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.” 

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”