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.”

Next year, the legislature will take another stab at reining in soaring auto insurance premiums. Pollack Representative Gabe Firment, the chairman of the House Insurance Committee, says two things that are NOT factors in our large auto insurance premiums are natural disasters and the conditions of our roads.

Cut 13 (08)  “…not the case.”

Firment points out that Louisiana litigates bodily injury claims at a much higher rate than the national average. Ben Riggs, the executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, says limiting drivers’ ability to sue is not the answer. He says a bigger factor is auto insurance companies basing their premiums on credit scores, which he says have nothing to do with whether someone is a good driver or not.

Cut 16 (13) “…premiums in Louisiana.”

Lawmakers either returning to Capitol Hill for the 119th Congress or going there for the first time are honing their agendas for the session that starts a week from tomorrow. That includes Senator John Kennedy, who says one of his priorities is energy independence, saying he thinks Congress will move quickly on policies so that America won’t have to rely on other countries for energy.

Cut 7 (05) “…with our friends.”

Kennedy says he also wants to secure the southern border and to renew the tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are set to expire.

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.”

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.”

There’s a slight risk for severe weather today for most of north, central and southwest Louisiana. There’s another slight risk for strong storms on Saturday for most of the state. The Mega Millions jackpot on Friday night is an estimated one-point-15 billion dollars. It would be the fifth largest jackpot in the game’s history.

New THC regulations go into effect on January first. Starting in 2025, the age to purchase hemp-THC products will go up from 18 to 21 and THC products will also no longer be sold in gas stations. Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Ernest Legier says the state will also crack down on selling THC-laced gummies in packages that resemble those of popular candies…

Cut 11 (09) “…rather than ambiguity”

Also, THC-laced beverages will only be allowed to be sold in no more than four-packs.

Expect Louisiana lawmakers to look at passing legislation next year to lower auto insurance rates. But executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, Ben Riggs, says combating the rising cost to fix vehicles, makes it difficult for legislators to come up with a solution….

Cut 15 (13) “….more to replace”

It remains to be seen if there will be a special session devoted to insurance reform for auto and homeowners.

Strong storms are possible this afternoon for a large portion of Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has a preview of what we can expect…

Cut 28 (13) “…one and two inches”

There’s another good chance for rain on Saturday too.

There’s a good chance Louisiana legislators will pass legislation next year that will seek to reduce auto insurance rates, which are among the highest in the country. Republican Pollock Representative Gabe Firment is the chairman of the House Insurance Committee and says one of the biggest factors in our high premiums is the cost of litigation…

Cut 14 (14) “…than other states”

Firment says transparency is the key, making sure a judge or jury know the exact cost of the medical bills of the injured party.

Earlier this fall, the legislature passed a sweeping package of tax reforms. Next Wednesday, they go into effect. Kace Kieschnick (KEESH-nick) reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

U-S Senator John Kennedy says one of the top priorities of the 119^th Congress that convenes for the first time next week is renewing the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Cut 9 (10) “….did work”

Looking ahead to 2025, expect the Louisiana Legislature to take another stab at lowering auto insurance rates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Based on a CDC report, COVID and flu vaccination rates are low in Louisiana. About a third of Louisiana adults and children are vaccinated against the flu in Louisiana, when the national average is 42-percent and just ten percent of adults in Louisiana are vaccinated against COVID.

Come next Wednesday, scores of new tax laws will go into effect. The state income tax will be reduced to a flat three-percent following a 12,500-dollar standard deduction, which means everyone will see more money in their paychecks. Manish Bhatt (BOT), the senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, says while that is certainly good, it is offset by higher sales taxes.

Cut 4 (09) “…that rate down.”

New laws governing the sale of CBD and THC products will go into effect 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.”

Legier 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.

Earlier this fall, the legislature passed a sweeping package of tax reforms. Next Wednesday, they go into effect. Kace Kieschnick (KEESH-nick) reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

_____________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________

When the legislature convenes for its next regular session, one thing they’re expected to tackle is the soaring cost of auto insurance. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

Come next Wednesday, scores of new tax laws will go into effect. The state income tax will be reduced to a flat three-percent following a 12,500-dollar standard deduction, which means everyone will see more money in their paychecks. That was one of the cornerstones of the tax reform package that the legislature hammered out in its special session this fall. Manish Bhatt (BOT), the senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, says while that is certainly good, it is offset by a provision that will cost everyone more money.

Cut 4 (09) “…that rate down.”

Bhatt says one of the goals behind reducing the state income tax is to reverse the trend of the state having a net loss in population.

Cut 5 (07) “…economic growth.”

Bhatt says with these sweeping tax code changes, Louisiana is now setting the example for other states to follow.

Cut 6 (07) “…state has been.”

______________________________________________________

Lawmakers either returning to Capitol Hill for the 119th Congress or going there for the first time are honing their agendas for the session that starts a week from tomorrow. That includes Senator John Kennedy, who says one of his priorities is energy independence, saying he thinks Congress will move quickly on policies so that America won’t have to rely on other countries for energy.

Cut 7 (05) “…with our friends.”

Another of Kennedy’s priorities is securing the southern border, restoring policies set forth by former and future President Donald Trump.

Cut 8 (14) “…where they are.”

Kennedy says he will also work to renew the tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are set to expire. He says if they are not renewed, that would amount to a four-trillion-dollar tax increase.

Cut 9 (10)  “…that did work.”

Kennedy says he wants to strengthen the military to rein in people like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

______________________________________________________

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.”

Legier 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.”

Legier says where you’ll be able to buy CBD or THC products will also change come next Wednesday.

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.

______________________________________________________

One thing that the legislature is expected to tackle in its next regular session is reining in soaring auto insurance premiums. Pollack Representative Gabe Firment (FUR-mint), the chairman of the House Insurance Committee, says two things that are NOT factors in our large auto insurance premiums are natural disasters and the conditions of our roads.

Cut 13 (08)  “…not the case.”

Firment says one of the biggest factors in our high premiums is the cost of litigation.

Cut 14 (14) “…than other states.”

Firment says while the rate of uninsured drivers is not an outlier relative to the national rate, many drivers are underinsured – they do not have enough liability insurance to cover the repairs of vehicles that an at-fault driver damages. He says upping the minimum insurance requirement is a lot easier said than done, since that in itself would drive up those huge premiums even more. Ben Riggs, the executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, agrees with the underinsurance notion, pointing out that vehicles are getting more expensive – and so are the costs to repair them.

Cut 15 (13) “…more to replace.”

Riggs, however, says reining in the ability for drivers to be able to sue will only hurt the victims and benefit the auto insurance companies. He says a bigger factor is auto insurance companies basing their premiums on credit scores, which he says have nothing to do with whether someone is a good driver or not.

Cut 16 (13) “…premiums in Louisiana.”

Riggs says he would also like to see more transparency from insurance companies in how they determine a driver’s premium.

______________________________________________________

The LSU football team will take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl Saturday. The Tiger team that takes the field may look a little different from the one fans have seen all season as players have transferred and opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. Running back Josh Williams says the players who stayed are excited for their opportunity…

Cut 17 (17)  “…to do that.” 

Baylor is led by former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, and the 8-and-4 Bears have one their last six games. LSU may have had higher hopes than the Texas Bowl this season, but Tigers Linebacker Whit Weeks says it doesn’t matter who they line up against…

Cut 18 (12)   “…a hundred percent.”

Despite missing key players entering their final game, Weeks says the Tigers are preparing as hard as ever. He says this week is not just the end of the 2024 season but the start of 2025….

Cut 19 (12) “…play LSU football.”

______________________________________________________

After Monday night’s debacle, the Saints have nowhere to go but up. The Saints play their final home game of the season Sunday against the Raiders. Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi says while it’s unclear at this point whether Alvin Kamara will play, the star running back is trying his best to do so.

Cut 20 (15) “…get himself back.”

Rizzi says Derek Carr is making progress from a broken non-throwing hand and a concussion, and his status for Sunday will be clearer later in the week.