No matter where in the state you’re at, you will want to be weather aware tomorrow. LSU Public Health climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front is coming through, and that’s going to bring heavy rains. 

Cut 3 (09) “…even heavier rainfall.” 

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

Starting Wednesday, you will know whether the shrimp you order at your favorite restaurant or you buy at the grocery store comes from Louisiana. A new law goes into effect January 1st requiring restaurants and distributors to clearly disclose whether the seafood was caught off the shores of Louisiana. The bill’s author, Marrero State Senator Patrick Connick, says the new law does not dictate what brand names the companies go by.

Cut 8 (07) “…product of China.”

Violators face stiff financial penalties.

An 11-year-old boy is killed in a Christmas morning house fire in Richland Parish. Assistant Fire Chief Rusty Edwards with the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal says the home did not have working smoke detectors, and that made the difference between life and death.

Cut 11 (08) “…in the home.”

While the cause is still under investigation, Edwards says possibilities include faulty electrical wiring and a space heater placed close to flammable materials.

A hunter near Baton Rouge is recovering after being accidentally shot by another hunter. Agent Jared Riddle with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they were hunting at the same time on a small piece of property in Zachary that both had permission to be on, but they were unaware of each other’s presence.

Cut 13 (11)  “…hunter’s orange on.”

Louisiana will be featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, to promote Louisiana tourism with “Louisiana Saturday Night.” Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Come next Wednesday, you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt whether the seafood you’re buying was caught off the coast of Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A young boy is killed in a Christmas morning house fire in Richland Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For the fourth year in a row, Louisiana will be featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. This year’s parade theme is “Best Day Ever,” and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says they decided to highlight “Louisiana Saturday Night” to give the nation an idea of what Louisiana has to offer.

Cut 4 (09) “…across Louisiana.”

Nungesser says over 100 Louisianians made the journey to Pasadena to help decorate the float.

Cut 5 (09) “…with all volunteers.”

Nungesser says it reaches billions of views and the return on investment is up to 40-million-dollars in media coverage every year, and is a great way to promote Louisiana tourism.

Cut 6 (11) “…going on in Louisiana.”

The Parade of Roses is on January 1^st, at 10 a.m. on ABC and NBC

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Come January 1st, whenever you buy seafood at the store or order seafood at your favorite restaurant, you will know whether or not it comes from Louisiana. A new law goes into effect that day requiring restaurants and distributors to clearly disclose whether the seafood was caught off the shores of Louisiana.

Cut 7 (07) “…type of product.”

The bill’s author, Marrero State Senator Patrick Connick, says the new law will not dictate what brand names the companies go by.

Cut 8 (07) “…product of China.”

Connick says there will be substantial penalties for restaurants and distributors who deceive customers starting next Wednesday.

Cut 9 (13)  “…50-thousand dollars.”

The new law comes after testing done on the shrimp at this year’s Morgan City Shrimp and Petroleum Festival found that 80-percent of vendors were selling imported shrimp instead of shrimp caught off the Louisiana coast.

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An 11-year-old boy is killed in a house fire in Richland Parish. Firefighters were called out to the burning home in Rayville Christmas morning. Two people made it out, but the 11-year-old boy didn’t. Assistant Fire Chief Rusty Edwards says the fire started in the boy’s bedroom.

Cut 10 (09) “…easily catch fire.”

Edwards says the home did not have working smoke detectors, and that made the difference between life and death.

Cut 11 (08) “…in the home.”

Edwards says for anyone who doesn’t have working smoke alarms in his or her home, there is assistance available.

Cut 12 (09) “…and First Alert.”

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A hunter near Baton Rouge is recovering after being accidentally shot by another hunter. Agent Jared Riddle with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the hunters were hunting at the same time on a small piece of property in Zachary that both had permission to be on, but they were unaware of each other’s presence.

Cut 13 (10)  “…hunter’s orange on.”

Riddle says the hunter saw rustling in the bushes and thought it was a deer and shot.  Once he realized it was a person, he went to help.

Cut 14 (05) “…going from there.”

The injured hunter was shot in the arm and was airlifted to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening. LDWF cited the shooter for hunting deer without possessing deer tags and for not wearing hunter’s orange.  Riddle says wearing hunter’s orange could have prevented this incident from happening.

Cut 15 (08) “…all kinds of reasons.”

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The Saints have been eliminated from playoff contention and still have two more regular-season games left. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says the players have not checked out and want to add to their win total…

Cut 16 (14) “…this Sunday.”

This Sunday is the Saints’ final home game of the year as they host the Las Vegas Raiders. Rizzi says it would be great if they could give Who Dat Nation something to cheer about…

Cut 17 (17)  “…in sync.” 

Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Erik McCoy and Lucas Patrick did not practice on Thursday and Rizzi says McCoy is likely done for the season with an elbow injury. Receiver Chris Olave was a full participant, looking to return after suffering multiple concussions. Rizzi says they have not determined if he’ll play Sunday…

Cut 18 (13)   “…with that.”

One of the goals of the Landry administration in year two is making state government run more efficiently. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, says one way to accomplish that is by reining in government contracts.

Cut 6 (08) “…our government’s budget.”

McFarland says more red tape placed on business and industry will also cost more money to enforce.

Thanks to a new initiative, Louisiana State Parks and cultural sites will become more accessible to foster families. State Parks Director Brandon Burris says eligible families will receive a DCRT Foster Caregiver annual day-use pass, granting free entry to Louisiana’s 21 state parks, 14 historic sites, and nine museums for the pass-holder and their guests.

Cut 9 (07)  “…Louisiana has to offer,”

Lowe’s Home Improvement donates 34-thousand, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms to the State Fire Marshal’s Operation Save-A-Life program. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Scary moments for a New Orleans tour group as its tour bus catches fire in the city’s Treme neighborhood. Two Canadian tourists say they were about 20 minutes into the tour when smoke started coming in from above the driver. The driver let everyone out at the I-10 underpass, just before the bus became engulfed in flames. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

There’s a slight risk for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says residents in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles should be weather aware today

Cut 12 (10) “…heavy rain.”

Jacquemin says showers and storms may produce intense rainfall over short durations, potentially causing localized flash flooding.

As it gets set to begin year number two, the Landry administration will focus on making state government run more efficiently. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, says one way to accomplish that is by reining in government contracts. He says contrary to popular belief, the legislature does not get to approve contracts; it only gets to review them. 

Cut 7 (08) “…to fund them.”

Lowe’s Home Improvement donates 34-thousand, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms to the State Fire Marshal’s Operation Save-A-Life program. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Thanks to a new initiative, Louisiana State Parks and cultural sites will become more accessible to foster families. Eligible families will receive a DCRT Foster Caregiver annual day-use pass, granting free entry to Louisiana’s 21 state parks, 14 historic sites, and nine museums for the pass-holder and his or her guests.

One of the goals of the Landry administration in year two is making state government run more efficiently. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, says one way to accomplish that is by reining in government contracts.

Cut 6 (08) “…our government’s budget.”

McFarland says more red tape placed on business and industry will also cost more money to enforce.

Lowe’s Home Improvement donates more than 34-thousand 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms to the State Fire Marshal’s Operation Save-A-Life program. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams praised the partnership, emphasizing the life-saving impact of smoke alarms.

Cut 4 (05) “…several people’s lives.”

At more than 1-million-dollars, that makes it the largest donation in its history. It was initiated by a Lowe’s store in Slidell.

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

CBD or THC products will also no longer be available at gas stations, except for truck stops.

Scores of new tax laws go into effect next Wednesday. The state income tax will be reduced to a flat three-percent following a 12,500-dollar standard deduction. Manish Bhatt (BOT), the senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, says a major goal is to reverse the trend of the state having a net loss in population.

Cut 5 (07) “…economic growth.”

The legislature will once again try to rein in soaring auto insurance premiums in their next regular session. Pollack Representative Gabe Firment, the chairman of the House Insurance Committee, says one of the biggest factors is the cost of litigation.

Cut 14 (14) “…than other states.”

Real Reform Louisiana says limiting drivers’ ability to sue will only benefit the insurance companies and will hurt victims.

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.”

A week from tomorrow, we say goodbye to the 118th Congress and inaugurate the 119th Congress. Senator John Kennedy says one of his priorities in the new session is securing the southern border, restoring policies set forth by former and future President Donald Trump.

Cut 8 (14) “…where they are.”

Next year, the legislature will take another stab at reining in soaring auto insurance premiums. Pollack Representative Gabe Firment, 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 points out that Louisiana litigates bodily injury claims at a much higher rate than the national average. Ben Riggs, the executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, says limiting drivers’ ability to sue is not the answer. 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.”

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.”

Kennedy says he also wants to secure the southern border and to renew the tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are set to expire.

When the calendar flips to 2025 next week, new laws governing the sale of CBD and THC products will go into effect. Ernest Legier (le-ZHAY), the commissioner of Louisiana alcohol and tobacco control, says one of those changes has to do with where you can buy those products.

Cut 12 (13) “…to June 2024.”

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.