7:30 am Newscast

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry will oversee the state’s Electoral College meeting today in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says Landry will administer oaths of office to the eight Republican electors before they cast their official votes for President and Vice President.

Cut 4 (11) “…the Electoral College.”

Richland Parish is mourning the loss of Sheriff Gary Gilley (JILLY, ), who passed away over the weekend with his family by his side. Oachita Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw (muh-SHAW), says Sheriff Gilley was a dedicated law enforcement professional.

Cut 8 (10) “…and the lord.”

Sheriff Gary Gilley was 66 years old.

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A new study shows the presence of Fentanyl in dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Here’s Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Frightening day in New Orleans yesterday as a Cox Cable employee was shot and a postal worker was held at gunpoint in two separate incidents.  The shooting happened just noon in New Orleans East.  The victim in that shooting later died.  We’re told the postal worker was the victim of an armed robbery in Hollygrove about an hour later.

6:30 am Newscast

Today, the state’s Electoral College meeting takes place, where electors will officially cast their votes for Donald Trump.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico are testing positive for Fentanyl, and it could affect humans. Dr. Dana Orbach, an assistant professor of marine biology at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, says this likely has nothing to do with the trafficking of Fentanyl from Mexico, but rather the improper disposal of the drug, since wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove those pharmaceuticals from the water.

Cut 10 (06) “…into our system.”

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Richland Parish is mourning the loss of Sheriff Gary Gilley (JILLY). He passed away over the weekend at the age of 66. His family was at his side when he passed away. One of Sheriff Gilley’s contemporaries, Ouachita (WASH-uh-tuh) Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw (muh-SHAW), remembers his longtime colleague.

Cut 7 (05) “…dedicated public servant.”

Gilley’s funeral will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Mangham Baptist Church.  Visitation is at ten.

LSU has added a quarterback to its roster who started eight games in the SEC in 2024. Freshman Michael Van Buren threw for 1,886 yards and 11 TDs in ten games.  David Murray covers the Mississippi State Bulldogs for 2-4-7 sports and says Van Buren throws a nice deep ball…

Cut 13 (13)  “…five-eleven.”

 

11:30 am Newscast

At the Prep Classic in New Orleans today, Edna Karr will go after its seventh state championship when they face Alexandria Senior High in the Division One select state championship game. The Cougars are undefeated and Coach Brice Brown says his team does a lot of things well…

Cut 9 (13)  “…(laughs),”

It’s Alexandria’s very first state championship game.  Meanwhile Ruston looks to defend its state title against Central.

Archbishop Shaw beat ED White yesterday for the Eagles first state championship since 1987.  In game two, Catholic High of New Iberia held off a strong fourth quarter rally by Dunham to beat the Tigers 31 to 28. And in the nightcap, Ceclia scored a late touchdown to beat Franklinton 35 to 32.

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The FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act, co-authored by Baton Rouge Republican Congressmen Garret Graves has been approved by the house.  Here’s Sean Richardson.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Meanwhile the anti hazing bill co-authored by Senator Bill Cassidy is on the President’s desk now.  It requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing and establishes a hazing education and prevention program.

Cut 4 (13) “…that have violated.”

10:30 am Newscast

A bill to address hazing on college campuses is now on President Biden’s desk. The bill passed both houses unanimously. The bill requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing and establishes a campus-wide research-based hazing education and prevention program. Senator Bill Cassidy co-authored the bill says fraternities and sororities across the country are in full support of this legislation.

Cut 5 (11) “…endorse this concept.”

The legislation was spurred in part by the September 2017 hazing death of LSU freshman Max Gruver.

The Louisiana Department of Health has detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. It says while the current public risk for Bird Flu is relatively low, those who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry or cows are at higher risk.

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Billy Cannon’s legacy is being celebrated through an extensive exhibit at Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum “Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend,” showcases nearly 200 artifacts, including his Heisman Trophy and celebrates Cannon’s redemption story following a 1983 counterfeiting arrest. Daughter Bunnie Cannon hopes that time in her father’s life doesn’t overshadow his legacy.

Cut 13 (10)  “…anything for anybody.”

The exhibit is set to open next Tuesday.

In football action today Ruston is looking to defend its Division one non-select state championship against Central at the Prep Classic.  Bearcats Coach Jerrod Baugh says starting quarterback Josh Brantley is playing at a high level…

Cut 11 (16) “…for us.”

9:30 am Newscast

Day two of the Prep Classic had a few surprises on Friday.  Archbishop Shaw beat ED White for the Eagles first state championship since 1987.  In game two, Catholic High of New Iberia held off a strong fourth quarter rally by Dunham to beat the Tigers 31 to 28. And in the nightcap, Ceclia scored a late touchdown to beat Franklinton 35 to 32.

In Prep action today, Edna Karr will go after its seventh state championship when they face Alexandria Senior High in the Division One select state championship game. The Cougars are undefeated and Coach Brice Brown says his team does a lot of things well…

Cut 9 (13)  “…(laughs),”

Alexandria Senior High will play in its very first state championship at the dome today.  And Ruston will look to defend its Division one non-select state championship when it faces Central this evening.

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The House has unanimously approved the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act, co-authored by Baton Rouge Republican Congressmen Garret Graves, this bill requires FEMA to pay interest on delayed reimbursements to local governments and electrical cooperatives, addressing inefficiencies in the agency’s reimbursement process. FEMA currently has over 70-billion-dollars  in outstanding claims.

Cut 6 (06) “…process claims.”

A bill that Senator Bill Cassidy introduced along with Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar to address hazing on college campuses is now on President Biden’s desk. The bill passed both houses unanimously. Cassidy says it requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing.

Cut 3 (10) “…particular campus organization.”

8:30 am Newscast

A bill that Senator Bill Cassidy sponsored that addresses hazing on college campuses is on President Biden’s desk. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Prep Classic Continues today as Alexandria Senior High makes its first trip to the Superdome to play in a state championship.  Coach Thomas Bachmann says their fanbase cannot wait….

Cut 10 (09) “…experience that.”

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Billy Cannon’s legacy is celebrated through an extensive memorabilia exhibit at Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum. Organized by his youngest daughter, Bunnie Cannon, the exhibit, titled “Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend,” showcases nearly 200 artifacts, including his Heisman Trophy and high school letterman jacket. Bunnie, deeply tied to LSU like her father, aims to preserve his legacy through this exhibition

Cut 12 (13) “…the first process.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. It says while the current public risk for Bird Flu is relatively low, those who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry or cows are at higher risk.

8:30 am Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry continues to celebrate the signing of a sweeping tax reform package. The package that will reduce individual income and corporate taxes while raising the sales tax will provide 1.3-billion dollars in tax cuts, increase standard deductions, and eliminate the corporate franchise tax. Governor Landry says the changes will attract businesses by enhancing competition.

Cut 5 (07) “…and a new place.”

Congressman Troy Carter introduces a bill to help small and local businesses. The New Orleans Democrat says his bill will enable grant programs to tailor assistance in urban and rural areas to encourage new small businesses.

Cut 8 (14) “…these specified areas.”

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New Orleans is aglow this holiday season ready for visitors looking for a special holiday experience. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Three more games at the Prep Classic in the Superdome today. E-D White goes after its first state championship since 1969 as they face Archbishop Shaw.   Cardinals head coach Kyle Lasseigne (luh-SANE).

Cut 17 (17)  “…for this.”

7:30 am Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry continues to celebrate the signing of a sweeping tax reform package. The package includes reducing the individual income tax rate to three-percent, lowering corporate taxes, and raising the state sales tax to five-percent for five years.

Cut 4 (10) “…rewrites Article 7.”

They’re welcoming holiday visitors in style in the Crescent City right now. There are lots of special events planned, including the annual NOLA Christmas Fest that gets underway a week from today. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says the city will be aglow in Christmas lights, making for a beautiful setting.

Cut 11 (14) “…the holiday season.”

 

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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter introduces legislation to help local and small businesses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It’s a big day for kids in Caddo Parish as the Sheriff’s Office, Shreveport Police and the Fraternal Order of Police are teaming up for the annual Shop with a Cop event.  F-O-P Treasurer Philip Escude (ESS-kuh-day) says it’s all made possible by donations from local businesses.

Cut 14 (06) “…each on Christmas.”

6:30 am Newscast

The sweeping tax reform package signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry heads to the people to vote on it in March. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

New Orleans is rolling out the welcome mat for visitors celebrating the holidays. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says many places have special offerings to visitors from near and far.

Cut 10 (09) “…offering Reveillon specials.”

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Congressman Troy Carter introduces a bill to help small and local businesses. Along with Mississippi Republican Mike Ezell (EE-zell), the New Orleans Democrat says his bill, the Capacity for Building Business Districts Pilot Program Act, sets up an opportunity to create grant programs to provide tailored assistance in both urban and rural areas.

Cut 7 (10) “…even higher heights.”

Kids in the Shreveport area needing some holiday cheer will get it tonight. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with Shreveport P-D and the Fraternal Order of Police for Shop with a Cop. F-O-P Treasurer Philip Escude (ESS-kuh-day) says it’s a day law enforcemebt cherishes.

Cut 13 (05)  “…excited about it.”

 

9:30 am Newscast

Louisiana leads the nation for early-season flu cases for the second year in a row. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Last month was Louisiana’s warmest November EVER!  Experts say on average temperatures were more than eight degrees above normal last month. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says cities like New Orleans and Shreveport saw multiple days in the 80s, disrupting seasonal norms.

Cut 5 (07) “…only 44-degrees.”

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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is coming back to LSU next year.  He posted a video on his social media pages to announce his return for his final year of eligibility. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Todd Horne says it’s possible that Nussmeier was negotiating his NIL deal for his senior year – and that he likely got some good advice from someone very close to him who knows what he’s talking about.

Cut 15 (16) “…had before him.”

It’s a homecoming of sorts for former LSU Tiger Jayden Daniels as he leads the Washington Commanders against the Saints in the Superdome.

Cut 18 (12)   “…Louisiana for sure.”

Kickoff Sunday at the Superdome is at noon.