10:30 LRN Newscast Dec 30

With just a couple of days left in 2021, it’s time to take look back at another eventful year. Kevin Gallagher has the story…

Cut 3 (45) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

And Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a 1 pm press conference today to discuss the surge in COVID.

For the first time in a decade, Louisiana’s unemployment benefit will increase by eleven percent. The new amount goes into effect Sunday and the maximum weekly benefit for those who qualify will be $275. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says it’s welcome news for recipients.

Cut 7 (05) “…to find.”

For those who make their initial claim January 1, 2022, or before, the maximum weekly benefit amount is still $247.

It has been 4 months since Category Four Hurricane Ida impacted Louisiana: bringing destruction to the state’s southeastern coastal parishes. Houma state Representative Tanner Magee says Terrebonne Parish still has a large number of residents living in makeshift accommodations…:

Cut 4 (10) “….nort really come yet.”

Magee says two entire high schools will need to be rebuilt.