A 16-year-old is dead, and his 13-year-old passenger was airlifted to Baton Rouge after the stolen vehicle they were in crashed and burst into flames early this morning. The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s office says a chase ended in Pointe Coupee Parish after the car was spotted driving recklessly on I-10. The vehicle crashed a mile or more after spikes were deployed on Highway 411 to stop the vehicle. The driver and his girlfriend are believed to be from the New Orleans area.

The Thibodaux Police Department is under fire after an officer fatally shot a loose dog on Christmas Day. Jeff Dorson with the Humane Society of Louisiana says it could have been avoided if more law enforcement officers were properly trained…

Cut 8 (10) “…used to this.” 

A press release from Thibodaux PD says the officer was bit by the dog before shooting it.

2023 will come to an end with cooler temperatures with lows in the mid to low 30s. National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Tyler Stanfield says it will hover around the freezing mark for the southern half of the state this weekend.

Cut 3 (12) “…Friday Saturday.”

There are plenty of respiratory illnesses plaguing the state right now. LSU Health  New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says while there are vaccines for COVID, the flu, and RSV now, unfortunately, the state’s vaccination rate is woefully low. So, if you find yourself not up to par…

Cut 11 (11) “…been vaccinated.”

After fatally shooting a loose dog on Christmas Day the Thibodaux Police Department is receiving criticism for overreacting. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A 16-year-old is dead, and his 13-year-old passenger was airlifted to Baton Rouge after the stolen vehicle they were in crashed and burst into flames early this morning. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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2023 is looking to end with cooler temperatures over the next few days in the Bayou State, bringing temperatures in the mid to low 30s. National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Tyler Stanfield forecasts temperatures may likely reach freezing for the southeastern areas over the weekend.

Cut 3 (12) “…Friday Saturday.”

Stanfield expects northern areas and East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington will also experience cooler weather through the weekend. But says temperatures will start to warm across Louisiana into the new year.

Cut 4 (09) “…that next week.”

He also expects light rain chances going into the start of 2024 on Monday. Stanfield says El Nino climate conditions in the Gulf of Mexico will bring the Bayou State temperatures in the 60s and possibly wetter conditions through February.

Cut 5 (12) “ …that period.” 

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The Thibodaux Police Department is under fire after an officer fatally shot a loose dog on Christmas Day. Jeff Dorson with the Humane Society of Louisiana says it’s an unfortunate incident that could have been avoided if more law enforcement officers were properly trained.

Cut 6 (10) “…and training.”

Dorson is also quick to point out that the dog’s owner is also responsible for what happened.

Cut 7 (05) “…of problems.” 

While only half of the parishes in Louisiana have shelters or animal control officers,  Dorson says Lafourche Parish does.

Cut 8 (10) “…used to this.” 

A press release from Thibodaux PD says the officer was bit by the dog before the shooting.

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Unfortunately, during this gift-giving season, presents are the only thing going around. LSU Health Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says it’s not just the flu, COVID-19, and RSV that’s being spread this time of year.

Cut 9 (13) “…for detecting.” 

In addition to the multiple respiratory viruses, like COVID, RSV, and the flu going around right now, Lopez says Louisiana is a hot spot for influenza.

Cut 10 (09) “…in the state.”

While there are vaccines for COVID, the flu, and RSV now, Lopez says unfortunately the state’s vaccination rate is woefully low. So if you find yourself under the weather…

Cut 11 (11) “…been vaccinated.”

Lopez says if you find yourself with a high fever after recovering from a previous respiratory illness, see a healthcare provider to rule out a secondary bacterial infection.

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Cut 12 (09)  “.. his career”  

Cut 13 (13) “…to gold” 

Cut  14 (11) “..play out”

A 16-year-old is dead, and his 13-year-old passenger was airlifted to Baton Rouge after the stolen vehicle they were in crashed and burst into flames early this morning. The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s office says a chase ended in Pointe Coupee Parish after the car was spotted driving recklessly on I-10. The vehicle crashed a mile or more after spikes were deployed on Highway 411 to stop the vehicle. The driver and his girlfriend are believed to be from the New Orleans area.

The Thibodaux Police Department is under fire after an officer fatally shot a loose dog on Christmas Day. Jeff Dorson with the Humane Society of Louisiana says it could have been avoided if more law enforcement officers were properly trained not to overreact. He’s also quick to point out that the dog’s owner is responsible for what happened too.

Cut 7 (06) “…of problems.” 

A press release from Thibodaux PD says the officer was bit by the dog before the shooting.

Hunger Free America says Louisiana has one of the highest rates of hunger in the nation. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 25 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

As the year draws to a close Louisiana Economic Development says it’s been one for the record books. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport has conducted two hip replacement surgeries using next-generation technology. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Hunger Free America says Louisiana has one of the highest rates of hunger in the nation. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed retired Caddo Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock to be Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Landry says the 68-year-old Shreveport native is the right person to help children in the state.

Cut 4 (10) “…successful lives.”

Landry fears if the state is not more proactive in the lives of children that juvenile crime will continue to rise.

Cut 5 (12) “…conservative.”

Landry believes DCFS should give children the best resources available so they can be successful citizens…

Cut 6 (13) “…less crime.”

Matlock launched the state’s first juvenile drug court, family drug court, and juvenile mental health court during his tenure. He also supervised the development of the state’s first sex trafficking community response team.

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2023 has been a banner year for Louisiana Economic Development. Secretary Don Pierson says more than $25 billion of new investments was announced in the Bayou State this year…

Cut 7 (09) “…rising wages.”

Another barometer to gauge progress in the state’s economy is the growth in domestic product. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Pierson says Louisiana’s GDP in the third quarter exceeded the national average…

Cut 8 (11) “…domestic products.” 

Pierson says he’s extremely proud of the work LED has done under Governor John Bel Edwards’ administration. In the last three years alone, Pierson says there’s been record investment in the state…

Cut 9 (08)  “…of Louisiana.”

Since 2016, Pierson says the state has had $100 billion-plus in new capital investment and can claim the lowest recorded unemployment in the state’s history.

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Willis-Knighton Health System is the first hospital in Northwest Louisiana to use HipInsight technology to perform total hip replacement surgery. The system displays real-time 3D models of the patient’s body with augmented reality. Medical Director for Joint Replacement Surgery Vic Chatrath says the system gives surgeons x-ray vision through special headgear to operate.

Cut 10 (13) “…patient tissue.”

Cathrath says surgical instruments and joint implants inside the patient are also visible to the surgeon in real-time. He says the system helps customize the implant placement to the individual patient and improves the success rate.

Cut 11 (12) “…as well.” 

Chatrath says the alignment is so precise that by operating on the holograph, doctors are operating on the real joint. He says this transformative surgery has already been conducted at the WK Bossier Health Center.

Cut 12 (09) “…technology on.” 

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A recent study by USDA shows hunger in the Bayou State is surging due to federal aid cuts of the expanded child tax credit and free school meals. More than 727 thousand Louisianans struggle with hunger. Hunger Free America CEO, Joel Berg says the participation rates of federally funded programs like SNAP and WIC have also decreased.

Cut 13 (13) “…getting it.”

Berg says the number of children without enough food surged to 20 percent in Louisiana compared to 16 percent nationwide between 2020 and October 2022.

Cut 14 (12) “…state schools.” 

Berg says it’s ironic that a state known for its culinary cuisine leads the nation in hunger. He says hunger is a political issue and Louisiana leaders are not working to end hunger.

Cut 15 (13) “… then America.”

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The LSU Tigers are now in Tampa, getting ready to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Reliaquest Bowl on January 1st. The Tigers are 9-3, but it’s been a tough year for the defense as LSU has struggled on that side of the football. Linebacker Greg Penn says they can set the tone for 2024 with a good performance against the Badgers…

 Cut 16 (20) “…next year.” 

Garrett Nussmeier will make his first collegiate start at quarterback as Jayden Daniels has opted out. Offensive tackle Emery Jones says they expect Nussmeier to hang in the pocket a little longer than Daniels…

Cut 17 (14) “…handle it.” 

Daniels is the only Tiger who has opted out of the bowl game. Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo says the team is determined to finish the season with ten wins…

Cut 18 (10)  “…for the program.” 

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Cut 19 (19) “…accustomed to winning.” 

Cut 20 (09) “…finding the football”

In West Monroe, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a house fire that killed one person this morning.  The Ouachita Parish Fire Department responded to a house fire around 8:30, an elderly woman was able to escape the blaze however her disabled husband was not.

Tax Day is months away but you need to do things before the end of the year now, if you made money in the stock market this year, experts say you might consider trimming your portfolio by the 31^st, Metairie CPA Gina Rachel says individuals can help themselves and deserving charities at the same time.

Cut 4 (12) “…that donation.”

After a rainy Christmas Eve and overcast Christmas day get ready for some Sunny and cooler weather… Highs in southern parishes will be in the 60s and with lows in the mid-30s. Highs in the northern parishes will be in the 50s with lows hovering around the freezing mark.

A leading beverage manufacturing, packaging, and distribution company is investing $10.4 million in a new production facility in Caddo Parish. Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development Don Pierson says Multipack Services chose Shreveport for its location.

Cut 7 (09) “…of products” 

If you’re spending the day cleaning up after opening presents, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has a few tips. LDEQ spokesperson Greg Langley reminds you to recycle packing materials like cardboard.

Even batteries can be recycled, visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s website at rbrc-dot-org, to find the closest drop-off location, he says big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot participate. As for your live Christmas tree, check with your local municipality for seasonal pickup and recycling. And when it comes to wrapping paper, Langley reminds you….

Cut 11 (04) “…fireplace.”

Sad news as Louisiana sees this year’s first pediatric flu death. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Plaquemine Police are looking for a man accused of killing two people while sitting at a red-light early Sunday morning. A warrant has been issued for 22-year-old Markeithan Jamal McGinnis for two counts of first-degree murder after Justin Young and Marcus Williams were killed. Police say it’s the latest in a feud that’s been going on since 2018.

The Red Cross is asking Louisianans to donate to help with growing disaster needs. Regional Disaster Officer Ed Bush says dedicating time and manpower is an incredibly meaningful gift for many residents during local disasters.

Cut 10 (13) “…in helping.”

The Saints could miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season and many in Who Dat Nation would like to see a new head coach. But Ross Jackson, host of the Locked-on Saints Podcast, doesn’t see coach Dennis Allen getting fired unless the team gets blown out in their last two regular season games…

Cut 3 (12) “…their head coach.”

The Saints play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

The flu has taken the life of a Louisiana child. The Department of Health confirms the state’s first pediatric flu death of the season. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says Louisiana and South Carolina have the highest flu activity in the nation…

Cut 6 (06) “…ten years.”

While the state’s flu activity is extremely high, RSV cases are on the decline except for children under one year. Louisiana saw 3 RSV-related deaths this season.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy wished everyone a Merry Christmas. The Republican says he’s pleased to be home spending the holidays with his family and friends and that there’s no better place to celebrate the birth of Christ than the Bayou State.

Cut 12 (13) “…than Louisiana.” 

Saints fans are frustrated with their team on this Christmas Day and there’s growing belief among Who Dat Nation that a change in leadership is needed. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot has reached $638 million, with an estimated cash value of $321 million. The odds are one in 292 million to win the jackpot but that would be one heck of a Christmas gift wouldn’t it. There have been five Powerball winners in the multistate lottery this year.

Have you started year end tax planning? Getting organized now can help you make the most of tax benefits and minimize tax liability. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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If you’re spending the day cleaning up after opening presents, Brooke Thorington has a few tips from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Tax Day may be months away, but there are ways you can prepare before then to cut your tax bill. Gina Rachel is a partner with EAG Gulf Coast CPA firm in Metairie. She recommends business owners pay bills now so they can take those deductions for this year.

Cut 3 (12) “…that liability.”

If you made money in the stock market this year, Rachel says you might consider trimming your portfolio before the end of the year to save on taxes. Rachel says individuals can also help themselves and deserving charities at the same time.

Cut 4 (12) “…that donation.”

Rachel says big life changes such as births, deaths, and marriages can greatly affect your tax filing status and tax bill. And if you plan to prepare your taxes…

Cut 5 (12) “ …for you.”  

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A leading beverage manufacturing, packaging, and distribution company is investing $10.4 million in a new production facility in Caddo Parish. Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development Don Pierson says Multipack Services has chosen Shreveport for their newest facility.

Cut 6 (10) “…beyond that.”

LED estimates the project will also add 228 new indirect jobs for a total of 69 potential new jobs in Northwest Louisiana.

Pierson says Multipack chose Shreveport because of its location and distribution characteristics. It’s centrally located within large metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas…

Cut 7 (09) “…of products” 

And because Multipack will be moving into an existing facility, once the south Shreveport warehouse and office space are outfitted, Pierson expects the plant to be up and running sooner, than later…

Cut 8 (04) “…underway.″ 

To secure the project Multipack received a competitive incentives package, including a $1.5 million performance-based grant for infrastructure and building improvements contingent upon meeting investment and payroll targets.

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If you’re spending the day cleaning up after opening presents, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has a few tips. LDEQ spokesperson Greg Langley reminds you to recycle packing materials like cardboard. But when it comes to foam peanuts…

Cut 9 (08) “…recycling agency.” 

Even batteries can be recycled. Langley says to visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s website at rbrc-dot-org, to find the closest drop-off location…

Cut 10 (11) “…the environment.”

As for your live Christmas tree, check with your local municipality for seasonal pickup and recycling. And when it comes to wrapping paper, Langley reminds you….

Cut 11 (04) “…fireplace.”

For more recycling tips visit deq.louisiana.gov/recycling

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As this week rolls on, New Orleans will begin to fill up with college football fans as Texas is set to take on Washington in a College Football Playoff semifinal game. The matchup is this year’s Sugar Bowl contest and Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says there’s a lot of excitement surrounding this game…

Cut 12 (10)  “…great football game.”  

Washington is undefeated and Texas has one loss for the Longhorns this is their first-ever college football playoff game. With Texas a state away, expect a lot of burnt orange in the Big Easy, and Hundley says Washington will be well represented too…

Cut 13 (14) “…recent memory.” 

Next year the college football playoff will expand to 12 teams and for the first two years of the new format, the Sugar Bowl will be a quarterfinal game. So it’s unknown when New Orleans will next host a college football national championship or semifinal game. Hundley says the Sugar Bowl is working hard to land a final four match-up or national title game…

Cut  14 (14) “…we’re at.” 

The Saints could miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season and many in Who Dat Nation would like to see a new head coach. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked-on Saints Podcast expects Dennis Allen will be back, but longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael could be let go…

Cut 5 (11) “…Miami Dolphins”

The Saints play Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Flu activity in Louisiana is extremely high right now and state epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says RSV cases are also presenting a problem for vulnerable populations; children and those 60 and older…

Cut 8 (09) “…young infants.” 

Louisiana and South Carolina lead the country in flu cases.

This holiday season, the Red Cross is asking Louisianans to give a gift with meaning and help with growing disaster needs. Regional Disaster Officer Ed Bush says funds are needed to provide safe shelter and meals to thousands of people affected by disasters.

Cut 9 (13)  “…financial support.”

If you received a gift card as a present for Christmas, be sure to put it somewhere where you’ll find it later and hopefully use it. According to Bankrate, about 47% of U.S. adults by July have at least one unspent gift card with an average value of $187, that $23 Billion unspent by mid-year. Most gift cards have years until they expire, but if the store or business closes, the gift card could be worthless. So go spend it and enjoy it.

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is leaving the Tigers and returning to Notre Dame. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says Denbrock helped develop quarterback Jayden Daniels into a Heisman Trophy winner and guided an offense that leads the nation in scoring and total offense…

Cut 13 (13) “…to gold” 

Tis the season for scammers. Better Business Bureau President Carmen Million says if you receive an email or text requesting you to buy a gift card to pay for an item, treat it as a red flag.

Cut 9 (13) “…gift card.” 

We will not have a white Christmas in Louisiana, but we will have a wet Christmas Eve. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says heavy rainfall is expected Sunday ahead of a cold front…

Cut 6 (12) “…at times”

He says most of the state will see one to two inches of rain on Sunday, but south of I-10 and I-12 could see two to three inches of rain.

If you plan to give an animal for Christmas, it’s best to make sure the recipient is ready and prepared for the commitment that comes with caring for an animal. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society…

Cut 4 (08) “…everything in.”

Dorson suggests fostering a pet from a shelter or offering to pay for the adoption fee and let the recipient choose their pet at a shelter instead.