Nicholls State University is mourning the death of three students who were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Lafourche Parish involving a suspected drunk driver just after midnight on Saturday. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they believe 39-year-old Joey Clement (Clay-monh) was impaired when his pick-up truck slammed into an SUV…Brennan says Clement displayed signs of impairment and was arrested for DWI fourth offense…

Cut 7 (11) “….Lafourche Parish jail”  

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the families cover the funeral expenses.

There’s something to be thankful for at the pump this week. Gas Buddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price for regular gas in Louisiana is down a penny and half with the statewide average at $3.09 a gallon, down four cents from last month. He says it has to do with the price of oil which was $85 a barrel.

Cut 3 (10) “…ahead of Thanksgiving.”

The state receives a $1.5 million grant to address human trafficking. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

If you haven’t already done so you have a week from today to register for FEMA assistance related to damage caused by Hurricane Ida that led to a disaster declaration in 25 Louisiana parishes. At last word, more than well over a half-million applications for FEMA assistance had been approved and more than a billion dollars had been paid out. Visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 to reach FEMA’s disaster helpline between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Nicholls State University is mourning the death of three students who were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Lafourche Parish involving a suspected drunk driver just after midnight on Saturday. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they believe 39-year-old Joey Clement (Clay-monh) was impaired when his pick-up truck slammed into an SUV…

 Cut 6 (11) “…that crash.” 

The three victims are from Luling (Loo-ling).

Alexandria State Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of the House Education Committee. One of the big education issue Mr. Harris says he is ready to tackle is Critical Race Theory.

Cut 15 (12)  “…decisions on it.”

Harris has been in the legislature since 2012.

As we move into the holiday season Governor Edwards continues to encourage COVID vaccinations and for those who already are, he’s also touting booster shots. Vaccine immunity has been shown to drop after six months on the two-dose vaccines, and two months after the one-dose vaccine, so Edwards says it’s best to add a booster.

Cut 9 (07)  “…as well.”

The CDC says more than 48% of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

As Louisianans sit down for their Thanksgiving meal know that the price tag for the meal is lower than the national average. That’s according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau and spokesman Avery Davidson on the costs of a dinner to feed ten people.

Cut 4 (10) “…average of $68.72. “

He says compared to 2019 your meal costs about $5 more.

The newly established Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention receives a $1.5 million federal grant to improve outcomes for young victims of the crime. Executive Director of the office Dr. Dana Hunter says they will continue to work with key experts in the community to combat human trafficking.

Cut 10 (07)  “…and recovery.”

Hunter says the majority of child trafficking victims are homebred, meaning they are groomed and lured into the crime locally.

Alexandria State Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of the House Education Committee. Harris has been in the Legislature since 2012 and has served on key committees like Appropriations, Retirement, and the Joint Budget Committee. Harris says he’ll “hit the ground running” as EducationChair.

Cut 14 (14)  “…state education system.”

Your Thanksgiving meal might cost a bit more this year, but Louisiana residents are paying less than the national average. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Governor Edwards will participate in a ribbon-cutting today for the widening project on I-10 from I-49 to Beaux Bridge at 10 a.m. And then a press conference at the Capitol at 2:30. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter will be at the press conference for a housing announcement for those affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta and the May floods.

State Police say there was an officer-involved fatal shooting in Metairie last night. There are very few details at this time. The incident had a portion of Airline Highway closed, but it re-opened at 6 AM.

Three teenagers were killed in a two-vehicle fatal wreck after midnight on Saturday in Lafourche Parish. 39-year-old Joey Clement of Thibodaux was arrested for a fourth offense DWI.

The state receives a $1.5 million grant to address human trafficking. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Farm Bureau says you can expect to pay 57-dollars for a classic Thanksgiving holiday meal that feeds 10. The cost of the meal includes turkey, bone-in ham and several side dishes. This year’s U-S average for a Thanksgiving meal is up 14-percent from last year, but Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says regardless of the price, the main staples for a Thanksgiving dinner are among the cheapest worldwide…
cut 5 (10) “…thank for that”

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of the House Education Committee. Harris has been in the Legislature since 2012 and has served on Appropriations, Retirement, and the Joint Budget Committee. He looks forward to the challenges of chairing Education…:
Cut 13 (14) “…where we are going.”

The Louisiana Farm Bureau says families can expect to spend an average of 57-dollars for a classic holiday meal for ten, which is eleven dollars cheaper than the national average. The dinner consists of 14 main items including sweet potatoes. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says even those veggies cost less in Louisiana than the national average…
cut 6 (07) “….the national average”
Davidson says you can even pay less by buying directly from a grower of sweet potatoes.

With the holidays approaching, Governor John Bel Edwards is encouraging those 18 and older and have been vaccinated against COVID to consider getting a booster shot…
cut 8 (07) “…the disease”
Health officials say vaccine immunity has been shown to drop after six months on the two-dose vaccines, and two months after the one-dose vaccine

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of House Education. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Governor Edwards has two public events on his calendar today. He’ll be in Lafayette this morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the I-10 widening project from I-49 to Breaux Bridge. This afternoon, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter will join the governor in Baton Rouge for a housing announcement for people affected by last year’s hurricanes and the May floods.

Louisiana is the recipient of a one-point-five million dollar federal grant to address human trafficking. Louisiana is one of two states selected for the 2021 grant and two years ago received $1.2 million. The multi-year grant will fund the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative and Accessibility Initiative.
Cut 11 (11) “…care coordination.”
That’s Doctor Dana Hunter, executive director of the newly created Office of Human Trafficking Prevention.

As we move into the holiday season, Governor Edwards continues to encourage COVID vaccinations and for those who already are, he’s also touting booster shots. Edwards says last year’s holiday gatherings brought about a surge in cases.
Cut 7 (12) “…it is to do it.”

Thanksgiving arrives Thursday, and while what goes into making the meal for the day may cost a bit, Louisiana residents are paying less than the national average….
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

The legal hurdles over whether Ochsner Health can require its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face termination should be resolved next month by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola University law professor, Dane Ciolino, expressed surprise when the state’s 2^nd Court of Appeals sided with Shreveport Ochsner employees opposed to the vaccine mandate, blocking it last month.

Cut 7 (11) “….and can’t do.”  

Ciolino predicts that Ochsner Health will emerge victorious in the state Supreme Court case given that Louisiana is an “at will” state when it comes to employment.

The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House this morning after an hours-long speech overnight delayed the vote. The $1.75 trillion bill will assist working families with childcare for about 300,000 young children, provide universal pre-school and Pell Grant awards. Congressman Troy Carter says it’s so important to educate children even before kindergarten during their formative years

Cut 9 (10) “…their education.”

The bill now heads to the Senate.

——————————-

Governor Edwards told U-S Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge the state is ready to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funds to help southwest Louisiana rebuild from the 2020 hurricanes. Edwards says they are anxious for the feds to issue rules on how the grant dollars can be used. Edwards was in D-C earlier this week seeking additional money for southwest Louisiana. He believes the trip will help pay dividends…

Cut 5 (06) “.through Congress.”

Louisiana GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow is introducing the Parents Bill of Rights Act that’s geared toward further opening the line of meaningful dialog between families and their child’s school. She says the legislation would also bring more transparency to a school’s budget and spending.

Cut 14 (11) “…activity at school.” 

Letlow notes that many schools in the nation and in Louisiana are already practicing what’s in her bill.

The legal tussle over whether Ochsner Health can require its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face termination should be resolved next month by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola University law professor, Dane Ciolino, says in this case that the justices will consider…

 Cut 6 (10) “…them very quickly.” 

A hearing on the matter is set for December 7^th.

Governor Edwards told the U-S Housing and Urban Development Secretary the state is ready to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funds to help southwest Louisiana rebuild from the 2020 hurricanes. Much of the money will go to storm victims who need help to rebuild their homes and businesses. He says 90-million of the allocation is also required to pay efforts…

Cut 4 (06) “…as well.”

Edwards was in Washington earlier this week seeking additional money for southwest Louisiana.

The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House Friday morning after an overnight delay on the vote. Brooke Thorington has more on the $1.75 trillion bill to support working families.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

Police in the Vermilion Parish town of Maurice are working their first homicide case in about 70 years.  It happened Friday afternoon when investigators say 53-year-old Kevin Chargois was found shot to death in a roadway of the town. Robert St. Julien, said to be the man’s third cousin, and who initially reported the crime, was arrested after questioning on a charge of second-degree murder. No word on what the motive for the shooting was.

The Louisiana Supreme Court will be the next stop for two combined cases challenging Ochsner Health’s mandate that all its workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.  More from Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Biden Build Back Plan passed in the House Friday and critics of the $1.75 trillion bill say it will only discourage some from entering the workforce. Congressman Troy Carter says he respectively disagrees because the bill provides funding for childcare which will allow more parents to return to work. Opponents say the bill will cost an estimated $1.6 trillion and it’s the largest non-emergency spending measure since the 60s.

Governor Edwards told U-S Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge the state is ready to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funds to help southwest Louisiana rebuild from the 2020 hurricanes. Edwards says they are anxious for the feds to issue rules on how the grant dollars can be used.

Cut 3 (13) “…we get started.”

Louisiana GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow is introducing the Parents Bill of Rights Act that’s geared toward further opening the line of meaningful dialog between families and their child’s school.

Cut 13 (12) “…boards and educators.”

Letlow says education is not a job parents or schools can do by themselves.

The Biden Build Back Plan passed in the House this morning and critics of the $1.75 trillion bill say it will only discourage some from entering the workforce. Congressman Troy Carter says he respectively disagrees and because the bill provides funding for childcare which will allow more parents to return to work.

Cut  11 (10)  “…my party.”  

Opponents say the bill will cost an estimated $1.6 trillion and it’s the largest non-emergency spending measure since the 60s. President of business group LABI Stephen Waguespack says instead of helping the economy, which is at its highest in over 30 years, the BBB will do the opposite.

Cut 12 (07) “…right now.”  

The bill now heads to the Senate.

The legal tussle over whether Ochsner Health can require its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face termination should be resolved next month by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola University law professor, Dane Ciolino, says in this case that the justices will consider…

 Cut 6 (10) “…them very quickly.” 

A hearing on the matter is set for December 7^th.

Louisiana GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow is introducing the Parents Bill of Rights Act that’s geared toward further opening the line of meaningful dialog between families and their child’s school. She says the pandemic and virtual education allowed more parents to witness their child’s curriculum and inspired the legislation.

Cut 15 (09) “…should have input.”