Amid a surge of COVID Omicron cases the city of Shreveport reinstates its indoor mask mandate for city buildings and agencies. Mayor Adrian Perkins himself has tested positive for COVID. He says the order is in hopes of mitigating further spread, and more measures could be coming…:

CUT 07(10)      “…safe as well.”

Perkins says, if you think you were exposed to anyone who is sick, get tested right away.

State Health Department officials report just over 12-thousand new cases of COVID over the holiday weekend … and that does not include those who did at-home tests. Tulane University epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says we’re seeing a surge that started with the Thanksgiving weekend…:

CUT 04(12)      “…given location.”

Experts say, for the most part, Omicron seems to be more contagious, but less severe.

Hunters are happy to know that, so far, no cases of Chronic Wasting Disease have presented in the Louisiana deer herd. State Wildlife & Fisheries veterinarian Dr. Jim Lacour says nearly 300 deer – submitted by hunters – have been tested, and all are negative…:

CUT 13(09)      “…get things done.”

CWD has been detected in many deer in neighboring Arkansas.

The Saints seemed destined to lose to the Miami Dolphins last night in the Caesars Superdome, due to a COVID-depleted roster. The final score was 20-3, with rookie quarterback Ian Book getting sacked eight times. Head Coach Sean Payton says the COVID losses were so bad, they had guys on field last night who’d never even practiced with the team…:

CUT 15(15)      “…next week’s game.”

Over the holiday weekend, another 12-thousand cases of COVID-19 reported in Louisiana; a great number of them the highly contagious Omicron variant. Hospitalizations doubled in just a week; from a little over 200, to nearly 450. Tulane University epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says Omicron does have a different clinical presentation compared to the original virus and Delta variant…:

CUT 05         (09)    “…you should get tested.”

Homeowners who were covered by two failed companies – Access Home Insurance and State National Fire Insurance – have a safety net thanks to the state Department of Insurance. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says he’s worked a deal for a new company to take on about 30-thousand properties covered by the two; meaning those property owners will NOT have to resort to the state-owned insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance. That company’s rates are, by law, ten percent higher than the private market…:

CUT 10         (12)    “…were able to do.”

Police in New Orleans hope someone can help them identify a pickup truck used in the fatal shooting of a 7-year-old girl Sunday in Algiers. Little Dillan Burton was shot in the back at about 8:45 Sunday night, as she rode in a car with her mom and a sibling. Cops are seeking a newer model, white & silver Chevy pickup with a hard cover over the bed.

You’ll be required to wear a face mask if you need to visit a city building in Shreveport now due to the rapid increase in cases. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02         (31)    “…Thorington.”

A Tulane University epidemiologist says the alarming increase in COVID cases over the holiday weekend indicates just how contagious the Omicron variant is.  Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Police in New Orleans hope someone can help them identify a pickup truck used in the fatal shooting of a 7-year-old girl Sunday in Algiers. Little Dillan Burton was shot in the back at about 8:45 Sunday night, as she rode in a car with her mom and a sibling. Cops are seeking a newer model, white & silver Chevy pickup with a hard cover over the bed.

Some good news from the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; after four weeks of testing about 270 samples from deer across the state, they haven’t found any incidents of chronic wasting disease. LDWF began testing for CWD earlier this month when cases were reported across the state line in Union County, Arkansas. State Veterinarian Jim LaCour…:

CUT 12(07)      “…that’s good.”

The New Orleans Saints are hoping starting quarterback Taysom Hill will be back for Sunday’s game against Carolina. Rookie Ian Book started Monday night against the Dolphins, and threw a pick six on his second pass in the 20-3 loss. Plus he was sacked eight times in his NFL debut. Coach Sean Payton _ who’s back after a positive COVID test – says it’s hard to evaluate Book’s performance. because they struggled to keep him upright…:

CUT 16(16)      “…what he does.”

State Health officials report an alarming number of new COVID cases over the holiday weekend; over 12-thousand statewide. Tulane Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says the number is even more concerning because it does not include positive at-home test results…:

CUT 03(11)      “…most clearly.”

If you are one of those in-home positives, call the state health department and report it. Hassig says it’s a testament to just how transmissible the Omicron variant is.

Shreveport has reinstated the use of face masks in city buildings due to the rapid increase in COVID cases. Mayor Adrian Perkins issued the directive Monday and Perkins himself received a positive result on a COVID test, after visiting one of LSU-Health Shreveport’s testing sites…:

CUT 06(11)      “…my family.”

The mayor says he reinstated the mask requirement for city buildings in hopes of reducing the spread

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the customers of two property insurers who were placed into receivership last month have found new coverage. Donelon says this will benefit some 30-thousand property owners covered under Access Home Insurance and under State National Fire Insurance…:

CUT 09(06)      “…left behind”

The deal now goes to the 19^th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, for approval today. The goal is to have the whole thing completed before Friday. The name of that new insurance company has not been publicly released as yet.

..and now the morning markets…

The COVID Omicron variant is apparently surging, with statewide infections up sharply and hospitalizations nearly doubled. Louisiana Department of Health says over 9500 cases have been reported in the past seven days; the majority of them Omicron. Just under 450 people are in hospitals. Of those, LDH says 80-percent are not partially or fully vaccinated. If there’s any good news, it’s that Omicron’s symptoms do not spear to be as severe as previous forms of COVID.

If you want to dispose of your Christmas tree and help the environment, Southeastern Louisiana University says take part in their 27^th annual tree recycling program. Project manager Rob Moreau says they’ll take those trees to the state’s wetlands…:

CUT 09         (11)    “…prevent erosion.”

More info is on our website.

Looking back at 2021, it was not a bad year at all in terms of economic development for our state. LED Secretary Don Pierson says despite COVID and a major hurricane, this year saw deals struck to build a $10-billion liquid natural gas facility in Cameron Parish, hundreds of millions for expansions and improvements at Louisiana refineries and port facilities, plus major investments from the nations’ biggest online retail outlet…:

CUT 13         (14)    “…a thousand jobs projected.”

He says 2022 is on track to bring more new technologies to the state, and the jobs that come with them.

The Saints will host the Miami Dolphins tonight with a rookie quarterback and a COVID-depleted roster that results in defensive starters Demario Davis and Malcolm Jenkins also not playing. Ian Book will get the start at quarterback with Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian also out as a result of COVID. Book is excited about the opportunity…:

CUT 15         (15)    “…out there and perfom.”

Coach Sean Payton missed last week after a positive COVID test, but is back for tonight’s game.

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has caused a near-doubling of persons in the hospital in Louisiana in just one week. The state Department of Health reports 9,545 new cases in just seven days. Hospitalizations are at 449; up from about 250 last week. The Omicron variant accounts for about 84-percent of known cases. It is more infectious than previous variants, but appears to have less severe symptoms. LDH says take precautions against possible infection or re-infection.

2021 was a fairly good year for economic development in our state, despite the challenges. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says it could have easily been disastrous, with the ongoing COVID pandemic, the devastation of Category 4 Hurricane Ida, and more…:

CUT 12(14)      “…new capital investment.”

Pierson says this year saw deals struck to build a $10-billion liquid natural gas facility in Cameron Parish, hundreds of millions for expansions and improvements at Louisiana refineries and port facilities, plus major investments from the nations’ biggest online retailer; Amazon.

Christmas is behind us and the New Year is coming soon, and soon after that … tax time. Brooke Thorington has some filing tips…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Residents in the Baton Rouge area are still in the dark about what caused a loud concussive boom heard between 10:30 and 11 pm on Christmas Eve. The explosion was heard by people for many miles in and around the Capital City. So far, there’s been no explanation, but the good news: nothing has been reported blown up either.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have doubled in one week as the Omicron variant has been spiking, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Over 9-thousand have tested positive for the virus in the past week, and about 450 are hospitalized. LDH says just over 80-percent of those are not fully vaccinated.

Construction of an elevated eight-mile stretch of Highway 1 will begin in January. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01         (31)    “…Thorington.”

As the end of 2021 approaches, many start to put together their income tax filing strategies. Jonathan Stoltz is a Certified Public accountant with Malcolm M. Dienes (DEEN-us) in Metairie. He says, under normal circumstances, taxpayers look to minimize earnings and investment income in the current year – to avoid a big tax hit – but tax code changes are expected in the New Year…:

CUT 06         (09)    “…pushing off deductions.”

Stoltz says financial experts believe Congress will changes the tax code in 2022; raising federal income tax rates for the higher wage earners. He says better to pay taxes now, at a lower rate, than to wait and see how high it goes for next year.

..and now a look at the markets…

It’s Christmas Eve, but the weather is anything BUT winter-y. After some cooler days in the early part of the week, a warming trend has moved over Louisiana; bringing unseasonably warm temperatures. State Climatologist Barry Keim says today’s afternoon highs across the state will top out in the mid-to-upper 70’s…:

CUT 07  (06)        “…for the highs.”

That’s near-record heat for Christmas. The warmest Christmas on record was 85 degrees, set back in 1903.

Governor John Bel Edwards will take a little bit of time away from his executive duties to enjoy the Christmas holiday. Mr. Edwards says he wants to catch up on his reading, but also to do what sportsmen do in the Sportsman’s Paradise…:

CUT 13  (07)        “…gonna be great!”

Governor Edwards wishes everyone a very safe, healthy, and Merry Christmas.

The St. Tammany Parish coroner says an inmate found near death in his jail cell was not the victim of foul play, but rather of failing out of his bunk. The post-mortem determine that 39-year-old Jacorey Clark died of injuries to his skull and neck after falling from his upper bunk. He was taken to a hospital, where he later passed away.

Bonfires on the Levee return, after missing a year due to the pandemic. The annual tradition of building huge and often complex structures along the Mississippi River, then setting them ablaze is expected to draw thousands to the River Parishes tonight. Jay Robichaux is director of the local Tourism Commission. He says they are all amazing, but there’s this one is particular…:

Cut 10   (11)        “…unique bonfire.”

He says get there early enough to see it BEFORE it’s set alight. Dress for warmer weather.

After the COVID pandemic dimmed the lights to guide Pere Noel in on Christmas Eve last year … the annual tradition of Bonfires on the Levee returns. More than 300 wooden structures will light up the skies tonight and organizers are expecting more visitors than usual this year. Executive Director of the Louisiana River Parishes Tourist Commission Jay Robichaux says wear comfortable shoes and dress for unseasonably warm weather…:

CUT 09(10)      “…a great time.”

One particularly spectacular bonfire assembly is a huge and very realistic blue crab. Plan on getting their early to see it and other structures before the matches are lit.

Next time, let the man finish fueling up. A Slidell man is in jail, after he stole a victim’s car right from the gas pump, while the owner was filling the tank. The trouble is, the vehicle’s owner had just begun and the car was on empty…so the thief didn’t make it very far. 31-year-old Arsenio Wells was caught by cops a short time later in Eastern New Orleans. You guessed it. He was getting gas.

Governor John Bel Edwards will take a little bit of time away from his executive duties to enjoy the Christmas holiday. Mr. Edwards says he has some plans to relax indoors…:

CUT 12(06)      “…the holiday period.”

Mr. Edwards says he also plans some deer hunting time, and says he doesn’t even care if he gets a buck or not; he just wants to go.

COVID is forcing the Saints to adjust for a second week. Last week it was head coach Sean Payton and now about two handfuls of players including their top two quarterbacks, Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian are on COVID reserve. Saints Tight End Nick Vannett believes rookie QB Ian Book will be ready for Miami Monday night…:

CUT 03(10)      “…be fine.”

It will be anything BUT a white Christmas for Louisiana this year, as temperatures are expected to rise to near-record highs for this time of year. State Climatologist Barry Keim says, hold off on the coats and mittens; you won’t need them this weekend. Keim says the warming begins right away…:

CUT 06(08)      “even warmer yet”

For Christmas Day, Keim says we can expect high temperatures around 80, which is a few degrees lower than the Christmas Day record (85, set in 1903).

“O Come All Ye Sickos” … State Police arrest a Jefferson Parish man for running a scam in which he pretended to be developmentally disabled and tricked women into changing his diaper – for a turn-on. 31-year-old Rutledge Deas IV was convicted once before of doing the same thing, back in 2019. He got a suspended sentence then. He likely won’t be so lucky this time.

The state Department of Health says the Omicron variant accounts for over 80-percent of COVID cases statewide. LDH reports just over 28-hundred new cases, as of this morning … with 306 hospitalized with the virus.

The COVID reserve list among the Black and Gold continues to grow and right now Ian Book will start as QB on Monday against the Dolphins. Brooke Thorington has more..:

CUT 01(34)      “…Thorington.”