The U-S EPA is giving Louisiana the authority to approve permits for underground storage of carbon dioxide. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 
Sad news out of Ouachita Parish where four year old Bentley Whittlesey was killed in a fatal crash. Trooper Ryan Davis says routine toxicology samples were taken on both drivers, however…

Cut 5 (06) “ …this crash.” 

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If you’ll be ringing in the new year with fireworks at home, the State Fire Marshall’s office is reminding us all to put safety first. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue suggests having a water source nearby in case of emergency or fire. She reminds adults to never give children fireworks, even sparklers.

Cut 11 (13) “…and bracelets.”

The LSU Tigers won easily over Northwestern State last night. Will Baker had 17 points as the LSU downed the Demons 96-55. LSU will open SEC play a week from tonight against Texas A-and-M.

And the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers get one last tune-up before SEC play as LSU hosts Jacksonville at 7 PM.

If you plan to ring in the new year with fireworks, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind us all that safety comes first. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the safest route is to attend a public display where professionals are handling the pyrotechnics. But if you’re going to be purchasing fireworks yourself…

Cut 10 (12) “…set ablaze.”

The federal government is giving Louisiana the authority to issue permits and provide oversight for wells that store carbon dioxide. Officials call it a monumental step in advancing the state’s energy future. Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges says they’ve been waiting for the U-S EPA to give them this power…

Cut 12 (10)  “…or denial.”  

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The State Supreme Court has decided NOT to hear Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal to keep his one-vote victory in the run-off election. Here’s Brooke Thorington.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Four boaters were saved from a sinking 40 foot fishing boat on Lake Borgne early yesterday morning. St. Tammany Parish authorities say Marine deputies and the U-s Coast Guard were called in to help with the rescue. All four people on the boat were taken to local hospitals for treatment for exposure to the cold weather.

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will not hear Caddo Parish sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal, so there will be another run-off election between Whitehorn and John Nickelson. Political Analyst Scott Hughes…

Cut 6 (12) “…new election.”

In Ouachita Parish, a four-year-old was killed in a fatal crash involving two vehicles. Trooper Ryan Davis says Bentley Whittlesey was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla that slammed into a Ford pickup truck on Highway 546 Thursday afternoon.

Cut 3 (12) “…serious injuries.”

If you plan to start the New Year with a bang, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you of some simple tips regarding fireworks safety. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says to make sure there are no fireworks restrictions in your parish.

Cut 9 (09) “…our state.” 
Rodrigue says the best way to enjoy fireworks safely is to attend a public display where professionals are handling the pyrotechnics.

Louisiana is having one of the worst flu seasons of any state. Friday afternoon, the Louisiana Health Department released its latest weekly flu report. It shows about 14% of people who sought emergency medical caring In Louisiana during the week ending December 23^rd, did so because of flu like illness. Experts say the best way to protect yourself is still making sure you wash your hands regularly.

The LSU Tigers are in Tampa, getting ready to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Reliaquest Bowl on January 1st. Garrett Nussmeier will make his first collegiate start at quarterback as Jayden Daniels has opted out. Daniels is the only Tiger who has opted out of the bowl game. Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo says the team is determined to finish the season with ten wins…

Cut 18 (10)  “…for the program.” 
Hunger in Louisiana is on the rise and has been for a couple of years. That’s according to a recent USDA study. Hunger Free America CEO, Joel Berg says the number of children without enough food surged to 20 percent in Louisiana compared to 16 percent nationwide between 2020 and October 2022.

Cut 14 (12) “…state schools.” 

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2023 was a good year for Louisiana Economic Development. Secretary Don Pierson says more than $25 billion of new investments was announced in the Bayou State this year and that’s not all. Louisiana’s growth in domestic product in the third quarter of 2023 exceeded the national average.

Cut 8 (11) “…domestic products.” 
Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport is using next-gen technology for hip replacements. Here’s Teiko Foxx.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Things just keep getting better for Louisiana Economic Development. Secretary Don Pierson says he’s extremely proud of the work LED has done under Governor John Bel Edwards’ administration. In the last three years, Pierson says there’s been record investment in the state…

Cut 9 (08)  “…of Louisiana.”
Since 2016, Pierson says Louisiana has had $100 billion-plus in new capital investment and can claim the lowest recorded unemployment in the state’s history.

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

Cut 10 (13) “…patient tissue.”

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Hunger Free America says Louisiana has one of the highest rates of hunger in the nation. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”
Dry air and near freezing temperatures are expected for much of Louisiana as the week progresses. Experts say a cold front expected today will mean Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport should be prepared for freezing temperatures in the next few days.

A recent study by USDA shows hunger in Louisiana is surging due to cuts in federal aid. Hunger Free America CEO, Joel Berg says it’s ironic that a state known for its culinary cuisine leads the nation in hunger. He says hunger is a political issue Louisiana leaders need to address.

Cut 15 (13) “… then America.”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed retired Caddo Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock to be Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, saying he’s the right person at the right time to help Louisiana’s children.

Cut 5 (12) “…conservative.”

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As the year draws to a close Louisiana Economic Development says it’s been one for the record books. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
The LSU Tigers are in Tampa right, getting ready to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Reliaquest Bowl on January 1st. Garrett Nussmeier will make his first collegiate start at quarterback as Jayden Daniels has opted out though he is the only LSU player to do so. Kick off is set for 11 am,

2023 has been a banner year for Louisiana Economic Development. Secretary Don Pierson says more than $25 billion of new investments was announced in the Bayou State this year…

Cut 7 (09) “…rising wages.”

A recent study by USDA shows hunger in the Bayou State is surging due to federal aid cuts of the expanded child tax credit and free school meals. More than 727 thousand Louisianans struggle with hunger. Hunger Free America CEO, Joel Berg says the participation rates of federally funded programs like SNAP and WIC have also decreased.

Cut 13 (13) “…getting it.”
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Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed retired Caddo Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock to be Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Landry says the 68-year-old Shreveport native is the right person to help children in the state.

Cut 4 (10) “…successful lives.”

The LSU Tigers are in Tampa, getting ready to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Reliaquest Bowl on January 1st. Garrett Nussmeier will make his first collegiate start at quarterback as Jayden Daniels has opted out. Offensive tackle Emery Jones says they expect Nussmeier to hang in the pocket a little longer than Daniels…

Cut 17 (14) “…handle it.” 

New Orleans is already filling up with college football fans as Texas is set to take on Washington in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Sugar Bowl. Next year the college football playoff will expand to 12 teams and for the first two years, the Sugar Bowl will be a quarterfinal game. But Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says they’re working hard to land a final four match-up or national title game…

Cut  14 (14) “…we’re at.” 
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has a few tips for cleaning up after Christmas. LDEQ spokesperson Greg Langley reminding us to recycle all that paper and cardboard…and don’t forget to visit the the Rechargable Battery Recycling Corporation’s website so you can drop off your batteries tool.

Cut 10 (11) “…the environment.”

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Have you started year end tax planning? Getting organized now can help you make the most of tax benefits and minimize tax liability. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Good news for Shreveport as Multipack Services is investing 10.4 million dollars into a new bringing a new production facility there. Louisiana Economic Development officials estimate the project will add 228 new indirect jobs for a total of 69 potential new jobs in Northwest Louisiana.

If you’re spending the day cleaning up after opening presents, Brooke Thorington has a few tips from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 
Instead of dumping your real Christmas tree at a landfill, you can take them to one of several BREC park to be recycled. BREC is hosting Christmas tree recycling event begins today. You can drop off your live tree but they cannot be flocked trees, they must be free of all stands and decorations, and be sure to drop them in the area designated by signs.

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Tax Day is months away, but it’s never to0 early to start preparing. \If you made money in the stock market this year, experts say you might consider trimming your portfolio before the end of the year to save on taxes. Gina Rachel is a partner with EAG Gulf Coast CPA firm in Metairie and says individuals can help themselves and deserving charities at the same time.

Cut 4 (12) “…that donation.”

A leading beverage manufacturing, packaging, and distribution company is investing $10.4 million in a new production facility in Caddo Parish. Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development Don Pierson says Multipack Services chose Shreveport for its location.

Cut 7 (09) “…of products” 

Tax Day may be months away, but there are ways you can prepare before then to cut your tax bill. Gina Rachel is a partner with EAG Gulf Coast CPA firm in Metairie. She recommends business owners pay bills now so they can take those deductions for this year.

Cut 3 (12) “…that liability.”
If you’re spending the day cleaning up after opening presents, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has a few tips. LDEQ spokesperson Greg Langley reminds you to recycle packing materials like cardboard. But when it comes to foam peanuts…

Cut 9 (08) “…recycling agency.” 

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A leading beverage manufacturing, packaging, and distribution company is investing $10.4 million in a new production facility in Caddo Parish. Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development Don Pierson says Multipack Services has chosen Shreveport for their newest facility.

Cut 6 (10) “…beyond that.”

As this week rolls on, New Orleans will begin to fill up with college football fans as Texas is set to take on Washington in a College Football Playoff semifinal game. The matchup is this year’s Sugar Bowl contest and Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says there’s a lot of excitement surrounding this game…

Cut 12 (10)  “…great football game.”