Just in time for Christmas, flu activity is rampant across the country, especially in Louisiana. Dr. David Janese (juh-NEESE) with Ochsner LSU Health says emergency rooms throughout the state are seeing more and more people sick with the flu.

Cut 10 (07) “…illness criteria.”

Dr. Janese says nearly one-fourth of all flu tests are coming back positive.

The flu is also infecting wild birds in the form of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the birds can transmit the virus to domestic dogs and cats, and in rare cases, humans. State Wildlife Veterinarian Jonathan Roberts says if you find a sick or dead wild bird, contact LDWF and have an agent pick it up.

Cut 5 (09) “…to wash that.”

There’s a new policy that streamlines the process for data centers and other large projects to access the energy they need, and the public service commissioner who spearheaded it is clearing up some misconceptions about it. Commissioner J.P. Coussan says it’s not a rubber stamp for utility companies to charge what they want to charge in order to expedite these big projects.

Cut 15 (10) “…of this project.”

Here we go again with a huge Powerball jackpot up for grabs. The estimated jackpot for tonight’s drawing is 1.7-billion dollars. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says while no one has won the big prize since September 6th, almost 100 people across the country have come agonizingly close but still came away with huge paydays.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for two million.”

A Christmas carriage ride in downtown Lake Charles takes a tragic turn Monday night when a driver plows into the carriage. Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Keenum says people were on board at the time, and at least two people were hospitalized.

Cut 23 (09) “…wonderful holiday season.”

49-year-old Monica Guillory of Lake Charles is facing three charges.

Things that are expanding this holiday season – credit card balances from buying presents, waistlines due to overindulging in fruitcake, and the Powerball jackpot because no one can match the five white balls and the Powerball. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the estimated jackpot for tonight’s drawing is 1.7-billion dollars.

Cut 8 (11) “…Mega and Powerball.”

One thing that would put a damper on Christmas is the flu, and the virus is running rampant in Louisiana and across the country. Dr. David Janese (juh-NEESE) with Ochsner LSU Health says this is the time of year when flu activity tends to increase.

Cut 12 (08) “…home for Christmas.”

The flu is even spreading among the state’s wild bird population, in the form of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Alliance for Affordable Energy says a new policy that no longer requires utilities providing energy for large data center projects to prove the generation is the cheapest and most reliable, will cause residential customers’ utility bills to skyrocket. Public Service Commissioner J.P. Coussan who spearheaded the new policy says there are still safeguards in place to keep utility costs from spiraling out of control.

Cut 14 (08) “…the best cost.”

At this time of year Flu activity is rampant across the country and this year is no exception, especially here in Louisiana. Dr. David Janese (juh-NEESE) with Ochsner LSU Health says the number of people testing positive for the flu is staggering.

Cut 11 (05) “…only trending upward.”

The CDC says almost 50-thousand people have been hospitalized with the flu and there have been about two-thousand deaths associated.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is causing mortality in wild birds, especially in Southwest Louisiana says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. State Wildlife Veterinarian Jonathan Roberts says the virus can also occasionally transfer to mammals, including domestic cats and dogs, and in rare cases, humans. Health officials consider this strain of the virus to be a minimal threat to humans, but Roberts says if you find sick or dead wild birds, contact the LDWF to remove them safely.

Cut 5 (09) “…to wash that.”

People hitting the road for the Christmas holiday road can fill their gas tanks and have money left over for some last-minute gifts. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices are the lowest they’ve been since 2020.

Cut 6 (13) “…and a quarter.”

Redman says the holiday season is typically the time of year when gas prices are at their lowest.

Leaving animals in cars is cruel and one man is accused of taking it even further. KPLC is reporting that Oakdale Police found an 8-week-old puppy locked in the trunk of a car when they made a traffic stop earlier this month. According to the Humane Society of Louisiana, officers told them that they heard barking sounds which led them to discover the puppy that appeared malnourished. The driver, Dallas Antoine, was cited for animal cruelty. The puppy who has been named Rosie Joe is recovering and will be rehomed.

Flu activity is rampant across the country, especially here in Louisiana. Dr. David Janese (juh-NEESE) with Ochsner (Ox-ner) LSU Health says this is the time of year when flu activity tends to increase.

Cut 12 (08) “…home for Christmas.”

To prevent the flu, avoid sick people, practice good hygiene, and be especially diligent with handwashing.  If you become ill, please stay home and avoid others except to seek medical care.

With the jackpot skyrocketing, Powerball fever is gripping Louisiana. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Holiday travelers will find the lowest gas prices since 2020 says Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana and he says there are a couple of reasons…

Cut 7 (11) “…dollars a barrel.”

And he says the holiday season is typically the time of year when gas prices are at their lowest.

The Public Service Commissioner who spearheaded a new policy for large projects like data centers to access energy is defending the policy that removes the requirement for utilities powering the projects to prove that its generation is the cheapest and most reliable. The Alliance for Affordable Energy says the new policy with cause residential customers’ utility bills skyrocket, but Commissioner J.P. Coussan says…

Cut 13 (09)  “…on this deal.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is causing the death of wild birds, especially in Southwest Louisiana. State Wildlife Veterinarian Jonathan Roberts says the virus affects various species differently.

Cut 4 (09) “…disease in geese.”

As you drive to your Christmas destination, Andrew Greenstein reports you can do so without giving too much money to the gasoline companies.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot drawing is estimated to be 1.7 billion dollars because the jackpot has rolled over since no one has matched all six numbers since September 6^th. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says while no one has won the big prize, almost 100 people across the country have come close and come.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for two million.”

The LDWF is reporting a resurgence of Avian flu. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Not the avian flu, but this year’s flu among people is rampant across the country, especially here in Louisiana. Dr. David Janese (juh-NEESE) with Ochsner (Ox-ner) LSU Health says emergency rooms throughout the state are seeing more people sick with the flu.

Cut 10 (07) “…illness criteria.”

Flu activity tends to increase this is the time of year, so handwashing is especially important.

People hitting the road for the Christmas holiday road can fill their gas tanks and have money left over for some last-minute gifts. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices are the lowest they’ve been since 2020.

Cut 6 (13) “…and a quarter.”

Redman says the holiday season is typically the time of year when gas prices are at their lowest.

A gift many would like to receive is winning numbers, especially since the Powerball jackpot for tonight’s drawing is estimated to be 1.7 billion dollars. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the jackpot has been rolling over for months as no one has matched all the numbers since September 6th.

Cut 8 (11) “…Mega and Powerball.”

The LDWF is reporting a resurgence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the state’s wild bird population. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As you drive to your Christmas destination, you can do so without giving too much money to the gasoline companies. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

With the jackpot skyrocketing, Powerball fever is gripping Louisiana. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

_________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is causing mortality in wild birds, especially in Southwest Louisiana. State Wildlife Veterinarian Jonathan Roberts says the virus affects various species differently.

Cut 4 (09) “…disease in geese.”

The virus can also occasionally transfer to mammals, including domestic cats and dogs, and in rare cases, humans. Health officials consider this strain of the virus to be a minimal threat to humans, but Roberts says if you find sick or dead wild birds, contact the LDWF to remove them safely.

Cut 5 (09) “…to wash that.”

_________________________________________________

People hitting the road for the Christmas holiday road can fill their gas tanks and have money left over for some last minute gifts. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices are the lowest they’ve been since 2020.

Cut 6 (13) “…and a quarter.”

Redman says one thing keeping prices low is OPEC not adjusting production when the U.S. increased its production of refined gasoline.

Cut 7 (11) “…dollars a barrel.”

Redman says the holiday season is typically the time of year when gas prices are at their lowest.

____________________________________________

Things that are expanding this holiday season – credit card balances from buying presents, waistlines due to overindulging in fruitcake, and the Powerball jackpot because no one can match the five white balls and the Powerball. The jackpot has rolled over every drawing since September 6th, and Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the estimated jackpot for tonight’s drawing is 1.7-billion dollars.

Cut 8 (11) “…Mega and Powerball.”

While no one has won the big prize, almost 100 people across the country have come agonizingly close. Maher says they still came away with huge paydays.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for two million.”

Of course, you have a much better chance of being struck by lightning or being cast in the lead role of a major motion picture than you have of winning Powerball. But in any event, good luck!

____________________________________________________________

This will certainly put a damper on a festive holiday season – flu activity is rampant across the country, especially in Louisiana. Dr. David Janese (juh-NEESE) with Ochsner (Ox-ner) LSU Health says emergency rooms throughout the state are seeing more and more people sick with the flu.

Cut 10 (07) “…illness criteria.”

Dr. Janese says the number of people testing positive for the flu is staggering.

Cut 11 (05) “…only trending upward.”

Janese says this is the time of year when flu activity tends to increase.

Cut 12 (08) “…home for Christmas.”

Nationwide, the CDC says about 4.6-million people across the country have become sick with the flu, including almost 50-thousand hospitalizations and about two-thousand deaths.

____________________________________________________________

The Public Service Commissioner who spearheaded a new policy that streamlines the process for large projects like data centers to access the energy they need is clearing up some misconceptions about the new policy. The policy states that utilities looking to build infrastructure to power those projects no longer have to prove that the generation is the cheapest and most reliable on the market. The Alliance for Affordable Energy says residential customers will see their utility bills skyrocket as a result, but Commissioner J.P. Coussan says that’s not true.

Cut 13 (09)  “…on this deal.”

Coussan says there are still safeguards in place to keep utility costs from spiraling out of control.

Cut 14 (08) “…the best cost.”

Coussan says the new policy is not a rubber stamp for utility companies to charge what they want to charge in order to expedite these big projects.

Cut 15 (10) “…of this project.”

_______________________________________________________

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton reviewed the start of the Lane Kiffin era at LSU on Tiger Rag Radio. She says it was always a home run hire, but she’s still been impressed by his enthusiasm to embrace the program and the all-star coaching staff he’s put together.

Cut 16 (16) “…could be better.”

One of Kiffin’s claims to fame is how effectively he’s used the transfer portal to build his roster in Oxford. Fenton says finding players in the portal and bringing in former players from Ole Miss can be a recipe for instant success.

Cut 17 (19)  “…why not?”

Two Rebels Kiffin is sure to target are quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. Fenton says with Harlem Berry and Caden Durham already on the roster and a nearly two-million-dollar NIL offer in Oxford, Kiffin may not be able to persuade Lacy despite their connection.

Cut 18 (20)  “…room already.”

A LaPlace woman was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a home with a child still inside.

Cut 6 (08) “…intentionally set.”

Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says because there was a working smoke detector in the house, the child was able to get out unharmed.

Eight years later, an arrest is made in the murder of a Washington Parish mother of three. Deputies arrested Scott Jordan in connection with the 2017 deadly shooting of 40-year-old Donna Arceneaux inside her home. Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith says this case has weighed on the community ever since that late October day that year.

Cut 3 (09) “…to its conclusion.”

Jordan is in the Washington Parish Jail on one count of second-degree murder; his bond has been set at two-million dollars.

With Governor Landry also serving as special envoy to Greenland, how does that affect his job at home? LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says while there are state laws that prohibit people from holding two offices at the state time, those refer to state positions. Thus, a volunteer role as a special envoy would not fall into that category.

Cut 11 (07) “…regard to that.”

There’s a new policy that streamlines the process for data centers and other large projects to access the energy they need, and the public service commissioner who spearheaded it is clearing up some misconceptions about it. Commissioner J.P. Coussan says it’s not a rubber stamp for utility companies to charge what they want to charge in order to expedite these big projects.

Cut 15 (10) “…of this project.”