Looking ahead to 2025, expect the Louisiana Legislature to take another stab at lowering auto insurance rates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Based on a CDC report, COVID and flu vaccination rates are low in Louisiana. About a third of Louisiana adults and children are vaccinated against the flu in Louisiana, when the national average is 42-percent and just ten percent of adults in Louisiana are vaccinated against COVID.

Come next Wednesday, scores of new tax laws will go into effect. The state income tax will be reduced to a flat three-percent following a 12,500-dollar standard deduction, which means everyone will see more money in their paychecks. Manish Bhatt (BOT), the senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, says while that is certainly good, it is offset by higher sales taxes.

Cut 4 (09) “…that rate down.”

New laws governing the sale of CBD and THC products will go into effect when the calendar flips to 2025. Ernest Legier (le-ZHAY), the commissioner of Louisiana alcohol and tobacco control, says starting January 1st, the minimum age to purchase these products goes from 18 to 21, with no grandfather clause for those who are between those ages.

Cut 10 (12) “…doing with alcohol.”

Legier says the state will also be cracking down on companies selling THC-laced gummies in packages that resemble those of popular candies, so that they are not marketed to children.

Earlier this fall, the legislature passed a sweeping package of tax reforms. Next Wednesday, they go into effect. Kace Kieschnick (KEESH-nick) reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Lawmakers are honing their agendas in advance of the 119th Congress that gets underway a week from tomorrow. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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When the legislature convenes for its next regular session, one thing they’re expected to tackle is the soaring cost of auto insurance. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Come next Wednesday, scores of new tax laws will go into effect. The state income tax will be reduced to a flat three-percent following a 12,500-dollar standard deduction, which means everyone will see more money in their paychecks. That was one of the cornerstones of the tax reform package that the legislature hammered out in its special session this fall. Manish Bhatt (BOT), the senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, says while that is certainly good, it is offset by a provision that will cost everyone more money.

Cut 4 (09) “…that rate down.”

Bhatt says one of the goals behind reducing the state income tax is to reverse the trend of the state having a net loss in population.

Cut 5 (07) “…economic growth.”

Bhatt says with these sweeping tax code changes, Louisiana is now setting the example for other states to follow.

Cut 6 (07) “…state has been.”

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Lawmakers either returning to Capitol Hill for the 119th Congress or going there for the first time are honing their agendas for the session that starts a week from tomorrow. That includes Senator John Kennedy, who says one of his priorities is energy independence, saying he thinks Congress will move quickly on policies so that America won’t have to rely on other countries for energy.

Cut 7 (05) “…with our friends.”

Another of Kennedy’s priorities is securing the southern border, restoring policies set forth by former and future President Donald Trump.

Cut 8 (14) “…where they are.”

Kennedy says he will also work to renew the tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are set to expire. He says if they are not renewed, that would amount to a four-trillion-dollar tax increase.

Cut 9 (10)  “…that did work.”

Kennedy says he wants to strengthen the military to rein in people like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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New laws governing the sale of CBD and THC products will be going into effect next Wednesday, when the calendar flips to 2025. Ernest Legier (le-ZHAY), the commissioner of Louisiana alcohol and tobacco control, says starting January 1st, the minimum age to purchase these products goes from 18 to 21, with no grandfather clause for those who are between those ages.

Cut 10 (12) “…doing with alcohol.”

Legier says the state will also be cracking down on companies selling THC-laced gummies in packages that resemble those of popular candies, so that they are not marketed to children.

Cut 11 (09) “…rather than ambiguity.”

Legier says where you’ll be able to buy CBD or THC products will also change come next Wednesday.

Cut 12 (13) “…to June 2024.”

Also, THC-laced beverages will only be allowed to be sold in no more than four-packs, and each 12-ounce beverage will be limited to five milligrams of THC.

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One thing that the legislature is expected to tackle in its next regular session is reining in soaring auto insurance premiums. Pollack Representative Gabe Firment (FUR-mint), the chairman of the House Insurance Committee, says two things that are NOT factors in our large auto insurance premiums are natural disasters and the conditions of our roads.

Cut 13 (08)  “…not the case.”

Firment says one of the biggest factors in our high premiums is the cost of litigation.

Cut 14 (14) “…than other states.”

Firment says while the rate of uninsured drivers is not an outlier relative to the national rate, many drivers are underinsured – they do not have enough liability insurance to cover the repairs of vehicles that an at-fault driver damages. He says upping the minimum insurance requirement is a lot easier said than done, since that in itself would drive up those huge premiums even more. Ben Riggs, the executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, agrees with the underinsurance notion, pointing out that vehicles are getting more expensive – and so are the costs to repair them.

Cut 15 (13) “…more to replace.”

Riggs, however, says reining in the ability for drivers to be able to sue will only hurt the victims and benefit the auto insurance companies. He says a bigger factor is auto insurance companies basing their premiums on credit scores, which he says have nothing to do with whether someone is a good driver or not.

Cut 16 (13) “…premiums in Louisiana.”

Riggs says he would also like to see more transparency from insurance companies in how they determine a driver’s premium.

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The LSU football team will take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl Saturday. The Tiger team that takes the field may look a little different from the one fans have seen all season as players have transferred and opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. Running back Josh Williams says the players who stayed are excited for their opportunity…

Cut 17 (17)  “…to do that.” 

Baylor is led by former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, and the 8-and-4 Bears have one their last six games. LSU may have had higher hopes than the Texas Bowl this season, but Tigers Linebacker Whit Weeks says it doesn’t matter who they line up against…

Cut 18 (12)   “…a hundred percent.”

Despite missing key players entering their final game, Weeks says the Tigers are preparing as hard as ever. He says this week is not just the end of the 2024 season but the start of 2025….

Cut 19 (12) “…play LSU football.”

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After Monday night’s debacle, the Saints have nowhere to go but up. The Saints play their final home game of the season Sunday against the Raiders. Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi says while it’s unclear at this point whether Alvin Kamara will play, the star running back is trying his best to do so.

Cut 20 (15) “…get himself back.”

Rizzi says Derek Carr is making progress from a broken non-throwing hand and a concussion, and his status for Sunday will be clearer later in the week.

Officials in Louisiana have confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in a human in the U.S. Mark Mitchell, a professor from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, says the case highlights the importance of being prepared, and public awareness to mitigate potential risks.

Cut 8 (13) “…to face that.”

Bird flu primarily affects birds but can occasionally jump to humans through direct contact with infected animals. This cross-species transmission is relatively rare but can lead to severe illness in humans.

247Sports says LSU boasts the second best transfer class in college football. Matthew Brune of the Bengal Tiger says one player that stands out is edge rusher Patrick Payton, formerly of Florida State.

Cut 14 (10) “…talent’s there.”

Brune says the transfers are coming to Baton Rouge as the Tigers have devoted more N-I-L funds to signing transfers than years past.

After ten years in Congress, Baton Rouge Republican Garret Graves is getting ready to say goodbye to Capitol Hill. With his departure, Graves now looks ahead to new opportunities and challenges, signaling a transition to the next phase of his career.

Cut 11 (14) “…sooner than later.”

Graves decided not to seek re-election. Democrat Cleo Fields will take over his seat January 3rd.

President Biden recently commuted the death sentences of nearly every federal death row inmate, including Thomas Sanders. A federal jury in Alexandria sentenced Sanders to death for the 2010 murder of 12-year-old Lexis Roberts in Catahoula Parish after he had murdered her mother. Sanders will now spend the rest of his life in federal prison; there is no parole in the federal system.

The first severe case of bird flu in a human in the U.S. is confirmed in Louisiana. Mark Mitchell, a professor from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, says close monitoring is essential to understand how the virus behaves and to prevent outbreaks.

Cut 7 (08) “…prepare for it.”

Bird flu primarily affects birds but can occasionally jump to humans through direct contact with infected animals.

The Winnsboro Rotary Club is holding a blanket donation drive to help the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Last month, the Rotary Club sent a check to their counterparts in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Those wishing to help can go to the Winnsboro Rotary Club’s Amazon page.

A man is accused of taking a deer in Cameron Parish outside of legal shooting hours. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says earlier this month, 49-year-old Charles Scott admitted to taking the doe at around four a-m. The department seized the deer meat and donated it to a local charity.

The LSU football team boasts the second-ranked transfer class. That’s the assessment of 247Sports. Matthew Brune of the Bengal Tiger says Oklahoma wide receiver Nic Anderson headlines the class…

Cut 13 (18)  “…in Anderson”

Brune says the Tigers have devoted more N-I-L funds to signing transfers than in years past.

Besides playing their home games in New Orleans, the Pelicans have something else in common with the Saints – they have won just five games this season after being decimated with injuries. However, there could be light at the end of the tunnel. Zion Williamson has started his return to play conditioning phase of his rehabilitation from a left hamstring strain and is expected to return to full practice next week. From there, Williamson will be day to day.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has a stern Christmas warning for drivers – drive sober or get pulled over. It’s a national campaign that Louisiana participates in every year. Officer Greg Fischer says with Christmas celebrations ongoing and New Year’s just around the corner, people need to plan ahead.

Cut 5 (10) “…butt home.” 

A Slidell community springs into action after a beloved pastor and his wife lose everything, including their daughters’ Christmas gifts, when their parsonage went up in flames. The church donated seven-thousand dollars to Pastor Miguel Serrano and his wife, Jessie, and a GoFundMe campaign kicked in another three-thousand dollars. Businesses also replaced Serrano’s business equipment. Investigators believe the fire was caused by flammable products being stored in the laundry room with a gas dryer.

The first confirmed severe case of bird flu (H5N1) in a human in the U.S., occurring in Louisiana, highlights significant concerns about the virus’s potential impact on both human and animal health. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Lafayette teen spreads Christmas cheer. 16-year-old Madison McManus held a Christmas stocking drive for kids who are sick or hospitalized during the holiday. Madison was inspired to do so after she herself was hospitalized during the Easter holiday when she was seven years old. This is the fourth year that Madison has done a Christmas stocking drive.

After a decade in Congress, Baton Rouge Republican Garret Graves is preparing to bid Capitol Hill farewell. Graves expressed satisfaction with his decision to step down, emphasizing the importance of leaving office on his terms rather than overstaying. He says his decision highlights a commitment to maintaining a balanced career and ensuring his time in public service concludes positively.

Cut 10 (08) “…recognize it before us”

Law enforcement throughout Louisiana is on the lookout for drunk drivers this holiday season. Officer Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the state participates in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign every year. Fischer says the increased police presence over the holidays has helped keep drivers safe.

Cut 4 (12) “…to fund them.”

The LSU football team currently has the nation’s second ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Kace Kieschnick (KEESH-nick) has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…Kace Kieschnick.”

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is spreading Christmas cheer. The office’s mental health department is donating clothing, hygiene items and other items to the Holy Cross Hope House, which helps people who have no place to stay. The department has been helping the Holy Cross Hope House for more than five years.

The first severe case of bird flu in a human in the U.S. has been confirmed in Louisiana, raising concerns about its implications for both animal and human health. Mark Mitchell, a professor at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, says Bird flu primarily affects birds but can occasionally jump to humans through direct contact with infected animals.

Cut 6 (08) “…to another human.”

While the immediate risk to the general public remains low, Mitchell says the case highlights the importance of being prepared, and public awareness to mitigate potential risks.

The WInnsboro Rotary Club is holding a blanket donation drive to help the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Last month, the Rotary Club sent a check to their counterparts in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. This month, they decided to take things one step further and hold a blanket donation drive. Those wishing to help can go to the Winnsboro Rotary Club’s Amazon page.

After serving five terms in Congress, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves’ time on Capitol Hill is drawing to a close. Graves says he’s proud of his accomplishments, particularly his efforts to benefit South Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…South Louisiana.” 

Reflecting on his tenure, Graves expressed satisfaction with his decision to step down, emphasizing the importance of leaving office on his terms rather than overstaying.

The LSU football team has made waves in the transfer portal and currently boasts the second-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Matthew Brune of the Bengal Tiger says the Tigers have added necessary depth and new playmakers…

Cut 12 (09) “…huge success”

LSU is preparing to take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl New Year’s Eve.

The LSU football team has made waves in the transfer portal and currently boasts the second-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Matthew Brune of the Bengal Tiger says the Tigers have devoted more N-I-L funds to signing transfers than in years past. He says LSU has added necessary depth and new playmakers…

Cut 12 (09) “…huge success”

As for the current squad, they’re preparing to take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl New Year’s Eve. Linebacker Whit Weeks says this week is not just the end of the 2024 season but the start of 2025….

Cut 19 (12) “…play LSU football.”

The team that takes the field may look a little different from the one fans have seen all season due to transfers and opt-outs.

After Monday night’s debacle, the Saints have nowhere to go but up. The Saints play their final home game of the season Sunday against the Raiders. Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi says while it’s unclear at this point whether Alvin Kamara will play, the star running back is trying his best to do so.

Cut 20 (15) “…get himself back.”

Rizzi says Derek Carr is making progress from a broken non-throwing hand and a concussion, and his status for Sunday will be clearer later in the week.

Just like the Saints, the Pelicans have won just five games this season while being decimated with injuries. However, there could be light at the end of the tunnel. Zion Williamson has started his return to play conditioning phase of his rehabilitation from a left hamstring strain and is expected to return to full practice next week. From there, Williamson will be day to day.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is reminding Louisiana drivers to drive sober or get pulled over this holiday season. Officer Greg Fischer says the state participates in the national campaign every year.

Cut 3 (07) “…this holiday season.”

A Slidell community springs into action after a beloved pastor and his wife lose everything, including their daughters’ Christmas gifts, when their parsonage went up in flames. The church donated seven-thousand dollars to Pastor Miguel Serrano and his wife, Jessie, and a GoFundMe campaign kicked in another three-thousand dollars. Businesses also replaced Serrano’s business equipment. Investigators believe the fire was caused by flammable products being stored in the laundry room with a gas dryer.

A Lafayette teen spreads Christmas cheer. 16-year-old Madison McManus held a Christmas stocking drive for kids who are sick or hospitalized during the holiday. Madison was inspired to do so after she herself was hospitalized during the Easter holiday when she was seven years old.

The first confirmed severe case of bird flu (H5N1) in a human in the U.S., occurring in Louisiana, highlights significant concerns about the virus’s potential impact on both human and animal health. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The LSU football team makes waves in the transfer portal and currently boasts the second-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. This, as the Tigers have devoted more N-I-L funds to signing transfers than years past. LSU is preparing to take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl New Year’s Eve.