The state health department reported 43-hundred new COVID cases yesterday and hospitalizations rose to 514. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa, says outcomes are better among those who are vaccinated and even though some folks may not be happy about it, the shot isn’t going anywhere…:
Cut 15 (11) “influenza”

When looking back at some of the big political stories that came out of 2021 in Louisiana, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy’s seeming turn on Donald Trump then vote on a big Democrat spending bill stands out. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says those actions by Cassidy made him less popular at home…:
CUT 5 (13) “Republicans in Louisiana”

The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office says they have located the 2-year-old who disappeared with his father over the Christmas weekend causing State Police to issue an endangered child alert. They say Carson Hollingsworth was found in good condition at a camp in St. Martin Parish and the father, Orin Hollingsworth was arrested for cruelty to a juvenile.

If you’re planning to end the year with a bang, you might want to shop earlier than usual for your fireworks, thanks to supply chain issues…:
Cut 2 (34) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Omicron variant is surging in Louisiana resulting in another 43-hundred reported cases on Tuesday…:
Cut 3 (32) “Jeff Palermo”

Like other charitable organizations, the Salvation Army has had to meet more demands with fewer resources since the pandemic. Spokesperson Aimee Murry says many people lost their homes this year in Louisiana due to eviction moratoriums ending and Hurricane Ida…:
Cut 11 (07) “out on the streets”
You can get a full list of services on their website.

State Police confirms a suspect involved in the Grambling State University homecoming shooting on Oct. 13 has been arrested. They say 18-year-old Jatavious “Rabbit” Carroll is booked on charges of second-degree murder, one count of attempted second degree murder, and one count of possessing a weapon on school property. The shooting injured a 16-year-old juvenile and led to the death of 19-year-old Damarius Murphy, both of Rayville.

The Covid surge might keep you home for your New Year’s Celebrations, but you might want to go buy fireworks early. Jaise Templet (Jace Tom-play), owner of 621 Fireworks in Gonzales, says while the pandemic has caused supply chain issues, it hasn’t hurt business…:
CUT 8 (11) “five years”
He says the best stuff is going to go quick so the sooner you load up the better.

Like many states, Louisiana is being hit hard with the Omicron Covid variant right now — but local health leaders say research shows this mutation is less dangerous for most people. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Julio Figueroua says poor outcomes remain among people who are not vaccinated…:
CUt 14 (07) “put on a ventilator”
The state health department reported 43-hundred new COVID cases yesterday with hospitalizations rising to 514.

If you’ve got business to knock out with the OMV, you may have to do it online. State officials say several field offices across the Louisiana are currently closed due to Covid and are encouraging you to visit expresslane.org instead of trying to go in person.

The LSU football team has a new defensive coordinator. Coach Brian Kelly announced Wednesday the hiring of Kansas City Chiefs linebackers coach Matt House.

State Police is investigating an officer involved shooting in Lake Charles. They say initial reports show local cops in Southwest Louisiana were responding to a pair of shootings late Monday when a man opened fired at them causing the officers to shoot back. 22-year-old Christopher Thomas of Lake Charles was pronounced dead at a local hospital and no other injuries were reported. Local agencies ask State Police to investigate shootings by their officers.

What were some of Louisiana’s top political stories of the past year? Political analyst and pollster Bernie Pinsonat says one of the biggest was a failed veto override session by state lawmakers. Among bills vetoed by Governor Edwards, a transgender athletes ban and a bill allowing concealed carry of a weapon without a permit. Pinsonat says the override blow up caused a big rift between the parties at the Capitol…:
Cut 4 (14) “chairmanships in the House“
Another big political story of 2021 was Senator Bill Cassidy seemingly turning on Donald Trump and then voting for a big Democrat spending bill.

The state health department reported 43-hundred new COVID cases Tuesday with hospitalizations rising to 514. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa, says many of the patients are experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms…:
Cut 13 (11) “emphasize”
He says based on data from the state health department, 80-percent of those hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated.

Like other charitable organizations, the Salvation Army has had to meet more demands with fewer resources since the pandemic. Spokesperson Aimee Murry…:
Cut 10 (11) “no season”
You can also visit their website to find local services.

State Police say an arrest has been made in the October fatal shooting that occurred on the campus of Grambling State University. 18-year-old Jatavious “Rabbit” Carroll was located at a residence in Delhi and was booked into the Lincoln Parish Jail on warrants accusing him of 2nd degree murder in the death of a 19-year-old and attempted second degree murder of a 16-year-old.

If you’re looking to light up the skies for New Year’s Eve fireworks, retailers advise making your purchases sooner than later. Jaise Templet (Jace Tom-play) owner of 621 Fireworks in Gonzales…:
Cut 7 (10) “4th of July”
He says demand for retail fireworks has also been higher due to the pandemic keeping more folks home creating their own show.

2021 saw some volatility in Louisiana politics. Kevin Gallagher talks with a political analyst…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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If you’re planning to end the year with a bang, you might want to shop earlier than usual for your fireworks, thanks to supply chain issues. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Omicron variant is surging in Louisiana resulting in another 43-hundred reported cases on Tuesday. Jeff Palermo has the latest…

Cut 3 (32) “…Jeff Palermo” 

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What were some of Louisiana’s top political stories of the past year? Political analyst and pollster Bernie Pinsonat says one of the biggest was a failed veto override session by state lawmakers. Among bills vetoed by Governor Edwards, a transgender athletes ban and a bill allowing concealed carry of a weapon without a permit. Pinsonat says the override blow up caused a big rift between the parties at the Capitol…:

Cut 4 (14) “….chairmanships in the House. “

Another big political story of 2021 was Senator Bill Cassidy seemingly turning on Donald Trump and then voting for a big Democrat spending bill. Pinsonat says Cassidy was re-elected in 2020 on Trump’s highly popular coattails – then voted to impeach him. Pinsonat says his “yea” vote on the multi-billion Infrastructure Bill made him less than popular here at home too…:

Cut 5 (14) “…Republicans in Louisiana.”

Pinsonat says Cassidy will likely NOT seek re-election in 2026.

A big story that was political in nature was the big Title IX scandal at LSU, wherein allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct – at the main campus, the sports program and at LSU Health in Shreveport – were, more or less, given a legislative whitewash. Pinsonat says the way LSU handled the matter and the way they treated alleged victims was outrageous…:

Cut 6 (12) “…is talk to them.”

Pinsonat says lawmakers unhappy with LSU’s conduct in the matter could decide to cut the university’s funding.

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If you’re looking to light up the skies for New Year’s Eve fireworks retailers advise making your purchases sooner than later. Jaise Templet (Jace Tom-play) owner of 621 Fireworks in Gonzales says shipping delays have impacted retailers since Independence Day.

Cut 7 (10) “…4th of July.”

Templet says while the pandemic has hurt the industry supply chain wise, it’s also increased their business. Because many public fireworks displays were canceled over super spreader concerns, more individuals are enjoying the pastime at home.

Cut 8 (11) “… past five years.”

As for New Year’s Eve sales, Templet says most shoppers tend to wait until December 31^st to make purchases for the evening and while the warm weather could help sales, the potential for rain could hamper things also.

Cut 9 (08)  “…this season.”

And be sure to take proper safety precautions when setting off fireworks and be sure they are legal in your city and/or municipality.

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Like other charitable organizations, the Salvation Army has had to meet more demands with fewer resources since the pandemic. Spokesperson Aimee Murry says their employees and volunteers have stepped up to help serve those in need.

Cut 10 (11)  “…no season.”

The Salvation Army provides a wide range of services from homeless shelters, veterans services to disaster relief. Murry says many lost their homes this year in Louisiana due to eviction moratoriums ending and Hurricane Ida.

Cut  11 (07)  “…out on the streets.”  

The pandemic has also impacted the number of volunteers to assist with their annual Red Kettle campaign. Murry says for those looking to donate before the end of the year or any time of year, you can do so virtually on their website at SalvationArmyUSA-dot org.

Cut 12 (09) “…your community.”

You can also visit their website to find local services.

__________________________________________

The state health department reported 43-hundred new COVID cases yesterday and hospitalizations rose to 514. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa, says many of the patients are experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms…

Cut 13 (11) “…emphasize.”

Figueroa says a vast majority of these cases are the Omicron variant and they are seeing fewer cases of shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. He says based on data from the state health department, 80-percent of those hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated…

Cut 14 (07)  “…put on a ventilator.”

According to the Louisiana Health Department, 35 COVID patients are on a ventilator. Health professionals continue to urge the unvaccinated to get vaccinated and those vaccinated to get their booster shot. Figueroa says the COVID vaccine is here to stay…

Cut 15 (11)  “…influenza.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team tips off SEC play tonight and the Tigers will face their biggest challenge of the season as the Bayou Bengals 11the ranked Auburn. The War Eagles are 11-and-1 and led by forward Jabari Smith, who is averaging 16 points a game. LSU Coach Will Wade says Smith could be the number one pick in next year’s NBA draft…

Cut  16 (13) “…phenenomal player”

The undefeated Tigers have yet to play a true road game. Wade says Auburn Arena is not an easy place to play for a visitor….

Cut 17 (18) “ …great fans.”

Both teams are averaging around 80 points a game, while the Tigers lead the SEC in field goal percentage defense at 34-percent, while Auburn is 39-percent. Wade says if LSU can’t score 70 points, they probably don’t win…

Cut 18 (23) “ ..puncher’s chance” 

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 the five days begin the day you receive your positive results.

Cut 10 (09)  “…additional days.”

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.”

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

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.”  

36-year old Robert Perry, III is being held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on cruelty to animal charges after he allegedly shot and killed a woman’s two pugs after the two had an argument. The dog owner had asked police to escort her back to a home in Central where they found each dog with a single gunshot wound. Police say Perry also sent a photograph of one of the dogs to a close family member of the owner.

A suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred during homecoming week on the Grambling State campus has turned himself into authorities after a standoff in Delhi. Jatavious “Rabbit” Carroll gave himself up after armed officers and SWAT teams surrounded a home on Valley Street.

The forecast for relief at the gas pump remains grim and predictions for spring even more depressing. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 was Hurricane Ida…:
Cut 6 (14) “…of 1856.”
Hitting Number Two on Keim’s list, was the outbreak of Arctic air that helped produce an ice storm in February that shut down much of the state for several days.

Miami shut down the Saints offense last night as New Orleans fell to Miami 20-3 in a game where the Black and Gold was severely short-handed because of a number of players that tested positive for COVID. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says rookie quarterback Ian Book was overwhelmed by the pressure he received from a Miami defense that feasted on a makeshift offensive line…
cut 13 (10) “..last night’
The Saints host Carolina this Sunday.

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.”

The isolation period for healthcare workers is asymptomatic was also reduced from 10 to seven days.

COVID hospitalizations top 500 in Louisiana today, for a total of 514 an increase of 65 from the previous day. LDH also reports 4,313 new cases and eight new fatalities.

This week, the City of Shreveport and along with the city and parish office in East Baton Rouge Parish reinstated mask requirements inside city /parish offices.

Gas forecasters predict prices at the pump will get worse before they get better. GasBuddy head petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says right now we’re paying the most we have at the pump in some seven years due to supply being unable to keep up with demand. And by Memorial Day we could see prices go to $4 a gallon.

Cut 5 (06) “…strong economy.”

Positive COVID tests and injuries took a W over the Saints last night and so did Miami. The Dolphins outscored the Black and Gold 20-3. NFL analyst Mike 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.”