The forecast for relief at the pump remains grim and predictions for spring even more depressing. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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.”  

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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.”

DeHaan says right now we are starting to see the price of oil move up again because the Omicron variant is less severe than initially anticipated and there’s optimism that oil demand may begin to pick back up globally…

Cut 4 (10) “…head higher”

For the season DeHaan says we’re paying the most we have at the pump in some seven years due to supply being unable to keep up with demand. But for the spring if you have travel plans, he says buckle up and be ready to pay even more, an additional twenty-five to seventy-five cents a gallon and by Memorial Day we could see prices flirt at $4 a gallon.

Cut 5 (06) “…strong economy.”

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

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As we say “goodbye” to 2021, State Climatologist Barry Keim looks back on a topsy-turvy year for Louisiana weather. Keim says – without a doubt – the top weather story of the past year was Hurricane Ida…:

 Cut 6 (14) “…of 1856.” 

Keim says Tropical Storm Claudette was also noteworthy, a rare case of a storm developing over land in extreme southeast Louisiana. Hitting Number Two on Keim’s list, was the outbreak of Arctic air in February…:

Cut 7 (13) “…Lake Charles sixteen.”  

In Shreveport, the temperature went down to a record-low 1 degree during that cold snap.

Another of the year’s top weather events was the tornado outbreak of early April last year. Keim says the state has rarely seen so many twisters within a 48 hour period…:

Cut 8 (11) “…and northern Louisiana.”

Other events of note: spring & summer rain storms that dumped almost a year’s worth of rain in a matter of days; leaving most of the southern part of the state excessively wet. Keim says the Holiday Heat Wave will also be one for the Louisiana Weather record books.

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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.”

Lopez says the new guidelines are for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. He says the keyword is that you are asymptomatic, and you wear a mask for the remaining five days when in public. The five days begins the day you receive your positive results.

Cut 10 (08)  “…additional days.”

Last week the CDC COVID quarantine guidelines for healthcare workers were also adjusted. Their quarantine period is longer than the general public because of their interaction with those who are more vulnerable.

Cut  11 (10)  “…discontinuing the isolation.”  

For a testing location, you can visit the Louisiana Department of Health’s website.

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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, intercepted twice and New Orleans went 0-for-12 on third down. Detillier says Book was overwhelmed by the pressure he received from a Miami defense the feasted on a makeshift offensive line…

Cut 13 (10) “..last night “

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.” 

A Tulane epidemiologist says the alarming increase in COVID cases over the holiday weekend is indicative of how contagious the Omicron variant is.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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You’ll be required to wear a face mask if you need to visit a city building in Shreveport now due to the rapid increase in cases. Brooke Thorington has more.

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The state reported an alarming number of 12,164 new COVID cases over the holiday weekend. And with the availability of in-home COVID tests, Tulane Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says the number is even more concerning because it does not include positive at-home results.

Cut 3 (11) “….most clearly.” 

If you have tested positive at home, in addition to quarantining, Hassig encourages you to call the state’s contact tracing line, so we have a better idea of community spread and where we are seeing a spike in cases.

Hassig says it’s a testament to just how transmissible the Omicron variant is. In just a week COVID hospitalizations have doubled to 449 patients in Louisiana.  She says there’s typically a two-week delay when cases begin to rise to see an impact in hospitals and the uptick now is here cases were on the rise after Thanksgiving.

Cut 4 (12) “….given location.”

The Omicron variant of COVID, Hassig says does have a different clinical presentation compared to the original virus and Delta.

Cut 5 (09) “…get tested.”

Hassig highly encourages you to use face masks in public settings, wash your hands frequently, and socially distance yourself. She says we are starting to see an uptick in flu and strep cases and COVID mitigation will help reduce exposure to those as well.

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The City of Shreveport has reinstated the use of face masks in city buildings due to the rapid increase in COVID cases. Mayor Adrian Perkins issued the directive Monday and Perkins himself received a positive result for COVID after visiting one of LSU-Health Shreveport’s testing sites.

Cut 6 (11) “…my family.”

Perkins conducted a phone interview from his home with LRN Monday and says he’s quarantining while relatives are in town visiting for Christmas.

The mayor says he reinstated the mask requirement for city buildings in hopes of reducing the spread of the extremely transmissible Omicron variant. Perkins says more mitigation measures could be added.

Cut 7 (10) “…safe as well.”

With many people gathering for Christmas, health officials expect to see COVID cases and hospitalizations increase. Perkins says if you think for any reason, you might have been exposed to get tested.

Cut 8 (12) “… go and get tested.”

For a list of COVID testing sites visit LDH.la.gov

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State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the customers of two property insurers who were placed into receivership last month have found new coverage. Donelon says this will benefit some 30-thousand property owners covered under Access Home Insurance and under State National Fire Insurance…:

Cut 9 (06)  “…left behind.”

Mr. Donelon approved the transaction of policies several days ago, meaning those property owners will NOT have to resort to the state-owned insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance. That company’s rates are, by law, ten percent higher than the private market…:

Cut 10 (12)  “…were able to do.”

The deal now goes to the 19^th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, for approval today. The goal is to have the whole thing completed before Friday…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…on a seamless basis.”  

The new insurer (whose name has not yet been made public) will have the option to NOT renew policyholders who’ve been with Access or State National for less than three years.

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Positive news from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, after four weeks of receiving 270 samples from deer across the state, they haven’t found any incidents of chronic wasting disease. LDWF began testing for CWD earlier this month when cases were reported across the state line in Union County, Arkansas. State Veterinarian Jim LaCour…

Cut 12 (07) “…that’s good.”

LDWF received 96 samples from Union Parish and 16 from Morehouse Parish. Testing in those parishes was prioritized due to the proximity to the cases in Arkansas. LaCour says the samples were sent to the diagnostic testing lab at LSU.

Cut 13 (09) “…things done.”

If you have participated in the sampling, LaCour says you can get the results of their sample on their website. The testing is free.

Cut 14 (12)  “…win-win everyone.”

The department wants to test at least 300 deer.

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The Saints were missing 16 players from their active roster due to COVID-19 and it showed in last night’s game against Miami as they couldn’t match-up with the Dolphins and lost 20-3. Coach Sean Payton says they had guys on the field who never practiced with the team…

Cut 15 (15)  “…next week’s game.”

The Saints are hoping starting quarterback Taysom Hill will be back for Sunday’s game against Carolina. Rookie Ian Book started and threw a pick six on his second pass and was sacked eight times in his NFL debut. Payton says it’s hard to evaluate Book’s performance. because they struggled to keep him upright…

Cut  16 (16) “.he does”

Book threw for 135 yards and he was intercepted twice. The former Notre Dame star says the results were not what he wanted, but is thankful he got the opportunity…

Cut 17 (17) “ whole night”

Construction of an elevated eight-mile stretch of Highway 1 will begin in January. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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

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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. Construction that’s scheduled to begin January 31^st is Phase Two of a four-phased project. Wilson says it will elevate one of the highways most flood-prone sections where water and high tide can prevent access to Grand Isle.

Cut 4 (10) “….Gulf of Mexico.”

Wilson says not only is the project important for residents to secure an escape route from hurricanes, but the structure also has national impacts. Wilson says 20-percent of the nation’s oil is processed off the Gulf of Mexico and even a hard rain can block access in Port Fourchon.

Cut 5 (11) “…the port.”

Phase 2 of the project is slated to open in 2027.

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As the end of 2021 approaches, many start to put together their income tax filing strategies. Jonathan Stoltz is a Certified Public accountant with Malcolm M. Dienes (DEEN-us) in Metairie. He says, under normal circumstances, taxpayers look to minimize earnings and investment income in the current year – to avoid a big tax hit – but tax code changes are expected in the New Year…:

Cut 6 (09) “…pushing off deductions.”

Stoltz says financial experts believe Congress will changes the tax code in 2022; raising federal income tax rates for the higher wage earners. He says this will also affect your investments, if you have a large portfolio…:

Cut 7 (11) “…tax bill for 2021.”

Stoltz says better to pay taxes now, at a lower rate, than to wait and see how high it goes for next year. What of those of us that do not itemize, have modest investments or retirement, and do not itemize deductions? Stoltz says there are other allowed deductions, in addition to the standard $12-thousand per person. Make sure you claim them and have proof in case of an audit down the road…:

Cut 8 (15) “… (x2) standard deduction.”

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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 this is the 27^th year they’ve recycled trees for wetlands in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…prevent erosion.”

Moreau says allowing trees to be placed along areas in the wetlands keeps them from clogging up landfills, it helps wildlife build habitats and it’s…

Cut 10 (10)  “…my classes.”

You can drop your tree at collection sites in Tangipahoa Parish and even a well-known seafood restaurant. Moreau says they’ll begin collecting trees on January 6th.

Cut  11 (12)  “…tree there.”  

Over the past 26 years, Turtle Cove has been involved in the deployment of approximately 40,000 Christmas Trees into the Manchac marsh in various areas

For more information visit Louisiana Radio Network’s website.

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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.”

Pierson says this year saw deals struck to build a $10-billion liquid natural gas facility in Cameron Parish, hundreds of millions for expansions and improvements at Louisiana refineries and port facilities, plus major investments from the nations’ biggest online retail outlet…:

Cut 13 (14) “…more than a thousand jobs projected.”

Pierson says newer technologies are also investing in Louisiana; bringing commerce and lots of jobs…:

Cut 14 (15)  “…really strong 2022.”

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The Saints will host the Miami Dolphins tonight with a rookie quarterback and a COVID-depleted roster that results in defensive starters Demario Davis and Malcolm Jenkins also not playing. Ian Book will get the start at quarterback with Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian also out as a result of COVID. Book is excited about the opportunity…

Cut 15 (15)  “…go out an perform.”

Coach Sean Payton is back after missing last week’s improbable win over the Buccaneers with COVID. Payton expects the team will rally around Book and he believes the former Notre Dame star will be able to move the offense…

Cut  16 (18) “.offensively”