Good morning, Slidell.

Many locals made final holiday gift purchases at Lakeside Mall today as mall officials extend hours to support last-minute shopping.

Gas prices in Louisiana are the lowest they've been since 2020 with state averages near $2.50 a gallon, according to AAA Louisiana.

Experts predict that prices may drop to about $2.25 and leave more money for holiday travel + last-minute gifts.

Federal health officials report that raw oysters linked to a salmonella outbreak have sickened 64 people in 22 states, though no cases have been reported here so far; the CDC advises cooking oysters and seeking medical care for severe symptoms.

Actor James Van Der Beek, known for Dawson’s Creek and battling colorectal cancer from his ranch (Texas), urged Louisianans aged 45 and older to get screened using colonoscopies or FDA-approved shield blood tests.

Colorectal cancer is the state's second leading killer.

LSU Tigers will play in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. at NRG Stadium in Houston; many key players have opted out and several plan to transfer, leaving the team with an unexpected lineup.