Come January 1st, whenever you buy seafood at the store or order seafood at your favorite restaurant, you will know whether it comes from Louisiana. A new law goes into effect that day requiring restaurants and distributors to clearly disclose where the seafood was caught.

Cut 7 (07) “…type of product.”

That’s Marrero Senator Patrick Connick, who authored the law. Connick says the new law also increases the fines and penalties for businesses that do not clearly mark the seafood’s orgin on the packaging or menu.

An 11-year-old boy is killed in a house fire in Richland Parish. Firefighters were called out to the burning home in Rayville Christmas morning. Two people made it out, but the 11-year-old boy didn’t. Assistant Fire Chief Rusty Edwards of the State Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire started in the boy’s bedroom.

Cut 10 (09) “…easily catch fire.”

A hunter is recovering after he was shot by another hunter. It happened in East Baton Rouge Parish in Zachary. Lieutenant Jared Riddle with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the hunter saw rustling in the bushes and thought it was a deer and shot.  Once he realized it was a person, he went to help.

Cut 14 (05) “…going from there.”

The injured hunter was shot in the arm and airlifted to a Baton Rouge hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening. LDWF cited the shooter for hunting deer without possessing deer tags and for not wearing hunter’s orange. The hunter shot was also not wearing hunter’s orange.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser heads to Pasadena, California, today where once again the state will have a Louisiana themed float in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. Nungesser says having a float in this parade gets up to 40-million dollars in media coverage….

Cut 6 (11) “…going on in Louisiana”

Nungesser says the float’s theme is Louisiana Saturday Night and it will give parade viewers an idea of what a Saturday night in Louisiana is like.

Louisiana will be featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, to promote Louisiana tourism with “Louisiana Saturday Night.” Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Come next Wednesday, you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt whether the seafood you’re buying was caught off the coast of Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A young boy is killed in a Christmas morning house fire in Richland Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For the fourth year in a row, Louisiana will be featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. This year’s parade theme is “Best Day Ever,” and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says they decided to highlight “Louisiana Saturday Night” to give the nation an idea of what Louisiana has to offer.

Cut 4 (09) “…across Louisiana.”

Nungesser says over 100 Louisianians made the journey to Pasadena to help decorate the float.

Cut 5 (09) “…with all volunteers.”

Nungesser says it reaches billions of views and the return on investment is up to 40-million-dollars in media coverage every year, and is a great way to promote Louisiana tourism.

Cut 6 (11) “…going on in Louisiana.”

The Parade of Roses is on January 1^st, at 10 a.m. on ABC and NBC

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Come January 1st, whenever you buy seafood at the store or order seafood at your favorite restaurant, you will know whether or not it comes from Louisiana. A new law goes into effect that day requiring restaurants and distributors to clearly disclose whether the seafood was caught off the shores of Louisiana.

Cut 7 (07) “…type of product.”

The bill’s author, Marrero State Senator Patrick Connick, says the new law will not dictate what brand names the companies go by.

Cut 8 (07) “…product of China.”

Connick says there will be substantial penalties for restaurants and distributors who deceive customers starting next Wednesday.

Cut 9 (13)  “…50-thousand dollars.”

The new law comes after testing done on the shrimp at this year’s Morgan City Shrimp and Petroleum Festival found that 80-percent of vendors were selling imported shrimp instead of shrimp caught off the Louisiana coast.

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An 11-year-old boy is killed in a house fire in Richland Parish. Firefighters were called out to the burning home in Rayville Christmas morning. Two people made it out, but the 11-year-old boy didn’t. Assistant Fire Chief Rusty Edwards says the fire started in the boy’s bedroom.

Cut 10 (09) “…easily catch fire.”

Edwards says the home did not have working smoke detectors, and that made the difference between life and death.

Cut 11 (08) “…in the home.”

Edwards says for anyone who doesn’t have working smoke alarms in his or her home, there is assistance available.

Cut 12 (09) “…and First Alert.”

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A hunter near Baton Rouge is recovering after being accidentally shot by another hunter. Agent Jared Riddle with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the hunters were hunting at the same time on a small piece of property in Zachary that both had permission to be on, but they were unaware of each other’s presence.

Cut 13 (10)  “…hunter’s orange on.”

Riddle says the hunter saw rustling in the bushes and thought it was a deer and shot.  Once he realized it was a person, he went to help.

Cut 14 (05) “…going from there.”

The injured hunter was shot in the arm and was airlifted to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening. LDWF cited the shooter for hunting deer without possessing deer tags and for not wearing hunter’s orange.  Riddle says wearing hunter’s orange could have prevented this incident from happening.

Cut 15 (08) “…all kinds of reasons.”

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The Saints have been eliminated from playoff contention and still have two more regular-season games left. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says the players have not checked out and want to add to their win total…

Cut 16 (14) “…this Sunday.”

This Sunday is the Saints’ final home game of the year as they host the Las Vegas Raiders. Rizzi says it would be great if they could give Who Dat Nation something to cheer about…

Cut 17 (17)  “…in sync.” 

Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Erik McCoy and Lucas Patrick did not practice on Thursday and Rizzi says McCoy is likely done for the season with an elbow injury. Receiver Chris Olave was a full participant, looking to return after suffering multiple concussions. Rizzi says they have not determined if he’ll play Sunday…

Cut 18 (13)   “…with that.”

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 more red tape placed on business and industry will also cost more money to enforce.

Thanks to a new initiative, Louisiana State Parks and cultural sites will become more accessible to foster families. State Parks Director Brandon Burris says eligible families will receive a DCRT Foster Caregiver annual day-use pass, granting free entry to Louisiana’s 21 state parks, 14 historic sites, and nine museums for the pass-holder and their guests.

Cut 9 (07)  “…Louisiana has to offer,”

Lowe’s Home Improvement donates 34-thousand, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms to the State Fire Marshal’s Operation Save-A-Life program. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Scary moments for a New Orleans tour group as its tour bus catches fire in the city’s Treme neighborhood. Two Canadian tourists say they were about 20 minutes into the tour when smoke started coming in from above the driver. The driver let everyone out at the I-10 underpass, just before the bus became engulfed in flames. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

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.”

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.

As it gets set to begin year number two, the Landry administration will focus on 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. He says contrary to popular belief, the legislature does not get to approve contracts; it only gets to review them. 

Cut 7 (08) “…to fund them.”

Lowe’s Home Improvement donates 34-thousand, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms to the State Fire Marshal’s Operation Save-A-Life program. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Thanks to a new initiative, Louisiana State Parks and cultural sites will become more accessible to foster families. Eligible families will receive a DCRT Foster Caregiver annual day-use pass, granting free entry to Louisiana’s 21 state parks, 14 historic sites, and nine museums for the pass-holder and his or her guests.

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 more red tape placed on business and industry will also cost more money to enforce.

Lowe’s Home Improvement donates more than 34-thousand 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms to the State Fire Marshal’s Operation Save-A-Life program. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams praised the partnership, emphasizing the life-saving impact of smoke alarms.

Cut 4 (05) “…several people’s lives.”

At more than 1-million-dollars, that makes it the largest donation in its history. It was initiated by a Lowe’s store in Slidell.

New laws governing the sale of CBD and THC products will be going into effect next Wednesday, when the calendar flips to 2025. For starters, the minimum age to purchase these products goes from 18 to 21, with no grandfather clause for those who are between those ages. Ernest Legier (le-ZHAY), the commissioner of Louisiana alcohol and tobacco control, says the state will also be cracking down on companies selling THC-laced gummies in packages that resemble those of popular candies, so that they are not marketed to children.

Cut 11 (09) “…rather than ambiguity.”

CBD or THC products will also no longer be available at gas stations, except for truck stops.

Lawmakers are honing their agendas in advance of the 119th Congress that gets underway a week from tomorrow. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office says a fire on Christmas Day has resulted in the death of an 11-year-old child. Investigators say an electrical heater may have been the cause of the blaze. The sheriff’s office is asking the public to pray for the family.

When the calendar flips to 2025 next week, new laws governing the sale of CBD and THC products will go into effect. Ernest Legier (le-ZHAY), the commissioner of Louisiana alcohol and tobacco control, says one of those changes has to do with where you can buy those products.

Cut 12 (13) “…to June 2024.”

Also, THC-laced beverages will only be allowed to be sold in no more than four-packs, and each 12-ounce beverage will be limited to five milligrams of THC.

The State Fire Marshal says Lowe’s Home Improvement has donated over 34-thousand, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms to their Operation Save-A-Life program. State Fire Marshall Bryan Adams says since 2012, over 120-thousand alarms have been installed through the program.

Cut 3 (09) “…working smoke alarm.”

The donation by Lowe’s, valued at more than one-million dollars, is the largest in the Save-A-Life Program’s 12-year history.

Scores of new tax laws go into effect next Wednesday. The state income tax will be reduced to a flat three-percent following a 12,500-dollar standard deduction. Manish Bhatt (BOT), the senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, says a major goal is to reverse the trend of the state having a net loss in population.

Cut 5 (07) “…economic growth.”

The legislature will once again try to rein in soaring auto insurance premiums in their next regular session. Pollack Representative Gabe Firment, the chairman of the House Insurance Committee, says one of the biggest factors is the cost of litigation.

Cut 14 (14) “…than other states.”

Real Reform Louisiana says limiting drivers’ ability to sue will only benefit the insurance companies and will hurt victims.

New laws governing the sale of CBD and THC products will be going into effect next Wednesday, when the calendar flips to 2025. Ernest Legier (le-ZHAY), the commissioner of Louisiana alcohol and tobacco control, says starting January 1st, the minimum age to purchase these products goes from 18 to 21, with no grandfather clause for those who are between those ages.

Cut 10 (12) “…doing with alcohol.”

A week from tomorrow, we say goodbye to the 118th Congress and inaugurate the 119th Congress. Senator John Kennedy says one of his priorities in the new session is securing the southern border, restoring policies set forth by former and future President Donald Trump.

Cut 8 (14) “…where they are.”