New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter and Senator Bill Cassidy are the only members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation that supported the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Brooke Thorington has more.
cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Treasurer John Schroder says 5-point-six million dollars in uncashed state income tax refunds have been put into the state’s unclaimed property program. Check L-A-treasury-dot-com to see if the money belongs to you.

Closing arguments are today in the sex abuse trial of former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. Five people testified that Strain either raped or sexually abused them. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it will be difficult for the jury to diminish the damning testimony against Strain since it has come from five accusers and not just one or two.
cut 15 (09) “…and over again.”
Strain has said he’s innocent.

The Louisiana Department of Health has put together a business plan that contains 17 initiatives and over 40 goals that the state agency plans to make progress on over the next year. LDH Secretary Courtney Phillip says part of the plan calls for improving care for persons with serious mental illness..
cut 5 (11) “…pregnancy to childhood”
Phillips says the plan places emphasis on better access to dental care, an opioid treatment program, a crisis care response team and more.

The U-S House passed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Friday night and Louisiana Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says the bill is life-changing and will finally put funding towards severely overlooked projects like expanded broadband and the upkeep of roads and bridges.
Cut 7 (06) “…US Senate.”
The rest of Louisiana’s House delegation voted against the measure. Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says the bill is nine-percent roads and bridges and 91-percent socialist garbage.

Closing arguments are today in the child rape trial of former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. Five male accusers took the stand, leveling graphic charges of sexual assault against him while they were children. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino:
Cut 13 (07) “…about and reject.”
Strain did not take the stand in his defense and if convicted could face life in prison.

Louisiana Department of Health officials reveal a new business plan for “Building a Stronger LDH and a Healthier Louisiana.” More on that from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The fifth U-S Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has temporarily halted the Biden Administration’s vaccine requirement that calls for businesses with more than 100 employees to mandate that their employees be vaccinated. Louisiana AG Jeff Landry calls the federal mandate an unlawful overreach, while the U-S Labor Department says it’s confident in its legal authority on this issue.

The much-talked-about one-point-two trillion-dollar infrastructure bill is heading to the President’s desk for signature after it received final House approval on Friday night. Several Republicans say very little of the money actually goes to improving roads and bridges, but Louisiana GOP Senator Bill Cassidy disagrees…
cut 10 (10) “…we need”
Democrats on Capitol Hill continue to push for passage of the 1.85 trillion dollar social spending package.

It will be much darker on your drive home from work tonight thanks to the time change. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says the switch to standard time can also impact sleeping patterns.
Cut 11 (11) “…drowsy.”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain could be looking at life in prison following his trial on accusations that he raped multiple children. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

The house passed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill last night. Louisiana Second Congressional District Representative Troy Carter issued a statement last night and said this a transformational moment for the people of Louisiana, and the entire country.

Cut 21 did its job :15

Senator Bill Cassidy also applauded the House’s passage of the bill.

Cut 22 flood resiliency :20

The Bill now goes to the President’s desk for signature.

It will be much darker on your drive home from work beginning Monday with the time change that goes into effect later tonight when we set our clocks back. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says you might want to check your headlights this weekend and consider cleaning them before the time change.

Cut 24 80-percent :10

Today is the last day for early voting for the November 13^th election. For locations and a sample ballot, visit the secretary of state’s website or use your Geaux Vote app on your smartphone. There are some municipal elections in areas of the state but there are also four constitutional amendments on the statewide ballots.+

The LSU Tigers take on rival Alabama in Tuscaloosa tonight at 6 and the Saints will play their division nemesis Sunday at the Dome when they kickoff against the Atlanta Falcons.

The state recorded its lowest number of hospitalizations Friday since spring of 2020 with 226. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Today is the last day for early voting for the November 13^th election. On the ballot are several municipal elections but also four statewide constitutional amendments. For a sample ballot and a list of voting locations use your Geaux Vote app on your smartphone. In areas severely impacted by Ida, several polling locations have been changed.

The winner of last Saturday’s one-point-three million-dollar Louisiana Lotto drawing is from Laura-devastated southwest Louisiana. Lottery spokesman Dennis Annison says the lucky ticketholder came forward Monday.

Cut 13 (08) “…thousand after taxes.”

No word on what he plans to do with his winnings.

And Trevor Siemian also hit the jackpot he’s now the starting QB for tomorrow’s Saints game against the Falcons. Kickoff is at noon and even Siemian’s mother will reportedly be in the stands at the Caesars Superdome cheering on her son, who led the Saints to victory last weekend against the defending champs Tampa Bay after Jameis Winston injured his knee. He’ll reportedly be out for the remainder of the season. And be sure to watch the game on time tomorrow don’t forget to set your clock back one hour tonight.

Drug maker Pfizer says their experimental antiviral pill for COVID cuts the rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90-percent in high-risk adults. Dr. Julio Figueroa, Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans says being able to treat COVID patients outside of the hospital with the convenience of a pill versus the current option would be a huge advance in treatment.

Cut 5 (07) “…those patients.”

Brandon Trosclair, who employs nearly 500 people at 15 grocery stores he owns in Louisiana and Mississippi, is among those suing strike down the Biden vaccine mandate on private-sector employees. Trosclair says it could cause him to lose employees.

Cut 9 (10) “…gonna get worse.”

The state marked another critical COVID milestone Friday, the lowest number of hospitalizations since spring of 2020. On Thursday the lowest was 235 and on Friday it was 226. Chief of Hospital Medicine at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, Dr. Mike Sewell says he believes an increase in vaccinations is largely responsible.

Cut 10 (10)  “…contributed.”

Today is the last day for early for the November 13^th election. For locations and a sample ballot, visit the secretary of state’s website or use your Geaux Vote app on your smartphone. There are some municipal elections in areas of the state but there are also four constitutional amendments on the statewide ballots.

And don’t’ forget Daylight Saving before you go to bed tonight. Set our clock back one hour.

Drugmaker Pfizer says their experimental antiviral pill for COVID cuts the rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90-percent in high-risk adults. Dr. Julio Figueroa, Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans says if the data holds true the drug is noteworthy. Figueroa says being able to treat COVID patients outside of the hospital with the convenience of a pill versus the current option is a huge advance in treatment.

Cut 5 (07) “…those patients.”

Brandon Trosclair, who employs nearly 500 people at 15 grocery stores he owns in Louisiana and Mississippi, is among those suing in federal court to strike down the Biden vaccine mandate on private-sector employees. Trosclair says the vaccine mandate goes beyond the federal government intervening in the health choices of his workers and potentially losing employees because of the mandate.

Cut 9 (10) “…gonna get worse.”

The Biden Administration says the mandatory vaccine requirement for many businesses and federal contractors will result in more people getting vaccinated, which will help end the pandemic.

The state marked another critical COVID milestone today, the lowest number of hospitalizations since spring of 2020. On Thursday the lowest was 235 and today it’s 226. Chief of Hospital Medicine at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, Dr. Mike Sewell says he believes an increase in vaccinations is largely responsible.

Cut 10 (10)  “…contributed.”

The winner of last Saturday’s one-point-three million-dollar Louisiana Lotto drawing is from Laura-devastated southwest Louisiana. So says lottery spokesman Dennis Annison who says the lucky ticketholder came forward Monday.

Cut 13 (08) “…thousand after taxes.”

No word on what the winner plans to do with his new riches.

The state recorded its lowest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations Friday since spring of 2020; and that under is 226. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “….Palermo.”

Detectives in Bossier Parish have added over 100 new child pornography charges to a local man, after an exam of his computer yielded loads of images and videos. Beau Helms was first arrested October 21^st for 5 counts of possessing images of child sexual abuse. His bond is set at over a million dollars.

State Attorney General Jeff Landry is among a number of Republican AG’s suing to block President Biden’s mandate that private companies must order their workers to get COVID shots or weekly test, or face termination. The Executive Order also applies to federal contractor, of which Louisiana has many. Mr. Landry…:

CUT 06(08)      “…vastly overreaching”

Biden wants businesses with 100 or more employees to order the shots. A group of private businesses are also suing to block the order.

A $1.3-million Louisiana Lotto jackpot was won last Saturday, by a man in storm-ravaged Lake Charles. Lottery spokesman Dennis Annison says Terrell Joseph Sr. is a richer man now, as is the More 4 Less convenience store, who gets over 13-k for selling the ticket…:

CUT 15(08)      “…operating the store.”

Drug manufacturer Pfizer is seeking FDA approval for a new antiviral COVID pill that they say can cut hospitalizations and deaths by up to 90-percent. Dr. Julio Figueroa, with LSU Health in New Orleans, says high-risk patients will need to get on the Pfizer pill very soon after being diagnosed with coronavirus for maximum benefit…:

CUT 04(10)      “…would fit.”

The state Department of Health’s daily COVID numbers reflect the lowest number of persons in the hospital with the virus in well over a year. As of this morning, 226 patients are under hospital care. That number hasn’t been that low since the spring of 2020. Dr. Mike Sewell, with LSU Health – Shreveport, says the high numbers of COVID patients have made it a bit tough to take care of everyone else…:

CUT 11(10)      “…COVID patients.”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is leading a multi-state lawsuit to block President Biden’s order for coronavirus vaccinations in the private sector. Landry says about 60-percent of the state’s budget is tied to federal money; making for one big string attached to be pulled by the White House. He says he feels Mr. Biden forgot we are a republic; not a monarchy…:

CUT 07(07)      “…not his to make.”

Brian Trosclair is a businessman who runs 15 grocery stores in Louisiana and Mississippi, and employs about 500. He says many of them could face termination if they don’t get the shots, and feels it’s ironic that just a year ago they were being hailed as heroes…:

CUT 08(08)      “…for their families.”

Both Landry and Trosclair feel the White House order (which takes effect January 4^th) is a severe overreach.

Federal lawsuits fly, as President Biden moves forward with mandating COVID vaccine shots for millions of American workers. Dave Brannen has more…:

CUT 01  (35)        “…Brannen.”

Meanwhile the state Department of Health reports 538 new cases of coronavirus today with 226 patients in hospitals; the lowest reported number since spring of 2020. Since the start of the pandemic, over 14-thousand Louisianans have died from COVID.

Drug maker Pfizer says their experimental antiviral pill for COVID cuts the rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90-percent in high-risk adults. Dr. Julio Figueroa, Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans says if the data holds true the drug is noteworthy…:

CUT 03(12)      “…significant. Very significant.”

Pfizer wants the FDA to authorize the new drug ASAP. Merck has a COVID pill that’s been OK’ed in Britain, but not yet in the U.S.

A Lake Charles man wins $1.3-million in last Saturday’s Louisiana Lotto drawing. Lottery spokesman Dennis Annison says Terrell Joseph Sr. claimed the pot early this week. Annison says the store that sold the ticket won its largest commission ever for selling the winning ticket…:

CUT 14(10)      “…the jackpot prize.”

No word on what Mr. Joseph plans to do with all that money.