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.”

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.