Governor-elect Jeff Landry still has several major positions to fill in his cabinet including Transportation Secretary who will have a major say about how to fund new interstate bridges in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge and other major infrastructure projects. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry has options…

Cut 14 (11) “…that job.” 

In addition to the multiple respiratory viruses, like COVID, and RSV, going around right now, LSU Health Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says Louisiana is a hot spot for influenza.

Cut 10 (09) “…in the state.”

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.”

Cooler temperatures expected over the next few days in the Bayou State, bringing temperatures in the mid to low 30s to parts of the state. National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Tyler Stanfield also expects light rain chances on New Years Day. 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.” 

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.” 

Twelve days from now, Governor-elect Jeff Landry will be sworn-in, and he still has several major positions to fill in his cabinet. Landry has yet to name the next Transportation Secretary. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a coveted position with federal transportation dollars available to spend…

Cut 13 (05) “…of activity”

Temperatures may likely reach freezing over the weekend says National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Tyler Stanfield. North Louisiana along with East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes expected to experience the cooler weather through the weekend. But Stanfield says temperatures will start to warm across Louisiana into the new year.

Cut 4 (09) “…that next week.”

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.” 

Lopez says Louisiana is a hot spot for influenza.

An iAero Boing 737 plane left Alexandria International Airport this morning from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility and headed for Guatemala but had to make an emergency landing in Lake Charles with 157 passengers on board. The pilot declared the emergency before making a safe landing at Chennault International. No injuries or incidents were reported and the reason for the emergency landing has not been released.

A Thibodaux police officer fatally shot a loose dog on Christmas Day after the officer was bitten. 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 8 (10) “…used to this.” 

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

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.”

Jayden Daniels is the only Tiger who has opted out of the Reliaquest Bowl on New Years Days. The Tigers are 9-3 and Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo says the team is determined to finish the season with ten wins…

Cut 18 (10)  “…for the program.” 

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

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A police chase that started in Iberville Parish ended with the death of a 16-year-old in Pointe Coupee Parish after the stolen vehicle they were in crashed and burst into flames early this morning.  The vehicle crashed a mile or more after spikes, to stop the vehicle, were deployed on Highway 411. The passenger in the vehicle, a 13-year-old, was airlifted to Baton Rouge.

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.”

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.” 

Louisiana and South Carolina have the highest flu activity in the nation. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says it’s the highest Louisiana has seen in over 10 years. Sokol says the age group most impacted by the flu right now is children between the ages of two and eleven and preventing respiratory illnesses is important to avoid dangerous consequences. She says stay home when you are sick, wash your hands, wear a mask if necessary and…

Cut 7 (09) “…serious complications.”

Red Cross has provided relief and assistance to nearly six thousand Louisianans in time of need this year says Regional Disaster Officer Ed Bush. And with a growing frequency of disasters, he urges everyone to help provide support for those who need it in the face of emergencies.

Cut 11 (12) “…need help.” 

The playoffs may be out of reach for the Saints for a third consecutive season and many in Who Dat Nation want a new head coach. But Ross Jackson, host of the Locked on Saints Podcast, says the Saints have always valued continuity at the head coaching position…

Cut 4 (08) “..franchise history”

Dennis Allen is 14-and-18 in his two seasons.  The Saints next game is on Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy wished everyone a Merry Christmas. He 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.” 

Sad news as Louisiana sees this year’s first pediatric flu death.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Red Cross is asking Louisianans to give a gift with meaning this holiday 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 the franchise firing coach Dennis Allen, unless the team gets blown out in their last two regular season games…

Cut 3 (12) “…their head coach.”

Jackson says the Saints have always valued continuity at the head coaching position…

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy wished everyone a Merry Christmas. He also extended well wishes from his wife Becky, son Preston, dogs Lily Grace and Charlie, and his stuffed alligator…

Cut 13 (13) “…and Alphones.”

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.”

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.”

This year, the Red Cross distributed 108 million dollars in assistance to people after disasters including the power outage in north Louisiana and the Tiger Island wildfire.

Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is the lowest for the month of November according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission. At Three Point Five Percent, the rates is tied for the third lowest rate in series history. Workforce Commission  Secretary, Robert Wooley says the Commission along with stakeholders host free job fairs and community events. Citizens can also apply for jobs on their website, LA Works Dot Net.

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is leaving the Tigers so he can return to Notre Dame to be the offensive coordinator for the Fighting Irish. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says Denbrock is from the Midwest and that could be a reason why he’s going back to South Bend…

Cut 12 (09)  “.. his career”  

This will be Denbrock’s third stint as an assistant coach at Notre Dame.

The Better Business Bureau receives tons of reports every day from victims urged to take immediate action due to suspicious activity. BBB President Carmen Million says don’t fall victim to unsolicited calls, emails, and texts.

Cut 10 (11) “…for it.”

Heavy rainfall is expected on Christmas Eve ahead of a cold front but LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the rain will be gone on Christmas Day…

Cut 8 (12) “…near 70″ 

Hunters in the Sportsman’s Paradise no longer have to wait until their hunting license expires to renew. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced and reminds sportsman the expiration will reset to 365 days after the renewal whether the license is renewed early or not.

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is heading back to Notre Dame to be the offensive coordinator for Fighting Irish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Hunters in the Sportsman’s Paradise no longer have to wait until their hunting license expires to renew. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced and reminds sportsman the expiration will reset to 365 days after the renewal whether the license is renewed early or not. Hunters can also set up auto-renew and renew online but there is a convenience fee for online payments. Get more information or sign up at LouisianaOutdoors dot com.

Before you give someone a pet for Christmas, animal advocates urge you to make sure the recipient is agreeable and understands the commitment.  Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says in a few weeks they see many of these gifts dumped at shelters…

Cut 3 (11) “…good idea.”

Most of Louisiana will see one to two inches of rain on Christmas Eve, but LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says south of I-10 and I-12 could see two to three inches of rain. …

Cut 7 (10) “…Christmas eve night” 

Jacquemin says the rain will be gone on Christmas Day…

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is leaving the Tigers to be the offensive coordinator for Notre Dame. Denbrock was a finalist this past season for the Broyles Award, which goes to the nation’s top assistant coach. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says not only is Denbrock an excellent playcaller, he can also recruit…

Cut  14 (11) “..play out”

Quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan and wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton will serve as co-offensive coordinators against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day.

We’re looking forward to a wet Christmas eve. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says heavy rainfall is expected Sunday ahead of a cold front…

Cut 6 (12) “…at times”

The gift of a puppy might seem like the “Best Christmas Ever” but animal advocates want to remind you the commitment goes well beyond the holidays. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Tis the season for scams and Better Business Bureau President Carmen Million urges Louisianans to take precautions when shopping and donating this holiday season. If you receive an email requesting you to buy a gift card to pay for an item, she says to treat it as a red flag.

Cut 9 (13) “…gift card.”