer announced on Monday that their vaccine is showing 90-percent effectiveness. But the governor says we are looking at a month-long process to distribute the vaccine…

Cut 14 (06) “..real difference” 

Governor Edwards is pushing to have the state carbon-neutral by 2050. The Climate Initiatives Task Force met for the first time today to discuss how to make that happen…

Cut 1 (29) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

Saturday’s LSU football game versus number one ranked Alabama is in jeopardy, because of a COVID-19 outbreak involving the Tigers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Governor Edwards has signed a bill to allow clergy members into healthcare facilities to visit patients during public health emergencies. Freshman Minden Senator Robert Mills says his measure requires the state health department to craft rules and regulations for patient access.

Cut 3 (12)  “…these people”  

Healthcare facilities will also receive immunity from most civil lawsuits for injury or death for the exposure of clergy members to COVID or other infectious diseases. Mills says most clergy members do not have issue with  immunity.

Cut 4 (10)   ” ..in the patient”  

Mills is hoping to meet with public health officials and have rules in place in the next several months, he’s been informed it can be a long and tedious process. Mills says it was important that the intent of the bill be known.

Cut 5  (07) “…the case.” 

____________________________________________________

The Climate Initiatives Task Force met today to begin discussing how Louisiana could meet the Governor’s goals of reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chair Chip Kline says the task force will work to plot out a feasible path towards reducing emissions and provide education on how it can be done.

Cut 6 (09) “…prosperity”

Edwards is aiming for a 26 percent reduction in emissions by 2025, a 40 to 50 percent reduction by 2030, with the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Kline says the hard truth is that either we make substantial changes, or the climate will.

Cut 7 (09) “..every day”

The framework for emissions reductions follows the Paris Climate Accord agreement that states the world can only afford another 1.5 degrees of average global temperature increases or we risk catastrophic worldwide ecological collapse. President Trump exited the US from the agreement this month but President-Elect Biden has vowed to rejoin.

Kline says they’ve brought in stakeholders from the oil and gas industry to sit on the task force, but acknowledged it will be a challenge to get everyone on board.

Cut 8 (11) “..intensive”

___________________________________________

On a day the state eclipses 188-thousand reported COVID-19 cases, Pfizer says the early results from its coronavirus vaccine show the shot is 90-percent effective. Assistant Dean for Translational Research at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Dr. Lucio Miele, says 90-percent effectiveness is impressive

Cut 9 (09) “good news”

Pfizer study has not ended its study but it’s possible they could apply to the Food and Drug Administration later this month for emergency-use approval.

Miele says Pfizer used messenger-RNA technology to create a vaccine that prompts the immune system to make antibodies to prevent COVID. He says it’s among ten possible vaccine candidates in late-stage testing around the world…

Cut 10 (09) “…another one “

Miele says there’s still a lot we don’t know about these vaccine candidates and one of the bigger unknowns is how long can they provide immunity and how will the virus react…

Cut 11 (09) “…how quickly”

___________________________________________

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says he met with freshman wide receiver Koy Moore and his family after Moore stated he was violated by Baton Rouge Police Officers Saturday night. Moore, who is black, said that officers pulled guns on him and tried to unzip his pants as they suspected he had a gun and drugs in his possession. Orgeron says there is no place in America for racism or social injustice.

Cut 12 (09) “ .adminstrative leave” 

Moore claims officers backed off after he said he was an LSU football player. Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome has promised a thorough investigation and Police Chief Murphy Paul has already placed the three officers involved on administrative leave.

In addition to the investigation involving police and Moore, Orgeron also announced the team is dealing with another coronavirus outbreak days before playing number one ranked Alabama.

Cut 13 (11) “…Saturday night”

Orgeron says starters are among the group of players who are in quarantine. The coach would not say how many and he was asked if it was enough to appeal to the SEC to postpone the game.

Cut 14 (09) “..right now” 

Orgeron also said quarterback Miles Brennan is out for the Bama game and could miss the rest of the year due to an injury he suffered in the third game.

Before President-elected Biden moves into the White House he’ll decide on cabinet appointments and one Louisiana Congressman is most likely on the short-list.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “   I’m Brooke Thorington”

________________________________

The race for PSC Commissioner in District One is headed for a run-off. Brooke Thorington on the incumbent and his challenger

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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The Shell Convent refinery is set to cease operation at the end of the month and 700 jobs and 24 million dollars of tax revenue is on the line if a new buyer can’t be found. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

Louisiana Representative Cedric Richmond who was just re-elected for his six-term to Congress is a co-chair of President-Elect Joe Biden’s campaign team. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says Richmond’s close friendship with the former Vice President could parlay into an appointment.

Cut 4 (07) “…offer is”

Clancy says Richmond could be presented with several options to serve President-elect Biden like Senior Policy Director on the domestic front or…

Cut 5 (12) “…to Louisiana”

Clancy says another possibility for the New Orleans native could be an appointment as a trade representative.

Cut 6 (12) “…our state”

If Richmond is appointed a special election will be held to fill the 2nd Congressional Seat.

_____________________________

Incumbent Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta will face off with Allen Borne Jr. in the Dec. 5 runoff for the Louisiana regulatory body’s 1st District post.  Borne says he feels the PSC needs someone to look out for the interest of the people because it’s being ignored and he wants to help companies move towards green technology.

Cut 7 (11)  “…environment”

Eric Skrmetta says he’s running for third-term because he wants to continue to serve the public and he’s proud of making Louisiana’s utility rates one of the lowest in the country.

Cut 8 (07) “…them”

Borne says sister states, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia do not allow campaign contributions from the companies the PSC regulates, and Louisiana shouldn’t either. Borne says the incumbent accepts contributions from utility companies and it’s a conflict of interest.

Cut 9 (08) “…otherwise”

Skrmetta responds how can he be in the pocket of companies he regulates when he’s helped return rate credits of over a billion dollars to customers.

Cut 10 (09) “…personal attacks.”

Skrmetta garnered 31-percent of the vote to Borne’s 25-percent, five other candidates were also on the  November 3rd ballot.

The 1st District covers all or parts of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Tammany, Ascension, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes.

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President Donald Trump failed in his national reelection effort but once again won Louisiana handily, less than a year after Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards eked out a reelection win.

UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the President’s ten-point gain on Eddie Rispone’s 2019 numbers are a great reminder of the split between local and national politics.

Cut 11 (11) “..differently”

Trump won a near-identical 58 percent of the vote in both 2016 and 2020. Edwards won 51 percent.

Edwards won the classically Republican suburban stronghold of Jefferson Parish by 14 points in 2019, but in 2020 Trump once again comfortably won the parish…

Cut 12 (10) “…boxes”.

Cross says the results show how uniquely positioned the Governor was to triumph in the ruby red and getting even redder Louisiana.

Cut 13 (09) “…Louisiana”

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St. James Parish is still in shock after last week’s news that Shell would be shuttering their Convent oil refinery by the end of the month, a move impacting 700 jobs.

LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says Convent is a great site but all refineries are in a pickle right now, the primary reason being COVID.

Cut 14 (10) “… worse” 

A Shell statement says the closure was part of a companywide move towards more integrated sites and their lower-carbon future.

But Scott is optimistic that those the facility won’t be offline forever. He says it’s high tech, well maintained, and strategically located. He doesn’t expect Shell will have trouble finding a buyer.

Cut 15 (06) “… to sell”

Reports indicate Shell has been trying to sell the facility since July.

Scott says he is not concerned that the closure of the Convent site portends any greater trend towards future refinery closures and Louisiana is still positioned as one of the top refining states.

Cut 16 (10) “…big”

Scott warns if a buyer is not found those 700 jobs could impact over 5,000 other jobs statewide.

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The Ragin Cajuns are back in the AP Top 25 after beating Sun Belt West rival Arkansas State 27-20. Louisiana comes in at number 25 in the latest poll. On Saturday, the Red Wolves tied the game at 20 late in the 4th quarter on a long pass play, but the Cajuns quickly came back and Elijah Mitchell and scored on a two-yard touchdown run for the winning score. Coach Billy Napier

cut 17 (17)     should work”  

The Cajuns host South Alabama this Saturday.

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The Saints proved they are still the class of the NFC South last night as they conducted an absolute beat down of the Buccaneers trouncing Tampa Bay 38-3. New Orleans started fast as Drew Brees threw two first quarter touchdown passes and finished with four on the night as 12 different players caught passes. It was one of Sean Payton’s best nights as a play caller…

cut 18 (17) ” good football team”  

The Black and Gold’s defense made Tom Brady look bad as the future Hall of Famer was intercepted three times and finished with his third lowest passer rating in his career. Payton says they were locked in…

cut 19 (15) were playing”    

The Saints hit the halfway point of the season on a five-game winning streak, a six-and-two record overall and they’ve already completed a season series sweep over the Bucs. But Payton says they have to remain on top of their game…

cut 20 (16) beginning tomorrow”    

US Senator and physician Bill Cassidy believes a vaccine will be approved for COVID by the end of the year or January. Brooke Thorington has more on the approval process.

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Brooke Thorington”

________________________________

Shells’ Convent refinery will close by the end of the month. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor Edwards has extended the public health emergency order into December as the nation records record-breaking numbers of new cases. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

US Senator and physician, Bill Cassidy says currently there are four active COVID-19 vaccine trials going forward, Cassidy anticipates a vaccine will be approved by the end of the year or first of January and begin distribution.

Cut 4 (08) “…and effective”

Cassidy says an independent board, not the government or pharmaceutical companies, is monitoring the effectiveness of the vaccines and they will decide if the vaccines should move forward in the approval process.

Cut 5 (09) “…vaccine work”

Cassidy says then the FDA and independent board sends their findings back to the company producing the vaccine.

Cut 6 (05) “…market it”

_____________________________

Shell announces it will shutter its Convent refinery by the end of the month, laying off 700 workers and costing the St. James Parish government an estimated 24 million dollars a year in tax revenue.

The facility has been around since 1967 and accounts for an estimated 27 percent of local tax revenues. Parish President Pete Dufrense (Doo-Fren) says the hit to services will be substantial.

Cut 7 (11)  “..first”

The closure will cost 3.8 million to local law enforcement, 8.7 million to the school system, and 6.7 million in parish government Ad Valorem tax loss.

Dufresne says Shell told the parish the closure was due to the site’s lack of profitability and that they have been working to find an interested buyer for the location since July.

Cut 8 (13) “…reopen”

Those working at the facility will remain employed until February of next year and Shell says they will attempt to place them elsewhere in the company, potentially at Norco, Geismar, Port Allen, or other sites throughout the state. Shell employs about 4,000 Louisianans.

St. James Sheriff Willy Martin says the company has committed to cleaning out the facility.

Cut 9 (10) “…shutdown”

The official Shell statement on the closing reads “The decision is part of the company’s global strategy to invest in a core set of uniquely integrated manufacturing sites that are also strategically positioned for the transition to a low-carbon future.”

___________________________________________________

Governor Edwards extends the current Phase Three pandemic public health restrictions until December 4^th.

This comes as opponents are challenging the orders in court. Edwards says it’s vital we continue to keep our caseloads down as the rest of the country experiences explosive increases.

Cut 10 (08) “…progress.”

Next Thursday a Baton Rouge Judge will hear arguments in a case determining the constitutionality of a State House petition that claims to override the public health emergency declaration.

Fifteen states set new daily records for cases yesterday and the nation as a whole saw 100,000 new positive tests. Governor Edwards notes we’re actually doing pretty well comparatively.

Cut 11 (09) “…standing”

Edwards says our current plateau of cases and hospitalizations is higher than the early summer though that saw us at our lowest transmission rates since the pandemic began.

Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says much of the rise is being traced back to small, intimate gatherings between friends and family where people aren’t masking up.

Cut 12 (10) “…elsewhere”.

Kanter says Thanksgiving is right around the corner and our current standing is tenuous at best. He says residents should begin asking themselves if getting together is really worth it.

Cut 13 (08) “…will be”

Louisiana hospitalization numbers have been slowly rising and are now at 636 their highest number since mid-September.

_____________________________________________________

Eyes are once again on the tropics as Tropical Depression* Eta is expected to move into the Western Caribbean after punishing Central America and re-intensity into a Tropical Storm. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Eta is predicted to track northeastward and cross Cuba on Sunday, then the National Hurricane Center has it tracking northwestward back into the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 14 (06) “… is 2020” 

Keim says there’s a lot of uncertainty with this storm but if Eta holds true to form…

Cut 15 (10) “… to Louisiana”

Keim says Eta is definitely taking an unusual path, the National Hurricane Center has Eta crossing the Caribbean, Cuba and headed straight to Florida and then a hard left into the Gulf over the next five days.

Cut 16 (07) “…bares watching”

_______________________

The Saints will battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday night in a game that will go a long way towards deciding who will win the NFC South. The Bucs are 6-2 and playing great on defense. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees says he plans to use all his weapons on offense to move the football…

cut 17 (14)     the ball”  

One of the Saints’ biggest weapons is receiver Michael Thomas, who has missed most of the season with an ankle injury.  Thomas has a chance to play on Sunday and Brees says he’s excited to have him in the lineup.

cut 18 (20) ” lineup”  

Thomas’ return will surely help the passing game, which is important because rushing yards might be hard to come by against this defense. The Bucs have the best run defense in the NFL, allowing just 70 yards on the ground a game. Running back Alvin Kamara explains why the Bucs are so good at stopping the run.

cut 19 (20) the run”    

The Trump campaign files election lawsuits in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

An LSU Health New Orleans Study in conjunction with John Hopkins finds the rates of myocarditis and COVID are not as prevalent and previously reported.  Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

__________________________________________

Home insurance rates will go up next year due to the historic hurricane season Louisiana suffered. Matt Doyle has more

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

President Trump’s campaign has filed lawsuits in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia over concerns poll watchers are not getting enough access to make sure votes are properly counted and raise absentee ballot concerns. Tulane Law Professor Stephen Griffin says it appears the Trump campaign opposes the counting of certain ballots.

Cut 4 (10) “…day”

The suits also seek greater access for campaign poll watchers into the locations where ballots are being counted. The campaign also wants to be given access to verify the legitimacy of already counted ballots.

The campaign has insinuated there’s been an issue with the counting of votes, but Griffin says unless they can demonstrate a clear violation they don’t really have a case.

Cut 5 (10) “…lawsuit”

Suits by local party groups are ongoing in other swing states, along with an inquiry into poor postal service delivery rates for mailed-in ballots in key states.

Griffin says even if courts oppose this initial wave of lawsuits it is likely this election will end up being very litigious…

Cut 6 (05) “…litigation”

Because states do not have to certify their results for weeks Griffin warns this legal battle could drag out for quite some time.

_____________________________

The 2020 football season for several NCAA schools was in jeopardy after reports of myocarditis linked to COVID-19. In an abundance of caution, some schools chose to delay or sit out the season altogether. But an LSU Health New Orleans study shows COVID attacking the heart is not as prevalent as once thought. Professor Richard Vander Heide…

Cut 7 (11)  “…myocarditis”

LSU Health New Orleans and researchers at John Hopkins gathered reported data of cardiovascular pathological findings from patients in nine countries. Previous studies with larger rates of myocarditis were from MRI data only, not autopsies. Dr. Vander Heide says their study found rates between one and seven percent.

Cut 8 (09) “…in COVID”

However, Vander Heide says low rates of myocarditis doesn’t mean individuals infected with COVID are not having cardiovascular issues as a result.

Cut 9 (11) “…about yet.”

The authors of the study also created a checklist for pathologists to use going forward when evaluating COVID in an autopsy for consistency in reporting findings.

___________________________________________________

In the Bayou State, women represent 30 percent of candidates overall, and according to Louisiana Women Lead, just a third of those female candidates stand for center-right ideals. Renee Amar Executive Director of Louisiana Women Lead says that needs to change.

Cut 10 (09) “…right woman.”

Amar says while research shows women win races as much as men, women only make up 18-percent of the legislature in the state. Amar says recruiting female candidates is difficult.

Cut 11 (11) “…running for office”

Amar says young mothers face barriers running for office such as lack of adequate childcare and many females lack the guidance on how to enter the political ring, Women Lead is working to make that easier.

Cut 12 (11) “…tools available”.

Women Lead is hosting an online event to recruit right-centered women to run for office on Friday, November 6^th For more information visit LouisianaWomenLead-dot-org.

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon warns this year’s incredibly active hurricane season will result in home insurance price increases of up to ten percent. Donelon says the last devastating season in 2005, statewide home insurance premiums went up 12 percent in 2006.

Cut 13 (07) “…amount”

Donelon says unfortunately there was no avoiding the increases given the scale of the damage.

Cut 14 (09) “… years ago” 

Donelon says 15 years ago when rates went up after 2005 they rose for three to four years before settling. So, should we expect that to happen again?

Cut 15 (05) “..season”

_______________________

The Ragin Cajuns play their first home game since October 14th when they host Arkansas State for homecoming on Saturday. Louisiana is 5-1 while the Red Wolves are 3-and-4 and have lost two in a row and scored just 17 points in those two defeats. But Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says Arkansas State is more than capable

cut 16 (18) “ as well”

Layne Hatcher and Logan Bonner have been sharing the quarterback duties for Arkansas State. Napier says both guys have experience and have shown the ability to move the ball down the field…

cut 17 (15)      on that”  

_________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers are using the bye week to work on themselves after suffering a 37-point loss to Auburn. Coach Ed Orgeron still believes he can bring another championship to Baton Rouge, but they need to fight through this difficult time…

cut 18 (17) ” football team”  

________________________________________________________

The Saints are preparing for a big Sunday night matchup versus their division rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  The Bucs have one of the top defenses in the entire NFL and Coach Sean Payton explains what makes that unit so good.

cut 19 (10)    “protect” 

The Saints beat Tampa Bay 34-23 in the season opener. Payton says the Bucs offense has improved since then.

cut 20 (13) “football team”