A Baton Rouge judge denies the petition of House Republicans to revoke, the Governor’s current coronavirus restrictions. Judge William Morvant ruled the petition unconstitutional saying it requires approval by both chambers of the legislature. An appeal is expected and most likely the State Supreme Court will have to hear the case.

FDA approval for a COVID vaccine could come as early as by the end of the year but most folks won’t be getting a shot for months. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Department of Health reports 2,173 new positive COVID-19 cases today. Case numbers were not released yesterday due to the holiday

54-year old Shane McKinney a Baton Rouge pediatrician faces a simple battery charge after he allegedly hit and verbally assaulted a Southern University female student near the LSU Lakes Monday. Baton Rouge police spokesman Sergeant L’Jean Mckneely says so far, they have not determined a motive that led to the incident.

Cut 4 (09)   “…chest area.”  

McKinney issued a statement from his attorney claiming he’s innocent and allegations that he threw a punch and made racially offensive comments are not true.

Hurricane Zeta knocked out power to more than 480,000 Entergy Customers, and two weeks later power has been restored.  Entergy Spokesperson David Freese says their quick response was key in getting power restored quickly.

Cut 10 (08) “….storm “

Zeta marks the third major hurricane restoration effort in Louisiana this season following Laura and Delta.

State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch sounds optimistic that the general public will have received their COVID vaccines by late-spring. He also says a vaccine could begin being administered to frontline healthcare workers at their workplace in Louisiana within days of it receiving FDA approval, possibly even by the end of the year. Then for the rest of us…

Cut 7 (11) “…vaccine.”

A number of vaccines all seem to be nearing competition.

Hurricane Zeta knocked out power to more than 480,000 Entergy Customers, and two weeks later power has been restored.  Entergy Spokesperson David Freese says it took a large team to get the lights back on.

Cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana.”

A 54-year-old Our Lady of The Lake Doctor faces a simple battery charge after allegedly hitting and then verbally assaulting a Southern University student who was jogging by the LSU Lakes in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge police spokesman Sergeant L’Jean Mckneely says Shane McKinney claims his elbow contacted the accuser as she jogged by on a narrow sidewalk and that simple battery requires intentional use of force or violence. But there were also accusations that McKinney used racial language, a claim Mckneely says currently lacks evidence.

Cut 5  (12) “…that charge.” 

A Baton Rouge physician is charged with simple battery stemming from an incident involving a Southern University female-athlete on Tuesday afternoon near the LSU Lakes. Baton Rouge Police spokesperson Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says 54-year old Shane McKinney came in for questioning Wednesday after a photograph of McKinney, given to police by a witness was circulated and identified him as a suspect.
Cut 3 battery arrest :12
A number of coronavirus vaccines look like they’re nearing completion and state officials are game-planning how to make sure you can get one as soon as they are available. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says the first people to get a vaccine when it becomes available will be frontline healthcare workers who have contact with COVID patients.
Cut 6 (09) “…employees”

LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says President-elect Joe Biden’s win over President Donald Trump could cause problems for Louisiana’s oil-dependent economy. Biden’s climate policy calls for the country to be carbon-neutral by 2050 along with the rollback of fossil fuel-related industries. Scott says on Biden’s campaign website it says if elected he would stop all permitting in public waters, which includes the Gulf of Mexico.
Cut 8 (12) “…of this.”

A new state law gives families who have special needs children at group homes the ability to see each other during the coronavirus pandemic. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler says her measure also puts rules in place for the children to leave the facility and return…
cut 12 (07) “…the facility”
Butler has a 31-year-old child who lives in such a facility.

A hearing is underway to determine whether a petition signed by House Republican members has the power to cancel the state’s coronavirus restrictions put in place by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. But Judge William Morvant has told attorneys for the Attorney General and GOP lawmakers in the Louisiana House that the petition dealt with a previous emergency order from the governor, so any ruling from him would be moot. Edwards issued a new coronavirus order on Friday.

LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says President-elect Joe Biden’s win over President Donald Trump could cause problems for Louisiana’s oil-dependent economy. The Obama Administration placed new limits on offshore drilling through executive orders, bypassing Congress. Scott says a repeat could spell trouble for one sector.

Cut 7 (10)  “…of Mexico.”

A new state law allows close family members to visit special needs individuals living in group homes during a public health emergency. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler authored the measure. She has a 31-year-old child in a facility in Alexandria and the rules call for precautions to be taken during those visits…

cut 11 (07) “….their child”
Over 35-hundred children and adults live in nearly 500 sites statewide.

In the past few days, Louisiana State Police have been made aware of a telephone scam by a caller pretending to be a State Police Investigator.  The scammer has targeted people living in the Orleans and Jefferson Parish area.  Louisiana State Trooper Monroe Dillon explains how the perpetrator has pulled off the scam.

Cut 13 (11) “…. investigation.”

A hearing gets underway at this hour that pits Governor Edwards against House Republican lawmakers. GOP legislators say a petition they signed last month cancels the governor’s public health emergency order, but Edwards is asking a judge to declare the petition null and void. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says previous legal attacks on the governor’s orders focused on the constitutionality of the public health restrictions…
cut 6 (10) “….federal constitution”

State Police is warning the public about a telephone scam where the caller operates under the guise of a State Police investigator and demands money or gift cards in lieu of arresting the individual. Trooper Monroe Dillon says the phone calls are fictitious and in no way reflect L-S-P’s practices or procedures…
cut 14 (09) “…phone call”

Parents of special needs children now have the right to visit them in intermediate care facilities during public health emergencies. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The family of a Baldwin teenager who was found dead in a sugarcane field is still seeking answers from the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office on what happened to Quawan Bobby Charles. No arrests have been made in the case and the grieving family is seeking justice. Charles was found dead last Tuesday, four days after he was reported missing.

A state judge hears arguments today on whether a petition signed by Republican lawmakers in the House is enough to overturn Governor Edwards COVID-19 restrictions…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A Baton Rouge pediatrician has been charged with simple battery after he allegedly punched and verbally assaulted a Southern University student as she walking around the LSU lakes. Southern University officials say 54-year-old Shane McKinney committed a hate crime, but police have provided no information that racism was the motive.

A new state law allows close family members to visit special needs individuals living in group homes during a public health emergency. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler authored the measure. She has a 31-year-old child in a facility in Alexandria and the rules call for precautions to be taken during those visits…
cut 11 (07) “….their child”
Over 35-hundred children and adults live in nearly 500 sites statewide.

State Police is warning the public of a new telephone scam where the caller operates under the guise of an L-S-P investigator. Trooper Monroe Dillon says the scam has been targeting residents in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. He says these phone calls are fictitious and if you get one, ask questions during the call…
cut 15 (05) “,,,number there”
If you receive a call, you can report it to the State Police website by clicking on the suspicious activity link.

A Baton Rouge judge hears arguments today on whether a petition signed by 65 Republicans in the Louisiana House is enough to terminate the governor’s emergency orders that are in effect for the coronavirus. House GOP members believe based on a law passed in 2003 their petition is enough to put an end to the statewide mask mandate and capacity restrictions on businesses…
cut 5 (09) “….to the test”
That’s Loyola University of New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino who says the governor will argue that the petition signed by a majority of members in one chamber is not enough to overturn his emergency orders.

State Police is warning the public about a telephone scam where the caller identifies themself as an LSP Investigator. Trooper Monroe Dillon…
Cut 13 (11) “….investigation.”
The scammer has targeted residents in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

How concerned should Louisiana’s oil and gas industry be with a Joe Biden presidency that’s expected to push for more green energy? LSU Economist Doctor Loren Scott says Biden’s campaign website says if elected he would stop all permitting in public waters. He says that’s not good news for oil exploration businesses…
cut 9 (09) “…Port Fourchon”

There’s a new law that allows parents to see their special needs children at a group home during public health emergencies. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Bulter has a 31-year-old child at a facility in Alexandria and says her child suffered greatly when in-person visitation was halted in March.
cut 10 (10) “…the table”
The bill signed into law by the Governor allows visitation for close family members.

A state judge hears a case today that will determine whether a petition signed by House Republican members has the power to cancel the state’s coronavirus restrictions put in place by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. Loyola Univerisity of New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the governor’s lawyers will argue a petition signed by a majority of just one chamber is not enough to lift his public health emergency order…
cut 4 (06) “…arguments”
The petition was signed by 65 House Republican members.

A new state law gives families who have special needs children at group homes the ability to see each other during the coronavirus pandemic. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler says her measure also puts rules in place for the children to leave the facility and return…
cut 12 (07) “…the facility”
Butler has a 31-year-old child who lives at St. Mary’s Residential Training Center in Alexandria.

An LSU Economist warns President-elect Joe Biden’s victory could spell problems for oil-exploration dependent south Louisiana economies. Taylor Sharp has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Taylor Sharp.”

Governor Edwards and the House, represented by Attorney General Jeff Landry, face off in court today over the fate of the Governor’s public health emergency declaration. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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An LSU Economist warns President-elect Joe Biden’s victory could spell problems for oil-exploration dependent south Louisiana economies. Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Taylor Sharp.” 

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Parents of special needs children now have the right to visit them in intermediate care facilities during public health emergencies in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Today a Baton Rouge judge hears a case determining whether a State House petition has the power to overturn Governor Edwards’ public health emergency.

Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the House is arguing the act that gives the Governor the power to issue those orders also allows a majority vote of one chamber the right to cancel them. Edwards disagrees…

Cut 4 (06) “…arguements.”

The House is represented in Judge William Morvant’s court by Attorney General Jeff Landry. Last week Morvant rejected a request by the AG to block the Governor’s extension of Phase Three pandemic restrictions into December.

The act used by the House was passed and signed into law in 2003 but never utilized until now. Ciolino says the Governor is arguing it is unconstitutional because of the power it gives a single chamber.

Cut 5 (09) “…to the test.”

A similar petition was never circulated in the State Senate. Senate President Page Cortez said that was because of member’s concerns there’s not enough data to support overturning the orders.

Edwards has so far prevailed in court defending the declaration, but Ciolino says previous legal attacks only focused on the constitutionality of the public health restrictions.

Cut 6 (10) “…federal constitution.”

Edwards vetoed the only legislative instrument that made it to his desk from the recent special session that would have allowed the Legislature to limit his public health authority.

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LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says President-elect Joe Biden’s win over President Donald Trump could cause problems for Louisiana’s oil-dependent economy.

The Obama Administration, where Biden served as Vice President, placed new limits on offshore drilling through executive orders, bypassing Congress. Scott says a repeat could spell trouble for one sector.

Cut 7 (10)  “…of Mexico.”

Biden’s climate policy calls for the country to be carbon-neutral by 2050 and for the expansion of renewable energy jobs along with the rollback of fossil fuel-related industries.

Scott says on Biden’s campaign website he vowed that if elected he would stop all permitting in public waters, which includes the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 8 (12) “…of this.”

Governor Edwards has also vowed to see the state cut its carbon emissions by a quarter in the next five years, half within the next ten years, and be carbon neutral by 2050, a goal set by the Paris Climate Agreement.

Scott says Biden’s energy policy impact would be most felt most in exploration-based economies in south Louisiana…

Cut 9 (09) “…Port Fourchon.”

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There’s a new law that allows parents of special needs children in intermediate care facilities access during public health emergencies. The measure was approved in the recent special session and Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler says it’s an issue that hits close to home. She’s a mother of a special child.

Cut 10 (10) “…the table.”

The bill signed into law by the Governor allows visitation for close family members, and Butler made sure the law required precautions be taken during those visits.

Cut 11 (07) “…their child.”

Some special needs patients go back and forth between home and a care facility, and regulations were set in place for those situations like Butler’s.

Cut 12 (10) “…the facility.”

More than 3,500 children and adults live in nearly 500 of the sites statewide with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and other ailments that require 24-hour treatment.

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In the past few days, Louisiana State Police have been made aware of a telephone scam by a caller pretending to be a State Police Investigator.  The scammer has targeted people living in the Orleans and Jefferson Parish area.  Louisiana State Trooper Monroe Dillon explains how the perpetrator has pulled off the scam.

Cut 13 (11) “….investigation.”

Although this hoax sounds well-thought-out, it’s not exactly accurate.  Trooper Dillon explains what a legitimate investigation would be like.

Cut 14 (09) “…phone call.” 

Even though phone calls are not the norm, Dillon says that if you’re concerned, you should ask questions during the call.

Cut 15 (05) “…number there.”

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A win on Saturday over South Alabama and the Ragin Cajuns will clinch a Sun Belt West title and a spot in the conference championship game. It would be the third straight divisional title for Coach Billy Napier

Cut 16 (20) “…of the season.”

South Alabama brings a 3-4 record into Lafayette, 2-and-2 in league play. Napier says when he watches the tape, he sees a fundamentally sound Jaguar football team…

cut 17 (19) “…and yards.”

South Al has the Sun Belt’s most accurate passer in sophomore Desmond Trotter. Napier says receivers Jalen Tobert and Kawaan Baker are also very good

cut 18 (19) “…for you.”

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The Saints will host a banged-up San Francisco 49ers team this Sunday in the Superdome. The defending NFC Champs have been hit by the injury bug as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, All pro tight end George Kittle and pass rusher Nick Bosa are out with injuries. But Coach Sean Payton says the scheme San Francisco uses still makes them a tough team to beat

cut 19 (24) “…well-coached.”

Last season, the 49ers pulled off a 48-46 victory over the Black and Gold in New Orleans. Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders threw a touchdown pass in that game for San Fran and he also caught seven passes for 157 yards and a TD. Payton is glad Sanders is on his team this time…

cut 20 (20) “…we are doing.”

LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron says he’s disappointed they’ll have to reschedule this weekend’s game against Bama due to a COVID outbreak amongst the Tigers but says the team’s health staff are making the right call to keep the players safe. For the time being O says they’re focusing on their game against Arkansas the following weekend…

Cut 4 (12)   “…positive ”  

O also mentioned starting QB Myles Brennan was likely done for the year. 

55 of 64 parishes voted to legalize sports betting November 3^rd, paving the way for the Legislature to finally approve the activity in the upcoming April session. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says it’ll bring in new revenue to the state, but not for the nine parishes that voted no…

Cut 14 (09) “…this point.” 

Baton Rouge Democratic State Senator Cleo Fields questioned the new head of State Police Lamar Davis about ways policing policy could be improved at a committee meeting dedicated to police reform. Fields says one step would be barring troopers from turning off their dash and body cameras when interacting with the public…

Cut 7 (14) “…sir.”

Fields suggested utilizing always-on recording technology for troopers but the State Police Legislative Liaison then recounted situations, such as bathroom breaks, where a blanket policy of automatic recording might be inappropriate.

Lucille Bridges, the mother of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, who walked with her then-6-year-old daughter past crowds screaming racist slurs as she became the first Black student at her all-white New Orleans elementary school, has died at the age of 86.