2021 saw some volatility in Louisiana politics. Kevin Gallagher talks with a political analyst…:
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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.
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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…
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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.
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 31st to make purchases for the evening and while the warm weather could help sales, the potential for rain could hamper things also.
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.
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.
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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…
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…
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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….
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…