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.” 

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed Madison Sheahan as the new Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
cut 11 (06) “…hunter and fishermen”
The 26-year-old old from Ohio and has spent the last three years working with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry may have felt the need to bring in an outsider because former LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet has been implicated in a bribery scandal
cut 6 (09) “…and trust”
Montoucet resigned abruptly last April. A former contract worker in the Lafayette District Attorney’s office has pleaded guilty for his role in a scheme involving LDWF that allowed people facing felony and misdemeanor charges to pay money in order to avoid participating in a pre-trial diversion program. Montoucet has not been indicted.

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says you need to start thawing that Christmas turkey, it takes about 24 hours for every four to five pounds to defrost. Strain says never thaw one in the sink or on the kitchen counter, place it in the fridge instead.

Cut 4 (13) “…the refrigerator.”

A Christmas weekend storm system could produce heavy rainfall on Sunday….Christmas eve. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says rain is expected to develop tomorrow afternoon and evening….

Cut  14 (14) “…on Sunday night”

And because of the rain, bonfires on the levee have been moved to Saturday night instead of Christmas Eve.

A 100,000-square-foot Livingston Parish disaster response rescue center to be built in Livingston Parish is being made possible by a $45 Million state grant. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says it’s not only going to benefit Livingston Parish, but surrounding parishes also. Ard says the site will have space for rescue and utility vehicles and will be ideal to house linemen and National Guardsmen.

Cut 11 (11) “…the future.”

The LSU Lady Tigers could host a game against Southern in Tiger Stadium as soon as next year. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says she’s not sure how possible it would be but likes the idea and While the idea hasn’t been shared with Southern, a historic game against their cross-town rival could be in the works…

Cut 13 (11) “…had a conversation.” 

Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s pick as the next Secretary for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has no ties to Louisiana. Jeff Palermo on why Landry may have selected 26-year-old Madison Sheahan from Ohio…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Looks like Louisiana’s getting rain for Christmas. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says rain is expected and while rain during a holiday weekend is never fun, rainfall is much needed…

Cut 15 (10) “…some time.”

There’s the potential for one to three of inches of rain will fall this weekend.

Livingston Parish has been awarded $45 million to build a disaster response rescue center.  Brooke Thorington has more.

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

If a turkey will grace your Christmas dinner, State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain reminds Louisianans to safely handle it this holiday season.  He says it takes about 24 hours for every four to five pounds to defrost a turkey.

Cut 3 (10) “…next day.”

The LSU Lady Tigers could host a game against Southern in Tiger Stadium as soon as next year. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says she’s not sure how possible it would be but likes the idea of hosting a game that could have over 100,000 fans…

Cut 12 (14)  “…court down there.”  

Louisiana will be impacted by a Christmas weekend storm system that could produce heavy rainfall on Sunday….Christmas eve. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says rain is expected to develop tomorrow afternoon and evening….

Cut  14 (14) “…on Sunday night”

$45 million has been awarded to Livingston Parish to build a disaster response rescue center. The 100,000-square-foot Livingston Parish Emergency Response and Evacuation Center will be able to seat 5,000 people. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says he got the idea for a shelter when Hurricane Gustav struck. At the time they were able to use a newly constructed detention center that had 700 beds and no inmates yet. That’s where first responders stayed.

Cut 10 (11) “…this parish.”

Papa Noel will need to get his directions early this year because due to expected inclement weather on Christmas Eve, bonfires on the levee have been moved to Saturday night. With a 90-percent chance of rain and windy weather also expected the decision was made this morning to move it up a day. The Louisiana River Parishes tradition of lighting the way for Papa Noel dates back to the 1700s

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed Madison Sheahan as the new Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry is confident the 26-year-old old from Ohio will reshape and rebrand the department…

Cut 7 (10) “…from Louisiana” 

Christmas dinner is right around the corner, and State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says folks shouldn’t bypass having Louisiana homegrown produce on their Christmas dinner table.  He says, in the Strain household, Louisiana-certified food and products are always a part of the holiday feast.

Cut 5 (12) “ …Louisiana first.”  

An eight-person jury deliberated for only three hours before dismissing Sharon Lewis’s 50-million dollar federal lawsuit against LSU. Lewis, who oversaw LSU’s football recruiting department, claims she was wrongfully terminated and retaliated against for reporting sexual misconduct complaints. Lewis’ attorney Larry English says they are disappointed by the outcome…

Cut 7 (09) “…our case” 

English says they will consider their legal options moving forward.

53-year-old Lawrence J. Voisin of Houma faces two counts of first-degree rape in connection with alleged sexual abuse with a 10-year-old student. Terrebonne Parish sheriff Tim Soignet says during the investigation, deputies gathered evidence from the victim that suggested that Voisin was involved in ongoing sexual contact with the student. Soignet says Voisin, who was located at his home, confessed to some of the charges.

Cut 13 (12) “…did occur.” 

Voisin is being held on a 250-thousand dollar bond at the Terrebonne Parish jail.

Former Congressman Ralph Abraham will serve as the next Secretary of Health in Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s administration. Brooke Thorington has more….

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services’ new campaign is encouraging Louisianans to “Be There” for families in need this holiday season. Secretary Terri Ricks says there were more than 11 hundred unmet needs due to a lack of available resources. She says if you know anyone who needs resources like food, housing, utility assistance, or clothing…

Cut 11 (13) “…need some.”

An eight-person federal jury dismisses a lawsuit filed by former LSU Assistant Athletic Director Sharon Lewis, claiming she was sexually harassed and wrongly terminated. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Governor-elect Jeff Landry announces more appointments. former north Louisiana Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham will be the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. Landry touts Abraham’s knowledge of Medicaid and says under his watch the state will create incentives and supports to help Louisianans move from dependence to independence…

Cut 5 (12) “ …outcomes.”  

53-year-old Lawrence J. Voisin of Houma faces two counts of first-degree rape in connection with alleged sexual abuse of a 10-year-old student. Terrebonne Parish sheriff Tim Soignet says detectives arrived at a local school where the minor reported the abuse.

Cut 12 (10)  “…Mr. Voisin.”  

Voisin is being held on a 250-thousand dollar bond at the Terrebonne Parish jail.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services assists one in four Louisianans every year with food assistance, child support services, and financial assistance. Secretary Terri Ricks says that currently there are more than 41 hundred children in Louisiana’s foster care and with their new “Be There” campaign she encourages everyone to provide help or open their homes to youth who have no place to go.

Cut 10 (08) “…special ways.”