The Lafayette City Court Judge reportedly heard using racial slurs on a viral video has resigned. Judge Michelle Odinet has been under fire ever since a video surfaced of persons watching an attempted burglary on home security video and using a derogatory term for the black suspect. She had been on forced leave without pay due to the incident.

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the Omicron variant COVID surge during his latest press event. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

Louisiana will be on display to the world tomorrow, in the 133^rd Tournament of Roses Parade. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is in Pasadena, California helping to prepare the Louisiana “Feed Your Soul” float, which will feature over 34-thousand flowers and a host of parade riders made up of real Louisiana heroes…:

CUT 10(13)      “…help after hurricanes.”

The Saints face a must-win situation on Sunday in order to make the playoffs, when they host the Carolina Panthers in the final home game of the year. But the Black and Gold have won only once inside the Dome this year. Offensive tackle James Hurst can’t pinpoint why they haven’t been more successful in New Orleans…:

CUT 15(20)      “…cheer about”

Governor John Bel Edwards took to Zoom on Thursday to implore residents to take Covid precautions this New Year’s as cases surge. He says it’s no fun to wear a mask and he’s not issuing a mandate, but it’s better to be safe than sorry:
Cut 14 (11) “watching a loved one”
The state reported over 12-thousand cases Thursday.

The New Year will also mark the end of the 2021 Louisiana winter heat wave. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a significant cold front will begin moving across the state the afternoon and evening of New Year’s Day…:
Cut 6 (13) “and some hail”
He says the first freeze of 2022 will occur Sunday into Monday.

If there’s one thing Louisiana knows it’s floats and the state will be showcasing a Bayou State themed one in the Rose Parade Saturday morning. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says his office worked hard to make arrangements for our state to take part in the parade, with a first-of-its-kind entry…:
Cut 11 (08) “we’re real excited”
He says everything on the float is organic even though it might look like paint. The New Year’s Day Rose Parade broadcast begins 10am our time.

If you’re going to be shooting fireworks to ring in 2022, state officials are urging you to play it safe. Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says be sure to detonate your fireworks at least 200 feet away from any structures and vehicles — and be mindful in hurricane impacted areas…:
Cut 4 (10) “flammable as well”
Happy New Year.

Amid the recent surge of COVID cases in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards implores residents to take proper precautions this New Year’s but fell short of reinstating a mask mandate..:
Cut 12 (11) “before that happens”
He says those who are vaccinated and/or boosted are less likely to be hospitalized if they get sick.

State officials are also encouraging you to play it safe when setting off fireworks for New Year’s Eve. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the firework ordinances in your area first…:
Cut 3 (08) “sorts of places”
She says it should go without saying that anyone lighting fireworks should not be drinking.

State Police say intoxication was determined to be a major factor in a quadruple fatality crash that occurred in St. Landry Parish on December 17th. They say test results confirmed the at-fault driver, 54-year-old John Lundy of Georgia, was three times the legal limit of intoxication. Lundy died and so did 3 siblings from Jeanerette in the vehicle he hit head on driving the wrong way on I-49: 20-year-old Lindy Rae Simmons, 16-year-old Chris Simmons and 14-year-old Kamryn Simmons.

The state will be a featured in the 133rd Annual Rose Parade Saturday morning.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

In response to the surge in Covid cases, Governor John Bel Edwards held a final briefing in 2021. Brooke Thorington reports…:
CUT 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

State Police say an elderly man and woman died in a two-vehicle crash in Grant Parish Thursday afternoon. They say 82-year-old John Watz and 79-year-old Sharon Watz of Pollock were towing a camper trailer on Highway 165 near La. Highway 524 when for unknown reasons their vehicle struck another vehicle that was parked on the side of the road. The Watz’ were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Great Holiday Heat Wave of 2021 is almost over. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the New Year holiday will usher in more winter-like temps….:
Cut 8 (11) “on Monday morning”
He says there is a slight risk for severe weather before the front moves in Saturday, mostly across Northern Parishes.

Louisiana becomes the first state to be featured in the New Year’s Tournament of Roses Parade. Speaking from Pasadena, California where the massive float is being assembled, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they main rule they must follow for entry is that everything on the structure be made of flowers or plants…:
CUT 9 (12) “green with parsley”
The Rose Parade broadcast Saturday begins at 10am.

Louisiana will be a feature in the 133^rd Annual Rose Parade Saturday morning. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The staggering increase in COVID cases since his year-end press conference last week prompted Governor John Bel Edwards to hold another briefing. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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In addition, taking COVID precautions state officials are also asking you to practice safety when setting off fireworks for New Year’s Eve. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says before you light your first explosive be sure they are legal at your location.

Cut 3 (08) “…sorts of places.” 

If you’re setting off fireworks in a city and or parish where they are legal, Rodrigue says to be sure to detonate your fireworks at least 200 feet away from any structures, vehicles, and in hurricane-impacted areas…

Cut 4 (10) “….flammable as well.”

Never light fireworks if you are under the influence, and never allow children to light or handle fireworks. And it’s a good idea to have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case things go awry. When you’ve finished Rodrigue says to be sure everything is properly extinguished.

Cut 5 (11) “…trash can.”

Rodrigue says it’s much safer to enjoy a public fireworks display versus creating your own.

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The Great Holiday Heat Wave of 2021 is almost over. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a significant cold front will begin moving across Louisiana in the afternoon and evening of New Year’s Day…:

Cut 6 (13) “…and some hail.”

Keim says we’ve seen the last of the unseasonably warm 80-degree temperatures of the past several days. Saturday will see temperatures dropping along with some precipitation; some of it possibly severe in the northern half of the state. He says the cooling continues through the weekend…:

Cut 7 (09) “…of the state.”

Keim says the New Year holiday will usher in 2022’s first freeze for Louisiana…:

Cut 8 (11) “…on Monday morning.”

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Louisiana will be on display to the world Saturday, in the 133^rd annual Tournament of Roses Parade. Speaking from Pasadena, California, where the Louisiana float is being assembled, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the first-ever Rose Parade float representing a whole state must follow the main rule: everything is made of flowers or plants…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…green with parsley”

The Louisiana “Feed Your Soul” float features cypress trees, pelicans, alligators, jazz and New Orleans; all represented with natural plant materials. As for float riders, Nungesser says they invited real Louisiana heroes to be in the parade…:

Cut 10 (13)  “…help after hurricanes.”

Parade floats often have music and Nungesser says Livingston Parish’s own Lane Hardy – a past American Idol winner – will be providing that. Nungesser worked hard to make arrangements for our state to take part in the parade, with a first-of-its-kind entry…:

Cut  11 (08)  “…we’re real excited.”  

The Rose Parade broadcast starts at 10 am Louisiana time, and can be seen on ABC, NBC, the Hallmark Channel, and on RFD TV.

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Amid the recent surge of COVID cases and hospitalizations in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards implores residents to take proper precautions in an effort to reduce transmission of the virus but fell short of reinstating a mask mandate for the state.

Cut 12 (11) “…before that happens.”

While Edwards shared the latest statistics of the Omicron surge in Louisiana, he says even though a mask mandate is not in place it doesn’t mean one should ignore their vital use to mitigate COVID.

Cut 13 (11) “…wear a mask.”

The governor encourages more people to get vaccinated and or boosted because COVID vaccinations have shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and severe illness.

Edwards recognizes that wearing a face mask is an inconvenience but it’s a minor request in an effort to keep more people from falling ill or even hospitalized.

Cut 14 (11)  “…watching a loved one.”

Edwards also acknowledges that many COVID testing sites are overwhelmed and the difficulty of locating home tests. He says if you are showing symptoms and unable to get tested assume you are positive and isolated.

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The Saints face a must-win situation on Sunday in order to make the playoffs when they host the Carolina Panthers in the final home game of the year. But the Black and Gold have won only once inside the Dome this year. Offensive tackle James Hurst can’t pinpoint why they haven’t been more successful in New Orleans…

Cut 15 (20)  “…cheer about.”

Cornerback P-J Williams says it’s been frustrating they have not been able to take advantage of home-field advantage…

Cut  16 (17) “…this week”

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Governor Edwards is encouraging Louisianans to celebrate the New Year with their immediate household and avoid large crowds due to the uptick in cases. Edwards says 95-percent of the parishes are at the highest risk level for COVID-19 transmission and predicts January will be very challenging. He urges the unvaccinated to make getting the COVID vaccine a New Year’s resolution…

Cut 14 (09)  “…COVID” 

The FDA plans to broaden eligibility for Pfizer COVID boosters for teens 12 to 15 in the coming days. Those who are 16 years or older already have access to booster shots. Studies indicate a booster dose increases protection from the Omicron variant which to date is the most transmissible variant of COVID.

Baton Rouge state Representative Ted James has been appointed as the new Regional Administrator of the federal Small Business Administration in the South-Central Region. James, a Baton Rouge native is Chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee and has served in the legislature since 2012.

Cut 5 (07) “…new challenge.”

James will remain in Louisiana and work in the New Orleans office.

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing has reach a half-billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says those jackpots are growing much more quickly because of new Powerball policies…:

Cut 10 (09)  “…so does that jackpot..”

Powerball tickets will be available until 9 pm Saturday. The half-billion drawing will be at 10.

For a second straight day, Louisiana sets a record for a single-day increase in COVID-19 cases. The state reported over 12-thousand new cases today after reporting nine-thousand cases on Wednesday. Governor John Bel is encouraging Louisiana residents to re-think their New Year’s Eve plans if they planned on ringing in 2022 with a large group of people. He prefers if Louisiana residents celebrated the new year with their immediate family…

Cut 13 (10) “. is “

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James is stepping down from his seat to accept a federal post by President Joe Biden. James will serve as Regional Administrator of the Small Business Administration’s South-Central Region. James who is head of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus says he’ll take the helm early next year.

Cut 3 (09) “…early next week.”

Beginning January first, the flower or smokable form of medical marijuana will be available and legal for patients in Louisiana. A bill allowing dispensaries to legally sell the traditional form of cannabis passed in the regular legislative session this year. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain oversees product testing and regulations for medical marijuana.

 Cut 6 (10) “…14 days.” 

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing is nearing half-billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says there is a televised Powerball event on Friday night (New Year’s Eve), and a, East Feliciana Parish man is one of five finalists to win a big pot of cash…:

Cut  11 (12)  “…of the year!” 

Governor John Bel Edwards encourages Louisiana residents to avoid large New Year’s celebrations as the state reports another single-day high 12-thousand new cases. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

Officials with Louisiana hospitals are asking the public to NOT come to an emergency room seeking a COVID test, or any other minor medical issue. There are any number of urgent care facilities and COVID testing sites around the state for that. To find one near you, go to “ldh.la.gov/coronavirus.”

Beginning January 1^st, patients who use medical marijuana will have the option of getting the raw, smokable plant flowers at the state’s 9 medical cannabis pharmacies. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain oversees the program, and says – like with previous edibles, oil and sublinguals – you’ll need a doctor’s written recommendation to get it. Dr. Strain says medical weed – like any other agricultural product – is thoroughly checked out before distribution…:

CUT 08(07)      “…sole for consumption.”

Smokable cannabis was added to the state medical marijuana law in the last legislative session.

State Police have determined that the man who drove down I-49 the wrong way last week, and crashed into a vehicle head-on – killing three siblings – was indeed driving drunk. 54-year-old John Lundy was also killed in that crash. LSP says his blood alcohol level was three time the legal limit. Sisters and brother Lindy, Kamryn and Christopher Simmons were killed in that wreck.

As COVID cases in Louisiana begin another surge, Governor Edwards urges residents to mask up again, but falls short of renewing a mandate. The state Department of Health reports more than 12-thousand more cases of the virus in just a day. 762 persons are hospitalized with COVID, and about 75-percent of them are not vaccinated. The Governor says this surge is just getting started…:

CUT 12(12)      “…anyone.”

He asks us to mask back up while indoors, but has not made that a mandate

Baton Rouge state Representative Ted James will leave the legislature to take an assignment as regional head of the Small Business Administration. James says his territory will cover Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico…but he’ll remain in the state and work from an office in New Orleans…:

CUT 04(06)      “…across our region.”

A special election will be called to replace James in the legislature.

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing is nearing half-billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says the last time a Powerball jackpot was hit was October 4^th, when the jackpot was nearly $700-million. As of now, Saturday night’s drawing is worth about $480-million with a lump sum payout of $347-million, and could easily grow much higher between and Saturday night. She says those jackpots are growing much more quickly because of new Powerball policies…:

CUT 10(09)      “…so does that jackpot.”

Starting January 1^st medical marijuana patients will be able to buy the smokable raw for of the herb. Until now, only edibles, oils, tinctures and dissolvable gels were available. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain oversees product testing and regulations for medical marijuana, and says you must have a prescription from a licensed medical provider to legally use marijuana in Louisiana…:

CUT 07(09)      “…processed form.”

Medical marijuana in its natural form is cheaper to process compared to the other forms.

The state Department of Health reports over 12-thousand new cases of COVID-19 detected in a day; leaving little doubt that another surge is definitely underway. LDH also reports 762 people are in the hospital with COVID symptoms. Of those, about 75-percent have not been vaccinated. At a news conference just minutes ago, Governor John Bel Edwards said with a surge clearly beginning, it’s very important to wear a mask when indoors, and outdoors in situations where one cannot socially distance.

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing is nearing half-billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says the last time a Powerball jackpot was hit was October 4^th, when the jackpot was nearly $700-million…:

CUT 09(12)      “…really fine.”

The drawing is Saturday night at 10.

Starting January 1^st, medical marijuana patients will have the choice of using the smokable form of the herb. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

One more COVID story: three lions at the New Orleans Audubon Zoo have tested positive for the coronavirus. The animals are said to be suffering from runny nose and coughs, but are otherwise OK. The trio of cats have been quarantined while other big cats are tested. Zoo officials say they may have gotten it from a keeper.