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 24 he did :12

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

There’s a 34-percent increase in holiday traveling this year compared to last and Triple-A’s Don Redman says and while gas prices are significantly higher than a year ago, that’s not likely to be the lone determining factor for folks opting for holiday travel.

Cut 5 (08) “…their personal economies.”

Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America says more than half a million Louisianans, including one in five children, struggle with hunger. Berg says it’s ironic that a state known for its amazing culinary leads the nation in hunger and despite what some might say hunger is a political and a partisan issue.

Cut 9 (12)  “…pro-hunger.”

Today is the last day to send gifts in the mail via Priority Mail Express if you want them to arrive for Christmas. USPS Spokesperson David Walton says put plenty of bubble wrap in your packages and if you’re shipping a battery-operated item…

Cut 15 (09)  “…investigate it.”

Visit USPS.com for office hours at your local post office.

Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge is requiring all to wear face masks. Infectious disease specialist at the Lake Dr. Catherine O’Neal while there are reports that symptoms from the Omicron variant aren’t as bad as Delta and not as many are being hospitalized, it’s still too early to know the impacts of the newest variant.

Cut 7 (12) “…everybody has it.”  

And another reason to mask up is because the monoclonal antibody infusion treatments they have are only for the Delta variant.

State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says the CDC recommends indoor masking for everyone regardless of vaccination status in areas with high or substantial community transmission.

Cut 13 (10) “…of transmission.”

Today the state reports 2,205 new COVID cases and 272 are currently hospitalized an increase of 33-percent from this time last week.

The Census Bureau says Louisiana is continuing to lose people to other states, a trend that’s been going on for years.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

As COVID cases begin to tick upwards again Governor Edwards puts indoor face masks back in effect for state offices and State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says you should wear a mask indoors to reduce transmission, especially for those who are more susceptible to the virus.

Cut 15 (09)  “…individuals as well.”

Louisiana businessman Brandon Trosclair is asking the U-S Supreme Court to hear his lawsuit that seeks to stop President Biden’s vaccine worker mandate for businesses that have more than 100 employees. Attorney Sarah Harbison with the Pelican Institute says the 5th circuit federal appeals court agreed to suspend the mandate, but that ruling was recently dissolved by another appeals court

Cut 7 (09) “…evaluate the case.”
There’s an improvement to report in Louisiana’s job market. So says Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates, who notes some of the improvement that’s taken place since Hurricane Ida struck, and despite COVID-19.

Cut 4 (08) “….over the year.”
The leisure and hospitality sector gained 27-hundred jobs from October to November.

Louisiana faces several challenges in its efforts to address domestic violence, according to a Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s report. Performance Auditor Kristen Jacobs says while the state has added a number of very strong domestic abuse laws, knowledge of the laws and oversight is an issue.

Cut 12 (08) “…next session.”

Adequate shelters for abuse victims is another ongoing issue in the state.

Governor Edwards extends the state’s public health emergency order requiring face masks to be worn inside state agencies due to the increase in Omicron cases. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says going into the holidays there are fears it will only make things worse and we need to return to indoor masking to reduce transmission.

Cut 14 (11)  “…indoor public setting.”

Louisiana businessman Brandon Trosclair is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to end the Biden Administration’s COVID vaccination mandate for private businesses. Pelican Institute Attorney Sarah Harbison is representing Trosclair.

Cut 8 (16) “…their personal physicians.”

There’s improvement to report in Louisiana’s job market. Secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission Ava Cates says seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs show a gain of 85-hundred and an estimated gain of just under 35-thousand jobs from November of 2020. She says job gains are being seen in a broad range of industries.

Cut 5 (08) “…mining and logging.”

The unemployment rate has dropped for eight consecutive months with an over-the-year employment gain.

Louisiana faces several challenges in its efforts to address domestic violence, according to a Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s report. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Mariah Wineski says while there are numerous challenges in the state, she says the report highlights the dire ones.

Cut  11 (12)  “…statistic.”  

State police continue to investigate a fatal two-vehicle accident in Ouachita Parish that left a teen dead and a passenger in his car seriously injured when they collided with a dump truck Monday. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the victim is 17-year-old driver Logan Temple and a deadly crash involving a young person during the holidays is always tough.

Cut 4 (08) “…a happy time.”

Preliminary data from Moderna indicates their COVID booster shot increases antibody levels against the Omicron variant. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says Moderna’s booster announcement models data released from Pfizer and their booster shot.

Cut 7 (12) “…prove it.”  

Reconfirmation today from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell that Mardi Gras 2022 will take place as scheduled with route changes made for some crews and all crews are expected to roll on their scheduled days. Cantrell offered this example:

Cut 9 (13) “…avenue and Prytania.”

She says public safety will be of utmost concern and that she believes Mardi Gras can be carried off safely despite the uptick in COVID cases nationwide given that 80 percent of local residents have been vaccinated and by urging others to be tested, vaccinated, and to wear masks to protect themselves and other parade-goers.

Preliminary data from Moderna indicates their COVID booster shot increases antibody levels against the Omicron variant. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says while it’s still early data and hasn’t undergone a thorough scientific review…

 Cut 6 (10) “…and older” 

On Monday state health officials said the growing number of COVID cases are indicative of the beginning of a fifth surge.

State police continue to investigate a deadly two-vehicle accident Monday afternoon in Ouachita Parish that left a teen dead and a passenger in his car seriously injured. Trooper Michael Reichardt:

Cut 3 (10) “…Mack dump truck.”

The 17-year-old driver, from Wisner, was not wearing a seatbelt while his passenger was.

The price tag for improving Louisiana’s roadways keeps rising and that’s causing a lot of number crunching at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

Owners of the Teal Jones Group say they are evaluating the possibility of a 110.5-million-dollar southern yellow pine lumber plant in Plain Dealing. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project would support 125 direct jobs and 369 indirect jobs in Bossier Parish.

Federal health officials say the Omicron variant is now the dominant variant and state officials say COVID cases are on the rise again raising fears of a new surge. State Epidemiologist Dr. Theresa Sokol…

Cut 7 (11) “…to last.”
COVID hospitalizations have increased over the last four days as there are now 241 people hospitalized statewide with the virus.

Inflation is expected to take a hit on roadway projects in Louisiana. That word comes from State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson who says two projects have already been rejected, including plans to repair I-20 through Bossier City because the projected price tag has increased nearly 50 percent.

Cut 10 (12)  “…the COVID pandemic.”

Louisiana scores among the Top Ten states in the U.S. for the integrity of its elections. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the ranking by the Heritage Foundation is a testament to the hard work of his staff and local registrars.

Cut 13 (12) “…voter registration.”
The 2021 Election Integrity Scorecard looks at the management of absentee voting, vote counting practices, and verification of identity and citizenship.

The School of Engineering at the University of New Orleans receives the largest gift to an academic college in the school’s history of $5-million from Dr. Bobby and Lori Savoie. UNO Spokesperson Adam Norris says Savoie has stated the gift is not about what UNO has done in the past but what it can bring to the future of UNO.

Cut 6 (11) “..years to come.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says COVID numbers are showing the start of another surge. We tend to see a sharp increase in cases following holiday gatherings and State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says it’s imperative we all practice mitigation, and more individuals get vaccinated and/or boosted.

Cut 9 (12)  “…vaccinated people.”

Inflation is expected to take a hit on roadway projects in Louisiana. DOTD Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says two projects have already been rejected because the projected price tag increased almost 50 percent. He says similar scenarios are expected leading to a potential change in plans to widen I-10 and construction of a new Mississippi River bridge.

Cut  11 (11)  “…time of investment.”  

Louisiana scores among the Top Ten states for election integrity according to the Heritage Foundation and receives high marks on the 2021 Election Integrity Scorecard for such things as voter ID implementation, management of absentee voting, and vote counting practices. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says it’s rewarding to have both sides of the political fence agree the state is doing a good job.

Cut 14 (12)  “…are happy as well.”

The School of Engineering at the University of New Orleans receives the largest gift to an academic college in the school’s history of $5-million. UNO Spokesperson Adam Norris says Dr. Bobby and Lori Savoie made the donation and the donation will allow others to receive degrees from the university.

Cut 5 (12) “…and students.”

If you have autism, you can now have a driver’s license that indicates you have the medical diagnosis. Matthew Boudreaux, Public Information Director for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, says the designation was approved by the legislature.

Cut 3 (10) “…on their license.”

The autism indicator will appear below the driver’s picture.

It’s been a difficult year for State Police as the state agency is under scrutiny for several use of force incidents over the last few years, one of which led to a death in Union Parish in 2019. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s confident that Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis, who was appointed in October 2020, is leading the agency in the right direction.

Cut 7 (11) “…of changes.”

The state health department says the number of Omicron cases in Louisiana has surpassed 100 as health officials express concern of another COVID surge. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Doctor Katherine Baumgarten says Omicron symptoms have mirrored those of previous variants…

cut 15 (12) “…..or runny nose”

Christmas is Saturday and who doesn’t love a Christmas photo of a puppy or kitten under the tree but in reality the gift of a pet is not always ideal. Puppies and kittens grow up and they require care for several years. Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center Supervisor Shelly Delahoussaye (Dela-who-see) says the recipient might not have the ability to support them.

 Cut 6 (10) “…back here” 

She says it’s best to bring the intended recipient into the shelter and let them choose their pet.

The state health department says the number of Omicron cases in Louisiana has surpassed 100 as health officials express concern of another COVID surge. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Doctor Katherine Baumgarten says Omicron symptoms mirror those of previous variants…

Cut 15 (12)  “…or runny nose.”
Louisiana is increasing benefits through their through the TANF (Tan-if) program. The increase will effectively double the cash assistance with hopes the money goes towards promoting career development and financial independence. Lorrie Briggs with the state department of children and family services says grandparents who are raising their children’s children are also eligible.

Cut 5 (10) “…of their grandchildren.”
Drugmaker Moderna, says their booster dose of the COVID-vaccine should offer adequate protection against the Omicron variant. Lab test show the half-dose booster shot increased by 27 times the level of neutralizing antibodies able to fight off the Omicron variant and a full-dose triggered an 83-fold jump in antibody levels.

For the first time ever, Louisiana will have a float in this year’s Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”