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

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.

Cut 21 (fireworks audio)

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!”

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!”

After being snuffed out last year by COVID more than 300 wooden structures will light up the skies tonight and organizers are expecting more visitors than usual this year to the Bonfires on Levee. And because of heavy anticipate traffic, in St James Parish along River Road, Executive Director of the Louisiana River Parishes Tourist Commission Jay Robichaux says from 6 pm until 9 pm traffic will only flow in one direction.
Cut 11 (12) “…highway 642.”

Governor Edwards says his Christmas plans include catching up on some reading, some hunting, and some quality time with the family. Edwards says last Christmas was a somewhat low-key event, largely because of the COVID pandemic. He aims to do things differently this year.
Cut 14 (07) “…didn’t do last year.”

COVID is forcing the Saints to adjust for a second week. Last week it was head coach Sean Payton and now about two handfuls of players including their top two quarterbacks, Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian are on COVID reserve. Saints Kicker Brett Maher who was three for three on field-goal attempts during Sunday’s 9-0 win over Tampa Bay, says with COVID the team has to be flexible and they’ll be ready to play the Dolphins in the Dome.

Cut 5 (04) “…called on.”

Instead of a white Christmas, we’ll be faced with a Warm one this year. 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. On a positive note, the weather does allow for outdoor gatherings which is helpful with the Omicron variant becoming more prevalent.
Cut 24 three or four days :09

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

Cut 2 (25) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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.

About two handfuls of players including the Saint’s top two quarterbacks, Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian are on COVID reserve. Saints Tight End Nick Vannett (Van-it) the only active TE on the Saints roster, is familiar with major shuffling for COVID, last November when he played for Denver, the Broncos had only a day’s notice before they played the Saints without a quarterback.

Cut 4 (09) “….last year.”

The Saint play Miami Monday night in the Dome.

If you’re hoping to model that Ugly Christmas sweater tomorrow, you might want to rethink your choice of fashion because well, it’s just too uncomfortable for a sweater in this heat 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.”

The COVID reserve list among the Black and Gold continues to grow and right now Ian Book will start as QB on Monday against the Dolphins. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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

Cut 2 (25) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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COVID is forcing the Saints to adjust for a second week. Last week it was head coach Sean Payton and now about two handfuls of players including their top two quarterbacks, Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian are on COVID reserve. Saints Tight End Nick Vannett (Van-it) believes rookie QB Ian Book will be ready for Monday’s game against Miami.

Cut 3 (10) “….be fine.” 

Vannett, the only active TE on the Saints roster, is familiar with major shuffling for COVID, last November when he played for Denver, the Broncos had only a day’s notice before they played the Saints without a quarterback.

Cut 4 (09) “….last year.”

Saints Kicker Brett Maher who was three for three on field-goal attempts during Sunday’s 9-0 win over Tampa Bay, says with COVID the team has to be flexible and they’ll be ready to play the Dolphins in the Dome.

Cut 5 (04) “…called on.”

In addition to Hill and Siemian, tight ends Adam Trautman and Juwan Johnson, and Safety Malcolm Jenkins are also on COVID reserve. Sources say more players still are expected to land on the COVID-19 list

Kickoff Monday night is at 7:15.

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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. Keim says the warming begins right away…:

Cut 6 (08) “…even warmer yet.”

Keim says afternoon highs across the entire state will top out somewhere in the low-to-mid 70’s for Christmas Eve…:

Cut 7 (06) “…for the highs.”

For Christmas Day, Keim says we can expect high temperatures around 80, which is a few degrees lower than the Christmas Day record (85, set in 1903). He says the chill will eventually return, but…:

Cut 8 (06) “… any time soon.”

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After being snuffed out last year by COVID more than 300 wooden structures will light up the skies tonight and organizers are expecting more visitors than usual this year to the Bonfires on Levee. Executive Director of the Louisiana River Parishes Tourist Commission Jay Robichaux says wear comfortable shoes and dress for very unseasonable temps.

Cut 9 (10)  “…a great time.”

Organizers say parking will be an issue, so they highly recommend carpooling with some friends

Over the years Robichaux says there have been some very created bonfires constructed to light the way for Papa Noel. He says the group Blood, Sweat, and Bonfires has once again built a must-see structure you need to visit before they strike a match.

Cut 10 (11)  “…unique bonfire.”

And because of heavy anticipate traffic in St James Parish along River Road, Robichaux says from 6 pm until 9 pm traffic will only flow in one direction.

Cut  11 (12)  “…highway 642.”  

In addition to the bonfires, you can expect fireworks and plenty of people eager to enjoy the annual tradition. This year’s theme is “Let the Good Times Burn.”

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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!”

Mr. Edwards says last Christmas was a somewhat low-key event, largely because of the COVID pandemic. He aims to do things differently this year…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…didn’t do last year.”

Governor Edwards wishes everyone a very safe, healthy, and Merry Christmas.

The state transportation department announces Louisiana is receiving 36-million in federal dollars to help improve airports across the state. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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A Vernon Parish woman is dead after she threaten to kill deputies and then herself when officers responded to the call. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The infrastructure bill approved last month will mean 36-million dollars to improve 51 of Louisiana’s airports. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says Louis Armstrong International Airport will get 14 million, while small airports in Minden and Eunice will receive 159-thousand dollars…

Cut 3 (09) “…this bill.”

The FAA estimates the backlog of airport modernization and safety projects totals 43-billion. So Wilson says this money is much needed…

Cut 4 (09) “…effective way.”

Wilson says the federal government’s goal is that this investment will help backlogged projects take off. He says the F-A-A encourages airports to prioritize projects that increase safety and sustainability.

Cut 5 (12) “…your gate.”

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Things ended tragically for 44-year-old Chantel Myers when she threatened to kill law enforcement and then herself. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says when officers responded to a home in Pitkin Tuesday night, they tried to build a rapport with Meyers but her hostile behavior placed a deputy in peril.

 Cut 6 (11) “…he did.” 

Craft says a man in the home, located in the Larry Cook Road area, initially called them about Myers and when he left the residence, he handed them a suicide note the victim had written. He says Myers was also on the phone with a friend discussing her intentions.

Cut 7 (11) “…dispatcher.”  

Craft says when a person is suicidal they are also a danger to others and deputies were forced to take action and shoot Myers. Craft says they’ve received criticism from some on social media saying law enforcement should have left the scene.

Cut 8 (11) “…get is resolved.”

Craft says the victim had a history of mental illness and drug abuse.

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The holiday “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway. State Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says federal dollars are paying for dozens of extra state and local LEO’s to patrol highways; seeking out impaired drivers…:

Cut 9 (08) “…really at peak.”

Coming off a very deadly Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Freeman hopes the campaign will discourage impaired or distracted driving this holiday. She says they do worry when the holiday falls over an actual weekend…:.

Cut 10 (09)  “…that time as well.”

(Last Christmas holiday, 181 people were killed or injured in traffic crashes in Louisiana.)

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” will mean increased police presence on the roads and a number of sobriety checkpoints at random locations. Freeman says this is the worst time of year to lose a loved one in a crash, and even worse if one is the cause of a fatal crash…:

Cut  11 (08)  “…from the roadway.”  

(Freeman says the goal is not money from fines or putting people in jail…but to save lives.)

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State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Pointe Coupee Wednesday night after an Opelousas man drove his vehicle into a home in Fordoche and threatened officers. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says a Pointe Coupee Parish Deputy and a Livonia PD officer were forced to shoot 48-year-old Jessie Lee Gaither, who first pulled a knife on them…

Cut 12 (11) “…returned fire.”  

Scrantz says they are still investigating why Gaither crashed into the particular home and attempted to set it on fire.

Cut 13 (10) “…at that time.”

The incident remains under investigation and Scrantz says they are awaiting  Gaither’s toxicology results.

Cut 14 (11) “…dictated that.” 

State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Pointe Coupee Wednesday night after an Opelousas man drove his vehicle into a home in Fordoche  and threatened officers. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says a Point Coupee Parish Deputy and a Livonia PD officer were forced to shoot 48-year-old Jessie Lee Gaither, who first pulled a knife on them…

Cut 12 returned fire. :12

Things ended tragically for 44-year-old Chantel Myers when she threatened to kill law enforcement and then herself. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says when officers responded to a home in Pitkin Tuesday night Myers had left a suicide note and she was also on the phone with a friend discussing her intentions.

Cut 7 (12) “…dispatcher.”  

Both Gaither and Myers were killed by officers.

The infrastructure bill approved last month will mean 36-million dollars to improve 51 of Louisiana’s airports. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the federal government’s goal is that this investment will help backlogged projects take off. He says the F-A-A encourages airports to prioritize projects that increase safety and sustainability.

Cut 5 (12) “..your gate.”

The holiday “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway. State Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says after a very deadly Thanksgiving holiday weekend, she hopes the campaign will discourage impaired or distracted driving this holiday. She says they do worry when the holiday falls over an actual weekend.

Cut 10 (10)  “…that time as well.”