Governor Edwards hasn’t reinstated a statewide mask mandate as cases reach an all-time high but he fully supports guidance for masks in schools for two reasons, because they are indoors for an extended period of time and a large majority of school-aged children are not vaccinated.

Cut 5 (12) “…mask mandate.”

The State Department of Education is allowing each school system to set their own mask rules.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is in D.C. about to present oral arguments to the Supreme Court against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID vaccines for healthcare workers at facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. Landry says this rule could be harmful to medical staff…

Cut 8 (11) “…of the hospital.” 

Arguments begin at 10 am.

Amidst the fifth COVID surge, the ability to find a rapid test is proving to be extremely difficult. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says if you need testing call 2-1-1. He says there are approximately 400 sites in the state where you can be tested for COVID, but if you’re looking for a home test…

Cut 15 (09)  “…isolate accordingly.”

The NFL playoffs begin next weekend, and many are wondering if online sports betting will be up and running. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says no, but they are getting close…

Cut 12 (14) “…that’s very, very soon.”
The Saints are 3.5 point favorite to beat Atlanta on Sunday.

Louisiana set another record again on Thursday for single-day COVID-19 cases as just over 14-thousand people were diagnosed with the virus. Governor Edwards is holding off on issuing another statewide mask mandate, but he encourages school districts to require children to be masked up in the classroom…
cut 6 (13) “….go to class”
Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley is leaving it up to local school systems to decide on a mask mandate.

Many people are finding it difficult to find a rapid COVID test and at-home tests are also hard to come by. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter…
cut 14 (07) “…..private market”
If you are looking for a place to get tested, call 2-1-1.

The Louisiana A-G’s office will argue before the U-S Supreme Court today against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for most healthcare workers. Erik Piccoli has more…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Due to rising COVID cases, the Avoyelles Parish courthouse has postponed all jury trials.

Lafayette Consolidated Government says suspended interim Lafayette Police Chief Wayne Griffin was demoted to Sergeant as a result of a sexual harassment complaint against him. Griffin remains on administrative leave.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is in Washington D.C. today to deliver oral arguments to the Supreme Court against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for select healthcare workers. Landry says it’s a big day for the country…
Cut 7 (08) “…for the next century.”
The Louisiana A-G’s office will tell the nation’s highest court that the vaccine mandate is a government overreach.

Louisiana reported another single-day high for new COVID infections as the state health department reported 14-thousand cases on Thursday. Governor John Bel Edwards continues to encourage residents to get vaccinated and mask up…
cut 4 (09) “…activities”
COVID hospitalizations have reached 14-hundred, a 700-percent increase from three weeks ago.

Amidst the fifth COVID surge, the ability to find a rapid test is proving to be extremely difficult. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says supply is not able to keep up with demand but if you are showing symptoms or have a known exposure you can receive a PCR test.
Cut 13 (07) “…of those.“
If you need to find a place to get tested call 2-1-1..

Commercials are all over Louisiana TV and radio about online sports betting “Coming Soon”, but HOW soon? State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says – first – he’d like to dispel a few rumors…:
Cut 10 (08) “…not the case.”
Johns says there’s still more work to do before they can green light online sports betting that includes the geofencing component so that online sports bets can’t happen in the nine parishes that voted against it.

The U-S Supreme Court will hear oral arguments from the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office this morning as the state is the lead plaintiffs in a lawsuit that seeks to stop President Biden’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. Louisiana A-G Jeff Landry says he’s worried that if the President’s mandate is held in place it could create a healthcare shortage…
cut 9 (07) “….this America”
Oral arguments begin at 10 AM.

When will online sports betting get underway in Louisiana? Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says work is proceeding to make that happen with all due haste…
cut 11 (11) “…as soon as possible”
There are nine parishes that voted against legal sports betting, so Johns says the geofencing needs to be established to prevent sports betting in those parishes.

As daily COVID case numbers continue to break records, the governor continues to encourage residents to wear masks indoors. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Cold start to today, but it will warm up for the weekend, but rain is in the forecast.

As daily COVID case numbers continue to break records, the governor continues to encourage residents to wear masks indoors. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry will make his case against the Biden Administrations’ plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for most healthcare workers. Erik Piccoli has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

___________________________________

With football playoffs and the Super Bowl coming in the next few weeks, many want to know when the state will approve online sports betting apps. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

____________________________________

As new COVID infections reach another single-day high and hospitalizations continue to mount, many are questioning if a statewide indoor mask mandate will be reinstated. At Thursday’s briefing, Governor John Bel Edwards stopped short of requiring face masks again.

Cut 4 (09) “… activities.” 

However, Edwards supports the health department’s current guidance for masks in schools for two reasons, because they are indoors for an extended period of time and a large majority of school-aged children are not vaccinated.

Cut 5 (12) “…mask mandate.”

Research indicates students learn better when they are at school versus remote learning. Edwards says masks in schools will allow them to remain in the classroom as long as possible.

Cut 6 (13) “…go to class.”

The decision to require face masks in school is currently made by local school systems.

____________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry is in Washington D.C. today presenting oral arguments to the Supreme Court against the Biden Administration’s plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for select healthcare workers. Landry says it’s a big day for the country…

Cut 7 (08) “…for the next century.”

The Supreme Court is expected to decide whether or not to sustain the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rule that requires all health care workers at facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs to roll up their sleeves and be fully vaccinated unless they are eligible for medical or religious exemptions. Landry says this rule could be harmful to medical staff…

Cut 8 (11) “…of the hospital.” 

The case will be one of two heard Friday that represents plaintiffs from Louisiana; the first featuring a case against OSHA requirements for companies with over 100 employees to mandate vaccines. Landry says he’s worried that if the President’s mandate is held in place it could create a healthcare shortage…

Cut 9 (07)  “…this is America.”

Oral arguments will be heard at 10:00 AM CT and will be streamed live on C-SPAN.

_______________________________________________

Commercials are all over Louisiana TV and radio about online sports betting “Coming Soon”, but HOW soon? State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says – first – he’d like to dispel a few rumors…:

Cut 10 (08) “…not the case.”

John says he’s aware that a number of high-profile sports events are coming – like college playoffs, NFL playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Those would, of course, mean more revenue for the state if sports betting apps are approved and online. Johns says work is proceeding to make that happen with all due haste…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…as soon as possible.”  

So, the question is, “when?” Sports Kings, Caesar’s, Wynn Bet, and more are all waiting in the wings for their sportsbook apps to go live. Johns says they want to make sure there are no bugs or potential user problems before he approves them. He says the Gaming Control Board cannot yet commit to a date…:

Cut 12 (14) “…that’s very, very soon.”

_______________________________________________

Amidst the fifth COVID surge, the ability to find a rapid test is proving to be extremely difficult. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says supply is not able to keep up with demand but if you are showing symptoms or have a known exposure you can receive a PCR test.

Cut 13 (11) “…of those.“

Kanter says the rapid test that gives results, typically 15 minutes, and the at-home tests are very hard to come by as the highly contagious Omicron variant and post-holiday surge in cases continues.

Cut 14 (07)  “…private market.”

If you need testing Kanter says to call 2-1-1 or visit LDH-dot-LA-dot-GOV. He says there are approximately 400 sites in Louisiana where you can be tested for COVID, but if you’re looking for a home test…

Cut 15 (09)  “…isolate accordingly.”

Kanter highly encourages those in need of testing to call 2-1-1 or use their website and avoid ERs so they can treat emergency patients.

________________________________________

For the Saints to get back in the playoffs on Sunday, New Orleans will have to beat the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday and the Rams need to beat the 49ers in Los Angeles. Both games will kick-off at 3:25 and Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says he will not be scoreboard watching…

Cut  16 (25) “…look outside.”

Jordan says they are not guaranteed another game after Sunday, so all of their focus is going into beating the Dirty Birds…

Cut 17 (16) “ …what it is.”

The Saints have been leaning on the defense as the offense has only scored one touchdown in the last three games. Quarterback Taysom Hill says the offense is not far away from breaking out….

Cut 18 (19) “ …to win.” 

The state reports a single-day high of more than 14-thousand new COVID cases. Gov. John Edwards says many of the new cases are re-infections from COVID. The CDC estimates for the month of December that 98-percent of are the Omicron variant. Edwards says with the increased transmission there’s a higher positivity rate…

Cut 13 (13) “….in one week. “

The governor says this surge has led to a less accurate representation of actual current cases…

Cut 14 (12)  “…out there.” 

The Carnival season is officially underway with Krewe presidents for Zulu and Rex marking its start by celebrating Kings Day. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says current COVID guidelines will remain in place but wouldn’t stop citizens from celebrating in true New Orleans fashion. Cantrell also praised the city’s high vaccination rate…

Cut 10 (09)  “…applause for that”

At today’s press conference, Cantrell honored the legacy of “Mr. Mardi Gras” Blaine Kern which lives on through Kern Studios and Mardi Gras World. Cantrell also took time to thank her co-chairs of the mayor’s Mardi Gras advisory…

Cut  11 (07)  “…move through it” 

And because it’s King’s Day that means it’s open season for enjoying King Cake.

The state Health Department reported a single-day record high of just over 14-thousand new coronavirus cases and 12 new deaths today. Gov. John Bel Edwards says many of these new cases are reinfections…:

CUT 12(12)      “…was 11,278.”

The CDC says more than 90-percent of Louisiana coronavirus cases are the Omicron variant.

Convicted in December of eight sex crime counts, former St. Tammany Parish sheriff Jack Strain is asking a judge to either acquit him or order a new trial. Strain’s attorney argues there was insufficient evidence with which to convict him. Strain’s sentencing is coming on January 18^th.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning suggests we all use the New Year as a reminder to test and check the batteries in our smoke and CO2 alarms. In a majority of fatal fires in Louisiana, the homes had no working smoke detectors.

It’s Twelfth Night, or King Day, as some call it – which means time to start enjoying King Cake. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Amid the latest surge in coronavirus cases, the state Department of Corrections suspends visitation at Louisiana’s eight state-run prisons. The suspension starts today and will continue until further notice. During this time, the DOC will offer inmates two free video phone calls per week to ensure inmates have continued connection to family and friends.

Today marks one year since of the storming of the U.S. Capitol. Jeff Palermo reports on what members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation said that day…:

CUT 01(40)      “…Palermo.”

A 9-year-old at University Lab School in Baton Rouge is suspended for refusing to wear a mask on his first day back after the holiday break. The boy’s father says mask rules don’t make sense and argues a handful of kids have to wear them, but several thousand LSU fans at a basketball game don’t. He says that sends a mixed message.

The Carnival season is officially underway with Krewe presidents for Zulu and Rex marking its start by celebrating Kings Day. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says that Mardi Gras 2022 will happen without a doubt…:

CUT 09(12)      “…for our bodies as well.”

Cantrell says current guildlines would remain in place, but she will not stop citizens from celebrating in true New Orleans fashion.

State Health officials say the Omicron variant now accounts for about 90% of coronavirus case statewide. Today LDH reports just over 14-thousand new cases, with about 1400 in the hospital. Of those, 76% are not fully vaccinated.

A Calcasieu Parish student makes a perfect score on the PSAT college entry test. Annalise DeFelice is a high school junior at Lake Charles’ Sam Houston High.

It was a year ago today a mob of angry Trump supporters in Washington, DC got whipped into a frenzy and invaded the U.S. Capitol building; trying to break into the House of Representatives. Five people have died as a result of the January 6^th riot. Louisiana District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson says he’s concerned about the direction extreme political rhetoric is pushing us all…:

CUT 05  (10)        “…in peril.”

It’s Twelfth Night, or the Epiphany (if you prefer) or even King Day. The day observed as the 12th Night of Christmas … when the Three Wise Men arrived with gifts for the Baby Jesus. It also means the start of Carnival Season and King Cakes. David Haydel Jr., with New Orleans’ Haydel Bakery, says they are more than ready for the next 50 days…:

CUT 07  (11)        “…good season.”

Louisiana native Lawrence Brooks, the oldest living World War II veteran in the US, died Tuesday at the age of 112. Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Morris Thompson fondly recounts his friendship with Brooks that began twelve years ago at a New Orleans fish fry…:

CUT 14  (12)      “…want to know.”

Brooks was raised in Norwood, Louisiana, and served in World War II.

The 13th ranked LSU women’s basketball team puts its 13 game winning streak on the line tonight when they host top-ranked South Carolina. Lady Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey says this is a tremendous challenge and opportunity for her squad…:

CUT 19  (13)      “…size to rebound.”

For LRN I’m Erik Piccoli

One year ago today, pro-Trump supporters stormed the U-S Capitol as Congress was set to certify Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Lawmakers were escorted out of the chambers. Here’s Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson describing the scene that day

Cut 3 (13) “…secure location.”

Senator Bill Cassidy was the lone Republican member of Louisiana’s delegation who voted to certify presidential election results and later voted to convict the former President on charges that his actions led to the mob attack on the capitol.

The Louisiana Department of Health says 90-percent of all COVID cases in the state is the Omicron variant. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease specialist Dr. John Vanchiere says LSU Health Shreveport is testing on average 650 to 800 people a day…:

Cut 12 (08) “…community testing.”

LRN

==================================

It’s King’s Day and that means you can officially begin consuming King Cake. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (00)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

And in Louisiana 14,000 new Covid Cases and 12 new deaths bring the state to a total of over 893 thousand cases. In the last week, hospitalizations have almost doubled and there are 1,412 patients. Gov. John Bel Edwards is expected to hold a press conference today at 2:30.

This is news on LRN