Shipping delays have been an ongoing issue for businesses due to the pandemic but with the holiday season just over two months away, economist Dr. Loren Scott says it might be wise to get started on Christmas shopping now…:

CUT 07(12)      “…the smartest thing”

He says last-minute shoppers may end up being the empty-handed Grinch this year.

A new coronavirus variant has been detected in Louisiana. LSU-Shreveport doctor of genomics Krista Queen says the B 1.630 variant has been found in samples from Baton Rouge, which have mutations they’re observing…:

CUT 12(11)      “…low percentage.”

There’s cautious optimism as the sugarcane harvest ramps up in south Louisiana. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says the harvest is getting off to a soggy start as many fields are muddy as a result of a wet 2021…:

CUT 03(12)      “…field out.”

A former Louisiana State Police trooper accused of violating a man’s civil rights during a May 2019 arrest pleaded Not Guilty today, during his arraignment in federal court. Jacob Brown is charged with deprivation of rights under color of law. He’s accused of beating Aaron Bowman with a flashlight; causing a broken jaw, three broken ribs, a broken wrist and a gash to his head. Brown also faces criminal charges for the incident.

Citing the ill effects of COVID on education, BESE has voted to set aside its letter grade school performance evaluations this year. The U.S. Department of Education must approve BESE’s plan.