A bill that Senator Bill Cassidy introduced along with Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar to address hazing on college campuses is now on President Biden’s desk. Cassidy says it requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing.

Cut 3 (10) “…particular campus organization.” 

Cassidy says the legislation also establishes a campus-wide research-based hazing education and prevention program.

The FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act is one step closer to President Biden’s desk after passing unanimously in the House. Co-authored by Baton Rouge Republican Garret Graves, it requires FEMA to pay interest on delayed reimbursements to local governments and electric co-ops. FEMA currently has over 70-billion-dollars in outstanding claims.

Cut 6 (06) “…process claims.”

The first possible human case of a highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu is detected in Louisiana. The Department of Health says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. LDH says while the current public risk for Bird Flu is relatively low, those who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry or cows are at higher risk.

Billy Cannon’s legacy is celebrated through an extensive memorabilia exhibit at Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum. The memorabilia reflects Cannon’s journey as a celebrated athlete and his redemption story following a 1983 counterfeiting arrest. After prison, he served 23 years as a dentist at Angola, earning the respect of inmates. Cannon’s daughter, Bunnie, hopes that time in her father’s life doesn’t overshadow his legacy.

Cut 13 (10)  “…anything for anybody.”

The exhibit opens next Tuesday.

Governor Jeff Landry continues to celebrate the signing of a sweeping tax reform package. The package includes reducing the individual income tax rate to three-percent, lowering corporate taxes, and raising the state sales tax to five-percent for five years.

Cut 4 (11) “…rewrite Article 7.”

Congressman Troy Carter and Mississippi Congressman Mike Ezell (EE-zell) introduce a bill to provide grant opportunities for small and local businesses. Carter says these programs are designed to, among other things, spur new small businesses.

Cut 8 (14) “…these specified areas.”

The grant programs would provide tailored assistance in both urban and rural areas.

New Orleans is rolling out the welcome mat for people celebrating the holidays. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Law enforcement officers in the Shreveport area will be taking a group of kids on a Christmas shopping spree. It’s the 24th Shop With A Cop – a joint venture between the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Shreveport Police Department and the Fraternal Order of Police. F-O-P Treasurer Philip Escude (ESS-kuh-day) says it’s made possible by donations from local businesses. 

Cut 14 (06) “…each on Christmas.”

Congressman Troy Carter introduces a bill to help small and local businesses. Along with Mississippi Republican Mike Ezell (EE-zell), the New Orleans Democrat says his bill, the Capacity for Building Business Districts Pilot Program Act, sets up an opportunity to create grant programs to provide tailored assistance in both urban and rural areas.

Cut 7 (10) “…even higher heights.”

Kids in the Shreveport area needing some holiday cheer will get it tonight. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Shreveport Police Department and the Fraternal Order of Police for Shop with a Cop. F-O-P Treasurer Philip Escude (ESS-kuh-day) says this is something that law enforcement is looking forward to.

Cut 13 (05)  “…excited about it.”

40 kids were chosen through a vetting process. The festivities get underway at 5:30 this evening.

The sweeping tax reform package signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry heads to the people to vote on in March. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

It’s Day Two of the Prep Classic at the Superdome, with three games on the slate. Archbishop Shaw and E.D. White get things underway at noon today in the Division Two Select title game. That will be followed by the Division Three Select final between Dunham and Catholic New Iberia. The nightcap is the Division Two Non-Select title game between Franklinton and Cecilia. In yesterday’s action, Vermillion Catholic, South Plaquemine and Sterlington took home state titles.

Governor Jeff Landry continues celebrating his signing of a sweeping tax reform package. It came about in a special session marked by bipartisan support in the Senate but divided opinions in the House. Landry says it was a very engaging process.

Cut 6 (12) “…Louisiana start to rise.”

Part of the package includes a rewrite of Article 7 of the state constitution, which voters will decide on in March.

New Orleans is rolling out the welcome mat for visitors celebrating the holidays, with many places rolling out special offerings. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says the way New Orleans celebrates the holidays cements its status as a world class city.

Cut 12 (12) “…many other areas.”

Congressman Troy Carter introduces a bill to create grant programs to help small and local businesses. The New Orleans Democrat says the programs not only help new small businesses open, but they will also help existing small businesses stay open.

Cut 9 (16)  “…where they live.”

Kids in the Shreveport area will be doing some Christmas shopping this evening with the help of law enforcement officers. Shop With A Cop is a joint effort between the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Shreveport Police Department and the Fraternal Order of Police. F-O-P Treasurer Philip Escude (ESS-kuh-day) says 40 kids which were chosen by way of a vetting process.

Cut 15 (08) “…truly need it.”

Shop with a Cop happens at 5:30 this evening.

The sweeping tax reform package signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry heads to the people to vote on it in March. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter introduces legislation to help local and small businesses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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New Orleans is rolling out the welcome mat for people celebrating the holidays. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry continues to celebrate the signing of a sweeping tax reform package. The package includes reducing the individual income tax rate to three-percent, lowering corporate taxes, and raising the state sales tax to five-percent for five years.

Cut 4 (10) “…rewrites Article 7.”

The measures provide 1.3-billion dollars in tax cuts, increase standard deductions, and eliminate the corporate franchise tax. Landry emphasized the reforms’ potential to stanch outward migration and attract businesses by enhancing competitiveness.

Cut 5 (07) “…and a new place.”

This tax reform follows a special legislative session marked by bipartisan support in the Senate but divided opinions in the House over the fairness and long-term impact of the measures. Landry says it was a very engaging process.

Cut 6 (12) “…Louisiana start to rise.”

_____________________________________________

Congressman Troy Carter introduces a bill to help small and local businesses. Along with Mississippi Republican Mike Ezell (EE-zell), the New Orleans Democrat says his bill, the Capacity for Building Business Districts Pilot Program Act, sets up an opportunity to create grant programs to provide tailored assistance in both urban and rural areas.

Cut 7 (10) “…even higher heights.”

Congressman Carter says these grant programs are designed to, among other things, spur new small businesses.

Cut 8 (14) “…these specified areas.”

Carter says the programs not only help new small businesses open, but they will also help existing small businesses stay open.

Cut 9 (16)  “…where they live.”

_____________________________________________

New Orleans is rolling out the welcome mat for visitors celebrating the holidays. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says many places have special offerings to visitors from near and far.

Cut 10 (09) “…offering Reveillon specials.”

And the annual NOLA Christmasfest gets underway a week from today. Schulz says the city will be adorned in Christmas lights, making for a very picturesque scene.

Cut 11 (14) “…the holiday season.”

Schulz says the way New Orleans celebrates the holidays cements its status as a world class city.

Cut 12 (12) “…many other areas.”

_______________________________________________________

Kids in the Shreveport area needing some holiday cheer will get it tonight. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Shreveport Police Department and the Fraternal Order of Police for Shop with a Cop. F-O-P Treasurer Philip Escude (ESS-kuh-day) says this is something that law enforcement is looking forward to.

Cut 13 (05)  “…excited about it.”

Escude says this is the 24th year for Shop with a Cop, and it’s made possible by donations from local businesses.

Cut 14 (06) “…each on Christmas.”

Escude says the 40 kids which were chosen were done so by way of a vetting process.

Cut 15 (08) “…truly need it.”

Shop with a Cop happens at 5:30 this evening.

____________________________________________________

The Saints defense will have to contend with Jayden Daniels on Sunday when the Washington Commanders battle of the Black and Gold. Daniels is an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate after winning the Heisman Trophy at LSU last season. Saints safety and former LSU standout Tyrann Mathieu is a fan of Daniels…

Cut 16 (19) “…athlete to.”

_______________________________________________________________

Three more games at the Prep Classic in the Superdome today. E-D White goes after its first state championship since 1969 as they will face Archbishop Shaw at noon. Cardinals head coach Kyle Lasseigne (luh-SANE) played a difficult non-district schedule to get his team ready for this moment…

Cut 17 (17)  “…for this.”

Cecilia is back in the state championship after losing last year to Opelousas. The Bulldogs will face top-seeded Franklinton at 7 PM. Cecilia is an 18-seed and head coach Dennis Skains says his team has played at a higher level since the postseason…

Cut 18 (14)   “…the season.”

One of the top sophomore quarterbacks in the country Elijah Haven will lead the Dunham Tigers in the division three select state championship game at 3:30. Tiges Coach Neil Weiner (WHY-ner) has all the physical tools, but it’s his poise that really impresses him….

Cut 19 (19) “…part in that.”

Dunham will take on Catholic High of New Iberia. The Panthers quarterback Luke Landry has had a sensational senior season throwing for 26-hundred yards and 37 touchdowns…

Cut 20 (12) “…great feeling.”

The Social Security Fairness Act will get a vote in the Senate, as the bill has been placed on the legislative calendar. Congressman Garret Graves, who sponsored the House bill, says Senator Chuck Schumer will be bringing it up for a vote as a standalone bill, and that’s the last hurdle before heading to President Biden’s desk.

Cut 3 (09) “…through the Senate.” 

Graves says the bill has the support of more than 60 Senators.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking deer hunters to be on the lookout for deer exhibiting signs of chronic wasting disease, after a deer at a captive deer farm in Jeff Davis Parish tested positive last month. Johnathan Bordelon, the deer program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says chronic wasting disease is 100-percent fatal and is highly transmissible.

Cut 10 (07) “…to other deer.”

It may be December, but crawfish season is already underway. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, explains that while last year’s season was delayed three months due to a drought, it’s not unusual to see crawfish vendors operating around the holidays.

Cut 6 (08) “…early as Thanksgiving.”

Hank Tierney leads Archbishop Shaw against E.D. White in the Division Two Select championship at the Superdome tomorrow. In the three seasons with Tierney at the helm, Shaw’s program doubled its roster, won district titles and produced talented athletes like running back Jasper Parker, who signed with Michigan.

Cut 13 (12)  “…good player.”

Kickoff tomorrow is noon.

Louisiana recorded its hottest November ever this year, with average temperatures soaring over eight degrees above normal, according to the National Weather Service. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the average temperature for November – factoring in both daytime highs and overnight lows – is 57 degrees.

Cut 4 (07) “…that’s pretty amazing.”

Keim says cities like New Orleans and Shreveport saw multiple days in the 80s, disrupting seasonal norms.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier announces that he’s returning next year for his final year of eligibility. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Todd Horne says this is not a surprise.

Cut 14 (08) “…was coming back.”

Horne says it’s possible that Nussmeier was negotiating his NIL deal for his senior year, and that he got some well-placed advice from his father – Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier.

Louisiana leads the nation for early-season flu cases for the second year in a row.  Sean Richardosn has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

When the Saints take the field Sunday afternoon against the Commanders, they will see a familiar face on the other side of the ball – Marshawn Lattimore. The longtime Saint was traded to the Commanders earlier this season; and on Sunday, he will make his return to the Superdome, this time taking up residence in the visiting team’s locker room. Kickoff on Sunday is at noon.

A bill that would provide Louisiana with hundreds of millions of dollars in flood protection is near final legislative passage in Congress. Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says the Water Resources Development Act focuses on safeguarding south Louisiana from hurricanes and flooding.

Cut 7 (10) “…Ascension Parish.”

For the second consecutive year, Louisiana leads the nation in early-season flu cases. Last week, Louisiana reported the highest flu activity nearing the ‘very high’ range. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says over 11-percent of flu tests in Louisiana returned positive, compared to the national average of 3.5-percent.

Cut 10 (09) “…the southern states.”

Louisiana recorded its hottest November ever this year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A federal judge hears arguments from several news organizations challenging a new state law requiring a 25-foot buffer zone. The law went into effect August 1st and requires people to stay 25 feet from police officers while they’re performing official duties. News organizations argue that the law violates the 1st and 14th amendments to the constitution and the language is too vague to enforce. The state argues that it’s designed to keep officers safe while they’re investigating.

With the average temperature rising over eight degrees above normal, Louisiana recorded its hottest November ever this year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana leads the nation for early-season flu cases for the second year in a row. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

Number 13 will be returning to Baton Rouge next season. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana recorded its hottest November ever this year, with average temperatures soaring over eight degrees above normal, according to the National Weather Service. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the average temperature for November is 57-degrees..

Cut 4 (07) “…that’s pretty amazing.”

Keim says cities like New Orleans and Shreveport saw multiple days in the 80s, disrupting seasonal norms.

Cut 5 (07) “…only 44-degrees.”

Keim says Louisiana has gotten above average fronts, but the problem is they just aren’t that cold.

Cut 6 (11) “…or even Siberia.”

_____________________________________________

A bill that would provide Louisiana with hundreds of millions of dollars in flood protection is near final legislative passage in Congress. Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says the Water Resources Development Act focuses on safeguarding south Louisiana from hurricanes and flooding.

Cut 7 (10) “…Ascension Parish.”

Graves highlighted significant projects, including a comprehensive flood protection initiative in Livingston Parish and the preservation of the Morganza to the Gulf project in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

Cut 8 (07) “…protection efforts.”

Graves says hundreds of million in investments are planned for water and wastewater infrastructure in Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, and surrounding communities. Graves emphasized the urgency of completing these projects before his term concludes at the end of the year, reflecting his commitment to advancing Louisiana’s long-term environmental and economic stability.

Cut 9 (07)  “…jam things through.”

_____________________________________________

For the second consecutive year, Louisiana leads the nation in early-season flu cases, according to CDC data. Last week, Louisiana reported the highest flu activity nearing the ‘very high’ range. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says over 11-percent of flu tests in Louisiana returned positive, compared to the national average of 3.5-percent.

Cut 10 (09) “…the southern states.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports high RSV activity as well, with an 18% test positivity rate. Sokol says many emergency room visits involve either flu, RSV, COVID-19, or a combination of these illnesses.

Cut 11 (08) “…flu-like illness.”

Vaccination is still available and can help reduce the severity and spread of the flu.  Sokol says other preventive measures, including handwashing, covering coughs, staying home when ill, and getting a flu shot, remain critical.

Cut 12 (13) “…frequently touched surfaces.”

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He’s coming back. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier posted a video on his social media pages to announce that he’s returning next season for his final year of eligibility.

Cut 13 (10)  “…is not over.”

Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Todd Horne says the fact that Nussmeier is returning to LSU next season is not a surprise.

Cut 14 (08) “…was coming back.”

Horne says it’s possible that Nussmeier was negotiating his NIL deal for his senior year – and that he likely got some good advice from someone very close to him who knows what he’s talking about.

Cut 15 (16) “…had before him.”

Nussmeier led the Tigers to an 8-and-4 regular season, and they will be facing Baylor in the Texas Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

____________________________________________________

Ouachita Christian is seeking its ninth state championship today as they will face top-seeded Vermilion Catholic at noon in the Caesars Superdome. The O-C-S Eagles are an 11-seed and Coach Steven Fitzhugh is excited for another chance to bring home a championship trophy to Monroe…

Cut 16 (13) “…what they’ve done.”

The O-C-S Eagles are 13-and-1 and one of their top players is Patrick Turpin, who has nine touchdown catches on offense and three interceptions on defense. Fitzhugh says Turpin is a big part of what they do…

Cut 17 (16)  “…Turpin does it all.” 

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It’s a homecoming of sorts for former LSU Tiger Jayden Daniels as he leads the Washington Commanders against the Saints in the Superdome. Daniels says while he’s looking forward to playing in front of fans in Louisiana, he’s focused on the task at hand – beating the Saints.

Cut 18 (12)   “…Louisiana for sure.”

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner says he’s been able to make the adjustment from the college game to the pro game.

Cut 19 (11) “…Sunday for real.”

The Saints will need to contain Daniels if they’re going to win their fourth in five games since the firing of Dennis Allen. Kickoff Sunday at the Superdome is at noon.

Louisiana is seeing an uptick in Bird Flu. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Along with New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker, Senator Bill Cassidy introduces the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act. Cassidy says it would be a refundable tax credit of up to 33-percent of the premium for low and middle-income families.

Cut 7 (10) “…their flood insurance.”

The UL Lafayette Alumni Association introduces the Comeback Scholarship to support re-entry students who left before earning their degrees. Association CEO Amy Armstrong says funding comes from UL vanity license plates sold in the state where the school receives 100-dollars per plate.

Cut 3 (13) “…online or in-person” 

The scholarship offers up to $2,000 over two semesters to eligible students who re-enroll.

The Haynesville Golden Tornado head to the Prep Classic seeking their 18th state championship in school history – and their first in ten years – as they face South Plaquemines tomorrow afternoon in the Caesars Superdome. Haynesville coach David Franklin says South Plaq has a lot of team speed…

Cut 9 (05)  “…well coached,”