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.”

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.