Matt Doyle spoke with Republican House Minority Whip Steve Scalise about President-elect Joe Biden’s proposed 1.9 trillion dollar economic stimulus and COVID relief plan…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

Pointe Coupee Parish native Lieutenant General Russel Honore will oversee the investigation of  Capitol security after the January 6^th riot where protesters stormed the building. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health reports the first confirmed case of the more infectious U.K. variant of coronavirus in the state. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

__________________________

The incoming Biden Administration has proposed its first priority for the Democratic-controlled Congress, a 1.9 trillion dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus plan.

A 350 billion dollar chunk of that would assist local and state governments who have seen their budgets battered by COVID. Republican Congressman, and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise…

Cut 4 (10) “…COVID”

The proposal also includes upping federally boost unemployment payments from 300 dollars to 400 dollars a week and extending them, along with the eviction moratorium, through the end of September.

The plan also includes big expansions of the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and a 1,400 dollar stimulus check. Scalise calls the big-spending so soon after December’s COVID bill unnecessary.

Cut 5 (12) “…approach.”

Also included is a call for an increase in the minimum wage to 15 dollars an hour, and an end to the tipped minimum wage. Scalise says that would end up sending a lot of jobs to China.

Cut 6 (09) “…workforce

Democrats hold a slim majority in both the House and Senate and could pass the proposal along party lines.

________________________

Lieutenant General Russel Honore has been appointed to oversee the investigation of Capitol Security after protestors stormed the building on January 6^th. LSU Communications Professor Bob Mann says the Pointe Coupee Parish native, is by far the best choice.

Cut 7 (10)  “…sees them.”

Honore is best known for the leadership he provided as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, following the historic hurricane in 2005. He retired from the Army in 2008. Mann says his retirement will assist with the investigation.

Cut 8 (10) “…in this.”

Mann says the investigation requires the combined efforts of several law enforcement agencies and Honore’s experience in chaos and respect from both political parties makes him ideal for the job.

Cut 9 (10) “…as Honore.”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi named Honore to the position on Friday calling for an immediate review of the Capitol’s security infrastructure, and interagency processes and procedures. 

________________________________

Louisiana has discovered its first case of the new, more infectious U.K. variant of the coronavirus.

The new variant is about 50 percent more infectious than the dominant strain in the state right now, but LSU Health New Orleans Assistant Dean of Translational Science Lucio Miele says viruses have evolutionary pressure to grow more infectious…

Cut 10 (07) “…month”

The CDC warns the UK variant will likely become the dominant strain of coronavirus in the U.S. by March.

Miele says this is one of several new branches of the virus that have been discovered in recent months. They all share one thing in common…

Cut 11 (07) “..spreading.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports they are trying to isolate those who’s been in contact with the new mutation, but it is likely that strain is already circulating through the state.

Miele says the good news is that so far it looks like our vaccines protect against the new strain, and if the virus mutates further they’ll be ready to respond…

Cut 12 (09) “…infectious.”

______________________________________________

The Saints season is over and a Hall of Fame career could be over too. In the third matchup of the season, Tampa Bay got the better of New Orleans beating the Black and Gold 30-20 in what could be quarterback Drew Brees’ final game. It was a difficult year for Brees and another tough home playoff loss, but he’s happy for the journey

Cut 13 (12) “….given to me”

Brees was asked in the postgame if this was his last game, but the 42-year-old was not ready to announce a decision on Sunday night. If this was a Brees’ final game, it ends with him throwing three interceptions

Cut 14 (13) “…those turnovers.” 

The Saints had four turnovers on the night and it led to 21 Tampa Bay points. Coach Sean Payton says it’s hard to win postseason games when you do that

Cut 15 (14)“…to win.”

Payton and Brees arrived in New Orleans together in 2006 as the city was just beginning its long recovery from Hurricane Katrina. The two guided New Orleans to the NFC Championship game that season and won a Super Bowl three seasons later. Payton was asked about what Brees has meant to the organization, but the coach says he can give that answer in the future

Cut 16 (11) “…right time”

Louisiana Tech’s Forever Loyal Campaign proves donors are Forever Generous by exceeding their goal and raising $171 million. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

_______________________________________

State and federal law enforcement agencies say they are prepared for this weekend’s planned demonstrations and will be monitoring the situation at the State Capitol. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

So far only one Louisianan has been arrested for participating in the riot at the Capitol last week, 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon of Lafayette.

Gordon isn’t accused of being violent, only of misdemeanors, but legal analyst Tim Meche says everyone at the Capitol that day who gets caught will pay a price…

Cut 3 (12)  “..accountable”

One police officer was beaten to death with a fire extinguisher and another committed suicide several days after. Federal prosecutors also allege some involved in the riot were actively plotting to assassinate elected officials.

Gordon got charged after admitting to the Advocate that he was inside the Capitol that day as part of the protest. There’s also a video circulating of Gordon discussing the day…

Cut 4 (08) “…happening” 

Gordon told the Advocate that he was able to wander the Capitol for nearly two hours, but says he didn’t vandalize anything and remained peaceful.

Meche says Gordon may not be the only Bayou State native who gets arrested…

Cut 5  (12) “…event” 

Gordon was charged Thursday with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority, and one count of demonstrating in the Capitol.

___________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech’s Forever Loyal Campaign and exceeded its goal and raised more than $171 million for the University.  LA Tech President Dr. Les Guice says the campaign which began November 2018 originally set out to raise $125 million.

Cut 6 (10) “..raise funds”

Guice credits the Loyal Tech family, who has been impacted by the University for the success of the campaign.

Guice says the funds have already been used to assist students and they have other infrastructure projects are the works.

Cut 7 (11) “…needs.”

The La Tech campus was heavily damaged on April 25^th of 2019, by an EF3 tornado, the majority of that damage was to athletic facilities. Guice says the unfortunate event spurred donations to the campaign.

Cut 8 (12) “…they say.”

Guice says parts of that significant donation of $1-million went towards helping students and staff who were affected by the tornado.

More than 23,500 donors made more than 100-thousand individuals donations.

_____________________

Governor Edwards asks everyone participating in this weekend’s protests to stay peaceful and follow the law.

Law enforcement agencies report they will be closely monitoring demonstrations at the State Capitol this weekend. Edwards says the state will protect your right to protest, but not to riot.

Cut 9 (10) “…law”

State Police and other law enforcement agencies including the FBI released a joint statement saying they are monitoring the situation but have not identified any specific or substantiated threat to life or property.

Edwards touted the fact that election protestors have been holding demonstrations at the State Capitol for weeks without issue, hopes they will continue to do so, and not behave like the Capitol Hill mob.

Cut 10 (10) “…The United States.”

Federal Prosecutors now allege the some involved in the Capitol Hill mob intended to capture and assassinate specific elected officials.

Edwards asks anyone attending a protest this weekend to wear a mask.

Cut 11 (11) “… environment”

_____________________________

The Saints and Buccaneers will meet for a third time on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game. In the two regular-season meetings, the Saints allowed just 13 points a game and they’ve intercepted Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady five times. Brady has a lot of respect for the New Orleans defense

Cut 12 (11) “…long time” 

Tampa Bay finished the regular season with the N-F-L’s number one rush defense. Saints Offensive tackle Terron Armstead on what the Buccaneers do well….

Cut 13 (12)“..run game”

This will be the third meeting this season between the Saints and Buccaneers. Armstead says they’ll stick with what they’ve done all season…

Cut 14 (09) “.a way to win.” 

The wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow has announced she will run for the Congressional seat he won last December. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

Gas prices have jumped nine cents in just a week, now putting the average price for a gallon in Louisiana above two dollars. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

Julia Letlow, the wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, has announced she will run for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat. The seat was left vacant when Luke Letlow died from COVID-19 before he was to be sworn-in. Julia Letlow announced her candidacy on K-W-C-L Radio just like her husband did last March…

Cut 3 (09)  “..so proud”

Julia is a Monroe native and graduate of ULM. She earned a doctorate at South Florida and has served as an executive-level administrator in higher education. She says everything in her life and in her marriage prepared her for this moment…

Cut 4 (08) “…he did” 

Luke Letlow died last month and is remembered as someone who wanted to help others. He served as former Congressman Ralph Abraham’s chief of staff and also worked for former Governor Bobby Jindal. Julia Letlow wants to continue Luke’s legacy of being a public servant…

Cut 5  (11) “…great work” 

Alexandria businesswoman Candy Christophe, who is a Democrat is also a candidate. Qualifying is next week.

___________________________________________________

The average price of a gallon of gas in Louisiana is just over two dollars, up nine cents over last week and up nearly 20 cents from last month.

AAA spokesperson Don Redman says overall gas sales are still down and this price is a reflection of the low level of production.

Cut 6 (10) “..lockdown”

OPEC recently agreed to further reduce production to ensure prices did not collapse again as the world economy endures the second major wave of the pandemic.

Redman says the increase in gas prices is good news for Louisiana’s oil sector which has been battered by months of low prices.

Cut 7 (09) “…barrel.”

At one point in spring, the price of oil futures had fallen into negative territories.

Redman does not expect we will see another major jump in price like we did this week, nor does he expect the price of gas to fall back too far under two dollars a gallon again.

Cut 8 (07) “..toilet.”

_____________________

COVID Nursing Home data from AARP indicates cases and fatalities in Louisiana have more than doubled. AARP looked at numbers from November 23^rd and December 20^th and case numbers jumped from 456 to 1,171 in the previous four-week period. AARP Louisiana Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says we can’t depend on the vaccine alone and must do more now.

Cut 9 (09) “…coronavirus.”

Vaccine rollout among nursing homes began December 28^th and Moderna Vaccine requires a booster shot 28 days after the first.

AARP says COVID fatalities in the nursing home facilities increased by 70 to 175 during the same time period. Muhl says policymakers must act immediately to change this dangerous trend.

Cut 10 (10) “…overnight.”

Muhl says 31-percent of facilities are reporting a staffing shortage. Case numbers among staff also increased by 476 to 1,146 cases and 17-percent of nursing homes report less than a one-week supply of PPE.

Cut 11 (10) “… facilities.”

For more info visit AARP’s website for their Nursing Home COVID dashboard.

_____________________________

A suspect who allegedly stole a Dodge Charger in New Orleans died in a fiery wreck and injured three workers on I-10 just outside Lafayette after being pursued by police.

State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says the driver allegedly stole the vehicle in New Orleans, was spotted in Iberville, and pursued to the Louisiana Avenue Westbound lane on I-10…

Cut 12 (12) “…cones” 

Gossen says after striking the construction work truck…

Cut 13 (12)“..be ok.”

The suspect is currently unidentified due to the severity of the crash. His heavily charred remains have been sent back to a lab for testing.

Gossen says obviously this is a different situation than most crashes but it should serve as a reminder to be cautious when driving through construction zones.

Cut 14 (11) “.workzones.” 

Congressman Garret Graves speaks out against House Democrat’s impeachment push, saying it risks further dividing the country. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

The Fairgrounds in Shreveport is now the site of a COVID vaccine drive-thru clinic for state residents 70 and older. Brooke Thorington has more

cut 2 (32) ….I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_____________________________

State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting of a man who the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says shot at their deputies. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says the T-P-S-O responded to a home in Montegut in reference to an aggravated assault. He says when deputies arrived, they located the suspect and tried to talk with him

Cut 3 (09)  “..returned fire”

LaGrange says a preliminary investigation has determined that the suspect, identified as 54-year-old Gary Rodriguez of Montegut, fired at deputies, and the officers returned fire

Cut 4 (06) “…his injuries” 

No one else was injured during the encounter and the State Police Crime Lab is assisting with the investigation.

_______________________________________________

New ULM football coach Terry Bowden has hired former West Virginia, Michigan and Arizona head coach Rich Rodrigeuz as his offensive coordinator. Monroe News Star sports reporter Adam Hunsucker says Rich’s son, former Arizona Quarterback Rhett Rodriguez, is also coming to Monroe

Cut 5  (08) “…be with Terry” 

It’s unknown how much ULM will pay Rodrigeuz. But Hunsucker points out Rich Rod is still receiving buyout money from Ole Miss, where he was the offensive coordinator for just one season…

Cut 6 (11) “…jump on”

It will certainly be a challenge to rebuild a program that finished last season 0-10, but Hunsucker says fans are excited about the new high-profile coaching staff.

Cut 7 (15) “…a life of its own.”

_____________________________

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves does not support the House Democrats’ attempt to impeach President Donald Trump for “incitement of insurrection.” Graves says the President’s actions before the riot were wrong, but impeachment would further divide a divided country.

Cut 8 (11) “…grandchildren.”

He also noted the Senate indicated it would not be able to hold an impeachment trial until the day Trump is set to leave the Oval Office.

Democrats are expected to vote to impeach the President today. Graves says they have not followed tradition…

Cut 9 (08) “…aim later.”

Graves says he would like a full investigation of how the Capitol was stormed to be conducted before any further action is taken.

Graves says impeachment is pointless because the President is no threat to incite further violence. Since January 6^th…

Cut 10 (11) “…megaphone.”

_____________________________

LSU-Health Shreveport is hosting a drive-thru clinic to administer the Pfizer COVID Vaccine. Over a thousand doses were administered yesterday. School Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali says the clinic at the fairgrounds in Shreveport is open to any state resident 70 years old and up. Just bring your ID and insurance card.

Cut 11 (09) “…a mask.”

You can either pre-register online or on-site for the vaccine. Ghali says they have two tents set up at the Fairgrounds and school staff and students are also being assisted by the National Guard. He says the whole process takes about an hour and after your shot…

Cut 12 (12) “…fifteen minutes.” 

You’ll also be scheduled for a follow-up to receive the second shot.

As for any adverse reactions to the vaccine, Ghali says between the school of medicine and their partners they haven’t had any so far.

Cut 13 (09)“…vaccines.”

The drive-thru clinic is scheduled to be open until Friday, 8 am until 3:30 PM,  or until they run out of vaccines. You can preregister or register on-site at www.lsuhs.edu

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

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

_______________________________________

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

cut 2 (28) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

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

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

Cut 3 (10)  “…COVID.”

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

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

Cut 4 (10) “…way.” 

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

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

Cut 5  (08) “…next week.” 

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

_______________________

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

Cut 6 (12) “…in Virginia.”

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

Cut 7 (10) ..problematic.”

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

Cut 8 (12) “…all of us.”

_____________________________

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

Cut 9 (12) “…morning.”

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

Cut 10 (10) “…two inches.”

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

Cut 11 (11) “…is possible”

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

_________________________

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

Cut 12 (12) “…to Pence.” 

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

Cut 13 (08)“…that is better.”

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

Cut 14 (13) “…healing our nation.” 

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

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

_______________________________________

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

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

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

Cut 3 (11)  “prove everybody wrong”

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

Cut 4 (14) “my journey” 

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

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

Cut 5  (08) “…too big” 

_______________________

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

Cut 6 (07) “…a one.”

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

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

Cut 7 (07) …at all.”

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

Cut 8 (10) “…lives.”

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

_____________________________

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

Cut 9 (12) “ vacant lot”

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

Cut 10 (12) “.not there’s”

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

Cut 11 (08) “..worked as it should”

_________________________

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

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

Cut 12 (06) “…safely” 

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

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

Cut 13 (05)“…ok.”

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

Cut 14 (09) “…want” 

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

________________________

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

Cut 15 (05) “…period” 

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

Cut 16 (05) “…hooligans” 

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

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

_______________________________________

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

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

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

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

Cut 3 (12)  “.body”

The bill passaged unanimously in both chambers.

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

Cut 4 (09) to her” 

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

Cut 5  (08) “…treatment” 

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

_______________________

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

Cut 6 (11) “…public service.”

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

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

Cut 7 (11) …challengers.”

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

Cut 8 (11) “…tragic loss.”

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

_____________________________

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

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

Cut 9 (12) “ contrary”

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

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

Cut 10 (11) “.behind”

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

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

Cut 11 (10) “..Presidency”

_________________________

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

Cut 12 (10) “…top of that.” 

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

Cut 13 (11)“…manner.”

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

Cut 14 (12) “…uptick in cases” 

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

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

_______________________________________

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

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

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

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

Cut 3 (08)  “…years”

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

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

Cut 4 (07) is” 

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

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

Cut 5  (09) “…to come” 

_______________________

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

Cut 6 (10) “..we could.”

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

Cut 7 (11) …what it is.”

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

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

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

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

_____________________________

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

Cut 9 (12) “    it is”

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

Cut 10 (12) “..the playoffs”

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

Cut 11 (12) “..and play”

_________________________

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

Cut 12 (12) “…reserved.” 

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

Cut 13 (11)“…manner.”

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

Cut 14 (07) “…smoothly.” 

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

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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

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

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

Cut 4 (12) “…courtrooms”

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

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

Cut 5 (08) “..courtrooms”

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

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

Cut 6 (09) “…time”

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

Cut 7 (07)  “…Republicans.”

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

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

Cut 8 (12) “…official”

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

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

Cut 9 (12) “…overlaps.”

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

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

Cut 10 (09) “…Louisiana.”

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

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

Cut 11 (09) “…this mask.”

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

Cut 12 (09) “…of COVID.”

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

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

Cut 13 (13) “…EBT benefits.”

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

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

Cut 14 (11) “…the need.” 

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

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

Cut 15 (12)“…these families.”

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

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

Cut 16 (13) “…team win.”

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

Cut 17 (18) “this thing.”

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

Cut  18 (16) “…be out there.”

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

Cut 19 (19) “…more comfortable”

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

cut 20 (20) “….to finish.”

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

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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

Cut 3 (12)  “…doses.”  

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

Cut 4 (11) “…new year.”

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

Cut 5 (06) “…health care services.”

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

Cut 6 (06) “…of food.”

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

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

Cut 7 (11)  “…efforts.”

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

Cut 8 (10) “…this year.”

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

Cut 9 (09) “…recovered.”

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

Cut 10 (09) “…housing.”

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

Cut 11 (08) “…rebuilding.”

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

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

Cut 12 (09) “…of town.”

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

Cut 13 (15) “…more exciting.”

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

Cut 14 (11) “…next year.” 

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

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

Cut 15 (15)“…accomplish”

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

Cut 16 (20) “…stuff to do.”