Today, the state’s Electoral College meeting takes place, where electors will officially cast their votes for Donald Trump.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A beloved sheriff in North Louisiana has passed away. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A new study shows a presence of Fentanyl in dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Andrew Greenstein explains how this could also affect humans.

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Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry will oversee the state’s Electoral College meeting today in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says Landry will administer oaths of office to the eight Republican electors before they cast their official votes for President and Vice President.

Cut 4 (11) “…the Electoral College.”

Watson says these meetings taking place across the country will make Trump’s presidency official.

Cut 5 (07) “…Vice President.”

Watson says visit the legislature’s website to watch the ceremony via livestream.

Cut 6 (10) “…start at 12.”

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Richland Parish is mourning the loss of Sheriff Gary Gilley (JILLY). He passed away over the weekend at the age of 66. His family was at his side when he passed away. One of Sheriff Gilley’s contemporaries, Ouachita (WASH-uh-tuh) Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw (muh-SHAW), remembers his longtime colleague.

Cut 7 (05) “…dedicated public servant.”

Mashaw says Sheriff Gilley was a dedicated law enforcement professional.

Cut 8 (10) “…and the lord.”

Mashaw says Sheriff Gilley’s death is not only a huge loss for Richland Parish, but for all of Louisiana.

Cut 9 (04)  “…one of us.”

Gilley’s funeral will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Mangham Baptist Church, preceded by visitation starting at 10 a.m.

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Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico are testing positive for Fentanyl, and it could affect humans. Dr. Dana Orbach, an assistant professor of marine biology at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, says this likely has nothing to do with the trafficking of Fentanyl from Mexico, but rather the improper disposal of the drug, since wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove those pharmaceuticals from the water.

Cut 10 (06) “…into our system.”

Dr. Orbach says this is not a new phenomenon.

Cut 11 (13) “…largely been overlooked.”

As for how the dolphins are becoming exposed to Fentanyl and other drugs, Dr. Orbach says it’s a chain reaction.

Cut 12 (13) “…predators like dolphins.”

Many of the fish species that dolphins eat are also eaten by humans, which may mean that if Fentanyl and other drugs are not disposed of properly, they could end up in the fish that you might one day consume.

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LSU has added a quarterback to its roster who started eight games in the SEC in 2024. Freshman Michael Van Buren was pressed into the starting role at Mississippi State when Blake Shapen went down with a season-ending injury. In 10 games, Van Buren threw for 1,886 yards and 11 TDs. David Murray covers the Mississippi State Bulldogs for 2-4-7 sports and says Van Buren throws a nice deep ball…

Cut 13 (13)  “…five-eleven.”

Van Buren has three years of eligibility left and Murray says he would have been the Bulldogs backup in 2025 with Shapen returning from his injury. He says LSU’s NIL dollars helped lure him to Baton Rouge…

Cut 14 (18) “…offensive linemen.”

Van Buren threw seven interceptions and he was also sacked 27 times for a team that went 2-and-10 in 2024. Murray says Van Buren is known to hang on to the ball in the hopes of hitting the deep pass…

Cut 15 (16) “…college level certainly.”

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After the Saints nearly completed an incredible comeback against the Commanders, falling one point short when a game-ending two-point conversion attempt failed, interim head coach Darren Rizzi said he was proud of his team. On the day after, Rizzi said he was even more proud of his team.

Cut 16 (15) “…one play short.”

The Saints mounted their comeback after Spencer Rattler relieved an ineffective Jake Haener. Rattler and Haener were filling in for Derek Carr, who’s not only nursing a broken non-throwing hand but is also in concussion protocol. Coach Rizzi says Carr is still day to day.

Cut 17 (11)  “…at the moment.” 

The Saints’ next game is next Monday night against the Packers in Green Bay. Rizzi says the extra day allows him to alter the team’s practice schedule this week.

Cut 18 (13)   “…we normally have.”

Two unrestrained kids are among three killed in a head-on crash between an SUV and a pickup in Washington Parish. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion says the two children who died were 11 and three years old…

Cut 12 (10) “…deceased on the scene.”

The adult who was killed has been identified as 42-year-old Tequilla Santee.

Students in kindergarten through third grade are improving their reading scores, thanks to a new focus on phonics-based literacy instruction. Dr. Jenna Chiasson (CHASS-on), the deputy superintendent at the State Department of Education, says those students improved their reading proficiency by more than two percentage points.

Cut 6 (09) “…level in literacy.”

Last year’s kindergarten class improved their reading scores by more than 20 points as first graders.

A National Council on Teacher Quality report says Louisiana teachers are less diverse than its population. Sean Richardson has more.

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A former deputy police chief in Bossier City is behind bars on a child sex crime. 57-year-old Richard McGee is charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile. He’s in the Caddo Correctional Center on a 150-thousand-dollar bond. McGee served with the Bossier City Police Department for more than 30 years before his retirement.

Crawfish farmers and fishermen are expecting the 2025 crawfish season to be night and day from last year.  LSU AgCenter Crawfish Agent Todd Fontenot says conditions have been favorable for farmers.

Cut 7 (12) “…normal like conditions.”

Fontenot reassures crawfish enthusiasts that the upcoming season is on track to recover.

The Louisiana Department of Health detects the first possible human case of Bird Flu. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says the symptoms of bird flu are not unlike those for human flu.

Cut 11 (13) “…headaches, fatigue.”

But Sokol cautions that in order for it to be bird flu, the person must have come into contact with an infected animal such as a bird or a cow.

Senator John Kennedy wants to give teachers who spend their own money on school supplies a bigger tax break. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

If you need to go to the Office of Motor Vehicles, your best bet is to do it another day. The OMV says its systems are down; and as such, it is unable to process driver’s license, vehicle registration or reinstatement transactions. Currently, no estimate on when those systems will be back up and running.

A man is shot and injured outside the Superdome Friday night following the Prep Classic. The suspected shooter is under arrest. At this time, it’s unclear what led to the shooting.

Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Health detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while public risk is low, the risk is there.

Cut 10 (09) “…from infected cows.”

To boost NIL efforts at LSU, head football coach Brian Kelly announced the one-million dollar match challenge. Kelly says he and his wife will match up to one million dollars in new money donated through NIL for football. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says one thing that may have motivated Kelly to put up his own money is better job security.

Cut 18 (13)   “…from getting fired.”

The 2024 Prep Classic saw three teams from the Acadiana area win state championships. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns has more…

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One week after dominating U-L Lafayette in the Sun Belt championship game, Marshall has pulled out of the Independence Bowl. With scores of players opting out or entering the transfer portal, the Thundering Herd did not have enough players to take the field against Army. Louisiana Tech, with a record of 5-and-7, is stepping in to take on the American Athletic Conference champion Black Knights.

Senator John Kennedy introduces a bill that would double the maximum that teachers can deduct from their taxable income for spending their own money on school supplies.

Cut 4 (17) “…to 600 dollars.”

Kennedy says he introduced the bill mainly to get a head start on it. He’ill reintroduce it when the 119th Congress convenes next month.

Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Health detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while symptoms of bird flu are similar to those of regular flu, the person must have come into contact with an infected animal such as a bird or a cow.

Cut 12 (10) “…not bird flu.”

The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. 

Two blowouts punctuated the Prep Classic at the Superdome. In the Division One Select Championship, Edna Karr out of New Orleans beat Alexandria Senior High, 53-8. Alexandria coach Thomas Bachman says that one loss does not take away from the team’s accomplishments all season long.

Cut 13 (09)  “…proud of them.”

Later, in the Division One Non-Select title game, Central, out of Baton Rouge, annihilated Ruston, 42-0. Central coach David Simoneaux said his team proved a lot of people wrong.

Cut 16 (20) “…close-knit group.”

Cecilia, Sterlington, South Plaquemines, Archbishop Shaw, Catholic New Iberia and Vermilion Catholic also won state championships.

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.

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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.”

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

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”