Unemployment in Louisiana is returning to pre-pandemic claims but some 85,000 have not returned to the workforce. Brooke Thorington has more from the US Secretary of Labor.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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With inflation up 6.8 percent from a year ago, the biggest jump in 39 years, the finger of blame is being pointed at supply chain issues, supply-and-demand, and monetary and fiscal policy. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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Most recent numbers from the Louisiana Workforce Commission show the unemployment rate is getting closer to pre-pandemic levels. And while some say there’s still a labor shortage because the government is paying people to stay home Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says enhanced benefits ended in August in Louisiana and September for most other states.

Cut 3 (06) “…unemployment benefits.”

LWC estimates about 85,000 have left the workforce in Louisiana for a number of reasons including concerns over their health, the health of their family, and or childcare. Walsh says retaining childcare workers was an ongoing issue before the pandemic and cost is also a factor.

Cut 4 (10) “…head-on.”

Walsh believes the pandemic gave many workers time to pause and think about their profession and where and what they want their career path to be. As for vaccine mandates, Walsh says he doesn’t believe it will deter those who want to work.

Cut 5 (08) “…things go back.”

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November consumer prices jumped 6.8 percent in November compared to a year earlier. That’s the highest annual inflation rate in nearly four decades. LSU economist, Dr. Loren Scott, says fixing the supply chain issues won’t likely do much to erase inflation.

 Cut 6 (11) “…return to normal.” 

But, Scott says current Federal Reserve policy that’s pumping more money into the system, coupled with the amount of money the federal government is spending likely dashes any hope for a short-term dance with rising inflation.

Scott talks about what he says is the inflationary impact of a very accommodating monetary policy by the Federal Reserve as being a major cause for rising prices.

Cut 7 (11) “…is right now.”  

Scott believes inflation is also a product of supply-and-demand and discounts the possibility of collusion to boost prices and thus stir up the inflationary pot.

Cut 8 (08) “…experiencing right now.”

He says the inflation that’s occurring can be blamed for the most part on supply chain issues and monetary and fiscal policy, something that likely won’t be corrected in the short-term, but possibly in the medium term.

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Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest on Louisiana roadways this year with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities. And as we approach another busy traveling period for Christmas and New Year’s DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the trend doesn’t bode well for the state.

Cut 9 (09) “…in 2021.”

DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says after reviewing data from law enforcement a majority of the traffic fatalities were caused by speeding, impaired, or distracted driving all of which are preventable.

Cut 10 (07)  “…a lot.”

Another disturbing factor in the number of fatal crashes in Louisiana Mallett says is the lack of seatbelt usage.

Both Wilson and Mallett say areas severely impacted by Hurricane Ida are also facing traffic hurdles and the closer we get to Christmas we’ll have even more drivers on the road and many from out of state that aren’t familiar with the roadways causing even more congestion.

And if you witness someone behind the wheel that could be impaired or driving aggressively Mallett says call law enforcement.

Cut  11 (09)  “…star-LSP.”  

Last year crashes involving motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians killed 828 people in Louisiana. That is the highest number of deaths in a single year since 2008.

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Saturday is election day for 34 parishes, consisting of local matters, municipal runoffs, some tax proposals, and gaming for St. Tammany Parish. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he already expected voter turnout to be low due to only a few items on the ballot, but inclement weather could reduce earlier predictions.

Cut 12 (08) “…it does.”  

However, in St. Tammany Parish Ardoin says early voting there was significant and he expects the largest turnout to be in the southeast parish to decide if they will allow a gaming casino in Slidell.

Cut 13 (08) “…and vote.”

In addition to gaming in St. Tammany, Ardoin says there are several races to be decided in the neighboring parish of Orleans.

Cut 14 (12) “…Orleans Parish.” 

Ardoin says don’t forget to bring your ID along with your umbrella. Polls open tomorrow at 7 am and close at 8 pm.

November consumer prices jumped 6.8 percent in November compared to a year earlier. That’s the highest annual inflation rate in nearly four decades. LSU economist, Dr. Loren Scott, says fixing the supply chain issues won’t likely do much to erase inflation.

 Cut 6 (11) “…return to normal.” 

Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest on Louisiana roadways this year with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities. And as we approach another busy traveling period for Christmas and New Year’s DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the trend doesn’t bode well for the state.

Cut 9 (09) “…in 2021.”

Wilson is reminding motorists to not drive impaired, be distracted, to slow down, and wear your seatbelt.

Saturday is election day for 34 parishes, consisting of local matters, municipal runoffs, some tax proposals, and gaming for St. Tammany Parish. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he already expected voter turnout to be low due to only a few things on the ballot, but inclement weather could reduce earlier predictions.

Cut 12 (09) “…it does.”  

Polls open tomorrow at 7 am and close at 8 pm. Bring your ID and an umbrella.

If you’re looking for a simpler way to book a hunting or fishing trip, introducing a new one-stop-shop service based in Louisiana. It’s called Mallard Bay and it’s the brainchild of Logan Meaux, who also helped launch Waitr and says it’s like an AirBnB for outfitters and sportsmen.

Cut  11 (10)  “…every day.”  
MallardBay.com is the website.

It sure doesn’t feel like December 10th outside and for some areas of the Bayou State temperatures are about 25 degrees above normal. State Climatologist Barry Keim it’ll be wet tomorrow before it cools off.
Cut 8 (08) “…so plan accordingly.”

A cold front increases the chance of rain overnight and into Saturday, with some possible severe weather, mainly across northern Louisiana.

Saturday is Election Day in 34 parishes and “LAPolitics.com” editor Jeremy Alford says in Caddo Parish, voters will decide on a $237-million bond package for investments in the water system, technology, infrastructure & public safety. Alford says Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is in favor, but facing push-back:

Cut 4 (08) “…referendum on the mayor. “
Another big ballot tomorrow is in St. Tammany on whether to build a casino in Slidell.

There’s only two shopping weeks left before Christmas, and if you’re looking for a computer gift or the ideal gift for the person who works remotely Tech Expert Andrea Smith recommends the Anker PowerConf 330 that can help with ZOOM and similar conference connections.

Cut 15 (12)  “…mean no dropout.”

A Baton Rouge company is making it easier for you to book the perfect hunting or fishing trip. It’s called Mallard Bay and Logan Meaux, who helped his family launch Waitr is the brainchild behind the Airbnb-style service for the outdoorsman. Meaux is even offering a discount for listeners…

Cut 12 (11) “…your trip.”

Visit MallardBay.com for more information.

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving vehicle in Red River Parish. But, as Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries explains there’s a twist to these apprehensions.

 Cut 6 (12) “…Coushatta Police Department.” 

Louisiana residents are facing or have already received significant increases in their National Flood Insurance Program premiums.  State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, whose office has no control over the FEMA NFIP, says the agency’s new Risk Rating 2.0 program proposes to alter premiums to make them unaffordable to many.

Cut 9 (12) “…to price prohibitive.”

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility expansion to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes.

Cut 3 (09) “…and service.”

He says the hospital also provided meals for residents and first responders after Ida.

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will hear arguments in Pastor Tony Spell’s first amendment fight against criminal charges stemming from his violations of pandemic gathering limits set by Governor Edwards that were in effect last year. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt:

Cut 13 (12) “…first amendment challenge.”
Spell who is a pastor in the Baton Rouge area received national attention when he allowed hundreds to show up at his church in March 2020, despite public health orders that prohibited large gatherings.

As the state reports more probable cases of the Omicron variant, Pfizer says the third dose of its vaccine may offer more protection to the variant as opposed to only two doses. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere…

Cut 10 (12)  “…Omicron variant.”
U-S Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says the recently approved federal infrastructure bill will mean 380-million dollars for Louisiana that will go towards airports, electric vehicle charging stations, and broadband. The pandemic highlighted the digital divide in rural areas. Walsh says it’s important to close that gap.

Cut 8 (10) “…to information.”

Louisiana Supreme Court will hear arguments in Pastor Tony Spell’s first amendment fight against criminal charges stemming from his violations of pandemic gathering limits set by Governor Edwards in 2020. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says it’s a case to watch when it comes to First Amendment rights versus the public health orders of Louisiana’s governor.

Cut 15 (09)  “…absolutely set precedent.”

For the 9^th year, Louisiana has made a national list of the nation’s Top Ten “Judicial Hellholes.” The American Tort Reform Foundation’s list is for the most litigious states. Louisiana Law Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says tort reforms passed in the 2020 legislature will help to get our state off the list.

Cut 5 (09) “…changes the game.”

Louisiana has made list 12 of the past 20 years.

The Omicron variant is prompting some to get vaccinated. LSU Health Shreveport infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says they’ve seen a significant increase and they’re administering 400 to 600 doses a day and about 100 to 150 are first doses of the vaccine.

Cut 12 (07) “…get vaccinated.”

Louisiana will receive $7.25 billion of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Former Louisiana Lt. Governor and New Orleans Mayor, Mitch Landrieu is overseeing the allocation of Infrastructure funds for the country and Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh says Landrieu wants those funds to reach states as soon as possible.

Cut 9 (07)  “…good to have.”

For the 9^th year, Louisiana has made a national list of the nation’s Top Ten “Judicial Hellholes”. The American Tort Reform Foundation’s list is for the most litigious states or court systems, where trials can go on indefinitely and arbitration is discouraged. Louisiana Law Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable says we went from 5^th Worst to 6^th Worst for 2020…:

Cut 4 (13) “…civil justice system. “

Broussard Police is investigating the homicide of 18-year-old Diondre Williams. On Wednesday officers were called to the area of Gustave and Leon Streets when gunshots were reported in the area. When they arrived, they found Williams suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, medical aid was rendered but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Quarterback Max Johnson announces a surprise decision as he’s choosing to transfer from LSU. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m  Jeff Palermo.”

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The infrastructure bill signed into law recently by President Biden also contains a pilot program that would lower the age for interstate truckers from 21 to 18.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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LSU Quarterback Max Johnson announces he’s entering the transfer portal after spending two seasons with the Purple and Gold. Johnson’s decision comes as a surprise after starting 11 games this past season. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor William Weathers says Johnson’s decision means Garrett Nussmeier will likely start the bowl game…

Cut 3 (09) “…walk-on.”

It’s unknown how new head football coach Brian Kelly feels about this. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins is surprised Johnson didn’t at least go through a spring practice to get a feel for the new coaching staff…

Cut 4 (09) “…on the surface.”

Johnson’s departure leaves LSU with just one scholarship quarterback on the roster, Garrett Nussmeier, who was not supposed to play anymore this season to preserve his redshirt. Weathers says maybe former starter Myles Brennan who entered the transfer portal last month, comes back…

Cut 5 (10) “…philosophically.”

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A 2019 study by LSU Health New Orleans Radiologist Dr. Bradley Spieler (Spee-ler) indicates burnout affects more than 50-percent of healthcare professionals. Spieler says burnout is now considered an illness and it even has its own billing code.

 Cut 6 (07) “…crisis.” 

And there are reports that burnout has increased even more with COVID.

Spieler says the radiologist are at a higher risk with a reported 71-percent of the practice indicating some form of burnout. Spieler says contributing factors among radiologists include they work in low light so they can read images better and it’s a primarily sedentary profession.

Cut 7 (10) “…as a radiologist.”  

And since COVID, he says more healthcare providers are choosing to practice remotely via telemedicine and isolation is a contributing factor of burnout.

Spieler notes the increase in burnout is not exclusive to healthcare. Other mainstream professions with similar work environments are also seeing more mental and physical exhaustion.

Cut 8 (10) “…higher rates.”

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At least a partial answer to the truck driver shortage is contained in President Biden’s new pilot Drive-Safe Act which would allow 18-year-olds to start driving big-rigs across state lines. Renee Amar, executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, favors the change.

Cut 9 (12) “…state lines currently.”

Younger drivers can now haul goods within the state but have to be 21 to take on interstate assignments, possibly contributing to the driver shortage if individuals are looking for long-haul work with a company.

Cut 10 (13)  “…for each state.”

Amar says supply chain issues and driver shortages nationwide are being exacerbated by the ongoing COVID pandemic, something lowering the age for interstate truckers could help with.

Cut  11 (09)  “…across the nation.”    2X

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Supply chain issues have been a growing frustration across the country and US Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh says it’s a legitimate concern but if you are worried it will severely impact the holiday gift-giving season, he says it shouldn’t.

Cut 12 (09) “…a great thing.”  

Walsh believes supply chain disruptions will remedy themselves in 2022 and it won’t be as much of a concern as it is today. He says there are two major issues contributing to the backlog of goods.

Cut 13 (04) “…warehouse jobs.”

To increase the trucking workforce Walsh says there are initiatives in President Biden’s Drive Safe Act and as for the warehouse industry…

Cut 14 (06) “…back to work.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health reports three additional probable cases of the Omicron variant in the state now. One of the cases involves an individual in the Acadiana area who traveled out of the country. The other two cases involve individuals in the Greater New Orleans area which brings the total number of Omicron cases in our state to 4 – 3 probable and one confirmed. The state reports 733 new COVID cases today, 17 fatalities, and 211 hospitalizations.

A 2019 study by LSU Health New Orleans Radiologist Dr. Bradley Spieler (Spee-ler) indicates burnout affects more than 50-percent of healthcare professionals. Spieler says burnout is now considered an illness and it even has its own billing code.

 Cut 6 (07) “…crisis.” 

And there are reports that burnout has increased even more with COVID.

Quarterback Max Johnson announces a surprise decision as he’s choosing to transfer from LSU. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m  Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting three additional probable cases of the Omicron variant in the state now. One of the cases involves an individual in the Acadiana area who traveled out of the country. The other two cases involve individuals in the Greater New Orleans area which brings the total number of Omicron cases in our state to 4 – 3 probable and one confirmed.

LSU Quarterback Max Johnson announces he’s entering the transfer portal after spending two seasons with the Purple and Gold. Johnson’s decision comes as a surprise after starting 11 games this past season. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor William Weathers says Johnson’s decision means Garrett Nussmeier will likely start the bowl game…

Cut 3 (09) “…walk-on.”

No word from new Tigers head football coach Brian Kelly on Johnson’s entry into the transfer portal.

A study led by LSU Health New Orleans professor Dr. Peter Krause reports a nearly 70-percent drop in opioid prescriptions for patients who are discharged from surgery since a Louisiana law was enacted in 2017. To effectively counter the opioid epidemic Krause says it has to be a multiprong approach that includes physicians, nurses, and pharmacists.

Cut 6 (07) “…manage pain.”

The study only observed prescribing trends among orthopedic surgeons.

The Louisiana Economic Development is holding a FastStart virtual career fair today from 11 until 2. Jamie Nakamoto is overseeing the event, talks about what a registrant for the virtual manufacturing career fair can expect once they log into the site.

Cut  11 (11)  “…to connect with.”  

Not one, but two remembrance ceremonies marking important events that happened on December 7^th were held on the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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It’s been 100 days since Ida made landfall and in St. Charles Parish, trailers are slowly coming in because many still need shelter. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The Health and Welfare Committee voted 13-2 against Governor Edward’s plan to add COVID vaccines to the list of scheduled shots required for students. Like other vaccines, families have the choice to opt out, and students can still attend school. State Superintendent Cade Brumley maintains the vaccine is a personal choice.

Cut 3 (09) “…their kid.”

Governor Edwards issued a statement that he still plans to add the COVID vaccine to the school schedule Fall of 2022, that right now would only apply to students 16 and older because it’s only FDA approved for that age group. Brumley says the governor will have to consider testimony heard at the meeting Monday and…

Cut 4 (09) “…school children.”

If the vaccine requirement does go into effect Brumley says they will assist those parents who choose not to vaccinate their children against COVID.

Cut 5 (10) “…do so.”

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Two remembrance ceremonies were held today on the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum, one to mark the 80^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor where 46 Louisianans lost their lives. The other was held to remember the 17 crew members who died when the Coast Guard buoy tender White Alder collided with another vessel on the Mississippi River on December 7, 1968.

 Cut 6 (09) “..lost in that.” 

That’s museum executive director Rosehn Gipe.

Gipe says it’s important to hold these types of ceremonies so memories don’t fade on what happened on such fateful days, whether it be the bombing of Pearl Harbor or the terrorist attack on the U.S. in 2001.

Cut 7 (07) “…in the world.”  

Gipe talks about how the USS Kidd came to be named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd Sr.

Cut 8 (12) “…as it sank.”

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Today marks the 100^th day of Hurricane Ida recovery. St. Charles Parish President Matt Jewell says temporary housing is still a problem for residents, and the parish’s group site home is still up and running. Jewell says the group site was the first one because the parish took the initiative to begin the site and now it’s being operated by the state.

Cut 9 (12) “…been put out.”

Jewell anticipates they will end up with approximately 500 trailers for the parish. And while he knows residents are frustrated with the pace of receiving trailers he says since the state took over the program.

Cut 10 (09)  “…cold at night”

Even months later Jewell says there are St. Charles Parish residents living in mold-infested homes and some are even using their car as shelter.

Cut  11 (12)  “..their coverage.”  

Jewell says the parish continues to make strides with recovery with streets and roads and hopes that in the near future housing issues will be resolved.

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An East Feliciana Parish man has a one-in-five chance of becoming a millionaire on New Year’s Day. It started with a multi-state Powerball “First Millionaire of the Year” promotion; asking players to enter the drawing with a photo of their Powerball ticket. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says 29 Louisiana finalists were randomly selected and their names sent to Powerball…:

Cut 12 (10) “…of the Year promotion.”  

Powerball selected Aaron Rose, of Slaughter, as one of only FIVE finalists for a January 1^st drawing for a million dollars. Chopin says, as one of those finalists, Mr. Rose has already scored a nice list of prizes…:

Cut 13 (13) “…at Party City and more.”

The prize package is to help Rose throw a big New Year’s Eve party for family & friends. Rose will be seen – live from his home – on the annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” telecast with the other four finalists, from Illinois, Iowa and Pennsylvania, to see who wins the $1-million prize. With 20-percent odds of winning, Rose could become Louisiana’s newest millionaire. Did he tell Chopin what he’d do if he won all that money…?

Cut 14 (13) “…for first responders.”