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

Cut 8 (09) “…working with us.”

The Saints are in Green Bay tonight. New Orleans rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will make his fourth start of the season. Rattler made three starts in October and was sacked 14 times but showed more poise coming off the bench last week. Rattler says when started two months ago, starting center Eirk McCoy was injured and having back him back is huge…

Cut 19 (10) “…a lot better.”

The Department of Justice is suing the State of Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Corrections for allegedly keeping prisoners behind bars after they’ve completed their sentences. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Senator John Kennedy is hailing the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The act eliminates two provisions that reduced the Social Security benefits of people who worked in the public sector.

Cut 5 (13) “…Social Security Act.”

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…

Cut 12 (09) “…served their time.”

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

A weekend officer involved shooting led to the death of 48-year-old Timothy Douglas of Ponchatoula Authorities say a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy shot Douglas during an altercation after a foot pursuit Saturday night in Hammond. State Police were called in to investigate. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the deputy was trying to apprehend Douglas who was allegedly driving a stolen vehicle.

Cut 7 (11) “…shooting incident .”

Gremillion says the investigation remains active.

Senator John Kennedy is hailing the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Expect unseasonably warm and wet weather for the Christmas week, with highs in the mid-70s. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry says we are not expecting severe weather with the rain this week but Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring increased chances of showers and thunderstorms. He says a cold front will come through Christmas Day.

Cut 10 (07) “…not very cold.”

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is forecasting the state will turn a deficit into a surplus for the next fiscal year.

Cut 9 (05)  “…increase in revenue,”

PAR President Steven Procopio says that’s due to the changes in the tax code, particularly the increase in the state sales tax.

Last minute shoppers may be less likely to find a good deal this year. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says some items may see some modest price drops but more significant decreases may have to wait until Santa Claus has left town. And Rice says you will need to do your homework to determine whether the price you’re paying really is a good deal.

Cut 5 (13) “…relative to that”

Bob Marlin is no longer the head coach of the Cajuns men’s basketball team. Jeff Palermo reports on why Marlin was fired during the middle of the season…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And ULM will be searching for a new head basketball coach. On Friday, Coach Keith Richard announced his plan to retire at the end of this season. He says he’s glad to be ending where it all started at ULM. Richard has been part of all five of ULM’s winningest seasons in program history as either a coach or player. As coach Richard lead the Warhawks to a total of four postseason appearances. This is his 40^th season coaching and his 15^th as head coach of ULM Men’s basketball.

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana expects the new tax code effective in January will bring the state a budget surplus in the new fiscal year that begins in July. PAR President Steven Procopio says the original forecast for the general fund was 11.7-billion dollars; now, it’s 12.15-billion, and PAR projects its general fund forecast for the 2026-27 fiscal year to go from 11.87-billion dollars to 12.2 billion. Procopio cautions, however, that this is all speculative.

Cut 11 (14) “…were down 50.”

Many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards, according to a recent Bankrate survey. 23-percent of rewards cardholders didn’t redeem rewards in the past year. Bankrate Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says many people are missing out.

Cut 6 (10) “…real money here.”

Time is running out to do your Christmas shopping. Will you get a good deal, or will you be paying a steep price for your procrastination? Andrew Greenstein has the answers.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former LSU Standout and Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad. Edwards-Helaire had not played this season, as he was on the non-football injury list, before the Chiefs released him earlier this month. The former Catholic High of Baton Rouge star says he’s going to make the best of every opportunity he gets.

Cut 13 (10)  “…better spot.”

Last minute Christmas shoppers may be disappointed if they’re looking for discounted items. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says whether prices will drop before Christmas depends on the item.

Cut 3 (11) “…a higher price.”

And he says you will need to look at pre-holiday prices to determine whether the price you’re paying really is a good deal.

Tis the season to charge, and despite the appeal of rewards credit cards a recent Bankrate survey shows almost a quarter of Americans missed out on “free money” and/or perks because they didn’t redeem any of their rewards in the past year. Bankrate Senior Analyst Ted Rossman has advice.

Cut 8 (06) “…use them too.”

Changes in Louisiana’s tax code are coming and Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana President Steven Procopio says the changes are expected to erase a 400-million-dollar budget deficit for the new fiscal year that begins in July. PAR says the original forecast for the general fund was 11.7-billion dollars; now, it’s 12.15-billion. Procopio says a lot of that added revenue comes from the increase in the state sales tax.

Cut 10 (09) “…the general fund.”

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is now a Saint. He’s officially joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad, marking a homecoming for the Baton Rouge native and former LSU standout. Edwards-Helaire was the starting running back on the Tigers 2019 national championship team and he says there’s no better feeling than to be back home.

Cut 12 (12) “…no better time.”

In the largest fentanyl bust in Livingston Parish history, four individuals were arrested, and over 100-thousand doses of fentanyl were seized following a multi-agency investigation. Sheriff Jason Ard says Tyrone Broadway was the ringleader of the drug trafficking operation and undercover agents made multiple purchases from his group, uncovering approximately 36-thousand pressed fentanyl pills.

Cut 9 (08)  “…very long time,”

The other three arrested are Eugene Skinner, Donald McCray, and Devonte Skinner.

A new state law requires firefighters to receive annual physical and cancer screenings at no cost and Willis Knighton will provide that service for firefighters in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. CEO Jaf Fielder ….

Cut 4 (07) “…our missing”

Fielder says firefighters are 14-percent more likely to develop cancer because of their job than any other occupation.

The CDC is continuing to monitor the first person in the U.S. with a severe case of bird flu. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana National Guard is celebrating 30 years of its Youth Challenge Program. Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Paul says the Louisiana Guard’s Youth Challenge Program was among the first of its kind and one of the most successful. He says more than 28 thousand kids have graduated and many have gone on to do great things.

Cut 8 (12) “…other state schools.”

The latest class of graduates, 118 of them, graduated in a ceremony last weekend.

In the largest fentanyl bust in Livingston Parish history, four individuals were arrested, and over 100-thousand doses of fentanyl were seized following a multi-agency investigation. Sheriff Jason Ard says Tyrone Broadway was the ringleader of the drug trafficking operation and undercover agents made multiple purchases from his group, uncovering approximately 36-thousand pressed fentanyl pills. Broadway, along with Eugene Skinner, Donald McCray, and Devonte Skinner, were arrested as a result of the investigation. Ard says he’s pleased these drug dealers are off the street.

Cut 11 (06) “…time in prison.”

The CDC is continuing to monitor the first severe case of human bird flu in the U.S. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis with the CDC says bird flu has been around for many years, including human cases outside the U.S. and there’s something unique about this case.

Cut 13 (12)  “…their related products.” (First case linked to a non-commercial backyard flock)

Daskalakis says the CDC is monitoring the condition of the patient, who’s from southwest Louisiana.

Caddo and Bossier parish firefighters now have access to free cancer screenings through a new health initiative by Willis Knighton.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

People and some pets in Caddo Parish near the Texas border felt the earth move at least once this morning. The U.S. Geological Survey says they recorded a 3.3 magnitude earthquake around 6:00 this morning. The epicenter was about 25 miles from Shreveport in Harrison County, Texas and had a depth of about three miles. There have been no reports of damage or injuries but residents in the area report having upset pets, and seeing rattling cabinets, and a few pictures and wall hangings fall.

In the largest fentanyl bust in Livingston Parish history, four individuals were arrested, and over 100-thousand doses of fentanyl were seized following a multi-agency investigation. Sheriff Jason Ard search warrants were executed at residences in Livingston and Tangipahoa Parishes leading to the discovery of nearly 68-thousand additional pressed fentanyl pills, and 46 pounds of fentanyl…

Cut 10 (11) “…150-thousand people.”

He says Tyrone Broadway was the ringleader of the drug trafficking operation and undercover agents made multiple purchases from his group.

The Louisiana National Guard is celebrating 30 years of its Youth Challenge Program. Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Paul says the program is an alternative education program for 16- to 18-year-olds, emphasizing teamwork, discipline and personal development.

Cut 7 (13) “…in that arena.”

The CDC is monitoring the first severe case of human bird flu in the U.S. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Firefighters are 14-percent more likely to develop cancer than any other occupation and Willis Knighton is partnering with local fire districts and cities on new health initiative providing free annual physicals and cancer screenings for 1,500 active and retired firefighters in Caddo and Bossier parishes aligning with a state law requiring local governments to provide no-cost cancer screenings for full-time and retired firefighters.  CEO Jaf Fielder says Firefighters from says

Cut 5 (07) “…care of them.”

An Opelousas man was arrested after fleeing a Youngsville mental health facility on foot, stealing a school bus and causing a four-vehicle crash in Lafayette on Sunday night. He then stole a truck from a bystander who stopped to help. Lafayette PD Senior Corporal Ashley Wood says 26-year-old Marion Baker was arrested after he crashed that truck in Rayne.

Cut 3 (10) “…collision with four vehicles.”

Lafayette P-D reports several individuals received moderate injuries as a result of the crash.

52 men and women began their journey to become State Troopers today. The 24-week academy is said to be challenging as cadets receive training in areas involving defensive and de-escalation tactics, detection of impaired driving, fair and impartial policing, use of force and civil rights, criminal, and traffic law. Cadets look forward to graduating at the end of May.

Reading scores are up among the state’s youngest learners. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) report says Louisiana’s teacher workforce is significantly less diverse than its population. Teach for America Executive Director Ge’ron Tatum says to address this, strategies include recruiting from historically Black colleges and offering financial support to prospective teachers.

Cut 11 (15) “…entering the profession.”

A former Bossier City Deputy Chief of Police and pastor of Embrace Me Ministries has been arrested for an alleged child sex crime. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says the arrest of 57, year old Richard Broom McGee came after they were contacted by the DA’s office. They say it was a secret indictment, and they don’t know which agency conducted the investigation. McGee was taken to the Caddo Correctional Center around noon and charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile. He is held on a $150,000 bond.

State troopers don’t know why the driver of a Silverado, Logan Schmalz of Franklinton, crossed the centerline on LA 25 in Washington Parish, where a head on crash that took the lives of 3 people including a 3-year-old and 11-year-old, but Trooper Marc Gremillion says State Police has this message.

Cut 13 (07)  “…or speed.”

Louisiana’s teacher workforce is significantly less diverse than its population of college-educated adults, according to a National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) report. Teach for America Executive Director Ge’ron Tatum says Louisiana teachers earn 5-thousayd-dollars less than the Southern regional average and 15-thousdand dollars below the national average, deterring people of color from entering or staying in the profession. Tatum stresses that representation matters, as research shows teachers of color significantly benefit student outcomes.

Cut 10 (11) “…leads to great results.”

Last year’s Louisiana kindergarteners improved their reading scores by more than 20 points as first graders. Deputy superintendent at the State Department of Education Dr. Jenna Chiasson (CHASS-on) says several factors contributed. She says better reading scores at the early levels set kids up for success later in their education and, in effect, later in life.

Cut 8 (06) “…improvement.”