Louisiana saw a population increase for 2024 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Jeff Landry’s first year in office was eventful with major legislation getting approved. Jeanne Burns looks back….

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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New voting machines will soon be coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Looking for something to do New Year’s Day? The climate here in Louisiana is a little too warm for the Polar Bear Plunge, so why not take a hike? Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says all state parks are taking part in conjunction with America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes, which started in Massachusetts in 1992.

Cut 4 (05) “…has to offer.”

Burris says it’s a way for the state to introduce its state parks to those either new to the state or to those who don’t regularly use them.

Cut 5 (09) “…marshes and byways.” 

Burris says many hikes are led by rangers.

Cut 6 (11) “…great animals here.”

For more information, visit the Louisiana State Parks First Day Hikes webpage.

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Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The state’s estimated population on July first was over 4.59-million up nearly 10-thousand from 2023. Demographer Greg Rigamer says this a small increase after three straight years of decline.

Cut 7 (13) “…lot of pepeople.”

Population losses have been widespread, particularly in central and northeast Louisiana. Caddo and Plaquemines parishes have also seen declines, but Rigamer says southeastern parishes like East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston are growing.

Cut 8 (08) “…significant factors.”

Governor Landry says his tax reform package will help end migration out of the state and bring more people to Louisiana. Rigamer says we’ll have to wait and see if that happens

Cut 9 (09)  “…within our region.” 

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It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry got lawmakers to pass legislation that seeks to reduce crime, he also got lawmakers on board with a school choice bill, and he capped off 2024 by getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code…

Cut 10 (13) “…health care.”

Landry says the tax reform legislation will lower everyone’s income taxes on January 1^st, but it will also increase the state sales tax to five percent. He says the tax reform plan will also eliminate the corporate franchise tax and help lure new businesses to the state, while also helping the ones currently here…

Cut 11 (09) “…for us.”

Part of the tax reform plan still needs voter approval and a Constitutional Amendment revising Article Seven of the state constitution will go before voters in March. Landry says there’s a lot packed into that amendment, including a permanent increase to teacher salaries…

Cut 12 (15) “…our businesses.”

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New voting machines will soon be coming in Louisiana. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says while the new model has not yet been selected, one thing that’s for certain is that in accordance with a new state law, there will be a paper component.

Cut 13 (11)  “…a locked box.”

Landry says having the paper ballot will allow the state to easily verify the machine vote tally.

Cut 14 (11) “…recount is necessary.”

Landry says the state has not yet issued a request for proposals and there’s a lengthy approval process. Therefore, it will be a few years before voters will start casting their ballots on the new machines.

Cut 15 (08) “…testing it out.”

Landry says the current machines are 30 years old and as such, there are no replacement parts available for them.

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It was a great season for U-L Lafayette football, but the Cajuns had a couple of ugly postseason games. U-L Lafayette followed up a blowout loss in the Sun Belt Championship game with another blowout loss on Saturday. T-C-U trounced the Cajuns 34 to 3 in the New Mexico Bowl. Coach Michael Desormeaux’s team was playing without several starters who left the program for the transfer portal…

Cut 16 (20) “…going to compete.”

Desormeaux also feels good about the future and is eager to develop the chemistry needed for another winning season in 2025….

Cut 17 (17)  “…going to do.” 

The Cajuns finished 2024, 10-and-4.

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The Saints wanted to give their fans something to cheer about, but other than a nice trick play that resulted in a touchdown, there was not much to cheer about Sunday in a 25 to 10 loss to the Raiders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says the third down stat tells the story, the Saints only converted once on third down, while Las Vegas was 10-of-18 on third down…

Cut 18 (12)   “…like turnovers.”

Rookie Spencer Rattler got the start and looked sharp in the first half, but New Orleans could do nothing in the second half. Rattler finished 20 of 36 for 219 yards. He threw one touchdown pass, but he was intercepted twice and sacked three times…

Cut 19 (17) “…in the second half.”

The Saints are now 5-and-11 and wrap up the regular season on Sunday at Tampa Bay.

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The LSU Tigers will play Baylor tomorrow in the Texas Bowl to close out the 2024 season. The Bayou Bengals received good news for the 2025 season as star linebacker Harold Perkins announced he’s returning for his senior season. Perkins played only four games in 2024 because of a season-ending knee injury. Coach Brian Kelly is happy Perkins is coming back

Cut 20 (20) “…to write.”

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.”

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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.”

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No matter where in the state you’re at, 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.” 

Keim says while there’s potential for severe weather everywhere across the state, some parts of the state will be at higher risk of severe storms than others.

Cut 4 (13) “…else in Louisiana.”

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.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at her first year in office and looks ahead to year two. Murrill says one of her biggest accomplishments is addressing crime in New Orleans through the creation of Troop NOLA within the State Police, saying it’s a force multiplier.

Cut 6 (10) “…have a need.”

As for her priorities in year two, Murrill said 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.

Cut 8 (16) “…the long-term.”

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The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to 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,”

Chopin says there has never been a Mega Millions jackpot winner in Louisiana; but since the last time the jackpot was won, three players in Louisiana have won over one-million dollars.

Cut 10 (13) “…winning jackpot roll.”

Chopin says check your numbers as soon as possible; because if someone does win big, the clock starts ticking for that person to claim his or her winnings.

Cut 11 (13) “…claim their winnings.”

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

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A 13-year-old boy is hit and killed while riding a bicycle on a dark country roadway in Tangipahoa Parish. State Police say Benjamin Mixon of Kentwood was riding with another juvenile on State Highway 1061 at around 6:30 yesterday evening when an SUV hit them from behind. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-on) says with a speed limit of 55 miles an hour and no shoulder, there was no way the driver could have seen the two boys until it was too late.

Cut 12 (03) “…at a hillcrest.”

Gremillion says Benjamin and the other rider did not help matters with the clothing they were wearing.

Cut 13 (05)  “…on the roadway.”

Also, Gremillion says neither bike had any lights on it. Troopers took a toxicology sample from the driver, as per standard procedure.

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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. Linebacker Zach Zimos says they will be challenged by Army

Cut 15 (12) “…how to play.”

Tech is missing several key players from its defense, because they entered the transfer portal.

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The Ragin Cajuns will face TCU in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on Saturday at 1:15 central time. U-L Lafayette is in a bowl game for a seventh straight year and they are 10-and-3 on the season, while the Horned Frogs are 8-and-4. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says the team that makes the fewest mistakes will win….

Cut 16 (12) “…going to win.”

It’s the first ever meeting between the two schools on the football field.

Thirty-four-thousand, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms valued at more than 1-million dollars was donated by Lowe’s Home Improvement to the State Fire Marshal’s Operation Save-A-Life program.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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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.”

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The State Fire Marshal (SFM) says Lowe’s Home Improvement has donated over 34-thousans 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms to their Operation Save-A-Life program.  Valued at more than 1-million-dollars makes it the largest donation in its history.  State Fire Marshall Bryan Adams says since 2012, over 120,000 alarms have been installed through the program.

Cut 3 (09) “…working smoke alarm.” 

Lowe’s Slidell store initiated the donation, which STFPD #1 and SFM collaboratively accepted. Adams praised the partnership, emphasizing the life-saving impact of smoke alarms.

Cut 4 (05) “…several people’s lives.”

Slidell Store Manager John LeMaster expressed gratitude and commitment to community safety.

Cut 5 (14) “…really good day.”

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One of the goals of the Landry administration in year two is making state government run more efficiently. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, says one way to accomplish that is by reining in government contracts.

Cut 6 (08) “…our government’s budget.”

McFarland says contrary to popular belief, the legislature goes not get to approve contracts; it only gets to review them. 

Cut 7 (08) “…to fund them.”

McFarland says another thing to look at is licensing and permits, saying more red tape placed on business and industry will cost more money to enforce.

Cut 8 (11) “…more hurdles.”

McFarland 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, just at the state level.

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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,”

Burris says this was the brain child of Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.  He emphasized the program’s goal of helping foster families create lasting memories while exploring Louisiana’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Cut 10 (11) “…we have.”

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 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.

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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.”

Jacquemin says showers and storms may produce intense rainfall over short durations, potentially causing localized flash flooding…

Cut 13 (12)  “…tomorrow.”

There’s the possibility for another round of severe weather on Saturday.

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

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

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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. Senator Kennedy said good riddance to them.

Cut 3 (17) “…earn their pensions.” 

Kennedy said Social Security is not free and belongs to the people who paid into it.

Cut 4 (09) “…who earned it”

Kennedy said the act, once signed into law, will benefit everyone who has paid into the system.

Cut 5 (13) “…Social Security Act.”

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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 6 (12) “…altercation ensued.”

Gremillion says during the physical altercation, the deputy fired his weapon, striking Douglas…

Cut 7 (11) “…shooting incident .”

Gremillion says the investigation remains active…

Cut 8 (09) “…working with us.”

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Unseasonably warm and wet weather is expected for the Christmas week, with highs in the mid-70s and rain likely through Saturday. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring increased chances of showers and thunderstorms,

Cut 9 (09)  “…west of Shreveport,”

Keim says a cold front will come through Christmas Day and temperatures may reach 73 degrees.

Cut 10 (07) “…not very cold.”

Keim says we are not expecting severe weather with the rain this week…

Cut 11 (05) “…across the state.”

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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 says a years-long investigation found that the Louisiana Department of Corrections is keeping thousands of prisoners behind bars beyond their scheduled release dates.

Cut 12 (09) “…served their time.”

Wright is pinning the blame on the state not using modern technology to keep track of when prisoners are scheduled to be released.

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.” The statement goes on to say that the problem stems from the failed criminal justice reforms pushed by the Biden administration. Wright says the problems started much earlier.

Cut 14 (13) “…policies and practices.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is prohibiting its workers from promoting seasonal vaccines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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More than 25-percent of Louisiana third graders scored far below state reading targets on a fall assessment, according to recent data. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana is on a winning streak of sorts in job growth. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is prohibiting workers from promoting seasonal vaccines like flu, COVID and mpox. That includes advertising, promoting on social media, giving media interviews and holding vaccine events. Rosemary Westwood broke the story for NPR; she says part of the directive comes from state Surgeon General Ralph Abraham.

Cut 4 (11) “…including masking.”

Westwood says that is something that the Department of Health had regularly done, especially since the start of the COVID pandemic.

Cut 5 (12) “…to get them.” 

Westwood says the policy is not being put into writing, which puts department workers in an uncomfortable position.

Cut 6 (07) “…is not okay.”

In a statement, the Department of Health says it’s been re-evaluating its priorities and messaging since the end of the pandemic. It says its position now is that seasonal vaccines and other practices like wearing masks and social distancing should be individual choices. It stresses that this only applies to seasonal vaccines and not childhood immunizations.

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More families in Louisiana are going hungry. Joel Berg with Hunger Free America says a new report shows that a quarter of a million Louisianians live in households that can’t afford enough food – that’s an increase of 10-percent since the summer of 2021.

Cut 7 (09) “…terms of hunger.”

Berg says one thing that has proven to work is taking advantage of federal food programs.

Cut 8 (14) “…really did help.”

In fact, 75-percent of recipients of that credit said they had enough money to buy more fruits and vegetables. Berg said another thing that would help would be making all school meals free, saying that the money that’s spent to determine which kids got free meals and which one get reduced-cost meals could actually go to feeding all kids.

Cut 9 (11)  “…all its kids.”

Berg says it’s no surprise that Louisiana has one of the highest hunger rates, since it already has one of the highest poverty rates.

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More than 1 in 4 Louisiana third graders scored far below state reading targets on a fall assessment. According to recent data, about 27% scored “well below” and 19% scored below expectations, meaning nearly half failed to meet literacy benchmarks. Under a new law, schools must create reading improvement plans within 30 days for students scoring “well below,” with targeted interventions such as tutoring or summer programs. Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson (CHASS-on) says there has been many literacy improvements in the state.

Cut 10 (13) “…teachers and leaders”

Chaisson says implementing required science of reading training for teachers and the state wide literacy screener.

Cut 11 (14) “…how to read.”

Chaisson says these screeners gives them valuable information for where students are in their reading comprehension.

Cut 12 (13) “…literacy skills…”

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Some encouraging job numbers for Louisiana from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It says added four-thousand non-farm jobs last month and more than 20-thousand non-farm jobs in the last year. The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate ticked up two-tenths of a point to 4.3-percent, but Emily DiPalma with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says that’s nothing to be concerned about.

Cut 13 (08)  “…consider full employment.”

DiPalma says a few sectors led the way in job growth.

Cut 14 (09) “…over the year.”

As for which metropolitan areas led the way in the number of new jobs created, DiPalma says the state’s two biggest ones topped the list.

Cut 15 (16) “…over the year (3x).”

DiPalma says this marks 44 months in a row that monthly jobs experienced year-over-year growth.

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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 37-hundred yards and 26 touchdowns this season and led the Tigers to eight victories. Nussmeier had the option to enter his name in the NFL draft, but the Lake Charles native says there’s still more to do at LSU…

Cut 16 (16) “…wasn’t finished.”

If Nussmeier entered the NFL draft, he would have likely been a second-day selection. Nuss is hoping to improve on what he did in 2024, so that he can be a first round pick in the 2026 NFL draft…

Cut 17 (18)  “…than I am now.” 

Nussmeier will have a new group of pass catchers next season as Kyren Lacy, CJ Daniels and Mason Taylor are moving on to the NFL or in Daniels case, the Miami Hurricanes.But the Tigers have restocked thanks to the transfer portal and have brought in some talented pass catchers in Bauer Sharp, Barion Brown and Nic Anderson.

Cut 18 (16)   “…that room.”

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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.”

With the possibility of starting quarterback Derek Carr missing the rest of the season, there’s a chance Rattler will start the final three games of the season, giving New Orleans a chance to see what they have in Rattler. The rookie is not putting extra pressure on himself…

Cut 20 (12) “…to.”

A record 119 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the year-end holidays. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Civil rights groups are urging school districts across the state not to post the Ten Commandments starting January 1st. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education’s upcoming Teacher Exit Data Report says fewer Louisiana teachers are leaving the profession.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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AAA expects a record number 119-million travelers over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. That’s 3 million more travelers than last year. Don Redman with Triple-A says with Christmas falling on a Wednesday, peak travel is expected the weekends before and after the holiday.

Cut 4 (11) “…set in 2019.”

Nearly 90-percent of travelers will drive, drawn by the flexibility and affordability of road trips. Though gas prices are lower than last year, the total falls slightly short of 2019’s record. Redman says over 7-million passengers will fly, despite ticket prices being 4-percent higher domestically and 13-percent internationally. So, get there early.

Cut 5 (06) “…long security lines.” 

Redman says if you’re planning on leaving Sunday, you’ll be in good company.

Cut 6 (07) “…the better.”

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Civil rights organizations are urging school districts not to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting January 1st as required by a new state law. Alanah Odoms, the executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, says Judge John DeGravelles (de-GRAVEL) was very clear in his ruling that the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools is unconstitutional.

Cut 7 (15) “…going to go.”

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, however, ruled that DeGravelles’ injunction only applies to the five districts named in the lawsuit. The state has said it would defend any school district which gets sued over displaying the Ten Commandments. Odoms says the state is wasting taxpayer money in doing so.

Cut 8 (15) “…that it’s unconstitutional.”

Odoms is urging the state to follow its own advice until the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals hears oral arguments on January 23rd.

Cut 9 (13)  “…the school districts.”

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Fewer Louisiana teachers are leaving the profession. The Louisiana Department of Education’s upcoming Teacher Exit Data Report shows a two-percent drop in the number of teachers exiting their positions, with 13-percent leaving in 2023-2024 compared to 15-percent the previous year. LDOE Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson (CHASS-on) says this marks the second consecutive year of decline.

Cut 10 (11) “…leaving the classroom.”

Chaisson emphasized the critical role teachers play in student success and the state’s commitment to supporting them. Initiatives include the “Let Teachers Teach” workgroup and stipends.

Cut 11 (06) “…at the state level.”

Chassion says these efforts aim to recruit and retain quality educators while addressing shortages in critical areas with differentiated compensation for different jobs.

Cut 12 (16) “…some shortages”

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Congress is now in an all-out game of Beat The Clock. If Congress does not reach a budget deal by midnight Eastern time tonight, the federal government will be shut down. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says he thought there was a bipartisan, bicameral deal – until one man who’s not even in Congress threw everything into turmoil.

Cut 13 (07)  “…vote for it.”

But Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says that’s not the complete story.

Cut 14 (09) “…to pass it.”

Carter says if there’s a shutdown, everyone from all walks of life will pay a dear price.

Cut 15 (14) “…for crop losses.”

Graves says the wrong people will be paying the price for a government shutdown.

Cut 16 (09) “…doing its job.”

Lawmakers worked well into the night last night and will work late again today, right up until midnight if necessary, to get a deal done. Graves says Congress is close to reaching one.

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Saints Coach Darren Rizzi has named rookie Spencer Rattler the starting quarterback for Monday’s game at Green Bay, but Rizzi is not closing the book on Derek Carr returning. Carr is trying to come back from a fractured non-throwing hand and reports of him missing the rest of the season are inaccurate…

Cut 17 (16)  “…on the field.” 

Rizzi sounded more pessimistic about Alvin Kamara. The star running back left last Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter with a groin injury. Rizzi says at first they thought the injury was minor, but further imaging has shown the injury is worse than originally thought…

Cut 18 (18)   “…what happens.”

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U-L Lafayette athletics director Bryan Maggard has fired Bob Marlin in the middle of his 15th season. The Cajuns made it to the NCAA Tournament in 2023, but this season they are 3-and-9. In a statement, Maggard said a change is necessary. Host of the Locked on Sun Belt Podcast, Dave Schultz, says there’s been an exodus in talent in Lafayette and they haven’t been able to replace it…

Cut 19 (19) “…those guys.”

Marlin was 269 and 198 during his time in Lafayette, but Schultz says fan interest in the program has declined…

Cut 20 (16) “…few years.”

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.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Firefighters from Caddo and Bossier parishes now have access to free annual physicals and cancer screenings through a new state law.  Willis Knighton is partnering with local fire districts and cities on the new health initiative. CEO Jaf Fielder says firefighters are 14-percent more likely to develop cancer because of their job than any other occupation.

Cut 3 (13) “…in the future.” 

This program benefits 1,500 active and retired firefighters, covering the $1,300 cost per participant through hospital donations. Fielder says the initiative aligns with a state law passed earlier this year requiring local governments to provide no-cost cancer screenings for full-time and retired firefighters, effective in 2025.

Cut 4 (07) “…our mission.”

Fielder emphasized the importance of addressing these hidden dangers firefighters face while serving their communities.

Cut 5 (12) “…our local communities.”

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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.

Cut 6 (10) “…first initial ten.”

Lieutenant Colonel 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.”

Paul says in the three decades of the program, more than 28-thousand kids have graduated, many of whom 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.

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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,”

Ard says 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.”

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.”

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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.

Cut 12 (13) “…50-percent of cases.”

Dr. Daskalakis says there’s something very unique about this case of human bird flu.

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.

Cut 14 (10) “…the United States.”

Fallout has begun elsewhere in the United States, with California issuing a state of emergency.

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A National Council on Teacher Quality report says Louisiana teachers are less diverse than its population. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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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. Lafayette PD Senior Corporal Ashley Wood says  26-year-old Marion Baker has been identified as the suspect.

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

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

Wood says following the collision, Baker fled the scene and stole a truck from a bystander who had stopped to help.

Cut 4 (11) “…by law enforcement.”

Wood says Baker is currently being held without bail in Lafayette Parish Jail.

Cut 5 (09) “…as well as theft.”

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Students in kindergarten through third grade are improving their reading scores, thanks to a new focus on phonics-based literacy instruction. Dr. Jenna Chiasson (CHASS-on), the deputy superintendent at the State Department of Education, says those students improved their reading proficiency by more than two percentage points.

Cut 6 (09) “…level in literacy.”

Dr. Chiasson says several factors are contributing to the rise in reading proficiency among those children.

Cut 7 (12) “…Science of Reading.”

Dr. Chiasson says tutoring has also helped improve reading scores, with kids getting individualized instruction. She says better reading scores at the early levels will set those kids up for success later in their education and, in effect, later in life.

Cut 8 (14) “…are indeed working.”

Last year’s kindergarten class improved their reading scores by more than 20 points as first graders.

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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 some of this is due to limited pathways and elimination of teacher prep programs.

Cut 9 (07)  “…teacher pay is inadequate,”

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 stress that representation matters, as research shows teachers of color significantly benefit student outcomes.

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

Tatum says to address this, strategies include recruiting from historically Black colleges, offering financial support to prospective teachers.

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

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Three people are dead, including two children, as a result of a head-on collision between an SUV and a pickup truck on L-A 25 in Washington Parish. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion says the adult who was killed has been identified as 42-year-old Tequilla Santee. Gremillion says the two children who died were 11 and three years old…

Cut 12 (10) “…deceased on the scene.”

The three people killed were in 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and they were from Covington. Gremillion says a Chevy Silverado heading in the opposite direction struck the Tahoe head-on. The 18-year-old driver of the Silverado was critically injured and so were two other passengers in the Tahoe.

Cut 13 (07)  “…or speed.”

Senator John Kennedy wants to give teachers who spend their own money on school supplies a bigger tax break. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Crawfish lovers are hopeful for a better crawfish season this year.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The 2024 Prep Classic saw three teams from the Acadiana area win state championships. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Senator John Kennedy introduced a bill that would double the maximum that teachers can deduct from their taxable income for spending their own money on school supplies.

Cut 4 (15) “…to 600 dollars.”

Kennedy says teachers spending their own money on school supplies is unfortunately very common.

Cut 5 (10) “…their income tax.” 

Kennedy says it’s a shame that he would have to propose such a bill in the first place.

Cut 6 (12) “…an unlimited deduction.”

Kennedy says he introduced the bill mainly to get a head start on it. He acknowledges that there isn’t enough time in the current session to take it up, and he will not advance it this year. He says he will reintroduce it when the 119th Congress convenes next month.

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Crawfish farmers are expecting the 2025 mudbug season to be night and day from this year.  The historic drought of 2023 led to a delayed season with low supplies this year, but LSU AgCenter Crawfish Agent Todd Fontenot says recent rainfall should lead to a better 2025…

Cut 7 (12) “…normal like conditions.”

Fontenot reassures crawfish enthusiasts that the upcoming season is on track to recover. He attributes this optimism to improved conditions, including recent rains and a strong crop of young crawfish emerging from their burrows in recent months.

Cut 8 (08) “…into the ponds.”

Fontenot anticipates a robust harvest for 2025, with boiling spots beginning to open, allowing people to plan their crawfish boils for March, April, and May. This promising outlook should ease concerns among crawfish lovers eager to enjoy their seasonal delicacy after the challenges of the previous year.

Cut 9 (12)  “…they will grow.”

The LSU AgCenter remains hopeful that the improved environmental conditions will support a return to normal for the crawfish industry.

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Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Health 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. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while public risk is low, the risk is there.

Cut 10 (09) “…from infected cows.”

Sokol says the symptoms of bird flu are not unlike those for human flu.

Cut 11 (13) “…headaches, fatigue.”

But Sokol cautions that in order for it to be bird flu, the person must have come into contact with an infected animal such as a bird or a cow.

Cut 12 (10) “…not bird flu.”

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Whereas Friday’s action at the Prep Classic at the Superdome featured three riveting contests, the two games Saturday were blowouts. Both got so out of hand that they went to running clocks in the second half. In the Division One Select Championship, Edna Karr out of New Orleans beat Alexandria Senior High, 53-8. ASH coach Thomas Bachman says that one loss does not take away from the team’s accomplishments all season long.

Cut 13 (09)  “…proud of them.”

Edna Karr coach Brice Brown says the win speaks to the talent that kids from New Orleans have.

Cut 14 (21) “…but great academics.”

Later, in the Division One Non-Select title game, Central, out of Baton Rouge, annihilated Ruston, 42-0, denying Ruston its second straight state title in its third straight appearance in the Prep Classic. Ruston Head Coach Jerrod Baugh took responsibility for his team’s performance.

Cut 15 (19) “…out to be.”

Central won its second state title, the first coming in 1966. Central coach David Simoneaux said his team proved a lot of people wrong.

Cut 16 (20) “…close-knit group.”

Cecilia, Sterlington, South Plaquemines, Archbishop Shaw, Catholic New Iberia and Vermilion Catholic also won state championships.

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To boost NIL efforts at LSU, head football coach Brian Kelly announced the one-million dollar match challenge. Kelly says he and his wife will match up to one million dollars in new money donated through NIL for football. Tiger Rag magazine editor  Glenn Guilbeau says it’s refreshing to see Kelly put up his own money to boost NIL efforts with the football program.

Cut 17 (14)  “…his own money.” 

Guilbeau says one thing that may have motivated Kelly to put up his own money is better job security.

Cut 18 (13)   “…from getting fired.”

The one-million dollars from the Kellys will go to the Tiger Athletic Foundation A-D’s Excellence fund.

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The Saints fell one point short of pulling off a huge come-from-behind win over the Washington Commanders, but ended up losing 20 to 19. New Orleans trailed 17-zip in the third quarter, but the offense came alive when Spencer Rattler replaced Jake Haener at quarterback. Rattler threw a touchdown pass on the final play of regulation to get within one point. Coach Darren Rizzi decided to go for the win with a two-point conversion but they could not convert…

Cut 19 (15) “…right thing.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara injured his groin and the fourth quarter and did not return. Haener started but only completed four passes and threw an interception. Rattler was 10 of 21 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Rizzi on why he made the change…

Cut 20 (17) “…first half.”

The Social Security Act is moving forward in the Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It’s a Christmas miracle…crawfish season has begun in Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Social Security Fairness Act will get a vote in the Senate, as the bill has been placed on the legislative calendar. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves, who sponsored the House bill, says Senator Chuck Schumer will be bringing it up for a vote as a standalone bill, and that’s the last hurdle before heading to President Biden’s desk.

Cut 3 (09) “…through the Senate.”

And Graves says as long as it’s brought up for a vote, getting it through the Senate is a mere formality.

Cut 4 (11) “…the president’s desk.”

Graves says while he’s been given assurance that a vote will be held before the end of the session, the exact date of the vote is still to be determined.

Cut 5 (16) “…mid next week.”

The Social Security Fairness Act would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Penalty and the Government Pension Offset, which have the effect of lowering Social Security benefits for public sector workers like teachers, police officers and firefighters. Graves says they’ve disproportionately affected Louisianians. The vote in the House was 327 to 75, with a majority of both Republicans and Democrats voting yes.

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It’s December, but crawfish season is already underway, even as holiday decorations remain. Laney King, co-founder of The Crawfish App, explains that while last year’s season was delayed three months due to a drought, it’s not unusual to see crawfish vendors operating around the holidays.

Cut 6 (08) “…early as Thanksgiving.”

King says the Crawfish App helps users find local vendors, sorted by the lowest price per pound, making it a convenient tool for seafood enthusiasts.

Cut 7 (12) “…not a huge supply.”

While the timing may seem unusual to some, King emphasizes that an early crawfish season is not out of the ordinary in Louisiana.  This year, vendors are off to a strong start, with many offering live and boiled crawfish.

Cut 8 (14) “…crawfish for Christmas.”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking deer hunters to be on the lookout for deer exhibiting signs of chronic wasting disease. This, as a deer at a captive deer farm in Jeff Davis Parish tested positive for the disease last month.

Cut 9 (10)  “…been detected there,”

Johnathan Bordelon, the deer program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says chronic wasting disease is 100-percent fatal and is highly transmissible.

Cut 10 (07) “…to other deer.”

Bordelon says deer which are infected with chronic wasting disease undergo changes in behavior.

Cut 11 (12) “…test the animals”

Therefore, Bordelon says if people encounter a deer exhibiting signs of chronic wasting disease, they should not take matters into their own hands. They should contact the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and let them handle it.

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Hank Tierney believed his coaching days ended in December 2021 after Ponchatoula’s loss in the Class 5A state final at the Superdome. Planning to retire, he instead became Shaw High School’s head coach by January. Now in his third season back at Shaw, Tierney leads the 11-2 Eagles to the E.D. White Division II state final.

Cut 12 (10) “…everyone involved.”

Under Tierney, Shaw’s program doubled its roster, claiming district titles, and producing talented athletes like RB Jasper Parker, who committed to Michigan.

Cut 13 (12)  “…good player.”

A coaching legend with 330 wins across 37 seasons, Tierney’s career spans his first Shaw tenure from1982-2001, a state title in 1987. Tierney says a second state title would mean a lot to the school and the community.

Cut 14 (13) “…that will do.”