Louisiana will be a feature in the 133^rd Annual Rose Parade Saturday morning. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The staggering increase in COVID cases since his year-end press conference last week prompted Governor John Bel Edwards to hold another briefing. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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In addition, taking COVID precautions state officials are also asking you to practice safety when setting off fireworks for New Year’s Eve. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says before you light your first explosive be sure they are legal at your location.

Cut 3 (08) “…sorts of places.” 

If you’re setting off fireworks in a city and or parish where they are legal, Rodrigue says to be sure to detonate your fireworks at least 200 feet away from any structures, vehicles, and in hurricane-impacted areas…

Cut 4 (10) “….flammable as well.”

Never light fireworks if you are under the influence, and never allow children to light or handle fireworks. And it’s a good idea to have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case things go awry. When you’ve finished Rodrigue says to be sure everything is properly extinguished.

Cut 5 (11) “…trash can.”

Rodrigue says it’s much safer to enjoy a public fireworks display versus creating your own.

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The Great Holiday Heat Wave of 2021 is almost over. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a significant cold front will begin moving across Louisiana in the afternoon and evening of New Year’s Day…:

Cut 6 (13) “…and some hail.”

Keim says we’ve seen the last of the unseasonably warm 80-degree temperatures of the past several days. Saturday will see temperatures dropping along with some precipitation; some of it possibly severe in the northern half of the state. He says the cooling continues through the weekend…:

Cut 7 (09) “…of the state.”

Keim says the New Year holiday will usher in 2022’s first freeze for Louisiana…:

Cut 8 (11) “…on Monday morning.”

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Louisiana will be on display to the world Saturday, in the 133^rd annual Tournament of Roses Parade. Speaking from Pasadena, California, where the Louisiana float is being assembled, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the first-ever Rose Parade float representing a whole state must follow the main rule: everything is made of flowers or plants…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…green with parsley”

The Louisiana “Feed Your Soul” float features cypress trees, pelicans, alligators, jazz and New Orleans; all represented with natural plant materials. As for float riders, Nungesser says they invited real Louisiana heroes to be in the parade…:

Cut 10 (13)  “…help after hurricanes.”

Parade floats often have music and Nungesser says Livingston Parish’s own Lane Hardy – a past American Idol winner – will be providing that. Nungesser worked hard to make arrangements for our state to take part in the parade, with a first-of-its-kind entry…:

Cut  11 (08)  “…we’re real excited.”  

The Rose Parade broadcast starts at 10 am Louisiana time, and can be seen on ABC, NBC, the Hallmark Channel, and on RFD TV.

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Amid the recent surge of COVID cases and hospitalizations in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards implores residents to take proper precautions in an effort to reduce transmission of the virus but fell short of reinstating a mask mandate for the state.

Cut 12 (11) “…before that happens.”

While Edwards shared the latest statistics of the Omicron surge in Louisiana, he says even though a mask mandate is not in place it doesn’t mean one should ignore their vital use to mitigate COVID.

Cut 13 (11) “…wear a mask.”

The governor encourages more people to get vaccinated and or boosted because COVID vaccinations have shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and severe illness.

Edwards recognizes that wearing a face mask is an inconvenience but it’s a minor request in an effort to keep more people from falling ill or even hospitalized.

Cut 14 (11)  “…watching a loved one.”

Edwards also acknowledges that many COVID testing sites are overwhelmed and the difficulty of locating home tests. He says if you are showing symptoms and unable to get tested assume you are positive and isolated.

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The Saints face a must-win situation on Sunday in order to make the playoffs when they host the Carolina Panthers in the final home game of the year. But the Black and Gold have won only once inside the Dome this year. Offensive tackle James Hurst can’t pinpoint why they haven’t been more successful in New Orleans…

Cut 15 (20)  “…cheer about.”

Cornerback P-J Williams says it’s been frustrating they have not been able to take advantage of home-field advantage…

Cut  16 (17) “…this week”

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Governor Edwards is encouraging Louisianans to celebrate the New Year with their immediate household and avoid large crowds due to the uptick in cases. Edwards says 95-percent of the parishes are at the highest risk level for COVID-19 transmission and predicts January will be very challenging. He urges the unvaccinated to make getting the COVID vaccine a New Year’s resolution…

Cut 14 (09)  “…COVID” 

The FDA plans to broaden eligibility for Pfizer COVID boosters for teens 12 to 15 in the coming days. Those who are 16 years or older already have access to booster shots. Studies indicate a booster dose increases protection from the Omicron variant which to date is the most transmissible variant of COVID.

Baton Rouge state Representative Ted James has been appointed as the new Regional Administrator of the federal Small Business Administration in the South-Central Region. James, a Baton Rouge native is Chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee and has served in the legislature since 2012.

Cut 5 (07) “…new challenge.”

James will remain in Louisiana and work in the New Orleans office.

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing has reach a half-billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says those jackpots are growing much more quickly because of new Powerball policies…:

Cut 10 (09)  “…so does that jackpot..”

Powerball tickets will be available until 9 pm Saturday. The half-billion drawing will be at 10.

For a second straight day, Louisiana sets a record for a single-day increase in COVID-19 cases. The state reported over 12-thousand new cases today after reporting nine-thousand cases on Wednesday. Governor John Bel is encouraging Louisiana residents to re-think their New Year’s Eve plans if they planned on ringing in 2022 with a large group of people. He prefers if Louisiana residents celebrated the new year with their immediate family…

Cut 13 (10) “. is “

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James is stepping down from his seat to accept a federal post by President Joe Biden. James will serve as Regional Administrator of the Small Business Administration’s South-Central Region. James who is head of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus says he’ll take the helm early next year.

Cut 3 (09) “…early next week.”

Beginning January first, the flower or smokable form of medical marijuana will be available and legal for patients in Louisiana. A bill allowing dispensaries to legally sell the traditional form of cannabis passed in the regular legislative session this year. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain oversees product testing and regulations for medical marijuana.

 Cut 6 (10) “…14 days.” 

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing is nearing half-billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says there is a televised Powerball event on Friday night (New Year’s Eve), and a, East Feliciana Parish man is one of five finalists to win a big pot of cash…:

Cut  11 (12)  “…of the year!” 

With just a couple of days left in 2021, it’s time to take look back at another eventful year. Kevin Gallagher has the story…

Cut 3 (45) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

And Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a 1 pm press conference today to discuss the surge in COVID.

For the first time in a decade, Louisiana’s unemployment benefit will increase by eleven percent. The new amount goes into effect Sunday and the maximum weekly benefit for those who qualify will be $275. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says it’s welcome news for recipients.

Cut 7 (05) “…to find.”

For those who make their initial claim January 1, 2022, or before, the maximum weekly benefit amount is still $247.

It has been 4 months since Category Four Hurricane Ida impacted Louisiana: bringing destruction to the state’s southeastern coastal parishes. Houma state Representative Tanner Magee says Terrebonne Parish still has a large number of residents living in makeshift accommodations…:

Cut 4 (10) “….nort really come yet.”

Magee says two entire high schools will need to be rebuilt.

It has been 4 months since Category Four Hurricane Ida impacted Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports ion the recovery progress…:

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Beginning Sunday, the maximum weekly unemployment benefit will increase to $275. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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With just a couple of days left in 2021, it’s time to take look back at another eventful year. Kevin Gallagher has the story…

Cut 3 (45) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

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It has been 4 months since Category Four Hurricane Ida impacted Louisiana; bringing destruction to the state’s southeastern coastal parishes. Houma state Representative Tanner Magee says Terrebonne Parish still has a large number of residents living in makeshift accommodations…:

Cut 4 (10) “….nort really come yet.”

Magee says Ida damaged a large number of businesses; some of whom have rebuilt, but others still struggling. He also feels sorry for Terrebonne Parish students, who’ve been challenged with COVID protocols and now the setbacks of a major hurricane…:

Cut 5 (09) “…mobile classrooms there.”

Magee says two entire high schools will need to be rebuilt, and he’s unsure where the money to do that will come from.

After four months of hard work and suffering, Magee says Terrebonne still has “a long way to go” in recovering from Hurricane Ida…:

Cut 6 (04) “…better year for us.”

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For the first time in a decade, Louisiana’s unemployment benefit will increase by eleven percent. The new amount goes into effect Sunday and the maximum weekly benefit for those who qualify will be $275. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says it’s welcome news for recipients.

Cut 7 (05) “…to find.”

The increase was approved in the 2021 regular legislative session, in exchange for the governor agreeing to end the federal supplemental weekly benefit of $300, five weeks early. Fiore says the maximum weekly benefit will increase by $28.

Cut 8 (09) “…their families.”

Fiore says the increase is only applicable to claims filed on or after January 2^nd.

Cut 9 (11)  “…a decade.”

For those who make their initial claim January 1, 2022, or before, the maximum weekly benefit amount is still $247.

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It’s time to look back at 2021 and it got off to a rocky start on January 6th, when thousands of angry President Trump supporters stormed the U-S Capitol causing damage to the building and five officers who attempted to hold back the rioters have died and their deaths linked to the riot. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is disgusted by what he saw…

Cut 10 (11)  “…sediition.”

In February, a massive winter storm brought snow, ice, and some of the coldest temperatures on record to the Bayou State. Entergy’s John Hawkins asked customers to conserve energy as rolling blackouts were put in place, because of the demand for heat…

Cut  11 (09)  “…power grid.”  

In March, LSU released a 150-page report that investigated several cases where LSU failed to properly handle sexual misconduct complaints involving former football players. No one was fired for their roles, but two high-ranking athletic department employees were suspended. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson thought the punishment was weak

Cut 12 (07) “…truth again.”

The fallout cost former football coach Les Miles’ job at Kansas State and former LSU President F King Alexander resigned as a president of Oregon State.

In July, state lawmakers held their first-ever override veto session as Republican legislators were upset the governor vetoed a bill that would prohibit a biological male from competing on girl athletic teams. But the veto override effort failed as a few Republicans and Democrats like New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis said the legislation was not needed…

Cut 13 (09) “…to college.”

For the second straight year, Louisiana was hit by a Category Four storm. Hurricane Ida devasted the bayou and river parishes and also did a number on Tangipahoa Parish. Congressman Garret Graves couldn’t believe the destruction…

Cut 14 (12)  “…hurricane.”

Less than two years from winning a national championship and guiding LSU to a perfect 15-0 season, Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron was told in October he would not return for the 2022 season. Athletics Director Scott Woodward says mediocre play on the football field would not be accepted…

Cut 15 (09)  “…met that standard.”

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The Saints activated eleven players from the COVID list including quarterbacks Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill. New COVID protocols in the NFL allow vaccinated players to return earlier if their symptoms go away. Coach Sean Payton was asked if he was concerned if players would hide their symptoms in order to come back to the field earlier…

Cut  16 (13) “…they feel.”

Payton expects Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian will be back for Sunday’s game. The coach was also asked on Wednesday about the offensive line’s performance…

Cut 17 (30) “ …we will.”

The Saints will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. New Orleans lost to Carolina in week two, but since then the Panthers have really struggled and the return of Cam Newton hasn’t helped the offense or the firing of Joe Brady as offensive coordinator…

Cut 18 (18) “ …rely on the tape” 

The state reports an alarming 9,378 new COVID cases today, a jump of more than 5,000 from Tuesday. The number does not include at-home COVID test results. Hospitalizations also increased dramatically by 145 patients in one day to 659. Current hospitalizations are up 142% from a week ago. Health officials are encouraging all, regardless of vaccination status to mask indoors.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting after Lake Charles PD exchanged gunfire with 22-year-old Christopher Thomas. As with all police officer-involved shootings in the state, LSP is investigating. Trooper Derek Senegal says they’ll seek out any surveillance video which may help in the investigation.

Cut 5 (14) “…put together a report.”

After a five-hour standoff in Delhi the suspected gunman in the first fatal shooting during homecoming on the campus of Grambling State is now in custody. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says they had been looking for 18-year-old Jatavious Carroll, aka “Rabbit” since October 13^th. Reichardt says multiple agencies assisted in Tuesday’s standoff with Carroll.

Cut 7 (09) “…even better.”  

The man who introduced NFL great John Madden to one of his favorite dishes – the TURDUCKEN – mourns the passage of the football legend. New Orleans butcher Glenn Mistich says, after talking with Madden quite a bit, he sent the Madden family one. That quickly became a tradition of its own.

Cut 10 (07)  “…Christmas as well.”

For the unenlightened, a “turducken” is a chicken, stuffed inside a duck, stuffed inside a turkey. The dish has become a holiday table tradition for many across the state.

The suspected gunman in an October shooting on Grambling University’s campus has been apprehended. More on that from Michelle Southern.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

The state reports a huge jump in COVID hospitalizations, today 659 patients a 145 jump from the previous day, and 142% increase in one week. 77-percent of the hospital patients are not vaccinated. More than 93-hundred new cases are also reported today, that does not include home test results.

State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles. Trooper Derek Senegal says it began with LCPD officers called to an address where 22-year-old Christopher Thomas fired shots into a home twice; the second time hitting someone inside then fled on foot. Officers later found Thomas at another residence, where they tried to negotiate his surrender.

Cut 4 (12) “…he actually died.”

The man who introduced NFL great John Madden to one of his favorite dishes – the TURDUCKEN – mourns the passage of the football legend. New Orleans butcher Glenn Mistich says he first met Madden in 1996, during the Saints – Rams game. During an appearance on WWL radio, the subject of the “turducken” came up…:

Cut 9 (12) “…the All-Madden Team.”

A “turducken” is a chicken, stuffed inside a duck, stuffed inside a turkey.

After a five-hour standoff, the suspected gunman in the first homecoming shooting on the campus of Grambling State is now in custody. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says they had been looking for 18-year-old Jatavious Carroll, aka “Rabbit” since October 13^th. He says the US Marshal’s located Carroll in a home in Delhi.

 Cut 6 (09) “…custody.” 

One person was killed in the October shooting and another was injured. Carroll is being held in the Lincoln Parish Jail.

State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles. Troop D spokesman Trooper Derek Senegal says it began with LCPD officers called to an address where a man had fired shots into a home twice; the second time hitting someone inside.-

Cut 3 (11) “…fled on foot.”

They caught up with Thomas at another residence.

2021 saw some volatility in Louisiana politics. Kevin Gallagher talks with a political analyst…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Omicron is forcing 12 Office of Motor Vehicle locations in Louisiana to close temporarily. Before you need to do any business at the OMV officials are urging you to check their website to see if the office is open or not. They are also urging those who need to visit an open location to do so only if necessary and to first see if you can resolve your needs online.

2021 saw some volatility in Louisiana politics. Kevin Gallagher talks with a political analyst…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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If you’re planning to end the year with a bang, you might want to shop earlier than usual for your fireworks, thanks to supply chain issues. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Omicron variant is surging in Louisiana resulting in another 43-hundred reported cases on Tuesday. Jeff Palermo has the latest…

Cut 3 (32) “…Jeff Palermo” 

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What were some of Louisiana’s top political stories of the past year? Political analyst and pollster Bernie Pinsonat says one of the biggest was a failed veto override session by state lawmakers. Among bills vetoed by Governor Edwards, a transgender athletes ban and a bill allowing concealed carry of a weapon without a permit. Pinsonat says the override blow up caused a big rift between the parties at the Capitol…:

Cut 4 (14) “….chairmanships in the House. “

Another big political story of 2021 was Senator Bill Cassidy seemingly turning on Donald Trump and then voting for a big Democrat spending bill. Pinsonat says Cassidy was re-elected in 2020 on Trump’s highly popular coattails – then voted to impeach him. Pinsonat says his “yea” vote on the multi-billion Infrastructure Bill made him less than popular here at home too…:

Cut 5 (14) “…Republicans in Louisiana.”

Pinsonat says Cassidy will likely NOT seek re-election in 2026.

A big story that was political in nature was the big Title IX scandal at LSU, wherein allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct – at the main campus, the sports program and at LSU Health in Shreveport – were, more or less, given a legislative whitewash. Pinsonat says the way LSU handled the matter and the way they treated alleged victims was outrageous…:

Cut 6 (12) “…is talk to them.”

Pinsonat says lawmakers unhappy with LSU’s conduct in the matter could decide to cut the university’s funding.

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If you’re looking to light up the skies for New Year’s Eve fireworks retailers advise making your purchases sooner than later. Jaise Templet (Jace Tom-play) owner of 621 Fireworks in Gonzales says shipping delays have impacted retailers since Independence Day.

Cut 7 (10) “…4th of July.”

Templet says while the pandemic has hurt the industry supply chain wise, it’s also increased their business. Because many public fireworks displays were canceled over super spreader concerns, more individuals are enjoying the pastime at home.

Cut 8 (11) “… past five years.”

As for New Year’s Eve sales, Templet says most shoppers tend to wait until December 31^st to make purchases for the evening and while the warm weather could help sales, the potential for rain could hamper things also.

Cut 9 (08)  “…this season.”

And be sure to take proper safety precautions when setting off fireworks and be sure they are legal in your city and/or municipality.

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Like other charitable organizations, the Salvation Army has had to meet more demands with fewer resources since the pandemic. Spokesperson Aimee Murry says their employees and volunteers have stepped up to help serve those in need.

Cut 10 (11)  “…no season.”

The Salvation Army provides a wide range of services from homeless shelters, veterans services to disaster relief. Murry says many lost their homes this year in Louisiana due to eviction moratoriums ending and Hurricane Ida.

Cut  11 (07)  “…out on the streets.”  

The pandemic has also impacted the number of volunteers to assist with their annual Red Kettle campaign. Murry says for those looking to donate before the end of the year or any time of year, you can do so virtually on their website at SalvationArmyUSA-dot org.

Cut 12 (09) “…your community.”

You can also visit their website to find local services.

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The state health department reported 43-hundred new COVID cases yesterday and hospitalizations rose to 514. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa, says many of the patients are experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms…

Cut 13 (11) “…emphasize.”

Figueroa says a vast majority of these cases are the Omicron variant and they are seeing fewer cases of shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. He says based on data from the state health department, 80-percent of those hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated…

Cut 14 (07)  “…put on a ventilator.”

According to the Louisiana Health Department, 35 COVID patients are on a ventilator. Health professionals continue to urge the unvaccinated to get vaccinated and those vaccinated to get their booster shot. Figueroa says the COVID vaccine is here to stay…

Cut 15 (11)  “…influenza.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team tips off SEC play tonight and the Tigers will face their biggest challenge of the season as the Bayou Bengals 11the ranked Auburn. The War Eagles are 11-and-1 and led by forward Jabari Smith, who is averaging 16 points a game. LSU Coach Will Wade says Smith could be the number one pick in next year’s NBA draft…

Cut  16 (13) “…phenenomal player”

The undefeated Tigers have yet to play a true road game. Wade says Auburn Arena is not an easy place to play for a visitor….

Cut 17 (18) “ …great fans.”

Both teams are averaging around 80 points a game, while the Tigers lead the SEC in field goal percentage defense at 34-percent, while Auburn is 39-percent. Wade says if LSU can’t score 70 points, they probably don’t win…

Cut 18 (23) “ ..puncher’s chance” 

The CDC revises isolation guidelines for those who test positive COVID from 10 days to five days, that’s if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask for at least five more days. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the five days begin the day you receive your positive results.

Cut 10 (09)  “…additional days.”

Gas forecasters predict prices at the pump will get worse before they get better. GasBuddy head petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says prices in 2022 could linger around the $4 mark should we move past the Omicron variant and the economy continue to hold.

Cut 3 (10) “…this spring.”

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $2.99.

As we say “goodbye” to 2021, State Climatologist Barry Keim looks back on a topsy-turvy year for Louisiana weather. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

36-year old Robert Perry, III is being held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on cruelty to animal charges after he allegedly shot and killed a woman’s two pugs after the two had an argument. The dog owner had asked police to escort her back to a home in Central where they found each dog with a single gunshot wound. Police say Perry also sent a photograph of one of the dogs to a close family member of the owner.