Governor John Bel Edwards held his year-end press conference this afternoon. He covered a variety of events that impacted the state in 2021 from the pandemic, hurricanes, infrastructure funds, and COVID vaccinations to name a few. Mr. Edwards asks us to pray for the New Year…:

CUT 08(07)      “…a better 2022.”

The governor also stated that he still plans to go forward with adding the COVID vaccine to the school shot schedule for fall of 2022, despite a lawsuit to block it from Attorney General Jeff Landry.

A former priest and ex-director of the Association for Retarded Citizens in Greater New Orleans faces charges under Louisiana’s video voyeurism law. Jefferson Parish detectives say 59-year-old Stephen Sauer possessed images of men in sexual situations that appeared to be taken without their knowledge. Sauer was fired from his job at ArcGNO earlier this week.

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas near Manchac this weekend – weather permitting. CRCL’s James Karst says they need volunteers who aren’t afraid of a boat ride to get to the job…:

CUT 11(10)      “…click on ‘events’”

That web address is “CRCL.org”

This could help with some roadside encounters with law enforcement. Eligible Louisiana motorists can now request to have an “Autism” indicator added to their driver’s license. Any person diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by a qualified medical or mental health professional is included. The autism indicator will appear under the customer’s picture on the license.

LSU senior Quarterback Myles Brennan says he’ll exit the transfer portal and return to LSU. Brenna could play in the January 4^th Texas Bowl versus Kansas State.

Some good news for LSU fans: quarterback Myles Brennan will return to the Tigers. More from Jeff Palermo, who’s on the road…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you care for the environment, Dave Brannen reports there’s an event taking place this weekend that might be right up your alley.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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Louisiana’s Teen Vax Campaign is looking for volunteers to become vaccine youth ambassadors. The group’s Ritney Castine says you can be 12 and 17 to help lead the state’s effort to improve the Bayou State’s vaccination rates.

Cut 3 (11) “…get a vaccination.”

Those interested, regardless of their vaccination status, can take part in the campaign as an ambassador by applying as an individual or taking part in a team or club looking to inform other youths about the advantages of the vaccine.

Castine says the ambassadors, who will meet monthly with public health professionals, will be a plus for the Teen Vax Campaign.

Cut 4 (08) “…Department of Health.”

Castine says the youth ambassadors of the Louisiana Teen Vax Campaign will help students to distinguish the truth about being vaccinated from the misconceptions.

Cut 5 (10) “..on social media.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards held his year-end press conference this afternoon. He covered a variety of events that impacted the state in 2021 from the pandemic, hurricanes, infrastructure funds, and COVID vaccinations to name a few. Edwards halfheartedly joked this might not be his last briefing of the year…

 Cut 6 (10) “…in 2022.” 

Edwards wished Louisianans a safe and happy holiday season and also expressed optimism for 2022 with incoming infrastructure funds.

Cut 7 (13) “…to be coming.”  

The governor also stated that he still plans to go forward with adding the COVID vaccine to the school shot schedule for fall of 2022 and despite a lawsuit from Attorney General Jeff Landry that his office will be successful and he is merely following the science in doing so.

Edwards also asked residents to pray for the upcoming year.

Cut 8 (07) “…better 2022.”

We will have more tomorrow on the Governor’s year-end press conference.

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The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas near Manchac this weekend weather permitting. Communications Director James Karst says volunteers 16 and older will travel by boat to plant various types of trees.

Cut 9 (10) “…to restore habitats.”

Habitats that have been disrupted by previous hurricanes and storms. Karst says there will be two shifts, one at 9 a.m. the other at noon, on Friday and Saturday for volunteers to take part in the tree planting. To register visit the group’s events webpage at www.crcl.org.

Karst says the planting of these 600 trees will address the degradation these areas of Lake Maurepas have undergone for various reasons, including hurricanes.

Cut 10 (07)  “…it’s safe there.”

Karst says the volunteer operation will include snacks and drinks and the equipment needed to plant the trees, and as for those who want to give of their time for the project…

Cut  11 (10)  “…click on events.”  

For more information, visit www.crcl.org.

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Big news for Tiger fans today, fifth-year senior Quarterback Myles Brennan says he’ll return to the Purple and Gold after entering the NCAA transfer portal earlier this year. Louisiana Radio Network Sports Director Jeff Palermo says the future is bright for Brennan.

Cut 12 (16) “…full season.”  

Brennan suffered a series of injuries in the 2020 season that prevented him from starting. This past season he was, perhaps, under-utilized by Coach Ed Orgeron. He entered the transfer portal in October, before the coach’s departure from LSU was announced. Palermo says the change of leadership likely changed his mind…:

Cut 13 (08) “…best place for him.”

Coach Kelly recently got a commitment during early signing from St. Thomas More QB Walker Howard but certainly will still need some experience at the position, so getting Brennan to come back makes good sense. Palermo says Brennan’s return to LSU has possibilities that come well before next football season…:

Cut 14 (04) “…on January 4th.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards held his year-end press conference this afternoon, in which he covered many events impacting the state this past year. From the pandemic, to hurricanes, infrastructure funds, and COVID vaccinations and more. Edwards halfheartedly joked this might NOT be his last briefing of the year…:

CUT 06(10)      “…see you is in 2022.”

Edwards wished Louisianans a safe and happy holiday season.

Big news for Tiger fans today, fifth-year senior Quarterback Myles Brennan says he’ll return to the Purple and Gold after entering the NCAA transfer portal earlier this year. Louisiana Radio Network Sports Director Jeff Palermo says the change of head coaches could have changed his mind…:

CUT 13(08)      “…best place for him.”

Coach Kelly recently got a commitment during early signing from St. Thomas More QB Walker Howard but, Palermo says, certainly will still need some experience at the position.

A Shreveport man has been jailed on numerous counts of possessing and distributing child pornography. 28-year-old Joshua Turner was arrested after a tip began a state Justice Department investigation, in which his computer and devices were seized.

If you care for the environment, Dave Brannen reports there’s an event taking place this weekend that might be right up your alley….:

CUT 02(35)      “…Brannen.”

Louisiana’s Teen Vax Campaign is looking for volunteers to become vaccine youth ambassadors. The group’s Ritney Castine says you can be as young as 12 and up to 17. Castine says the youth ambassadors of the Louisiana Teen Vax Campaign will help students to distinguish the truth about being vaccinated from the misconceptions…:

CUT 05(10)      “…on social media.”

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas near Manchac this weekend weather permitting. Communications Director James Karst says this will address the degradation these areas of Lake Maurepas have undergone for various reasons, including hurricanes…:

CUT 10(08)      “…it’s safe there.”

To register visit the group’s events webpage at www.crcl.org.

Add Governor John Bel Edwards to the list of those calling for Lafayette Judge Michelle Odinet to resign, after a video shot in her home surfaced containing racial slurs and insults. Odinet is on a self-imposed leave of absence without pay. An interim judge has been named to hear cases on her docket. The governor shared his opinion during his end-of-year new conference.

Some good news for LSU fans: quarterback Myles Brennan will return to the Tigers. More from Jeff Palermo, who’s on the road…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Palermo.”

Lifeshare Blood Centers across the state says blood supplies are always low this time of year, so if you are of a mind to … please consider donating blood.

Big news for Tiger fans today, fifth-year senior Quarterback Myles Brennan says he’ll return to the Purple and Gold after entering the NCAA transfer portal earlier this year. Louisiana Radio Network Sports Director Jeff Palermo says the future is bright for Brennan.

Cut 12 (16) “…full season.”  

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas near Manchac this weekend weather permitting. Communications Director James Karst says volunteers 16 and older will travel by boat to plant various types of trees.

Cut 9 (10) “…to restore habitats.”

To register visit the group’s events webpage at www.crcl.org.

When Canadian Pacific merges with Kansas Southern it’s a big part of the puzzle to get passenger rail service from Baton Rouge to New Orleans on track. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is having his year-end press conference at this hour. We’ll have more on that later today.  Now a check on today’s commodity prices.

Mini-pig

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas (Marra-paw) near Manchac (Man-shack) this weekend weather permitting. Communications Director James Karst says volunteers 16 and older will travel by boat to plant various types of trees.

Cut 9 (10) “…to restore habitats.”

To Volunteer this Friday and Saturday register at CRCL-org

Louisiana’s Teen Vax Campaign is looking for volunteers to become vaccine youth ambassadors. The group’s Ritney Castine says they are looking for 12- and 17-year-olds to help improve vaccination rates, the ambassadors, will meet monthly with public health professionals.

Cut 4 (08) “…Department of Health.”

Visit LA youth ambassador-com

On his last call-in radio show of the year, Governor John Bel Edwards was asked if the Omicron variant could change upcoming plans for Mardi Gras. Edwards says it’s still too early to tell and so far, there’s not a consensus from health officials…

Cut 10 (09)  “…or deaths.”

The Saints are getting ready to play the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers. Former LSU Tiger and New Orleans native Leonard Fournette has flourished since arriving in Tampa Bay last year. Saints Head Coach Sean Payton says Fournette is a great three-down back…

Cut  16 (13) “..good addition”

Kickoff in in Tampa is 7:20 on Sunday

Louisiana’s Teen Vax Campaign is looking for volunteers to become vaccine youth ambassadors. The group’s Ritney Castine says you can be 12 and 17 to help lead the state’s effort to improve the Bayou State’s vaccination rates.

Cut 3 (11) “…get a vaccination.”

The reality of passenger rail service from the Capital City to the Crescent City is beginning to take shape. Baton Rouge Area Foundation Executive VP John Spain says a rail merger will give Canadian Pacific, who already has a relationship with Amtrak, control of the track and the track is built for freight, not passengers, but that shouldn’t be a major obstacle.

Cut 5 (11) “…rail improvements.”

As Governor Edwards says he’ll keep pushing for COVID shots to be required for school kids, Senator John Kennedy goes on record against mandates. Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Officials have identified the pilot of a helicopter who died when his chopper crashed on the I-10 Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish. His name is Joshua Hawley of Denham Springs. The 42-year-old was a father of three young children and 13-year U-S Marine Corps veteran.

Senator John Kennedy says COVID vaccinations should be an individual’s choice, not a government mandate. Kennedy says he has received both COVID shots and a booster but the government has no role in an individual’s health choices.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to make that decision.”

Baton Rouge Area Foundation Executive VP John Spain says the reality of passenger rail service from the Capital City to the Crescent City taking shape. A merger between two rail companies, infrastructure funds, and government officials all on board, Spain it looks like we could see an oncoming train next year and a trial run of the existing track very soon.

Cut 6 (12) “…good about this.”

After wrangling over a plan, it appears the allocation of money for 450-million dollars in Superdome renovations is an almost done deal.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

And on the topic of professional New Orleans sport’s teams last night Pelicans guard Devonte Graham made one heck of a shot for his highlight reel. It’s been a tough season for the Pels but Graham made a 61-foot bank shot at the buzzer to give New Orleans a 113 to 110 win against Oklahoma City. New Orleans is 9-and-21 on the season.

As Governor Edwards says he’ll keep pushing for COVID shots to be required for school kids, Senator John Kennedy goes on record against mandates. Kevin Gallagher has that…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Governor Edwards was asked on his monthly call-in radio show if the Omicron variant will spoil Mardi Gras plans. Edwards says it’s too early to tell…
cut 11 (10) “…been vaccinated’

An agreement has been reached between top legislative leaders and the Edwards administration on funding 450-million dollars in renovations to the Superdome. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…
cut 13 (09) “….in the dome”
27-million dollars in pandemic aid will be a part of the state’s portion and the Saints are also putting money towards the project that is expected to be completed before New Orleans hosts the Super Bowl in 2025.

Will there be passenger rail service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge before 2025. Baton Rouge Area Foundation Executive Vice President John Spain says Canadian Pacific’s purchase of Kansas City Southern is part of the equation to making it a reality either next year or in 2023…
cut 4 (11) “…do thin”
Spain says Amtrak has met with the governor to express interest and even listed the potential route on their strategic plan.

The state health department is reporting 48 additional cases of the Omicron variant of COVID 19, bringing the total number of Omicron cases in Louisiana to 93, most of them in the Greater New Orleans area.

On his monthly call-in radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards was asked if the Omicron variant will put a damper on Mardi Gras fun in 2022. Edwards says it’s still too early to tell and so far there’s not a consensus from health officials…
cut 10 (09) “…or deaths’

Meanwhile, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy had a press call with reporters and discussed his objection to the government mandating that private businesses should have their employees vaccinated against COVID…
cut 8 (12) “…primarily legislature”

When Canadian Pacific merges with Kansas City Southern it’s a big part of the puzzle to get passenger rail service from Baton Rouge to New Orleans on track. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Officials have identified the pilot of a helicopter who died when his chopper crashed on the I-10 Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish. His name is 42-year-old Joshua Hawley of Denham Springs. He was a father of three young children and 13-year U-S Marine Corps veteran.