Governor Jeff Landry made a plenty of news in 2024. Andrew Greenstein has the story…

Cut 1 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

With this year coming to an end, it’s time to prepare for filing your 2024 tax return. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

For the second time in as many weeks, a hunter is accidentally shot by another hunter; and this time, it had deadly consequences. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

Another year is in the books, here’s a look back at some of the biggest stories in 2024. It started with Jeff Landry being sworn in as Louisiana’s 57th governor on January 7th. During a 30-minute speech on the steps of Louisiana’s Capitol, Landry called for unity….

Cut 4 (15) “…would be done.”

Landry guided lawmakers through a tough on crime special session in February and the regular session saw the approval of several education reforms. The governor also signed into law a bill that calls for the displaying of the Ten Commandments in every public classroom. The law is being challenged in the courts and one of the plaintiffs is Joshua Herlands.

Cut 5 (12) “…religious text”

The final special session of the year saw major tax reform approved. It will result in lower individual income taxes, but a higher state sales tax. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the governor’s tax overhaul also improves the business climate…

Cut 6 (13) “…to win.”

State and local officials celebrated a big economic development win in November with the announcement that Meta will build a ten-billion dollar Artificial Intelligence Data Center in Richland Parish. Governor Landry called Meta’s investment a game changer for Louisiana…

cut  7 (08) “…this year.”

In sports, LSU gymnastics won its first national championship in school history in April. In March, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey threatened litigation against the Washington Post. Mulkey wanted to be proactive against what she called an upcoming hit piece on her…

Cut 8 (09) “…about me.”

The article from award-winning Post reporter Kent Babb chronicled Mulkey’s life and it has quotes from former disgruntled players, but far from being a bombshell report.

Governor Landry got people talking  when his office arranged for a live tiger mascot to be on the field when LSU played Alabama on November 9th…

Cut 9 (13)  “…a wild.”

The live Tiger did not help LSU as they lost to Alabama 42-to-13.

______________________________________________________

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to prepare for filing your 2024 tax return. Cloreece Davis Knight, owner of Knight CPA Services, shares key tax tips to help individuals navigate this critical season.  Knight says gather all necessary documents, including W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and records of deductible expenses.

Cut 10 (14) “…deductions that weren’t met.”

Prepare early. Begin the process early to avoid last-minute scrambling. Review your financial records, familiarize yourself with any tax law changes, and calculate your potential tax liability to avoid surprises. Knight says you can still make contributions to your IRA till April 15^th.

Cut 11 (10) “…government or the IRS.”

Hire a Tax Professional. Knight says a certified tax expert can help you maximize deductions, ensure compliance, and minimize errors. Professionals can also guide you through complex tax situations, giving you peace of mind.

Cut 12 (11) “…no knowledge about.”

By following these tips, Knight says taxpayers can streamline the filing process and position themselves for a smoother tax season.

______________________________________________________

For the second time in as many weeks, a hunter is accidentally shot by another hunter; and this time, it had deadly consequences. Captain Will Roberts with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 61-year-old Roberto Garcia of Baton Rouge was shot and killed by another hunter while the two were hunting on the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood.

Cut 13 (12)  “…the property hunting.”

Garcia died before any emergency responders arrived. Roberts says this is why all hunters need to take all necessary precautions.

Cut 14 (10) “…are pretty visible.”

Roberts says it is too early to determine whether any charges will be forthcoming in this incident.

Cut 15 (14) “…all took place.”

Roberts says if a hunter notices a vehicle in the parking lot of a Wildlife Management Area, he or she should go somewhere else so that there aren’t two hunters within close proximity to one another.

______________________________________________________

The LSU football team wraps up its season this afternoon in Houston against Baylor in the Texas Bowl. It will mark the end of collegiate careers for the Tigers’ seniors, including linebacker Greg Penn, who says despite battling a rib injury this season, it’s important to finish on a high note.

Cut 16 (16) “…what I start.”

Penn says it’s good to celebrate a winning season with a trip to a bowl game, even if it’s not the College Football Playoff, but the mission is not to merely play in the bowl game, it’s to win.

Cut 17 (11)  “…there and competing.” 

Kickoff from N-R-G Stadium is at 2:30 this afternoon.

_____________________________________________________

The Saints have one more game left and they are looking at their worst record since 2005, the Katrina season. That year New Orleans split its home games between Baton Rouge and San Antonio because the Superdome was destroyed by fierce winds. The Saints had several injuries this year that destroyed their chances of getting back to the playoffs, but defensive end Cam Jordan says no excuses…

Cut 18 (15)   “…deserved more.”

Does Jordan deserve one more year in a Saints uniform? He will be 36-years-old next season and has four sacks this season after recording two sacks last year. Jordan has 121 career sacks and knows he’s got more fuel in the tank….

Cut 19 (09) “…in the future.”

America is mourning the passing of Jimmy Carter. The 39th President of the United States died yesterday at the age of 100. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell remembers the personal touch he provided in northwest Louisiana when he ran for President in 1976.

Cut 7 (11) “…for President.”

Carter also held a rally in Jackson Square in New Orleans during that campaign.

Other Louisiana officials took to social media to pay their respects to President Carter. In a post on X, Governor Landry said Carter was a true public servant and that he and his wife extend their deepest condolences to his family. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, as well as House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, also paid their respects to Carter on social media. President Biden has declared January 9th as the national day of mourning.

President-elect Donald Trump backs Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it’s in Trump’s best interest to get the House Republican caucus on the same page, and quickly.

Cut 5 (12) “…speaker be elected.”

In an endorsement posted on social media, Trump said Johnson will, in his words, do the right thing and will continue to win.

Lafourche Parish joins the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin. Executive Director Justin Lemoine aims to develop a recreational master plan and identify culturally significant sites in Lafourche.

Cut 9 (13)  “…historic region,”

The LSU Tigers will play Baylor tomorrow in the Texas Bowl to close out the 2024 season. The Bayou Bengals received good news for the 2025 season as star linebacker Harold Perkins announced he’s returning for his senior season. Perkins played only four games in 2024 because of a season-ending knee injury. Coach Brian Kelly is happy Perkins is coming back

Cut 20 (20) “…to write.”

Kickoff from N-R-G Stadium tomorrow afternoon is 2:30.

LSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are enjoying a few days off to celebrate the new year before opening conference play later this week. The 15-and-0, 6th-ranked women return to action Thursday night at Arkansas; the 11-and-2 men host Vanderbilt Saturday afternoon.

The Saints have one more game left and they are looking at their worst record since 2005, the Katrina season. That year, the Saints split its home games between Baton Rouge and San Antonio because the Superdome was severely damaged by fierce winds. The Saints had several injuries this year that destroyed their chances of getting back to the playoffs, but defensive end Cam Jordan says no excuses…

Cut 18 (15)   “…deserved more.”

The Saints will try to play spoiler Sunday in their season finale against the Bucs in Tampa. A Bucs win would seal the division for them. But if the Saints can pull off the upset and the Falcons beat the Panthers, the Falcons would win the division and the Bucs would join the Saints in watching the playoffs from the comfort of their own living rooms.

NBA, the Pelicans host the Clippers at the Smoothie King Center tonight. The injury-riddled Pelicans have the worst record in the NBA and are trying to snap a nine-game losing streak.

President-elect Donald Trump backs Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it’s in Trump’s best interest to get the House Republican caucus on the same page, and quickly.

Cut 5 (12) “…speaker be elected.”

In an endorsement posted on social media, Trump said Johnson will, in his words, do the right thing and will continue to win.

Lafourche Parish has joined the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin. Executive Director Justin Lemoine says it showcases Louisiana’s distinct food, music, and cultural ties to the land.

Cut 11 (08) “…part of the country.”

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans 15 parishes and over 11,000 square miles

A lifelong Louisiana Democrat remembers President Jimmy Carter who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Other Louisiana officials took to social media to pay their respects to President Carter. In a post on X, Governor Landry said Carter was a true public servant and that he and his wife extend their deepest condolences to the 39th President’s family. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, as well as House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, also paid their respects to Carter on social media.

America is mourning the passing of Jimmy Carter. The 39th President of the United States died yesterday at the age of 100. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell remembers the personal touch he provided in northwest Louisiana when he ran for President in 1976.

Cut 7 (11) “…for President.”

As for the incoming president, Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House in the 119th Congress. With Republicans holding a very slim majority, it will take a nearly unified G-O-P caucus to agree on a speaker. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Trump’s endorsement is intended to achieve that unanimity.

Cut 4 (12) “…his preferences are.”

Lafourche Parish joins the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. The parish was previously excluded from the Atchafalaya Basin due to an oversight when the Heritage Area was established in 2006; this inclusion rectifies that. Executive Director Justin Lemoine says it allows the parish to access federal funding for recreational projects and historical preservation through the National Park Service’s program.

Cut 10 (10) “…recreational resources .”

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans 15 parishes and over 11-thousand square miles, showcasing Louisiana’s distinct food, music, and cultural ties to the land.

President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House. In a post on social media, Trump says Johnson would provide, in his words, immediate relief from all the destructive policies of the last administration. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Trump’s endorsement is a 180 of sorts.

Cut 3 (09) “…recent budget deal.” 

America is mourning the death of our 39th U.S. president. Jimmy Carter passed away yesterday at the age of 100. Carter may be best known for what he did after leaving the White House after his sole term. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Carter went around the world to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights and resolve conflict….

Cut 6 (10) “…What a Great American” (2x)

Louisiana’s population trend reverses course this year. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Lafourche Parish joins the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin. Executive Director Justin Lemoine aims to develop a recreational master plan and identify culturally significant sites in Lafourche.

Cut 9 (13)  “…historic region,”

Governor Landry checked off several items on his to-do list in year one. 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.”

New voting machines will soon be coming in Louisiana. 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. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says having the paper ballot will allow the state to easily verify the machine vote tally.

Cut 14 (11) “…recount is necessary.”

If you’re looking for something to do to inaugurate 2025, may I suggest taking a hike? All state parks are taking part in America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes. Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says it’s a way for the state to introduce its state parks to those either new to the state or to those who don’t regularly use them.

Cut 5 (09) “…marshes and byways.”

Louisiana could be turning the tide in population numbers. The U.S. Census Bureau says Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 – up nearly 10-thousand to almost 4.6-million. Demographer Greg Rigamer says this a small increase after three straight years of decline.

Cut 7 (13) “…lot of people.”

Could Louisiana finally be making a U-turn in terms of population? The Census Bureau says Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 – up nearly 10-thousand to almost 4.6-million – after three straight years of declines. Demographer Greg Rigamer says the population growth is lead by East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston parishes.

Cut 8 (08) “…significant factors.”

Looking for something to do New Year’s Day? The climate here in Louisiana is a little too warm for the Polar Bear Plunge, so why not take a hike? Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says all state parks are taking part in conjunction with America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes, which started in Massachusetts in 1992.

Cut 4 (05) “…has to offer.”

Burris says it’s a way for the state to introduce its state parks to those either new to the state or to those who don’t regularly use them.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry, punctuated with the passage of a sweeping tax reform package. Part of it needs voter approval, and a Constitutional Amendment revising Article Seven of the state constitution will go before voters in March. Landry says there’s a lot packed into it, including a permanent increase in teacher salaries…

Cut 12 (15) “…our businesses.”

Landry and other Louisiana officials pay their respects to President Jimmy Carter, who died yesterday at the age of 100. In a post on X, the governor said Carter was a true public servant and that he and his wife extend their deepest condolences to the 39th President’s family. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, as well as House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, also paid their respects to Carter on social media.

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.

Tomorrow is a day in which you’ll want to be weather aware. LSU Public Health climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front will bring heavy rains, with some parts of the state being at higher risk of severe storms than others.

Cut 4 (13) “…else in Louisiana.”

Keim says those in the northern and eastern portions of the state should also be prepared for the potential of tornadoes.

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.”

As for her priorities in year two, Murrill said she would like to focus on the fentanyl crisis.

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”