The state reports a staggering increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations. Today the state reports just over 12-thousand new cases including the holiday weekend and that does not include positive results from home tests. Hospitalizations are up to 449 an increase of 143 from the previously reported hospitalizations. 80-percent of COVID patients are unvaccinated.

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

As the end of 2021 approaches, many start to put together their income tax filing strategies. Jonathan Stoltz is a Certified Public accountant in Metairie says financial experts believe Congress will change the tax code next year raising federal income tax rates for the higher wage earners. Stolz says it could affect your investments if you have a large portfolio.

Cut 7 (11) “…tax bill for 2021.”

If you’re looking for a way to dispose of your live Christmas tree and help the environment, Southeastern University has just the ticket. Rob Moreau, manager of Southeastern’s Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station says placing trees along areas in the wetlands keeps them from clogging up landfills, helps wildlife build habitats and it’s…

Cut 10 (10)  “…my classes.”

For a listing of drop off sites in Tangipahoa Parish visit Louisiana Radio Network.com

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…

State Climatologist Keim says afternoon highs across the entire state will top out somewhere in the mid 70’s to the low 80s for Christmas Day. The very unseasonable temperatures however it does allow kids to try out their new bicycles and if you have a gathering with friends and family planned you can enjoy the weather and follow COVID protocols and congregate outside.

Cut 7 (06) “…COVID situation.”

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.”

The Governor says he’ll also find some time to do some deer hunting and will spend time with extended family that he wasn’t able to last year due to COVID.

The Annual Tradition of igniting bonfires along with the levees in the River Parishes sparked again last night.

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COVID snuffed out the event last year, but large crowds returned to St James, St John, and St Charles parishes Christmas Eve for the bonfires and fireworks to guide Papa Noel’s way to deliver gifts.

If you’re looking for something to watch this afternoon as you are awaiting Christmas dinner you can add Netflix’s School of Chocolate to your queue. Baton Rouge native Tyricia Clark and a graduate of the Louisiana Culinary Institute is a contestant on the baking competition show. And if you then find yourself wanting to try some of her creations she’s started her own catering business call T Cakes, that’s with the letter T.

Governor John Bel Edwards shares a look into his family holiday plans. Kevin Gallagher has more.

Cut 2 (25) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

If you asked Santa to bring the Saints a healthy quarterback, backup QB, and Coach Sean Payton for Monday’s game well, you’re in luck he got your letter. Rookie Ian Book is expected to start against Miami and former Jaguars QB Blake Bortles is set for backup. Last Sunday the Saints shut out the Bucs in Tampa 9-0 and will play Miami Monday in the Dome with the COVID-adjusted lineup.

If you’re hoping to model that Ugly Christmas sweater today you might want to rethink your choice of fashion because well, it’s just too uncomfortable for a sweater in this heat today in Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we can expect high temperatures around 80, which is a few degrees lower than the Christmas Day record of 85, set in 1903. He says the chill will eventually return, but…

Cut 8 (06) “… any time soon.”

Bonfires on the levee lit up the skies in Southeast Louisiana last night, lighting the way for Papa Noel.

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Last year the annual tradition was canceled due to COVID but wooden structures and fireworks along the levees in St James, St Charles and St John Parishes were ignited once again for Christmas Eve.

The state says they believe 84 percent of the COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Louisiana during the week that ended Saturday are from the Omicron variant. The omicron percentage compares to federal estimates of 92% for the region which is made up of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

The nationwide average is 73-percent.

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. And while it’s cold in Minnesota and the Dakotas…:

Cut 6 (08) “…humid.”

But on a positive note, the weather is ideal for kids to try out their new bicycles and for outdoor gatherings with the Omicron variant so prevalent.

Rookie Ian Book will make his first professional start at quarterback on Monday when the Saints host the Dolphins. With fellow Q-Bs Taysom Hill and Trevor Simien both on the COVID list, New Orleans is bringing in former Jaguars starting quarterback Blake Bortles to serve as Book’s backup.

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.”

The Governor says he’ll also find some time to do what fellow sportsmen do in the Sportsman’s Paradise…:

Cut 13 (07) “…gonna be great!”