It has been 4 months since Category Four Hurricane Ida impacted Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports ion the recovery progress…:

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Beginning Sunday, the maximum weekly unemployment benefit will increase to $275. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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” 

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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 Ida damaged a large number of businesses; some of whom have rebuilt, but others still struggling. He also feels sorry for Terrebonne Parish students, who’ve been challenged with COVID protocols and now the setbacks of a major hurricane…:

Cut 5 (09) “…mobile classrooms there.”

Magee says two entire high schools will need to be rebuilt, and he’s unsure where the money to do that will come from.

After four months of hard work and suffering, Magee says Terrebonne still has “a long way to go” in recovering from Hurricane Ida…:

Cut 6 (04) “…better year for us.”

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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.”

The increase was approved in the 2021 regular legislative session, in exchange for the governor agreeing to end the federal supplemental weekly benefit of $300, five weeks early. Fiore says the maximum weekly benefit will increase by $28.

Cut 8 (09) “…their families.”

Fiore says the increase is only applicable to claims filed on or after January 2^nd.

Cut 9 (11)  “…a decade.”

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

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It’s time to look back at 2021 and it got off to a rocky start on January 6th, when thousands of angry President Trump supporters stormed the U-S Capitol causing damage to the building and five officers who attempted to hold back the rioters have died and their deaths linked to the riot. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is disgusted by what he saw…

Cut 10 (11)  “…sediition.”

In February, a massive winter storm brought snow, ice, and some of the coldest temperatures on record to the Bayou State. Entergy’s John Hawkins asked customers to conserve energy as rolling blackouts were put in place, because of the demand for heat…

Cut  11 (09)  “…power grid.”  

In March, LSU released a 150-page report that investigated several cases where LSU failed to properly handle sexual misconduct complaints involving former football players. No one was fired for their roles, but two high-ranking athletic department employees were suspended. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson thought the punishment was weak

Cut 12 (07) “…truth again.”

The fallout cost former football coach Les Miles’ job at Kansas State and former LSU President F King Alexander resigned as a president of Oregon State.

In July, state lawmakers held their first-ever override veto session as Republican legislators were upset the governor vetoed a bill that would prohibit a biological male from competing on girl athletic teams. But the veto override effort failed as a few Republicans and Democrats like New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis said the legislation was not needed…

Cut 13 (09) “…to college.”

For the second straight year, Louisiana was hit by a Category Four storm. Hurricane Ida devasted the bayou and river parishes and also did a number on Tangipahoa Parish. Congressman Garret Graves couldn’t believe the destruction…

Cut 14 (12)  “…hurricane.”

Less than two years from winning a national championship and guiding LSU to a perfect 15-0 season, Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron was told in October he would not return for the 2022 season. Athletics Director Scott Woodward says mediocre play on the football field would not be accepted…

Cut 15 (09)  “…met that standard.”

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The Saints activated eleven players from the COVID list including quarterbacks Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill. New COVID protocols in the NFL allow vaccinated players to return earlier if their symptoms go away. Coach Sean Payton was asked if he was concerned if players would hide their symptoms in order to come back to the field earlier…

Cut  16 (13) “…they feel.”

Payton expects Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian will be back for Sunday’s game. The coach was also asked on Wednesday about the offensive line’s performance…

Cut 17 (30) “ …we will.”

The Saints will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. New Orleans lost to Carolina in week two, but since then the Panthers have really struggled and the return of Cam Newton hasn’t helped the offense or the firing of Joe Brady as offensive coordinator…

Cut 18 (18) “ …rely on the tape” 

The state reports an alarming 9,378 new COVID cases today, a jump of more than 5,000 from Tuesday. The number does not include at-home COVID test results. Hospitalizations also increased dramatically by 145 patients in one day to 659. Current hospitalizations are up 142% from a week ago. Health officials are encouraging all, regardless of vaccination status to mask indoors.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting after Lake Charles PD exchanged gunfire with 22-year-old Christopher Thomas. As with all police officer-involved shootings in the state, LSP is investigating. Trooper Derek Senegal says they’ll seek out any surveillance video which may help in the investigation.

Cut 5 (14) “…put together a report.”

After a five-hour standoff in Delhi the suspected gunman in the first fatal shooting during homecoming on the campus of Grambling State is now in custody. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says they had been looking for 18-year-old Jatavious Carroll, aka “Rabbit” since October 13^th. Reichardt says multiple agencies assisted in Tuesday’s standoff with Carroll.

Cut 7 (09) “…even better.”  

The man who introduced NFL great John Madden to one of his favorite dishes – the TURDUCKEN – mourns the passage of the football legend. New Orleans butcher Glenn Mistich says, after talking with Madden quite a bit, he sent the Madden family one. That quickly became a tradition of its own.

Cut 10 (07)  “…Christmas as well.”

For the unenlightened, a “turducken” is a chicken, stuffed inside a duck, stuffed inside a turkey. The dish has become a holiday table tradition for many across the state.

The suspected gunman in an October shooting on Grambling University’s campus has been apprehended. More on that from Michelle Southern.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

The state reports a huge jump in COVID hospitalizations, today 659 patients a 145 jump from the previous day, and 142% increase in one week. 77-percent of the hospital patients are not vaccinated. More than 93-hundred new cases are also reported today, that does not include home test results.

State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles. Trooper Derek Senegal says it began with LCPD officers called to an address where 22-year-old Christopher Thomas fired shots into a home twice; the second time hitting someone inside then fled on foot. Officers later found Thomas at another residence, where they tried to negotiate his surrender.

Cut 4 (12) “…he actually died.”

The man who introduced NFL great John Madden to one of his favorite dishes – the TURDUCKEN – mourns the passage of the football legend. New Orleans butcher Glenn Mistich says he first met Madden in 1996, during the Saints – Rams game. During an appearance on WWL radio, the subject of the “turducken” came up…:

Cut 9 (12) “…the All-Madden Team.”

A “turducken” is a chicken, stuffed inside a duck, stuffed inside a turkey.

After a five-hour standoff, the suspected gunman in the first homecoming shooting on the campus of Grambling State is now in custody. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says they had been looking for 18-year-old Jatavious Carroll, aka “Rabbit” since October 13^th. He says the US Marshal’s located Carroll in a home in Delhi.

 Cut 6 (09) “…custody.” 

One person was killed in the October shooting and another was injured. Carroll is being held in the Lincoln Parish Jail.

State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles. Troop D spokesman Trooper Derek Senegal says it began with LCPD officers called to an address where a man had fired shots into a home twice; the second time hitting someone inside.-

Cut 3 (11) “…fled on foot.”

They caught up with Thomas at another residence.

2021 saw some volatility in Louisiana politics. Kevin Gallagher talks with a political analyst…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Omicron is forcing 12 Office of Motor Vehicle locations in Louisiana to close temporarily. Before you need to do any business at the OMV officials are urging you to check their website to see if the office is open or not. They are also urging those who need to visit an open location to do so only if necessary and to first see if you can resolve your needs online.

2021 saw some volatility in Louisiana politics. Kevin Gallagher talks with a political analyst…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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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.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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…

Cut 3 (32) “…Jeff Palermo” 

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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.

Cut 7 (10) “…4th of July.”

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 31^st to make purchases for the evening and while the warm weather could help sales, the potential for rain could hamper things also.

Cut 9 (08)  “…this season.”

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.

Cut 10 (11)  “…no season.”

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.

Cut 12 (09) “…your community.”

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…

Cut 13 (11) “…emphasize.”

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…

Cut 15 (11)  “…influenza.”

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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….

Cut 17 (18) “ …great fans.”

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…

Cut 18 (23) “ ..puncher’s chance” 

The CDC revises isolation guidelines for those who test positive COVID from 10 days to five days, that’s if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask for at least five more days. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the five days begin the day you receive your positive results.

Cut 10 (09)  “…additional days.”

Gas forecasters predict prices at the pump will get worse before they get better. GasBuddy head petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says prices in 2022 could linger around the $4 mark should we move past the Omicron variant and the economy continue to hold.

Cut 3 (10) “…this spring.”

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $2.99.

As we say “goodbye” to 2021, State Climatologist Barry Keim looks back on a topsy-turvy year for Louisiana weather. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

36-year old Robert Perry, III is being held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on cruelty to animal charges after he allegedly shot and killed a woman’s two pugs after the two had an argument. The dog owner had asked police to escort her back to a home in Central where they found each dog with a single gunshot wound. Police say Perry also sent a photograph of one of the dogs to a close family member of the owner.

The CDC revises isolation guidelines for those who test positive COVID from 10 days to five days, that’s if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask for at least five more days. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says when the CDC looked at the data the virus appears to be most contagious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.

Cut 9 (07) “…symptoms develop.”

The isolation period for healthcare workers is asymptomatic was also reduced from 10 to seven days.

COVID hospitalizations top 500 in Louisiana today, for a total of 514 an increase of 65 from the previous day. LDH also reports 4,313 new cases and eight new fatalities.

This week, the City of Shreveport and along with the city and parish office in East Baton Rouge Parish reinstated mask requirements inside city /parish offices.

Gas forecasters predict prices at the pump will get worse before they get better. GasBuddy head petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says right now we’re paying the most we have at the pump in some seven years due to supply being unable to keep up with demand. And by Memorial Day we could see prices go to $4 a gallon.

Cut 5 (06) “…strong economy.”

Positive COVID tests and injuries took a W over the Saints last night and so did Miami. The Dolphins outscored the Black and Gold 20-3. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the score could have been much worse if it wasn’t for the defense. But he says without a stable offensive line you don’t have a chance at winning…

Cut 14 (13) “…you ain’t winning.” 

The CDC revises isolation guidelines for those who test positive COVID from 10 days to five days, that’s if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask for at least five more days. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the five days begins the day you receive your positive results.

Cut 10 (09)  “…additional days.”

COVID positive tests and injuries resulted in a dismal performance on offense last night as the Saints fell to the Miami Dolphins 20-3. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it was not a surprise to see the Saints struggle on offense with rookie quarterback Ian Book and only two starting offensive linemen on the field

Cut 12 (09) “…with the Dolphins”  

Book was sacked eight times.

As we say “goodbye” to 2021, State Climatologist Barry Keim looks back on a topsy-turvy year for Louisiana weather. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

COVID hospitalizations top 500 in Louisiana today, for a total of 514 an increase of 65 from the previous day. LDH also reports 4,313 new cases and eight new fatalities.

COVID hospitalizations have doubled in just one week in Louisiana. The 449 patients with COVID an increase of 143 from the previous report and 80-percent of those COVID patients in Louisiana hospitals are unvaccinated.

The state says they’ve received just over 12-thousand new cases which include those conducted over the holiday weekend. But the number does not include positive results from home tests.

If you’re looking for a way to dispose of your live Christmas tree and help the environment. Rob Moreau, manager of Southeastern’s Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station says you can drop your tree at collection sites in Tangipahoa Parish and even a well-known seafood restaurant.

Cut  11 (12)  “…tree there.”  

Collection begins January 6^th.

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson says this time next month construction will be ramping up to add eight miles of elevated highway along Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish. Wilson says the most flood-prone sections where water and high tide can prevent access to Grand Isle will be worked on.

Cut 4 (10) “….Gulf of Mexico.”

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.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports startling COVID numbers today. The state says they’ve received just over 12-thousand new cases over the holiday weekend and that does not include positive results from home-tests. Hospitalizations are up to 449 an increase of 143 from the previous report and 80-percent of COVID patients are unvaccinated.

Christmas is behind us, and the New Year is coming soon, and soon after that … tax time. Kevin Gallagher has some filing tips.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

According to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson, this time next month construction will be ramping up to add eight miles of elevated highway along Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish.

Cut 3 (10) “….$135-million.” 

Wilson says the total cost for the project is $463 million

2021 was a fairly good year for economic development in our state, despite the challenges of COVID and hurricanes. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says newer technologies are investing in Louisiana; bringing commerce and lots of jobs.

Cut 14 (15)  “…really strong 2022.”