Louisiana is increasing the benefits amounts available through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; also known as TANF. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Inflation is making it more difficult to get highway construction projects started. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says two projects recently had to be rejected because the bids to perform the construction work were nearly 50-percent above the estimate. The primary factors are the cost of labor and raw materials.

2021 was a difficult year for State Police as more details came out about the 2019 death of Ronald Greene, a black man who died after he was tased and beaten by several white state troopers. The incident is under federal investigation. Governor John Bel Edwards understands the family is seeking justice and State Police has made policy changes to prevent another tragic incident like this…
cut 9 (09) “….been taken”

For the first time ever, Louisiana will have a float in the 133rd Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the 350-thousand float will depict the spirit of the Bayou State. And Nungesser says riders of the float will include teachers, first responders, utility workers, healthcare professionals and volunteers…
cut 11 (08) “…to help Louisaina”

It’s been a difficult year for State Police as the state agency is under scrutiny for several use of force incidents over the last few years, one of which led to a death in Union Parish in 2019. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s confident that Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis, who was appointed in October 2020, is leading the agency in the right direction.
Cut 7 (11) “…of changes.”
One of the changes is the intervene policy, which allows officers to step in the moment they see another trooper taking excessive force too far.

The state health department says the number of Omicron cases in Louisiana has surpassed 100 as health officials express concern of another COVID surge. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Doctor Katherine Baumgarten says Omicron symptoms have mirrored those of previous variants…
cut 15 (12) “…..or runny nose”

For the first time ever, Louisiana will have a float in this year’s Rose Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Big win for the Saints last night as they blanked the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers nine to nothing. That’s seven straight regular-season win over Tampa Bay and New Orleans is now seven and seven.

Governor Edwards says he’s confident the Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight and current leadership at Louisiana State Police will resolve excessive force issues going forward. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (29) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The I-10 Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish will be closed from noon to 5 PM tomorrow as Entergy needs to reinstall overhead transmission lines following Tuesday’s fatal helicopter crash.

The body of Ouachita Parish coach and educator Scott Stone was recovered Friday morning in Union Parish after a boating accident.

It’s been over two weeks since the first Omicron case of COVID-19 was detected in Louisiana and since then the state health department has identified over 100 cases in the Bayou State. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says the seriousness of the variant remains in question at this point.
Cut 13 (09) “…throughout our communities.”
The state health department reported 31 additional Omicron variant cases yesterday and none of the new cases required hospitalization.

After only having three-thousand fans at the New Orleans Bowl last year, bowl officials are hoping for over 30-thousand fans to attend tonight’s game between U-L Lafayette and Marshall. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says there are a lot of Ragin Cajun fans in the Big Easy this weekend…
Cut 30 (05) “…holiday time period”
Tonight’s game kicks off at 8:15.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ordered Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet off the bench without pay as a result of video taken inside of her home where multiple racials slurs are heard on the recording. Legal Analyst Franz Borghardt says such a suspension by the Supreme Court is rare.
Cut 3 (07) “…be sure.”
Retired Opelousas City court judge Vanessa Harris has been appointed to take Odine’s place through February 28th.

For the first time in a very long time, Louisiana is increasing the benefits amounts available through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; also known as TANF (TAN-if). Lorrie Briggs is with the state Department of Children & Family Services, who administers the program…:
Cut 4 (08) “….beginning in January.”
Briggs says the additional funding is long overdue.

Today is the last day to mail a package via Priority Mail if you want it to arrive by Christmas. USPS spokesman David Walton offers tips to get it there on time…like making sure you get the right zip code…:
CUT 11(10) “…shipped off to.”
You can look up the correct zip, by address, at USPS.com.

If you’re a fan of the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day, the 133rd edition will for the first time feature a Louisiana float. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser:
Cut 10 (12) “…Hot 8 Brass Band.”
The float will include representatives who have assisted during the COVID and hurricane crises and will be decorated to depict the spirit of the Bayou State, including moss-covered trees, powdered covered beignets and crawfish.

The state Supreme Court has suspended without pay Lafayette City Court judge Michelle Odinet for a video taken inside her home where racial slurs can be heard on the video. Legal analyst and attorney Franz Borghardt says it remains to be seen if Odinet will ever serve as a judge again…:
CUT 05(10) “…Supreme Court to decide.”
Retired Opelousas City Court Judge Vanessa Harris will take over Odinet’s docket. Harris becomes the first black judge in Lafayette City Court history.

Today is the last day to mail a package via Priority Mail if you want it to arrive by Christmas. USPS spokesman David Walton advises using clear block printing on labels; not cursive, so it can be assured of getting there on time…:
CUT 10(05) “…little difficult.”
Walton also says don’t guess on the zip code.

Coach Sean Payton will not be on the sidelines for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay after testing positive for COVID-19. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will serve as interim coach. Allen says they got word Friday morning that Payton tested positive for COVID…
cut 12 (15) “…the game”
Payton was reportedly exposed by someone outside of the Saints facility who tested positive earlier this week.

Only three thousand people attended the New Orleans Bowl last year, but event organizers hope to have about ten times as many in the Superdome tonight when 23rd ranked U-L Lafayette meets Marshall. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says, in its 21-year history, the New Orleans Bowl has become a staple during the bowl season and brings tourists to the city…
CUT 08(09) “…down the line.”
And this afternoon in Shreveport, its 13th ranked BYU against UAB in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ordered Lafayette Judge Michelle Odinet off the bench without pay while she’s investigated for racial slurs on a video that went viral and has garnered national headlines. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A heads up for I-10 travelers on Sunday. Weather permitting, state transportation officials say the Bonnet Carre Spillway in both directions will tentatively be closed between noon and 5 p.m. to allow Entergy to reinstall overhead transmission lines following Tuesday’s fatal helicopter crash

Saturday is the last day to mail a package via Priority Mail if you want it to arrive by Christmas. USPS spokesperson David Walton says another way to avoid being a Grinch is to make sure you use a sturdy box to mail your gifts. As much as you may want to recycle boxes when it comes to packages, they might not make the journey safely.

Cut 9 (11) “…use those.”

COVID is responsible for moving Saints Head Coach Sean Payton from the sidelines for a second time. Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen will be making the calls for Sunday’s game against defending Super Bowl Champions Tampa Bay.  Allen says they got the word Friday morning that Payton tested positive for COVID.

Cut 12 (15) “…the game.”  

Kickoff in Tampa Sunday is 7:20 PM.

The state Supreme Court orders enforced suspension without pay for a Lafayette City Court judge allegedly heard saying racial slurs on a viral video. Judge Michelle Odinet says she had taken a sedative and has no memory of saying any of the things heard. Legal analyst and attorney Franz Borghardt says it’s never good to have a jurist with a perceived biased against a person or community…:

CUT 05(10)      “…Supreme Court to decide.”

An interim judge will hear Judge Odinet’s docket.

Saints head Coach Sean Payton has COVID and will miss Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. Saints D.C. Dave Allen will take center seat. Allen says he and the coaching staff will roll with the changes…:

CUT 14(05)      “…going to manage the game.”

The Saints are 11-point underdogs. Kickoff is 7:20 Sunday night.

Saturday is the last day to use priority mail so your packages will arrive on time for Christmas. Brooke Thorington has some tips…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

A Kinder man gets two life sentences, after his conviction for killing an Iowa couple in 2020. 37-year-old Scott Kidd will get no parole for murdering 73-year-old Joan O’Brien and 81-year-old Zoren O’Brien.

A Lafayette city court judge, who’s made national headlines for a video of her allegedly using a racial slur, is ordered to take a suspension without pay while an investigation goes on. Judge Michelle Odinet’s docket will be heard by an interim appointee. For her part, she says she had taken a sedative and has no memory of the event. Legal analyst and attorney Franz Borghardt…:

CUT 04(11)      “…making racial slurs.”

Borghardt says even the perception of bias – racial or other – is a bad thing for any judge.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton will miss Sunday’s game against the defending NFL champion Tampa Bay Bucs, after testing positive for COVID. DC Dave Allen will fill Payton’s shoes. He says so far it’s only Payton out, but they’ll make more changes if needs be..:

CUT 13(11)      “…have to adjust.”

The Buccaneers are 11 point favorites.

A Christmas present for all Shreveport city workers; they get a 13-percent across-the-board pay raise. Mayor Adrian Perkins and City Council members to make the announcement earlier today. The full council must approve the plan, which they are expected to do.

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents and Ouachita Parish deputies have found the body of a man who drowned Thursday in a boating accident on the Ouachita River. The remains of 59-year-old Scotty Stone were located near the town of Marion.

Only 3000 people attended the New Orleans Bowl last year, but event organizers hope to have about ten times as many in the Superdome Saturday. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says, in its 21-year history, the New Orleans Bowl has become a staple during the bowl season and brings tourists to the city…

CUT 08(09)      “…down the line.”

The game features nationally ranked UL-Lafayette versus Marshall.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ordered Lafayette Judge Michelle Odinet off the bench without pay while she’s investigated for racial slurs on a video that went viral and has garnered national headlines. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Saturday is the last day to use priority mail so your packages will arrive on time for Christmas. Brooke Thorington has some tips.

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ordered Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet off the bench without pay while she’s investigated for making racial slurs on a video that went viral and has garnered national headlines. Legal Analyst Franz Borghardt says such a suspension by the Supreme Court is rare.

Cut 3 (14) “…inappropriate racial slurs.”

Borghardt says he expects the suspension could drag out for some time while she’s investigated since the judge does have the right to defend herself. In her defense, Odinet stated earlier she was on a sedative and didn’t remember making such statements when watching surveillance footage of an alleged burglary outside of her home.

Cut 4 (11) “…making racial slurs.”

Borghardt says it’s not an ideal situation whatsoever.  You don’t want a jurist overseeing proceedings when they could have perceived biased against a person or community.

Cut 5 (10) “..to decide.”

Judge Ronnie Cox has been appointed to replace Odinet while she’s on leave.

__________________________________

After only having three-thousand fans at the New Orleans Bowl last year, bowl officials are hoping for over 30-thousand fans to attend Saturday night’s game between U-L Lafayette and Marshall. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says to expect a lot of Ragin Cajun fans in the Big Easy this weekend…

 Cut 6 (05) “…holiday time period” 

Cicero says they expect five to ten thousand from Marshall to also attend the game. He says they are expecting a competitive game between the Thundering Herd and a nationally ranked Ragin Cajuns team….

Cut 7 (06) “…offensive weapons.”  

This is the Cajuns first appearance in the New Orleans Bowl since 2016 and the sixth all-time in the 21-year history of the bowl game. Cicero says the New Orleans Bowl has become a staple during the bowl season and brings tourists to the city…

Cut 8 (09) “…down the line.”

______________________________________________________

Saturday is the last day to mail a package via Priority Mail if you want it to arrive by Christmas. USPS spokesperson David Walton says another way to avoid being a Grinch is to make sure you use a sturdy box to mail your gifts. As much as you may want to recycle boxes when it comes to packages, they might not make the journey safely.

Cut 9 (11) “…use those.”

Walton also advises that you print clearly your to and from labels for your packages instead of using cursive or messy handwriting so your packages will arrive at their intended destination.

Cut 10 (05)  “…lilttle difficult.”

And while you think guessing a zip code is better than not having one, Walton says making a guess will most likely keep your packages from getting under the tree on time.

Cut  11 (10)  “…shipped off to.”  

Walton recommends a visit to USPS.com and searching for the correct zip code, and like with your suitcase when you travel, it’s also a good idea to put an address label on the inside of your package in case the outer one is damaged.

You can also use the click it and ship it feature to find out how much it will cost to ship your gifts.

______________________________________________

COVID is responsible for moving Saints Head Coach Sean Payton from the sidelines for a second time. Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen will be making the calls for Sunday’s game against defending Super Bowl Champions Tampa Bay.  Allen says they got the word Friday morning that Payton tested positive for COVID.

Cut 12 (15) “…the game.”  

In March of 2020, Payton tested positive for COVID, and once again adjustments are being made on the field in his absence this year, as COVID makes its way through professional locker rooms.

Allen says Payton has communicated with staff how things should operate on Sunday and so far, coaching wise it’s only Payton out for Sunday, but they are ready to make more adjustments if needed.

Cut 13 (11) “…have to adjust.”

Allen says it’s never ideal being forced to make coaching adjustments, but having head football coach experience he’s prepared and looking forward to being in charge and says the remaining staff is prepping accordingly.

Cut 14 (12) “…managing the game.” 

Kickoff in Tampa Sunday is 7:20 PM.

The Louisiana Supreme Court orders Lafayette Judge Michelle Odinet off the bench without pay, while she’s investigated for racial slurs on a video that’s made national headlines. Brooke Thorington has more…:

Cut 01  (31)      “…Thorington.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he backs the creating a second majority-minority U.S. House district in Louisiana. Mr. Edwards says blacks make up a third of the state’s population, and having two minority districts would reflect one-third of the state’s six districts. Redistricting is coming up in February.

COVID puts Saints Head Coach Sean Payton out of the game for a second time. He’ll miss Sunday’s game and Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen will be making the calls for the game against defending Super Bowl Champions Tampa Bay.  Allen says they got the word Friday morning that Payton tested positive…:

CUT 12(15)      “…the game.”

Payton tested positive for COVID back in March of 2020.

Saturday is the last day to mail a package via Priority Mail if you want it to arrive by Christmas. USPS spokesman David Walton offers tips to get it there on time…like making sure you get the right zip code…:

CUT 11(10)      “…shipped off to.”

You can look up the correct zip, by address, at USPS.com