0830 LRN NEWSCAST DECEMBER 23

As cases of COVID’s Omicron variant grow in Louisiana, the FDA approves a pill to mitigate the virus’s impact…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

AAA says the roads are going to be packed this Christmas, with most folks heading out of town starting today. Spokesman Don Redman…:
Cut 6 (10) “in your destination”
He says they predict a 34 percent increase in Holiday travel over last year.

A recent study shows Louisiana continues to have one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the country. Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America says the pandemic amplified the problem, but it’s been an ongoing issue here due to low wages and inadequate safety net programs in the state…:
Cut 8 (12) “legitimate”
He says the 67-percent drop in food insufficiency in Louisiana coincided with the massive boost in federal food and cash aid.

The Jeanerette Police Department says a 7 year old has died after being shot in the head Wednesday while inside a vehicle. They say investigators are still gathering information about circumstances surrounding the shooting, but it does appear to be accidental. The young boy was sitting inside the vehicle when a 15 year old located a gun and was handling it when it discharged by mistake, striking the child.