Over the holiday weekend, another 12-thousand cases of COVID-19 reported in Louisiana; a great number of them the highly contagious Omicron variant. Hospitalizations doubled in just a week; from a little over 200, to nearly 450. Tulane University epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says Omicron does have a different clinical presentation compared to the original virus and Delta variant…:

CUT 05         (09)    “…you should get tested.”

Homeowners who were covered by two failed companies – Access Home Insurance and State National Fire Insurance – have a safety net thanks to the state Department of Insurance. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says he’s worked a deal for a new company to take on about 30-thousand properties covered by the two; 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.”

Police in New Orleans hope someone can help them identify a pickup truck used in the fatal shooting of a 7-year-old girl Sunday in Algiers. Little Dillan Burton was shot in the back at about 8:45 Sunday night, as she rode in a car with her mom and a sibling. Cops are seeking a newer model, white & silver Chevy pickup with a hard cover over the bed.

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…:

CUT 02         (31)    “…Thorington.”

A Tulane University epidemiologist says the alarming increase in COVID cases over the holiday weekend indicates just how contagious the Omicron variant is.  Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Police in New Orleans hope someone can help them identify a pickup truck used in the fatal shooting of a 7-year-old girl Sunday in Algiers. Little Dillan Burton was shot in the back at about 8:45 Sunday night, as she rode in a car with her mom and a sibling. Cops are seeking a newer model, white & silver Chevy pickup with a hard cover over the bed.

Some good news from the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; after four weeks of testing about 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.”

The New Orleans Saints are hoping starting quarterback Taysom Hill will be back for Sunday’s game against Carolina. Rookie Ian Book started Monday night against the Dolphins, and threw a pick six on his second pass in the 20-3 loss. Plus he was sacked eight times in his NFL debut. Coach Sean Payton _ who’s back after a positive COVID test – says it’s hard to evaluate Book’s performance. because they struggled to keep him upright…:

CUT 16(16)      “…what he does.”

State Health officials report an alarming number of new COVID cases over the holiday weekend; over 12-thousand statewide. Tulane Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says the number is even more concerning because it does not include positive at-home test results…:

CUT 03(11)      “…most clearly.”

If you are one of those in-home positives, call the state health department and report it. Hassig says it’s a testament to just how transmissible the Omicron variant is.

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 on a COVID test, after visiting one of LSU-Health Shreveport’s testing sites…:

CUT 06(11)      “…my family.”

The mayor says he reinstated the mask requirement for city buildings in hopes of reducing the spread

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 09(06)      “…left behind”

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. The name of that new insurance company has not been publicly released as yet.

..and now the morning markets…

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.”

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

The COVID Omicron variant is apparently surging, with statewide infections up sharply and hospitalizations nearly doubled. Louisiana Department of Health says over 9500 cases have been reported in the past seven days; the majority of them Omicron. Just under 450 people are in hospitals. Of those, LDH says 80-percent are not partially or fully vaccinated. If there’s any good news, it’s that Omicron’s symptoms do not spear to be as severe as previous forms of COVID.

If you want to dispose of your Christmas tree and help the environment, Southeastern Louisiana University says take part in their 27^th annual tree recycling program. Project manager Rob Moreau says they’ll take those trees to the state’s wetlands…:

CUT 09         (11)    “…prevent erosion.”

More info is on our website.

Looking back at 2021, it was not a bad year at all in terms of economic development for our state. LED Secretary Don Pierson says despite COVID and a major hurricane, 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)    “…a thousand jobs projected.”

He says 2022 is on track to bring more new technologies to the state, and the jobs that come with them.

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)    “…out there and perfom.”

Coach Sean Payton missed last week after a positive COVID test, but is back for tonight’s game.

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has caused a near-doubling of persons in the hospital in Louisiana in just one week. The state Department of Health reports 9,545 new cases in just seven days. Hospitalizations are at 449; up from about 250 last week. The Omicron variant accounts for about 84-percent of known cases. It is more infectious than previous variants, but appears to have less severe symptoms. LDH says take precautions against possible infection or re-infection.

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 retailer; Amazon.

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

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Residents in the Baton Rouge area are still in the dark about what caused a loud concussive boom heard between 10:30 and 11 pm on Christmas Eve. The explosion was heard by people for many miles in and around the Capital City. So far, there’s been no explanation, but the good news: nothing has been reported blown up either.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have doubled in one week as the Omicron variant has been spiking, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Over 9-thousand have tested positive for the virus in the past week, and about 450 are hospitalized. LDH says just over 80-percent of those are not fully vaccinated.

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

CUT 01         (31)    “…Thorington.”

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 06         (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 better to pay taxes now, at a lower rate, than to wait and see how high it goes for next year.

..and now a look at the markets…

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.

Cut 21

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.