Governor Jeff Landry’s first year in office was eventful with major legislation passing. Jeanne Burns looks back….

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

And the governor believes his tax reform plan will result in more people moving into the state. Demographer Greg Rigamer says we’ll have to wait and see if that happens…

Cut 9 (09) “….within our region”

New voting machines will soon be coming in Louisiana. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says while the new model has not yet been selected, one thing that’s for certain is that in accordance with a new state law, there will be a paper component.

Cut 13 (11)  “…a locked box.”

Landry says having the paper ballot will allow the state to easily verify the machine vote tally.

Looking for something to do on New Year’s Day. The Louisiana Office of State Parks is encouraging the public to take a hike or walk at one of the state’s 21 parks. Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says some of the hikes are led by rangers…

Cut 6 (11) “….great animals here”

Burris says Poverty Point has ranger-guided hikes so does Bogue Chitto State Park and Forts Randolph-Buhlow State Historic Site.

Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The state’s estimated population on July first was 4.59-million up nearly 10-thousand from 2023. Demographer Greg Rigamer says its a small increase after three straight years of decline.

Cut 7 (13) “…lot of people.”

Population losses have been widespread, particularly in central and northeast Louisiana.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry got lawmakers to pass legislation that seeks to reduce crime, he also got lawmakers on board with a school choice bill, and he capped off 2024 by getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code…

Cut 10 (13) “…health care.”

Lower income tax rates, but higher sales taxes take effect January 1^st.

New voting machines will soon be coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The longest living American president has died. Jimmy Carter, the 39^th president of the United States passed away at the age of 100. Governor Jeff Landry called Carter a true public servant. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the world is a more peaceful place because of Carter. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says President Carter will be remembered for his political legacy and his humanitarian efforts.

No matter where you are in the state today, be sure to keep an eye on the weather.  A large tornado watch has been issued for most of Louisiana and portions of Mississippi and Texas.  This is just the start of a long day of expected severe weather with the threats extending well beyond 3 p.m. when this watch expires.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry managed to get lawmakers to pass legislation to reduce crime, approve a school choice bill, and overhaul the state’s tax code. Not only will that legislation lower the income tax and raise the stat sales tax to five percent, but the governor says it will also eliminate the corporate franchise tax and help bring new business to Louisiana and help those already doing business here.

Cut 11 (09) “…for us.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at her first year in office and looks ahead to year two. Murrill says one of her biggest accomplishments is addressing crime in New Orleans through the creation of Troop NOLA within the State Police, saying it’s a force multiplier.

Cut 6 (10) “…have a need.”

The Ragin Cajuns will face TCU in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on this afternoon at 1:15. U-L Lafayette is in a bowl game for a seventh straight year and they are 10-and-3 on the season, while the Horned Frogs are 8-and-4. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says the team that makes the fewest mistakes will win….

Cut 16 (12) “…going to win.”

It’s the first ever meeting between the two schools on the football field.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry got lawmakers to pass legislation that seeks to reduce crime, he also got lawmakers on board with a school choice bill, and he capped off 2024 by getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code…

Cut 10 (13) “…health care.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill just finished her first year in office.  Murrill says one of her biggest accomplishments is addressing crime in New Orleans creating Troop NOLA within the State Police, to increase the force. As for her priorities in year two, Murrill said she would like to focus on the fentanyl crisis.

Cut 7 (15) “…opioid settlement money.”

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The Independence Bowl is tonight and Louisiana Tech is looking to upset 22^nd ranked Army. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A man and a woman were shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Shreveport late Friday night. According to the Shreveport Police Department, the victims were rushed to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport where they later died. SPD said the suspect vehicle is possibly a burnt orange Dodge Charger. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.

State Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at year one in office and looks ahead to year two. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A large tornado watch has been issued for most of Louisiana and portions of Mississippi and Texas.  This is just the start of a long day of expected severe weather with the threats extending well beyond 3 p.m. when this watch expires.
And A single Mega Millions ticket in California matched all six numbers to win the 1.2 billion dollar jackpot last night.  It’s the ninth largest jackpot the nation has ever seen.

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A 13-year-old boy is hit and killed while riding a bicycle on a dark country roadway in Tangipahoa Parish. State Police say Benjamin Mixon of Kentwood was riding with another boy on State Highway 1061 at around 6:30 Thursday evening when an SUV hit them from behind. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-on) there was no way the driver could have seen the two boys until it was too late.

Cut 12 (03) “…at a hillcrest.”

For the sixth time in the program’s history, Louisiana Tech will play in the Independence Bowl. The Bulldogs will battle 22^nd ranked Army at 8:15 tonight. The Black Knights are led by quarterback Bryson Dailey, who finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie says not only does Army have a great quarterback, but their offensive line is outstanding…

Cut 14 (07) “…offensive line.”

A large tornado watch has been issued for most of Louisiana and portions of Mississippi and Texas.  This is just the start of a long day of expected severe weather with the threats extending well beyond 3 p.m. when this watch expires.   LSU Public Health climatologist Barry Keim says while there’s potential for severe weather across Louisiana, some areas are at higher risk.

Cut 4 (13) “…else in Louisiana.”

Eight people were injured early this morning after a fight let to gunfire in Wallace.  It happened outside a local business just after midnight.  St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s officials say three people were shot, four others  sustained graze wounds and one other person was injured.  We’re told everyone is stable but there’s been no word on the extent of the injuries.  Authorities are still investigating the incident.

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Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at her first year in office and looks ahead to year two. Murrill says one of her biggest accomplishments is addressing crime in New Orleans through the creation of Troop NOLA within the State Police, saying it’s a force multiplier.

Cut 6 (10) “…have a need.”

The Ragin Cajuns will face TCU in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on this afternoon at 1:15. U-L Lafayette is in a bowl game for a seventh straight year and they are 10-and-3 on the season, while the Horned Frogs are 8-and-4. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says the team that makes the fewest mistakes will win….

Cut 16 (12) “…going to win.”

It’s the first ever meeting between the two schools on the football field.

A 13-year-old boy is hit and killed while riding a bicycle on a dark country roadway in Tangipahoa Parish. State Police say Benjamin Mixon of Kentwood was riding with another juvenile on State Highway 1061 at around 6:30 Thursday evening when an SUV hit them from behind. Because the speed limit is 55 miles an hour and there’s no shoulder, there was likely no way the driver could have seen the two until it was too late. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-on) says the riders did not help matters with the clothing they were wearing.

Cut 13 (05)  “…on the roadway.”

Also, Gremillion says neither bike had any lights on it.

Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at her first year in office. Murrill says one of her biggest accomplishments is addressing crime in New Orleans through the creation of Troop NOLA within the State Police, saying it’s a force multiplier.

Cut 6 (10) “…have a need.”

Louisiana Tech is looking to upset 22nd ranked Army in the Independence Bowl. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Saturday is a day in which you will want to be weather aware. A cold front is coming through, and that’s going to bring heavy rains. While there’s potential for severe weather everywhere across the state, areas in northeast Louisiana, including Alexandria, will be at higher risk of severe storms than others. Those in the northern and eastern portions of the state should also be prepared for the potential of tornadoes.