More displaced hospital and medical workers are suing over losing their jobs due to a COVID vaccine mandate. A group of nurses & staff fired last week from Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport have lawyered up and plan to file suit. An attorney for the group says Shriner’s actions were (quote) “egregious and lawless.”

A Coushatta cop looks to be in trouble with the law, after state wildlife agents busted up a nighttime deer hunt.  More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Brannen.”

Thibodaux Regional Health has opened its new 80-thousand square foot cancer diagnosis and treatment center. On hand for ceremonies was Lt. Governor Bill Nungesser, who says the facility will serve Lafourche and seven other nearby parishes…:

CUT 03  (09)        “…and service.”

In addition to staying open amid Hurricane Ida’s fury, the center also provided meals for storm victims and first responders.

The LHSAA Prep Football Classic starts tomorrow in the Caesar’s Superdome. Among key games, Many High’s Tigers look to repeat a Class 2A championship, as they face Amite at 3:30 Friday. Many beat Amite’s Warriors 34-30 in quarterfinals last season, and Tigers Coach Jess Curtis expects a similar outcome this year…:

CUT 13  (09)        “…on Friday”

Also on tap: Ouachita Christian vs. Southern Lab at noon, and New Iberia’s Westgate faces Warren Easton in the night game.

Thibodaux Regional Health System celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes. Nungesser says it’s a joy to recognize such achievements in the state, especially this time of year.

Cut 5 (10) “…Louisiana special.”

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving police patrol unit in Red River Parish. Adam Einck with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says one of the people in the police vehicle during the hunt was 31-year-old Anthony Caldwell who was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and had harvested an eight-point buck.

Cut 8 (09) “…not have licenses.”

Louisiana residents are facing or have already received significant increases in their premiums to be protected by the National Flood Insurance Program. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, says NFIP’s new Risk Rating 2.0 program proposes to alter premiums as to make them unaffordable to many. He says many of those who live in flood-prone areas in coastal areas of the state do so because of their various livelihoods in order to make a living.

Cut 10 (10)  “…to the coast.”

The 40th annual LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off tomorrow in the Ceasars Superdome. Ouachita Christian seeks its eighth state championship as they face Southern Lab in the Division Four-title game. Longtime Eagles Coach Steven Fitzhugh says the chemistry of his team is second to none…

Cut 12 (09) “…close knit family.”  

Kick-off is at noon.

A man sought in connection with a double homicide in Shreveport this past Monday is in custody in Mesquite, Texas. Police say 31-year-old Jamarcus Richardson surrendered to authorities late last night. He’s accused in the killing of Teola Booker and D’Angelo Hinton, both 41. Their bodies were discovered inside a vehicle in the Mooretown neighborhood. Richardson faces two counts of first-degree murder. No word on the motive for the deadly shootings.

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving vehicle in Red River Parish. But, as Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the vehicle the four were in was a Coushatta Police Department patrol unit and one of those arrested, officer Javerrea Pouncy could wind up facing charges or disciplinary action from other law enforcement agencies, including the Coushatta Police Department.

Cut 7 (08) “…to commit crimes.”  

LDWF cited Pouncy for night hunting and hunting without a license.

Thibodaux Regional Health System celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes. In addition to staying open after Ida, Nungesser says the hospital also provided meals for residents and first responders.

Cut 4 (08) “…so proud.”

Thibodaux Regional Health System is one of the largest employers in the state and was the only fully functioning hospital in the Bayou region after Hurricane Ida.

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving vehicle in Red River Parish. But, as Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries explains there’s a twist to these apprehensions.

 Cut 6 (12) “…Coushatta Police Department.” 

Louisiana residents are facing or have already received significant increases in their National Flood Insurance Program premiums.  State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, whose office has no control over the FEMA NFIP, says the agency’s new Risk Rating 2.0 program proposes to alter premiums to make them unaffordable to many.

Cut 9 (12) “…to price prohibitive.”

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility expansion to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes.

Cut 3 (09) “…and service.”

He says the hospital also provided meals for residents and first responders after Ida.

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will hear arguments in Pastor Tony Spell’s first amendment fight against criminal charges stemming from his violations of pandemic gathering limits set by Governor Edwards that were in effect last year. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt:

Cut 13 (12) “…first amendment challenge.”
Spell who is a pastor in the Baton Rouge area received national attention when he allowed hundreds to show up at his church in March 2020, despite public health orders that prohibited large gatherings.

As the state reports more probable cases of the Omicron variant, Pfizer says the third dose of its vaccine may offer more protection to the variant as opposed to only two doses. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere…

Cut 10 (12)  “…Omicron variant.”
U-S Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says the recently approved federal infrastructure bill will mean 380-million dollars for Louisiana that will go towards airports, electric vehicle charging stations, and broadband. The pandemic highlighted the digital divide in rural areas. Walsh says it’s important to close that gap.

Cut 8 (10) “…to information.”

Louisiana Supreme Court will hear arguments in Pastor Tony Spell’s first amendment fight against criminal charges stemming from his violations of pandemic gathering limits set by Governor Edwards in 2020. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says it’s a case to watch when it comes to First Amendment rights versus the public health orders of Louisiana’s governor.

Cut 15 (09)  “…absolutely set precedent.”

For the 9^th year, Louisiana has made a national list of the nation’s Top Ten “Judicial Hellholes.” The American Tort Reform Foundation’s list is for the most litigious states. Louisiana Law Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says tort reforms passed in the 2020 legislature will help to get our state off the list.

Cut 5 (09) “…changes the game.”

Louisiana has made list 12 of the past 20 years.

The Omicron variant is prompting some to get vaccinated. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says they’ve seen a significant increase and they’re administering 400 to 600 doses a day and about 100 to 150 are first doses of the vaccine.

Cut 12 (07) “…get vaccinated.”

Louisiana will receive $7.25 billion of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Former Louisiana Lt. Governor and New Orleans Mayor, Mitch Landrieu is overseeing the allocation of Infrastructure funds for the country and Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh says Landrieu wants those funds to reach states as soon as possible.

Cut 9 (07)  “…good to have.”

For the 9^th year, Louisiana has made a national list of the nation’s Top Ten “Judicial Hellholes”. The American Tort Reform Foundation’s list is for the most litigious states or court systems, where trials can go on indefinitely and arbitration is discouraged. Louisiana Law Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says we went from 5^th Worst to 6^th Worst for 2020…:

Cut 4 (13) “…civil justice system. “

Broussard Police is investigating the homicide of 18-year-old Diondre Williams. On Wednesday officers were called to the area of Gustave and Leon Streets when gunshots were reported in the area. When they arrived, they found Williams suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, medical aid was rendered but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pfizer says initial tests show that the booster of its COVID-19 vaccine may offer important protection against the new omicron variant. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vancheire says the preliminary data is only for those who received Pfizer vaccine doses and a Pfizer booster. And for those who might have mixed and matched their vaccine and booster…
Cut 11 (12) “…about those.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether charges should be thrown out against Baton Rouge area pastor Tony Spell for defying the governor’s public health order and allowing hundreds of people to attend his services at the start of the pandemic. Legal analyst Franz Borghadt speculated on what might happen if Spell’s case winds up before the nation’s highest court…
cut 14 (08) “….might have success”

Louisiana will receive $7.25 for infrastructure projects and US Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh says we haven’t seen investments like this in decades. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A New Orleans TV station is reporting an 18-year-old Covington High School student who attacked a 64-year-old wheelchair-bound teacher as part of a Tiktok challenge has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Larrianna Jackson faces a felony count of battery of a school teacher. Jackson remains in the St. Tammany Parish Jail.

Early reports indicate three doses of the Pfizer vaccine are effective against the Omicron variant. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Grambling State is proposing an 18-million dollar security barrier around its campus. Grambling has requested funding through the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. According to the News-Star, at least four people have been killed and 15 wounded in eight shootings on the university’s campus since 2017.

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will hear arguments in Pastor Tony Spell’s first amendment fight against criminal charges stemming from his violations of pandemic gathering limits set by Governor Edwards that were in effect last year. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt:
cut 13 (12) “…first amendment challenge.”
Spell who is a pastor in the Baton Rouge area received national attention when he allowed hundreds to show up at his church in March 2020, despite public health orders that prohibited large gatherings.

Louisiana will receive $7.25 billion in guaranteed funding from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed by the President last month. U-S Secretary Martin Walsh says the funding allocated for states is unprecedented.
Cut 7 (09) “…in decades.”
$5.8 billion will go towards roads and bridges in Louisiana and $470 million for public transportation