State and federal law enforcement agencies say they are prepared for this weekend’s planned demonstrations and will be monitoring the situation at the State Capitol. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

Louisiana native, Lt General Russel Honore will lead the review of security at Capitol Hill following the violent riot on January 6^th. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Honore’s appointment Friday and says he was chosen due to his strong experience. The Green General is also known for his command of a Joint Task Force after Katrina.

A Lafayette man has been charged for allegedly participating in last week’s riot at the U-S Capitol. 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon made his first court appearance Thursday. He faces two charges, including knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Gordon got himself in trouble for posting pictures and there’s also video on FB of him discussing being inside Capitol with a friend.

Cut 4 (08) “…happening” 

The Saints and Buccaneers will meet for a third time on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game. In the two regular-season meetings, the Saints allowed just 13 points a game and they’ve intercepted Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady five times. Saints Offensive tackle Terron Armstead says they’ll stick with what they’ve done all season…

Cut 14 (09) “.a way to win.” 

Kickoff Sunday is at 5:30 in the Dome.

The Saints are preparing to take down the Tom Brady led Bucs for the 3^rd time this year Sunday at 5:40 PM.

The Saints defense suffocated Brady in the previous two regular-season contests, holding the Bucs to 13 points a game and picking the future Hall of Famer off five times.  Brady has a lot of respect for the New Orleans defense.

Cut 12 (11) “…long time” 

Happy birthday Drew Brees, the Saints legend turned 42 today and looking forward to playing against the 43-year-old Brady. He says he expected they’d be facing off in a win or go home game…

Cut 19 (16) “…the Bucs.”

Also playing this weekend: the Rams and Packers, Browns and Chiefs, and the Ravens and Bills.

La Tech men’s basketball will host UTSA for two games beginning tonight. The Bulldogs are 9-4, 2-2 in Conference USA after splitting a pair of games at Western Kentucky last week. The Roadrunners are 5-and-6, 1-and-3 in Conference USA, and snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over North Texas last Saturday. Bulldogs Coach Eric Konkol says the Texas San Antonio is getting better

Cut 16 (16) “…other end.”

Elsewhere in college hoops action this evening we’ve got ULM heading up north to take on Arkansas State and the Cajuns driving west to take on Texas Arlington.

The Pelicans hope to snap a four-game losing streak tonight in Los Angeles against the reigning champion Lakers.

50-year-old Vaughn Gordon of Lafayette is facing misdemeanor charges related to his participation in the attack on Capitol Hill last week. Gordon told the Advocate that he was able to wander the Capitol for nearly two hours, but says he didn’t vandalize anything and remained peaceful, but legal analyst Tim Meche says because a cop lost their life that day everyone even remotely involved will be facing charges…

Cut 3 (12)  “..accountable”

Governor Edwards blasted those who took part in last week’s mob riot…

Cut 10 (10) “…The United States.”

Federal prosecutors also allege some involved in the riot were actively plotting to assassinate elected officials. Because of that law enforcement is on alert ahead of this weekend’s expected protests at the Louisiana State Capitol. Edwards says if you’re going, stay peaceful and wear a mask.

The Saints and Buccaneers will meet for a third time on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game. Tampa Bay finished the regular season with the N-F-L’s number one rush defense. Saints Offensive tackle Terron Armstead on what the Buccaneers do well….

Cut 13 (12)“..run game”

The Saints swept the regular-season series only allowing 13 points a game along with five interceptions.

Louisiana Tech’s Forever Loyal Campaign and exceeded its goal and raised more than $171 million for the University.  LA Tech President Dr. Les Guice says the campaign which began November 2018 originally set out to raise $125 million.

Cut 6 (10) “..raise funds”

A Lafayette man faces charges for participating in the January 6^th storming of the US Capitol building. 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon faces the rough equivalent of some trespassing misdemeanors for being in the Capitol that day and got caught after describing his participation to the Advocate and talking about it on a social media video. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Gordon may not be the only Bayou State native who gets arrested…

Cut 5  (12) “…event” 

Gordon told the Advocate that he was able to wander the Capitol for nearly two hours, but says he didn’t vandalize anything and remained peaceful.

Governor Edwards is asking anyone going to the election protest at the State Capitol to not resort to the kinds of violence we saw in D.C. last week…

Cut 9 (10) “…law”

The Saints and Buccaneers will meet for a third time on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game. In the two regular-season meetings, the Saints allowed just 13 points a game and they’ve intercepted Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady five times. Brady has a lot of respect for the New Orleans defense

Cut 12 (11) “…long time” 

Louisiana Tech’s Forever Loyal Campaign and exceeded its goal and raised more than $171 million for the University.  LA Tech President Dr. Les Guice says the funds have already been used to assist students and they have other infrastructure projects are the works.

Cut 7 (11) “…needs.”

More than 23,500 donors made more than 100-thousand individuals donations.

A Lafayette man has been charged for allegedly participating in last week’s riot at the U-S Capitol. 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon made his first court appearance yesterday. He faces two charges, including knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Gordon got himself in trouble for posting several pictures of himself inside the Capitol on Facebook…
cut 4 (08) “…happening”
Over 80 people involved in the riot at the Capitol have been arrested.

Protests are expected this weekend outside of all 50 State Capitol Buildings. Security has been heightened and Governor John Bel Edwards is asking for the demonstrations to remain peaceful and protesters should also wear a mask…
cut 11 (11) “…environment”

Louisiana Tech’s Forever Loyal Campaign proves donors are Forever Generous by exceeding their goal and raising $171 million. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington”

Five-hundred vaccinated workers from Ochsner Health and LCMC Health will attend Sunday’s playoff game between the Saints and the Buccaneers in the Superdome. Saints owner Gayle Benson says this is just a small gesture to recognize the incredible work these men and women have completed over the last year.

So far only one Louisianan has been arrested for participating in the riot at the Capitol last week, 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon of Lafayette. Gordon isn’t accused of being violent, only of misdemeanors, but legal analyst Tim Meche says everyone at the Capitol that day who gets caught will pay a price…

Cut 3 (12)  “..accountable”

One police officer was beaten to death with a fire extinguisher and another committed suicide several days after.

Governor John Bel Edwards asks everyone participating in this weekend’s protests to stay peaceful and follow the law. Edwards touted the fact that election protestors have been holding demonstrations at the State Capitol for weeks without issue, hopes they will continue to do so.

Cut 10 (10) “…The United States.”

Louisiana native and retired Lt. General Russell Honore has been tapped by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to review security at the US Capitol in wake of last week’s events. The Green General is best known for leading the Katrina Joint Task Force.

Louisiana Tech’s Forever Loyal Campaign raises more than $171 million. Tech President Dr. Les Guice says they are overwhelmed with the generosity of the fundraiser. The La Tech campus was heavily damaged on April 25^th of 2019, by an EF3 tornado, Guice says the unfortunate event spurred donations to the campaign.

Cut 8 (12) “…they say.”

Governor Edwards asks everyone participating in this weekend’s protests to stay peaceful and follow the law. Law enforcement agencies report they will be closely monitoring demonstrations at the State Capitol this weekend. Edwards says the state will protect your right to protest, but not to riot.

Cut 9 (10) “…law”

Law enforcement agencies released a statement saying they have not identified any specific or substantiated threat to life or property.

Louisiana Tech’s Forever Loyal Campaign and exceeded its goal and raised more than $171 million for the University.  LA Tech President Dr. Les Guice says the campaign which began November 2018 originally set out to raise $125 million.

Cut 6 (10) “..raise funds”

The Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots keep growing with both games up over 600 million dollars now. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says if you end up winning tonight’s 750 million dollar Mega Millions jackpot, you’d be the first Louisianan to do so in awhile…

Cut 15 (09)“…we’re due.”

Chopin says both Jackpots are in their respective games Top five,

About 50 Louisiana small business owners had a zoom call this week with staff members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation as they seek a liability shield against COVID-infection related lawsuits and the owner of Lafayette-based I-T company Techneaux, Ben Johnson, says the rising cost of healthcare coverage for employees is another concern.

cut 11 (10) “….safe”

Law enforcement officials say they have not identified any substantial threat to life or property on the State Capitol or other government buildings as they prepare for possible protests leading up to Wednesday’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Tulane Emergency and Security Studies Professor Becky Rouse says if someone you know is actively plotting to commit acts of political violence, report it to authorities, but don’t waste law enforcement’s time with false alarms…
Cut 5 (10) “…this.”

Efforts are underway in Cameron Parish to restore Rabbit Island to assist population growth for the Brown Pelican. Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Project Manager Todd Baker says the Island has decreased in size over the last 7 decades.

Cut 9 (11) “…as well.”

Louisiana alumni of Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business Voices pitched Congress on what they feel needs to be done to help companies struggling with the pandemic. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

The City of Scott announced today that the 8^th Annual Boudin Festival has been postponed until September 24-26 due to COVID. The event was scheduled to take place the second weekend of April. And the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is scheduled for the weekends of October  8^th and 15^th this year.

Law enforcement across Louisiana is on high alert for the potential for violent protests as we get closer to the January 20th inauguration day. A joint statement from several different law enforcement agencies said at this time there has not been any specific and substantiated threat to life and property have been identified. Tulane Emergency and Security Studies Professor Becky Rouse says if you are concerned someone you know may get violent at a protest, try to talk them out of going…
cut 6 (08) “…great”

About 50 Louisiana small business owners pitched lawmakers via Zoom on how best to proceed with small business COVID relief. Owner of Lafayette-based IT company Techneaux, Ben Johnson, says they talked to Congressional staff about the need for a liability shield against COVID-infection related lawsuits.
Cut 10 (08) “…around that.”

Work is underway to restore Rabbit Island in Cameron Parish, which is the home to the only Brown Pelican colony in Southwest Louisiana. The island has lost 30-percent of its total acreage since 1955. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Project Manager Todd Baker…
cut 8 (09) “….species”
The project also employs 130 workers and should be done before nesting season begins.

The Mega Millions jackpot for tonight is 750-million dollars and the Powerball drawing for tomorrow has a 640-million dollar jackpot. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says these two jackpots have been rolling over almost simultaneously…
cut 14 (11) “….together”
Chopin says weekly sales for the two multi-state lottery games ahve doubled since the jackpots exceeded 400-million dollars.

Law enforcement is on alert ahead of this weekend’s planned pro-Trump demonstrations at State Capitols across the country. Tulane Emergency and Security Studies Professor Becky Rouse says due to the potentially armed and tense nature of these demonstrations, she does not recommend counter-protests…
Cut 4 (08) “…expect”
Louisiana law enforcement released a joint statement yesterday that said there is not a specific and substantial threat to life or property at this time.

President-elect Joe Biden has released a one-point-nine trillion-dollar COVID relief plan that calls for 15-billion dollars in small business grants. Owner of Lafayette-based I-T company, Techneaux, says he hopes Congress also considers liability protection from COVID-infected related lawsuits and the rising cost of healthcare coverage…
cut 12 (09) “…quickly”

A Lafayette man has been charged for allegedly participating in last week’s riot at the U-S Capitol. 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon made his first court appearance yesterday as federal prosecutors have charged him with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority and one count of demonstrating in the Capitol buildings.

Restoration operations are underway to restore Rabbit Island, the only Brown Pelican colony in Southwest Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”