A weekend deer hunt turned deadly for a 61-year-old Baton Rouge man. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Roberto Garcia was fatally shot in the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood Saturday when another hunter shot at a deer. Garcia was behind the deer but the shooter said he did not see him because of vegetation. LDWF is handling the investigation.

Mike Johnson just got a huge boost in his quest to retain the speaker’s gavel. President elect, Donald Trump has endorsed Johnson to return as Speaker of the House in the 119th Congress. With Republicans holding a very slim majority, it will take a unified G-O-P caucus to agree on a speaker. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Trump’s endorsement is intended to achieve that.

Cut 4 (12) “…his preferences are.”

A lifelong Louisiana Democrat remembers President Jimmy Carter who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Lafourche Parish has joined the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin. Executive Director Justin Lemoine says it showcases Louisiana’s distinct food, music, and cultural ties to the land.

Cut 11 (08) “…part of the country.”

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans 15 parishes and over 11,000 square miles

President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House. In a post on social media, Trump says Johnson would provide immediate relief from all the destructive policies of the last administration. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Trump’s endorsement is a 180 of sorts.

Cut 3 (09) “…recent budget deal.”

America morns 39^th President Jimmy Carter who passed away yesterday at the age of 100. The Democrat from Georgia served only one term in the White House but might be best known for what he did after politics. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Carter went around the world to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights and prevent disease….

Cut 6 (10) “…What a Great American” (2x)

Lafourche Parish joins the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. The parish was previously excluded from the Atchafalaya Basin due to an oversight when the Heritage Area was established in 2006; this inclusion rectifies that. Executive Director Justin Lemoine says it allows the parish to access federal funding for recreational projects and historical preservation through the National Park Service’s program.

Cut 10 (10) “…recreational resources .”

Looking for something to do on New Year’s Day. The Louisiana Office of State Parks is encouraging the public to participate in Louisiana State Parks First Day Hikes and hike one of the state’s 21 parks. Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says some of the hikes are led by rangers…

Cut 27 (11) “…. great animals here”

America morns the death of our 39^th president, Jimmy Carter who passed away yesterday at the age of 100. Elected in America’s bicentennial year, Carter lost in his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980. But Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Carter didn’t stop trying to make the world a better place…

Cut 8 (11) “…some of these diseases.”

He and his wife, Rosalyn, also helped rebuild thousands of homes for Habitat for Humanity, including several in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina.

A weekend deer hunt turned deadly for a 61-year-old Baton Rouge man. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Roberto Garcia was fatally shot in the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood Saturday when another hunter shot at a deer and did not see that Garcia was behind the deer because of vegetation. LDWF extends thoughts and prayers for the family.

Mike Johnson just got a huge boost in his quest to retain the speaker’s gavel. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lafourche Parish has joined the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin.  Previously excluded due to an oversight when the Heritage Area was established in 2006, Lafourche’s inclusion rectifies a gap in representing Louisiana’s unique culture. Executive Director Justin Lemoine aims to develop a recreational master plan and identify culturally significant sites in Lafourche.

Cut 9 (06)  “…historic region”

State Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at year one in office and looks ahead to year two. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

No matter where in the state you are, you will want to be weather aware tomorrow. LSU Public Health climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front is coming through, and that’s going to bring heavy rains.

Cut 3 (09) “…even heavier rainfall.”

LSU is getting a big name and some experience back at linebacker next season. Junior linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. announced he’s coming back to LSU for the 2025 season. Perkins, who has 13 career sacks, and 164 tackles announced his return on Instagram. In the 2024 season opener against USC, he led LSU in tackles but tore his ACL in the game again UCLA and only played 4 games in the 2024 season.

For the sixth time in the program’s history, Louisiana Tech will play in the Independence Bowl. The Bulldogs will battle 22^nd ranked Army at 8:15 on Saturday night. The Black Knights are led by quarterback Bryson Dailey, who finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie says not only does Army have a great quarterback, but their offensive line is outstanding…

Cut 14 (07) “…offensive line.”

Louisiana Tech enters the game with a five and seven record, but statistically they have one of the best defenses in the country, allowing just over 300 yards a game

Looking ahead to her second year in office, Attorney General Liz Murrill says she would like to focus on the fentanyl crisis and she’s borrowing an idea Arizona’s Democratic attorney general and appointing a fentanyl opioid specialist to help decide how to spend opioid settlement money.

Cut 8 (16) “…the long-term.”

A 13-year-old boy Kentwood boy was hit by an SUV and killed while riding a bicycle on a dark country roadway in Tangipahoa Parish. State Police say Benjamin Mixon and another boy highway 1061 at around 6:30 yesterday evening when he was hit from behind. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-on) says there was no way the driver could have seen the two boys until it was too late.

Cut 12 (03) “…at a hillcrest.”

He adds the bikes had no lights and the boys were wearing dark colored clothing.

The Independence Bowl is Saturday night and Louisiana Tech is looking to upset 22^nd ranked Army. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is 1.22 billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery Communications Director Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) says that’s a lump sum cash value of 549-million dollars and she recommends checking your numbers as soon as possible.

Cut 11 (13) “…claim their winnings.”

Tonight’s winning numbers will be drawn just before 10 p.m. Central time.

A 13-year-old boy from Kentwood was hit and killed while riding a bicycle on a dark country highway in Tangipahoa Parish. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-on) says Benjamin Mixon was hit from behind by an SUV while he and another boy were riding on State Highway 1061 at around 6:30 yesterday evening. Gremillion says there was no way the driver could have seen the two boys until it was too late.

Cut 13 (05)  “…on the roadway.”

Also, Gremillion says neither bike had any lights on it. The SUV was traveling at 55 miles per hour and there was no roadway shoulder at the site.

Attorney General Liz Murrill is looking forward to her second year of service and says she would like to focus on the fentanyl crisis.

Cut 7 (15) “…opioid settlement money.”

Murrill says it’s an idea that the office of Arizona’s Democratic attorney general is implementing.

The whole state of Louisiana can expect rain and possibly some severe weather as a cold front comes through Saturday.  LSU Public Health climatologist Barry Keim says those in the northern and eastern portions of the state should also be prepared for the potential of tornadoes.

Cut 5 (07) “…very strong tornadoes.”

Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is 1.22-billion dollars for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery Communications Director Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) says it has a lump sum cash value of 549-million dollars.

Cut 9 (15)  “…September 11th,”

Tonight’s winning numbers will be drawn just before 10 p.m. Central time.

One of the goals in year two of the Landry administration is to make state government run more efficiently. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A man is dead following an argument outside a Convenience Store in Kentwood on Christmas night. Kentwood Police say around 11:00 p.m. Deshawn Roberts and Demarcus Blount argued then Blount allegedly shot Roberts. Roberts was transported to a hospital and later died. Blount has been booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on one count of second-degree murder.

There’s a slight risk for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says residents in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles should be weather aware today

Cut 12 (10) “…heavy rain.”

A free pass to visit any of the state’s 21 state parks, 14 historical sites or nine state museums is available to foster care families. Director of the Louisiana Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says the Louisiana State Parks Caregiver pass encourages foster families to enjoy recreational and educational opportunities together.

Cut 11 (08) “…this particular situation.”

According to the latest data, there were fewer than two thousand licensed foster homes in Louisiana in 2023 and on average there are 41-hundred children in the state’s foster care system each day.

A Christmas morning tragedy in in Richland Parish as a house fire claimed the life of an 11-year-old child. When the Rayville Fire Department responded around 9:00 a.m. two people were outside of the house saying a third occupant was still inside. Despite firefighters’ efforts, the victim did not survive. State Fire Marshal deputies say the fire started in the bedroom where the victim was found. The Cause is under investigation.

As year two of the Landry administration begins Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, says Louisiana will be trying to do what President-elect Donald Trump is trying to do with the creation of his Department of Government Efficiency, at the state level and one of the issues is licensing and permits

Cut 8 (11) “…more hurdles.”

He says more red tape placed on business and industry will cost more money to enforce.

The State Fire Marshal (SFM) says Lowe’s Home Improvement has donated over 34-thousand 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms to their Operation Save-A-Life program. Slidell Store Manager John LeMaster expressed gratitude to the St. Tammany Fire Protection Department for their commitment to community safety.

Cut 5 (14) “…really good day.”

Foster care families can apply for a free pass to visit any of the state’s 21 state parks, 14 historical sites or nine state museums. Director of the Louisiana Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says this was the brainchild of Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

Cut 10 (11) “…we have.”

A hunter was shot this week when another hunter thought they were shooting at a deer. The shooter immediately called for help. East Baton Rouge Parish authorities responded, and the injured person was airlifted to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is investigating the incident and says Both hunters were on private property in Zachary with permission but neither knew the other was there and neither were wearing orange vests as required. The shooter has been charged with not wearing the orange vest and hunting without deer tags.

Foster care families can apply for a free pass to visit any of the state’s 21 state parks, 14 historical sites or nine state museums. Director of the Louisiana Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says they want to give thanks to foster caregivers for their time and extra expenses they put into helping foster care children. He says this imitative also provides foster families with something they can do together…

Cut 9 (07)  “…Louisiana has to offer,”

One of the goals in year two of the Landry administration is to make state government run more efficiently. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Some severe weather could be coming to parts of Louisiana this afternoon and tonight. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says residents in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles should be on the lookout

Cut 13 (12)  “…tomorrow.”

The Social Security Fairness Act is on its way to President Biden’s desk for his signature and Senator John Kennedy is hailing its passage. The act eliminates two provisions that reduced the Social Security benefits of people who worked in the public sector. Senator Kennedy said good riddance to them.

Cut 3 (17) “…earn their pensions.”

Louisiana is getting warm and wet weather for the Christmas week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring increased chances of showers and thunderstorms, but we are not expecting severe weather…

Cut 11 (05) “…across the state.”

On Christmas Day temperatures may reach 73 degrees.

The Justice Department is suing the State of Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Corrections, claiming that the state is keeping prisoners in custody after they have completed their sentences. Lydia Wright with the Promise of Justice Initiative blames the state for not using modern technology to keep track of release dates.

Cut 13 (15)  “…served their sentences.”

Governor Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a joint statement, calling the lawsuit frivolous and calling it, in their words, “Grinch Joe Biden’s parting Christmas present to the state and to its people.”

State Police are investigating an officer involved shooting in Hammond on Saturday night. Authorities say a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot 48-year-old Timothy Douglas of Ponchatoula. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the deputy was trying to apprehend Douglas who allegedly was driving a stolen vehicle…

Cut 6 (12) “…altercation ensued.”