Pfizer is asking the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine. LSU says hundreds of Louisiana residents have participated in this trial. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (34) “  I’m Jim Shannon”  

_______________________________________

Early voting locations for the December 5th runoff are open. Don Molino has more on the final election of 2020…

cut 2 (30) … I’m Don Molino.”  

_____________________________

Today and tomorrow, consumers will not have to pay the 4.45 percent state sales tax on most items, excluding vehicles and prepared meals. It’s the result of legislation passed in the last special session. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder authored the measure…

Cut 3 (09)  “…to help”  

If you buy an item worth more than 25-hundred dollars, you will not have to pay the sales tax on the first 25-hundred dollars of that purchase. Schexnayder says it’s been a rough 2020 and the Legislature wanted to do something to help people out

Cut 4 (08)   “..expenses”  

The Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office says the holiday will cost the state about four-million dollars in tax revenues.

____________________________________________________

Today the first coronavirus vaccine to apply for emergency approval from the FDA is Pfizer’s effort to fight the pandemic. Infectious disease specialist Dr. John Vanchiere at LSU Health Shreveport is also a principal investigator on the Pfizer Vaccine trial, and he says Pfizer’s effectiveness rate of 95-percent is remarkable.

Cut 5  (09) “…really good.” 

The proposed protocol for vaccine distribution is healthcare workers that treat COVID patients, then older adults that live in congregant setting such as nursing homes.  Vanchiere says in Louisiana 40-percent of COVID deaths were in nursing homes.

Cut 6 (10) “…side effects.”

Vanchiere says 44-thousand participated in the Pfizer clinical trial worldwide, including 231 people from the Shreveport Bossier area. He says any side effects from the injection means your body is responding to the vaccine building an immune response.

Cut 7 (06) “…be expected.”

Long term effects of the vaccine remain to be seen,  Vanchiere says we only have safety data on 30-thousand who received the vaccine and two months after the second injection.

___________________________________________

Monday’s USA Today investigative article that LSU mishandled sexual misconduct claims against students, including top athletes, was discussed at Governor John Bel Edwards COVID briefing Thursday. Edwards says he’s deeply troubled by the article

Cut 8 (10) “..that article.”

The article stated officials at LSU’s athletic department and other school administrators ignored repeated complaints against abusers and denied victims’ requests for protection. Edwards says this unacceptable.

Cut 9 (12) “…and abuse.”

Edwards says the ignored abuse was not only related to athletics at the university but included the Greek system and students not involved in athletics nor Greek life. Edwards says the matter should be investigated ASAP.

Cut 10 (11) “….do about it.”

Interim school president Thomas Galligan has hired the law firm Husch Blackwell to do an independent, comprehensive review of the school’s Title IX policies and procedures.

_________________________________________________

Taysom Hill will reportedly start at quarterback for the Saints this Sunday when they host the Atlanta Falcons.  Saints Radio Network color analyst Deuce McAllister on why Hill gets the nod and not Jameis Winston.

Cut 11 (08) “….that guy.”

McAllister believes that with Hill under center, the Saints will use a lot more rollout passes.

Cut 12 (12) “..on the edge” 

Hill is known for his ability to run, but does possess a strong arm.  However, McAllister says when it comes down to Taysom’s success through the air, throwing mechanics will be the biggest factor.

Cut 13 (11) “…footwork is good”

__________________________________________________

Early voting is underway for the December fifth runoff. We saw long lines during early voting for the November election, but based on the first day of this early voting period, the lines will be much shorter. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin still encourages all registered voters to cast a ballot…

Cut 14 (06) “..runoff election” 

Early voting will run from 8:30 AM to 6 PM through November 28th, except for Sunday, Thursday, and Friday of next week. The biggest item on the ballot is the fifth district Congressional run-off between two Republicans, Lance Harris and Luke Letlow. Ardoin says voters in 24 parishes will see that race on their ballot..

Cut 15 (06) “…in Washington” 

There’s also a Public Service Service Commission race in southeast Louisiana. and several local races. Ardoin says a sample ballot is located inside the Geaux Vote Mobile App…

Cut 16 (12) “…dot-com” 

After much speculation, New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond is leaving the U.S. House of Representatives to be a senior adviser to President-Elect Joe Biden. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “  I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

With Moderna’s announcement that its COVID-19 shot provides strong protection against the coronavirus, there are now two experimental COVID-19 vaccines that are showing strong early results. Jim Shannon has more…

cut 2 (31) … I’m Jim Shannon.”  

_____________________________

U-S Representative Cedric Richmond announced today that before January 20th he will resign as a member of Congress to become a senior adviser to President-Elect Joe Biden…

Cut 3 (09)  “…want it”  

The Second District Congressman says he’ll have an office in the West Wing and he says he’ll fight to bring much-needed federal resources to Louisiana.

Cut 4 (12)   “..have here”  

The 47-year-old was first elected to Congress in 2010 after serving as a state representative in the Louisiana Legislature. He says it was not an easy decision to leave Congress after he was just re-elected to a sixth term…

Cut 5  (12) “…Black and Gold” 

____________________________________________________

In addition to drug maker Pfizer’s announcement last week that their COVID vaccine is 90-percent effective, on Monday, Moderna released news that their vaccine has a 95 percent effectiveness rate.

Associate Professor at Tulane’s School of Medicine Dr. Lisa Morici said the FDA indicated that the benchmark for success would be a 50-percent efficacy rate for a vaccination in stage three clinical trials.

Cut 6 (09) “…encouraging indeed.”

Morici says she’s cautiously optimistic as we are still waiting on safety and efficacy rates from a larger number of clinical trial participants, so far data that’s been submitted is from approximately 100 participants that have been assessed.

Cut 7 (07) “…very encouraging.”

Morici says at this time we don’t know if the vaccine prevents transmission of the virus once you’ve been vaccinated.

Cut 8 (11) “..been vaccinated”

Morici says they hope that the vaccine will remain effective for six months, a year or greater, but until time has passed the data is unavailable.

___________________________________________

The city of New Orleans’ website says there will not be any Mardi Gras parades in 2021. The announcement caught many by surprise.  Director of Communications for Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Beau Tidwell, says the mayor has been consistent that Mardi Gras 2021 will have to look different because of the pandemic…

Cut 9 (11) “…right now.”

Tidwell says they are asking for input on how carnival season can be celebrated under the current guidelines of no gatherings larger than 250-persons. Carnival krewe captains have been asked to submit detailed plans on how they will comply with COVID-19 guidelines to the city by December 5th and the city will accept public input until December 4^th.

Cut 10 (10) “….alternatives.”

Carnival season 2020 was noted as a super spreader event before a pandemic was declared and because of that Tidwell says Mardi Gras 2021 will feel different.

Cut 11 (12) “….be different.”

___________________________________________

The state health department reported an additional 25-hundred new coronavirus cases today as Louisiana continues to see a sharp uptick in cases. During a press conference in Calcasieu Parish, Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is experiencing another surge and we need to take covid seriously

Cut 12 (10) “..alive and well” 

The number of COVID patients in the hospital is up to 874. That’s a 121 patient increase in just four days. Edwards is asking residents to follow the mitigation measures in order to reduce transmission of the virus…

Cut 13 (11) “…anybody”

With the Thanksgiving holiday next week, Edwards is concerned about large family gatherings. The governor says he comes from a family with eight children and they are not getting together this year…

Cut 14 (11) “..very, very high.” 

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

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

__________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

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

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

Cut 4 (12) “…going on.”

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

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

Cut 5 (08) “…life.”

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

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

Cut 6 (05) “…there.”

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

_____________________________

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

Cut 7 (11)  “…much longer.”

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

Cut 8 (04) “…same extent.”

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

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

Cut 9 (10) “…makes landfall.”

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

_____________________________

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

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

Cut 10 (11) “…die.”

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

Cut 11 (11) “…available.”

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

Cut 12 (08) “…weeks.”

__________________________________

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

Cut 13 (12) “….made the switch”

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

Cut 14 (12) “..one person.” 

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

Cut 15 (12)“.. playing well” 

____________________________________________________

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

Cut 16 (23) “…tackled well.”

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

cut 17 (18) “…our plan”

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

cut 18 (18) “..continue to improve.”

____________________________________________________

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

cut 19 (20) “… clock”

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

cut 20 (07) “…next week now”

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

Cut 1 (29) “  I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

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

cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”  

_____________________________

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

Cut 3 (09)  “…to me”  

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

Cut 4 (09)   “…program.”  

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

Cut 5  (14) “…vulnerable.” 

____________________________________________________

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

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

Cut 6 (08) “…disesel”

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

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

Cut 7 (10) “…products.”

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

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

Cut 8 (09) “..positioned.

___________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (07) “…the summer.”

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

Cut 10 (13) “….recommendations.”

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

Cut 11 (08) “….of Louisiana”

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

___________________________________________

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

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

Cut 12 (10) “…comming” 

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

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

Cut 13 (07) “…too soon.”

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

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

Cut 14 (12) “…the ladder” 

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

________________________________

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

__________________________________________

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

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

_______________________________

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

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

Cut 4 (12) “…fire.”

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

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

Cut 5 (11) “…going for.”

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

Cut 6 (10) “…this city.”

Undercover Boss will air tonight at 8 PM on CBS.

_____________________________

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

Cut 7 (08)  “…a heater.”

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

Cut 8 (06) “…of them.”

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

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

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

Cut 9 (07) “…pretty incredible.”

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

_____________________________

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

Cut 10 (11) “…loan free.”

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

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

Cut 11 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

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

Cut 12 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

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

__________________________________

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

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

Cut 13 (12) “….strikes.”

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

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

Cut 14 (10) “…petition.” 

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

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

Cut 15 (11) “.. they’re working.”

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

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

Cut 16 (07) “…times.”

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

______________________________________

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

cut 17 (15) “…better defense.”

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

cut 18 (18) “..doing that.”

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

cut 19 (15) “… it’s complimentary.”

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

Cut 1 (28) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

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

cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

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

Cut 3 (12)  “…battery arrest”  

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

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

Cut 4 (09)   “…chest area.”  

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

Cut 5  (12) “…that charge.” 

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

____________________________________________________

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

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

Cut 6 (09) “…employees”

Right behind that group will be “essential workers”.

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

Cut 7 (11) “…vaccine.”

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

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

Cut 8 (11) “..patients.”

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

___________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana.”

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

Cut 10 (08) “….storm “

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

Cut 11 (08) “….assistance”

___________________________________________

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

Cut 12 (07) “…effect of law” 

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

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

Cut 13 (10) “…first ciruit.”

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

Cut 14 (05) “…not sufficient.” 

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

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

__________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (24)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

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

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

Cut 4 (12) “..up”

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

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

Cut 5 (09) “…planting”

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

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

Cut 6 (07) “…crops”

_____________________________

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

Cut 7 (08)  “…general public.”

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

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

Cut 8 (08)…or website”

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

Cut 9 (11) “…new challenge.”

PAVE website

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

_____________________________

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”

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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.” 

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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.

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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”

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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”  

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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”  

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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.” 

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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”

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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”

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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”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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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.

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

Cut 7 (11)  “…environment”

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

Cut 8 (07) “…them”

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

Cut 9 (08) “…otherwise”

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

Cut 10 (09) “…personal attacks.”

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

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

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

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

Cut 11 (11) “..differently”

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

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

Cut 12 (10) “…boxes”.

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

Cut 13 (09) “…Louisiana”

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

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

Cut 14 (10) “… worse” 

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

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

Cut 15 (06) “… to sell”

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

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

Cut 16 (10) “…big”

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

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

cut 17 (17)     should work”  

The Cajuns host South Alabama this Saturday.

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

cut 18 (17) ” good football team”  

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

cut 19 (15) were playing”    

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

cut 20 (16) beginning tomorrow”