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

_____________________________

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”  

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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” 

__________________________________________

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.

___________________________________________________

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”

_____________________________________________________

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.

_______________________

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.

______________________________________

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” 

__________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________________

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”

Voters could elect a new member to the U-S House of Representatives today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

A new law to allow Louisiana election officials to count absentee ballots four days in advance anticipates delivering results sooner than later. Brooke Thorington explains.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_____________________________

Voters in northeast and central Louisiana and the Florida parishes will select a new Congressman for the 5th district today. There are nine candidates seeking to replace Republican Ralph Abraham, who did not seek re-election. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Abraham’s former chief of staff Luke Letlow has run a strong campaign

Cut 3 (07)  “…radio print”  

Stockley says the question is whether Letlow will end up in a run-off with a Republican or Democrat or win outright. Stockley says state representative Lance Harris, a Republican from Alexandria could get enough support to force a runoff…

Cut 4 (07)   ” from Alexandria   

Stockley says it appears Martin Lemelle, who is the chief operating officer at Grambling State, has the best chance as a Democrat to get in a runoff…

Cut 5 (10) “.Luke Letlow” 

The other Democrats in the race are Candy Christophe, Jesse LaGarde and Phillip Snowden. The other Republicans in the race are Allen Guillory, Matt Hasty, and Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson.

____________________________________________________

Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says due to the extensive COVID-mitigation measures in place it is safe to go to the polls today.

Kanter says the risk level is about equivalent to going to the grocery but just like the grocery everyone who attends must mask up. He has this message for those who refuse to wear a mask in line…

Cut 6 (12) “…sick”

Kanter says it’s vital that you keep at least six feet away from everyone else in line, and limit your exposure by knowing what’s on the ballot before you go in to vote.

Cut 7 (11) “…should”

The Secretary of State recommends you download the GeauxVote Mobile App, read and then fill out your ballot on the app then bring it into the booth with you.

Kanter says he early voted and was very impressed by how much effort is going into making sure the voting experience is safe for everyone.

Cut 8 (10) “..distance”

Polls are open until 8 PM today but as long as you are in line by 8 PM you will be allowed to vote.

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Mail ballots are up an estimated 165-percent for this election in Louisiana, compared to the last Presidential election in 2016. But state officials are hoping this will not lead to a delay in getting complete results thanks to a law passed in the most recent special session, authored by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt.

Cut 9 (09) “election day”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says it’s a time-consuming process to verify absentee ballots by names and signatures. But Hewitt says election workers got a head start with the ability to prep absentee ballots four days in advance

Cut 10 (13) “…actual ballot”

As of Monday, before the 4:30 p.m. deadline, 180-thousand absentee ballots have already been returned to the registrar of voters, almost double the record set in the July 11^th election.  Hewitt received input from election officials to change absentee ballot procedures.

Cut 11 (10) “…the election.”

Officials anticipate the only delay with results tonight would be if precincts close late due to a long line of voters still waiting to cast their ballot after polls close at 8 p.m. Everyone in line before polls close will be allowed to vote.

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It’s Election Day and the roughly half of voters nationwide who haven’t already cast a ballot are flocking to the polls for the Trump vs. Biden Presidential election.

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says we may know a winner tonight but if it’s close there are a few swing states that could really drag this out.

Cut 12 (06) “ .called” 

Those states adopted heavy vote by mail programs for this election, and most of them have little to no experience processing that volume of mail-in ballots.

Couvillon says avid poll watchers should keep a close eye on the results out of North Carolina and Florida tonight which could give us an early idea of who will win…

Cut 13 (11) “…counting them”

Both Florida and North Carolina are polling within the margin of error.

Couvillon says Biden is favored to win because the President has the tougher task in that he’s unlikely to expand his 2016 electoral map and is playing defense across a wide range of states.

Cut 14 (11) “Georgia” 

The final polls of the cycle show the President facing substantial deficits in the “Blue Wall” northern Midwest states and running neck and neck in the traditionally red Georgia.

Louisiana’s flood protection systems weathered five named storms this year and appear to be doing ok. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A UNO Survey shows Governor Edwards has a 56-percent job approval rating. Brooke Thorington has more

cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority believes the state’s flood protection systems are in good shape after tested by a record hurricane season.

CPRA Chief of Engineering Rudy Simoneaux says one problem area was the Burrito Levee in Grand Isle that breached during Zeta. He says it will need some repairs.

Cut 3 (10)  “…levee”  

The Burrito Levee is a seven-mile, 13-foot tall structure of dry clay covered in tarp protecting the city that faces the Gulf. Despite the breach, most Grand Isle homes are reportedly ok due to being highly elevated on stilts.

Simoneaux says this week they’re aiming to get down into lower Terrebonne Parish near Cocodrie where the storm made landfall for further inspections.

Cut 4 (09)   “storm”   

Simoneaux says a lot of the projects out in southwest Louisiana did pretty well despite being hammered by Laura and Delta.

Cut 5 (09) “.also” 

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Amendment 7 on the statewide ballot would protect unclaimed property money in a new trust fund. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says each year if new collections entrusted to the Treasurer exceed what’s collected by rightful owners, the difference goes into the state’s general fund.

Cut 6 (11) “…general fund”

Scott says in the past the Treasurer’s Office on average would locate approximately 25-thousand owners annually, but now Treasure John Schroder with new technology and more staff is locating 250-thousand owners a year. So there is less excess to go to the general fund.

Cut 7 (11) “…general fund”

Unclaimed property consists of for example your grandmother purchased you a CD and the bank couldn’t find you, it’s then turned over to the state…

Cut 8 (12) “..to the state”

Proponents of the Amendment say it protects money that belongs to the people. Opponents say the program has existed for close to 50 years and has never had more claims than collections in a year.

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A UNO Research Center survey indicates a 56-percent job approval rating for Governor John Bel Edwards. The random poll of 755 respondents asked participants to rate his job performance and also questioned about COVID-19.  Research Center Director, Professor Ed Chervenak…

Cut 9 (11) “job approval”

Chervenak says 67-percent of respondents feel COVID is a serious problem and that is proportionate with Edwards job approval rating.

Cut 10 (11) “overwhelmingly disapprove”

A gender gap is present in the job approval ratings of the Democratic governor. Half of the males surveyed favored the governor’s job performance while 61-percent of females approved. Chervenak says nationally women tend to vote democrat.

Cut 11 (09) “…Republican State.”

The survey was conducted on October 22

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Power should be back on for most Zeta-impacted customers by Wednesday but could be out for pockets of customers in the lower southeast parishes until Saturday according to Entergy.

Entergy CEO Phillip May says the lower portions of Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Jefferson, and Lafourche Parishes took a real beating.

Cut 12 (07) “ .damage” 

The election is Tuesday and May says for polling stations that don’t have power by then, they will provide “power pods” that can power the station for the day.

Cut 13 (07) “…available”

But May says the priority right now is restoring electricity to those polling stations and getting them back on the grid.

Cut 14 (10) “pods” 

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Senator Bill Cassidy faces his first reelection effort with Democrat and Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins his biggest threat on tomorrow’s ballot. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana State Police has a new Superintendent, 25 year LSP vet Lamar Davis. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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LSU’s Law School and Innocence Project New Orleans receive a Department of Justice grant to establish a Wrongful Conviction Clinic. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Senator Bill Cassidy is up for another six-year term in the Senate on the Tuesday ballot facing 14 challengers headlined by the Democratic Mayor of Shreveport Adrian Perkins.

Cassidy says if given another term he’ll focus on reducing healthcare costs, improving the VA, and passing a substantial infrastructure package that would spur construction across the state.

Cut 4 (12) “Louisiana”

Cassidy won the seat in 2014, defeating incumbent three-term Democrat Mary Landrieu 56-44.

But Perkins says Louisianans need a leader in D.C. who will prioritize COVID-related issues like reinstating federal unemployment benefits and winning aid for struggling local governments.

Cut 5 (10) “…career”

Perkins, a Harvard grad, became the youngest mayor in Shreveport history when he won in 2018. It was also his first foray into politics.

The Democrat has hammered Cassidy for his vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act early in the Trump presidency.

Cut 6 (09) “Louisianans”

Cassidy, a doctor, doesn’t regret his vote for repealing what he called the “Unaffordable Care Act”. He says middle-class families can’t pay Obamacare premiums, but even so, he’s worked to fix that…

Cut 7 (09) “year”

Limited polling show Perkins as the top Democrat in the race with Baton Rouge activist Antoine Pierce in 3rd. A potential run-off would be held on December 5th if no candidate wins over 50 percent.

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State Police Captain Lamar Davis has been promoted to LSP Superintendent, replacing Col. Kevin Reeves who retired after three years running the department. Governor John Bel Edwards says Davis is a 25 year LSP vet who has worked a lot of different jobs in the department.

Cut 8 (06) “..technology.”

Reeves is ending a 30-year career with State Police. Edwards says this retirement has been planned for about a year and is not related to the ongoing investigation into the May 2019 death of Ronald Greene, a black man who died while in State Police custody. Green’s family alleges he had been brutalized by officers leading to his death.

Edwards, a former paratrooper, says he’s a fan of Davis’ military background.

Cut 9 (12) “Guard”

Davis also has an undergrad and master’s degree from Southern University.

Edwards says it’s a tough time for anyone to step into the position but Davis has his confidence and approval.

Cut 10 (06) “…colleagues”

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A department of Justice grant to the LSU Law Center and Innocence Project New Orleans will establish a Wrongful Conviction Clinic at the school. Assistant Dean of Experiential Education Robert Lancaster says the half a million grant will allow students to learn about the causes and remedies of wrongful convictions and procedures.

Cut 11 (08) “wrongfully convicted”

Lancaster says the Clinic will allow IPNO to expand its capacity to review cases, locate evidence, and conduct DNA testing. It will also allow LSU Law students to gain practical experience.

Cut 12 (10) “in-law school”.

Lancaster says the goal is to enroll six to eight law students, each semester in the program.

Cut 13 (11) “practice rule”

As of October 2020, IPNO has already assisted in the exoneration or freeing of 36 innocent individuals who’ve spent a combined total of more than 873 years in prison. 

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The Saints won their fourth straight last night pulling off a hard-fought victory in Chicago by beating the Bears 26-23 in overtime on a Wil Lutz 35-yard field goal. It was redemption for Lutz, who missed a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter, his first miss of the season…

Cut 14 (13)     “go through” 

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns on a windy night. Alvin Kamara had 163 total yards and the defense sacked Nick Foles five times and intercepted him once. During the Saints’ four-game winning streak, each victory has been by six points or less. Safety Malcolm Jenkins says they knew they would have to grind this victory out…

Cut 15 (14) “.each other”

The Saints are 5-2 and tied with Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South. The Buccaneers visit the Giants tonight and host New Orleans next Sunday night.

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The Ragin Cajuns rolled up a season-high 614 yards of offense in a 44-34 win over Texas State. Quarterback Levi Lewis threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns and Trey Ragas rushed for 131 yards and three scores. Coach Billy Napier says the offense needed to play well after giving up a season-high 34 points

cut 16 (14) “ skill groups”

Louisiana Tech ended a two-game losing streak on Saturday with a wild 37-34 double-overtime victory over UAB. The Bulldogs trailed by two touchdowns entering the fourth quarter and tied the game with 10 seconds left and won the contest on a 35-yard field goal by Jacob Barnes. Coach Skip Holtz says it was a strange game, but a big win…

cut 17 (23)   stepped up”

Tech travels to Denton on Saturday to face North Texas.

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There is a lot to dissect following LSU’s embarrassing 48-11 loss to Auburn on Saturday. The offense could only rush for 32 yards and Freshman quarterback TJ Finley struggled in his first road start as he threw two interceptions and also fumbled which led to an Auburn touchdown. Coach Ed Orgeron you can’t pin this loss on Finley or Max Johnson who threw one touchdown pass in mop-up duty…

cut 18 (18) ” of protection ” 

LSU’s defense struggled again on Saturday allowing Auburn quarterback Bo Nix to throw for 300 yards and three TDs. The War Eagles also rushed for 206 yards and LSU’s defense failed to record a sack. With the Tigers off this Saturday could they make a decision with defensive coordinator Bo Pelini? Orgeron says do not expect any midseason coaching changes…

cut 19 (10)    “everything” 

LSU’s next game is November 14th against second-ranked Alabama. Linebacker Jabril Cox says they can’t dwell on this loss…

cut 20 (13) “two weeks”

Louisiana State Police has a new Superintendent, 25 year LSP vet Lamar Davis. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Media outlets have reported that the New Orleans police officer who was shot in the face by a man in a pedicad is officer Trevor Abney.  Abney is considered to be in serious but stable condition after the man fired numerous shots into the windshield of his police cruiser.  Abney has been with NOPD since joining as a recruit in 2015.  Abney was taken to a local area hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.

Officials are optimistic that the power won’t be out for much longer in southeast Louisiana for most customers.  Crews have been working around the clock to restore power outages due to hurricane Zeta.  Entergy CEO Phillip May says Zeta delivered heavy wind damage in many places but thankfully didn’t damage core pieces of the Entergy grid. That being said…

Cut 13 (08) “…forth”

McNeese State plans on students returning to campus for the 2021 spring semester despite the damage done by the recent hurricanes.  President Daryl Burckel says students, faculty, and alumni can keep track of the rebuild process by visiting come-home-cowboys-dot-com.

Cut 5 (11) “fully complete”