A subdued confirmation Tuesday that Mardi Gras 2022 will happen in New Orleans is drawing criticism from the likes of Arthur Hardy, publisher of the annual Mardi Gras Guide. A mayoral spokesman made the announcement, but Hardy says a big deal should have been made of the fact.

Cut 3 (11) “….out of this.”

Mardi Gras was canceled last year due to COVID over concerns of the parades being super-spreader events.

The most recent tally on insured losses from the 2020 hurricane season in Louisiana has reached $10.6 billion to cover claims from hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it was one for the record books.

Cut 6 (11) “…$27 billion.” 

Nurses working tell state lawmakers they feel negative effects from vaccines are badly underestimated. State health officials testified of only 11 “severe adverse events” statewide, but then left the committee room before Lafayette ICU nurse Heather LeBeouf expressed her disagreement with the number…:

Cut 13 (07) “…having possible effects.”
LeBeouf believes a lot of cases are going unreported because health professionals are unaware of where to report such cases.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center wants to find out if virtual sessions with a personalized health coach can help Black patients with obesity and type two diabetes lose weight and improve their heart health. Principal Investigator Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk says they are looking to recruit about 350 people…

Cut 8 (07) “…cardio-metabolic conditions.”

Visit Pennington’s website for more info.

Several nurses expressed their concerns to the Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee that the number of injuries or severe reactions to COVID vaccines have been greatly underreported. There is a statewide LDH call-in system to report adverse COVID shot reactions, but Lafayette ICU nurse Heather LeBeouf (buff) says many of her colleagues are unaware it exists.

Cut 14 (14)  “… patient? or the doctor?”
The Louisiana Department of Health says it has identified 11 severe adverse events out of 122 reported.

Sports wagering goes live at two Lake Charles casinos today, joining five others that are already taking bets. But the question Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns is most asked is when will mobile betting be up and running.

Cut 5 (05) “…right now.“

If you’re Black, have Type 2 Diabetes, and need to lose weight, there’s a study being launched that just may prove beneficial. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

According to the CDC on Tuesday Louisiana has the lowest number of people hospitalized for COVID in the nation. On average 5 people per 100,000 are in Louisiana hospitals with COVID compared to the average of 14 people per 100,000. Numbers come out daily at noon. On Tuesday the state reported 229 in the hospital, numbers have increased slightly the last few days.

Acadia Parish Sheriff K-P Gibson says 34-year-old Stephen Wayne Meyers the Second has been arrested in Texas after allegedly killing his mother and leaving her in a field in Acadia Parish. Gibson says Meyers and his 59-year-old mother Pamela Meyers were last seen November second in the field where her body was found…

Cut 11 (11) “…with her son.”
Gibson says there were no weapons used in the murder and a motive is unknown.

Nurses working the front lines of the COVID pandemic tell state lawmakers they feel negative effects from vaccines are badly underestimated. State health officials testified of only 11 “severe adverse events” statewide. Elizabeth Suire (SWEER), says she and her peers didn’t know of a phone number to report vaccine reactions.

Cut 15 (09)  “…in patient notes.”

You’ll be able to place your sports wagers in Lake Charles at either the Golden Nugget or L’Auberge casinos beginning today. The two casinos join five others that have already had their licenses approved by the Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns expects this to be a big boon for Lake Charles casinos, especially from their neighbors to the west.

Cut 4 (09) “…sports betting “

Sportsbook at L’Auberge Lake Charles opened at 9 am and Golden Nugget will open at 2 for sports betting.

Pennington Biomedical and Ochsner Health are taking part in a study of Black patients with Type 2 Diabetes to determine if telemedicine can be used successfully in the battle against obesity. Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, the project’s principal investigator, says the study will take place in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Cut 7 (11) “…of weight loss.”

Nurses working the front lines of the COVID pandemic tell state lawmakers they feel negative effects from vaccines are badly underestimated. State health officials testified of only 11 “severe adverse events” statewide, but then left the committee room before Lafayette ICU nurse Heather LeBeouf expressed her disagreement with the number…:
Cut 13 (07) “…having possible effects.”
LeBeouf believes a lot of cases are going unreported because health professionals are unaware of where to report such cases.

A 34-year-old Crowley man is awaiting extradition from Austin County, Texas where he’s in custody for the beating death of his mother, Pamela Meyers. Acadia Parish Sheriff K P Gibson says that Stephen Wayne Meyers the Second is facing a second-degree murder charge.
Cut 10 (06) “…she was seen.”
Pamela Meyers’ body was found in the field and investigators say Stephen Wayne Meyers didn’t use a weapon to kill his mother.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center wants to find out if virtual sessions with a personalized health coach can help Black patients with obesity and type two diabetes lose weight and improve their heart health. Pennington Biomedical Executive Director John Kirwan says they are looking to recruit about 350 Black patients…
cut 8 (07) “….cardio-metabloic conditions”
You can find out more about Pennington’s clinical research trials on their website.

The Golden Nugget and L’Auberge casino in Lake Charles begin taking legal sports bets today as they become the sixth and seventh casinos in the state to open up a sportsbook. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says while he knows many are waiting for sports wagering to be fully operational he’s impressed with the timeline they’ve met so far.
Cut 6 (09) “…ballgame.”
Johns expects mobile sports betting parishes to become operational early next year.

Several nurses expressed their concerns to the Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee that the number of injuries or severe reactions to COVID vaccines have been greatly underreported. There is a statewide LDH call-in system to report adverse COVID shot reactions, but Lafayette ICU nurse Heather LeBeouf says many of her colleagues are unaware it exists.
cut 14 (12) “…or the doctor”
The Louisiana Department of Health says it has identified 11 severe adverse events out of 122 reported injuries.

A 34-year-old Crowley man has been charged with the beating death of his mother. Acadia Parish Sheriff K-P Gibson says they are not sure why Stephen Wayne Meyers the Second killed his mom, Pamela Myers, and left her in a field…
cut 12 (08) “…any specific issue”
Stephen Meyers was arrested in Texas.

United Airlines says its last day of flights in and out of Monroe Regional Airport will be January third. Monroe Regional Airport Director Charles Butcher says it boils down to pandemic-related shortages and COVID-19 has dealt the air service industry a tough blow. Delta and American Airlines will continue to use the Monroe airport.

Today is the day for those in southwest Louisiana waiting to hedge their bets on the big games, Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Are adverse effects from COVID vaccines being under-reported in Louisiana? And if so, why? Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The state health department reported 229 COVID patients hospitalized statewide yesterday. That’s the lowest hospitalization rate in the United States. The Bayou State led the country in August when over three thousand people were hospitalized with the virus.

Acadia Parish Sheriff K-P Gibson says 34-year-old Stephen Wayne Meyers the Second has been arrested in Texas after he allegedly killed his mom, leaving her in a field in western Acadia Parish. Gibson says Meyers and his 59-year-old mom Pamela Meyers were last seen together on November second in the field where her body was found…
cut 11 (11) “….with her son”
Gibson says there were no weapons used in the murder and a motive is unknown.

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical and Ochsner Health are looking for 350 Black patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes who are willing to participate in a study to see if remote health coaching can generate sustainable weight loss. Pennington Biomedical Executive Director Doctor John Kirwan on why the study is focusing on Black patients…
cut 9 (09) “….the weight loss”
Go to Pennington’s website for more information.

Today is the day for those in southwest Louisiana waiting to hedge their bets on the big games, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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If you’re Black, are obese, and suffer from Type 2 Diabetes, there’s a study being launched that just may prove beneficial. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Are adverse effects from COVID vaccines being under-reported in Louisiana? And if so, why? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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You’ll be able to place your sports wagers in Lake Charles at either the Golden Nugget or L’Auberge casinos beginning today. The two casinos join five others that have already had their licenses approved by the Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns expects this to be a big boon for Lake Charles casinos, especially from their neighbors to the west.

Cut 4 (09) “…sports betting “

Other casinos that have already been licensed for sports wagering are Paragon in Marksville, Harrah’s in New Orleans, L’Auberge in Baton Rouge, Horseshoe in Bossier City, and Boomtown in Harvey.

Voters approved legalized sports wagering in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes. Johns says State Police are working diligently with inspections so more licenses can be issued. But when it comes to mobile betting, Johns says it’s more complicated and time-consuming approving that platform but they are working on it.

Cut 5 (10) “…right now.“

Johns says while he knows many are anxiously waiting for sports wagering to be fully operational in all of the approved outlets, he’s actually impressed with the timeline they’ve met so far.

Cut 6 (09) “…ballgame.”

Geofencing technology will be incorporated with sports betting via mobile apps and only allowed in approved parishes.

(Sportsbook at L’Auberge Lake Charles will open Wednesday at 9 am and Golden Nugget will open for sports betting at 2 pm.)

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Pennington Biomedical and Ochsner Health are taking part in a study of Black patients with Type 2 Diabetes to determine if telemedicine can be used successfully in the battle against obesity. Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, the project’s principal investigator, says the study will take place in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Cut 7 (11) “…of weight loss.”

The goal is to learn the effectiveness of offering remote health coaching through primary care clinics.

Dr. Katzmarzyk says the researchers are looking to recruit about 350 Black patients for the study who will be randomly assigned for two years to either a weight-loss group or a group that receives traditional care for their diabetes.

Cut 8 (07) “…cardio-metabolic condtiions.”

Dr. Katzmarzyk on why the study is focusing the study on Black patients.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the weight loss.”

He says that even modest weight loss of five to ten percent of a person’s body weight can significantly lower the risk of heart disease and have other beneficial health impacts.

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A 34-year-old Crowley man is awaiting extradition from Austin County, Texas where he’s in custody for the beating death of his mother, Pamela Meyers.  Acadia Parish Sheriff K P Gibson says that Stephen Wayne Meyers the Second is facing a second-degree murder charge.

Cut 10 (06)  “…she was seen.” 

The sheriff says upon further investigation and search of the property on Saturday the 59-year-old victim was discovered deceased in a field near Bamboo Road. Investigators have not determined the motive for the killing and say no weapons were used in the attack on the woman.

Sheriff Gibson on what led investigators to thoroughly search the field where Meyers and his mother were last seen together on November 2^nd.

Cut 11 (11) “…with her son.”

Sheriff Gibson says it’s unclear what the motive for the deadly attack was.

Cut 12 (08) “…any specific issue.”

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Nurses working the front lines of the COVID pandemic tell state lawmakers they feel negative effects from vaccines are badly underestimated. State health officials testified of only 11 “severe adverse events” statewide, but then left the committee room before Lafayette ICU nurse Heather LeBeouf could testify her disagreement with the number…:

Cut 13 (07) “…having possible effects.”

There is a statewide LDH call-in system to report adverse COVID shot reactions, but LeBeouf says she and many of her colleagues were unaware it even existed. She says a great many cases of problems with the vaccines are going un-reported, because this isn’t generally known among medical professionals…:

Cut 14 (14)  “… patient? or the doctor?”

Another Lafayette ICU nurse, Elizabeth Suire (SWEER), also testified that she and colleagues had no knowledge of a number to report COVID vaccine troubles to LDH. She says she asked repeatedly about this…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…in patient notes.”

Both nurses told lawmakers the reporting hotline’s obscurity is almost certainly leading to under-reporting of ill effects from the vaccines. Neither State health Officer Joe Kanter nor State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol were in the committee room to hear the testimony.

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The Ragin Cajuns have already wrapped up a fourth straight Sun Belt Division title, now the goal is to secure home-field advantage for the conference championship game on December fourth. U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says it would be great to host the game at Cajun Field and it serves as extra motivation for the players…

Cut  16 (13) “..we know that”

Last year’s Sun Belt Championship game was canceled because of COVID but in 2018 and 2019, U-L lost at Appalachian State in the conference title game. The Cajuns are at Troy this Saturday for a 2:30 kick-off. The Trojans are 5-and-4 and Napier says they are playing two quarterbacks Taylor Powell and Gunnar Watson…

Cut 17 (19) “ .make sense.” 

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The LSU Tigers are getting to host Arkansas on Saturday night. The Razorbacks are 6-and-3 and led by quarterback K-J Jefferson who has thrown for 18-hundred yards and 16 touchdowns. He also has five rushing touchdowns. LSU linebacker Damone Clark on defending the Razorbacks offense…

Cut 18 (19) “..guys rush”  

LSU defensive coordinator Daronte Jones on what he sees from the Arkansas offense…

Cut 19 (18)  ” some challenges.” 

The SEC’s top two tacklers will be featured in this game. Arkansas’ Bumper Pool has 87 tackles, while LSU’s Damone Clark leads the league with 107. Jones has also been a great team leader…

Cut 20 (20) “…participate in” 

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain was found is guilty on all charges and faces a mandatory life sentence for raping and molesting multiple children Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

United Airlines announces they are dropping service in and out of Monroe Regional Airport. The carrier cites low ticket sales as the reason. Airport Director Charles Butcher says the pandemic and flight restrictions played a role in declining sales. He hopes Delta and American airlines can fill the gap at Monroe Regional.

Northwestern State University’s new president, Dr. Marcus Jones, will begin his first day on the job on his 51^st birthday Monday and as the school’s 20^th president and first African American Jones says he hopes he’ll be known for his progressive leadership, and just not in a global way, but in service to the community.

Cut  11 (08)  “…of the region.”  

Some surprising numbers from early voting in Louisiana for the November 13^th election. Pollster John Couvillon tells us the figures far exceed those of 2017.

Cut 6 (06) “…or by mail.” 

Couvillon says at this point four years ago only 92-thousand votes had been cast in early voting for that election, the mail-in volume almost triple what it was in 2017.