A busy January for Louisiana lawmakers. An organization session begins January 8^th. A Special Session to redraw the Congressional boundaries will take place January 15^th through 23th. Lawmakers get a break for Mardi Gras. Then right back for a session to address crime from February 19^th through March 6th.  LAPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 10 (12) “…on this”

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges for withholding bodycam footage of the death of Ronald Greene were dropped. Greene’s mother Mona Hardin told the Associated Press she was surprised and disgusted Clary has been restored to duty. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says while Hardin is understandably upset…

Cut 5 (09) “ …(x2) evidence there.”  

LSU’s women’s basketball star Angel Reese receives a huge honor as she’s named as the Sporting News Athlete of the Year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

2023 was a tough year for Louisiana cattle and hay producers because of extreme heat and drought conditions. LSU AgCenter Area Beef Specialist Ashley Edwards says the hot temperatures also stressed cattle and led to much lower weights when they went to sale barns…

Cut 13 (09) “being sold.”

Criminal charges for withholding body cam footage in the death of Ronald Greene were recently dropped against trooper Lt. John Clary and now his position with State Police has been reinstated. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says while it looks bad that Clary has gotten his job back he points out that it’s easier to prosecute someone who destroyed evidence versus withholding it. He says terminating a civil employee is much different than a private one…

Cut 4 (05) …firing someone

Authorities arrested a Columbia Louisiana man for allegedly intentionally setting a fire inside Rapides Regional Medical Center over the weekend. Johnny Cubbit, 67, was arrested by the Alexandria Fire Prevention Bureau for aggravated arson and aggravated criminal damage. He allegedly set his bedsheets on fire in his hospital room. The fire was contained quickly and no one was injured.

Louisiana lawmakers are preparing for four legislative sessions in the first half of 2024. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

LSU announced the commitment of transfer quarterback AJ Swann. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is expected to take over for the Tigers as Jayden Daniels leaves for the NFL, but Shea Dixon of On3.com  says Swann will bring exactly what the Tigers need to the young QB room…

Cut 6 (09) “…heir apparent.”

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges in the Ronald Greene case were dropped for withholding bodycam footage. In exchange, Clary will testify in the case against two officers. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt believes what’s happening is…

Cut 3 (13) “…being terminated.”

Graphic bodycam footage shows Black motorist Ronald Greene being beaten by officers in 2019. He died while in police custody.

Governor Edwards’ Justice Reinvestment Initiative to lower the state’s prison population may be on the legislature’s crime-fighting agenda says LA Politics Dot Com Publisher, Jeremy Alford. While the agenda on crime remains unknown, he says the GOP super-majority legislature will have to tackle the criminal justice reform pendulum.

Cut 11 (13) “…council reports.”

Regular session begins March 11th and ends June 3rd.

Authorities arrested a Columbia Louisiana man for allegedly, intentionally setting a fire inside Rapides Regional Medical Center over the weekend. Johnny Cubbit, 67, was arrested by the Alexandria Fire and Prevention Bureau for aggravated arson and aggravated criminal damage. He allegedly set his bedsheets on fire in his hospital room. Rapides Regional Medical Center saysa small fire occurred on the seventh floor. The fire was contained and quickly extinguished. No one was injured.

LSU announced the commitment of transfer quarterback AJ Swann. Swann will join Nussmeier, Freshman Rickie Collins, and incoming four-star 2024 recruit Collin Hurley in the LSU quarterback room. Shea Dixon of On3.com  says Nussmeier, who is getting his first start in the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 1^st, will still have the inside track at the starting spot after waiting behind Daniels for two seasons but there could be a competition this offseason…

Cut 8 (07) “…SEC games.” 

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges for withholding bodycam footage of the death of Ronald Greene were dropped. Greene’s mother Mona Hardin told the Associated Press she was surprised and disgusted Clary has been restored to duty. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says while Hardin is understandably upset…

Cut 5 (09) “ …(x2) evidence there.”  

A busy January for Louisiana lawmakers. An organization session begins January 8^th. A Special Session to redraw the Congressional boundaries will take place January 15^th through 23th. Lawmakers get a break for Mardi Gras. Then right back for a session to address crime from February 19^th through March 6th.  LAPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 10 (12) “…on this”

LSU’s women’s basketball star Angel Reese receives a huge honor as she’s named as the Sporting News Athlete of the Year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

LSU announced the commitment of transfer quarterback AJ Swann. Shea Dixon of On3.com says the former four-star recruit wanted to go somewhere he could compete for a national championship…

Cut 7 (13) “…and develop.” 

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges in the Ronald Greene case were dropped for withholding bodycam footage. In exchange, Clary will testify in the case against two officers. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says while it looks bad, terminating a civil employee is much different than a private one.

Cut 4 (05) “…firing someone.”

Greene’s mother Mona Hardin told the Associated Press she was surprised and disgusted Clary has been restored to duty.

Louisiana lawmakers are gearing up for Sessionpalooza in 2024. An organizational session, one for the congressional map, another on crime, and then the regular session in March.  LAPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the last time they had this many sessions right off the bat was in 2008.

Cut 9 (08) “…something comparable.” 

LSU announces the commitment of transfer Vanderbilt quarterback AJ Swann. Sophomore Garrett Nussmeier is expected to replace QB Jayden Daniels as he leaves for the NFL. On3-dot-com’s Shea Dixon says Swann will bring exactly what the Tigers need to the young QB room…

Cut 6 (09) “…heir apparent.”

Swann has played in 15 games over two seasons at Vanderbilt.

LSU’s Angel Reese and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark have been named Sporting News Athletes of the year. The publication says Reese’s dramatic rise in 2023 saw her set records on the court while building her brand as one of the most prominent faces in college athletics. The only other female to receive the title was Jackie Joyner Kersee in 1988. Reese also joins the ranks of Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and LeBron James with the honor.

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges in the Ronald Greene case were dropped for withholding bodycam footage. In exchange, Clary will testify in the case against two officers. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt believes what’s happening is…

Cut 3 (13) “…being terminated.”

Graphic bodycam footage shows Black motorist Ronald Greene being beaten by officers in 2019. He died while in police custody.

Pope Francis has granted his approval to allow Catholic priests to bless members of same-sex couples. LSU professor of religious studies Michael Pasquier…

Cut 6 (11) “…like marriage.” 

At his end-of-the-year press conference, Governor John Bel Edwards said never say never on a possible return to politics. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU quarterback and 2023 Heisman-winner Jayden Daniels announces he’s skipping the Reliaquest bowl game against the Wisconsin Badgers. Tigers’ star wide receivers, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Junior will play in the Bowl in Tampa on January 1st. Both Nabers and Thomas are expected to go pro after the bowl game.

Pope Francis released a declaration permitting Catholic priests to bless members of same-sex couples. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana State Police have reinstated a veteran trooper who had been accused of withholding body cam video that showed another officer dragging a black motorist by his ankles during a deadly 2019 arrest in North Louisiana. Officials say Lt. John Clary will return to active duty this week.  This comes weeks after prosecutors dismissed obstruction charges against Clary after agreeing to testify at trial in the death of Ronald Greene.

During his final press conference of the year and the next to last of his administration, Governor John Bel Edwards says while he doesn’t intend to run for office again…

Cut 7 (08) “…with the state.”

Edwards, a Democrat says he’s pulling for Republican Governor-elect Jeff Landry and hopes he does a good job. Edwards, along with his family and future grandchildren, will reside in Louisiana and he wants the state to continue to flourish.

The New Orleans Saints are in the final stretch of their 2023 schedule. Head Coach Denis Allen says they’ll need to finish strong and preferably with a four-game winning streak. He says to be successful in the playoffs, the Saints have to fix issues that have plagued them all season. But in the meantime, they’re concentrating on the Rams.

Cut 18 (18)  “…Rams right now.” 

LSU Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels announces he’s not playing in the bowl game, but the Tigers’ two-star receivers, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Junior will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on January 1st. Coach Brian Kelly says no one else has decided to opt out…

Cut 19 (18) “…we are.” 

Jayden Daniels has been busy though…yesterday helping Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves give out 100 bikes in Baton Rouge.  Canes also donated a $25,000 check to the Greg Brooks Foundation. Brooks. The LSU safety was diagnosed with brain cancer in October. Daniels says he’s honored to help out…

Cut 14 (12) “…blessing others.” 
——

Tis the season to be jolly but many Americans suffer from stress, depression, and sadness during the holidays.  Experts encourage those in need to proactively seek care before the problem gets worse.  LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey urges those who are suffering from depression not to compare themselves to others who seem to have it all this time of year.

Cut 12 (13) “…the case.” 

If you feel overwhelmed, you can also speak with a trained counselor by dialing 988 on your phone.

The Belle Chase tunnel is set to close permanently tomorrow.  Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development officials say the south-bound LA Highway 23 will shift to the newly constructed Belle Chasse bridge over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Northbound motorists will use the existing Belle Chasse bridge.  Tolls on the new bridge will not begin until the project is complete in a few months.

For some, the holidays can be difficult. Teiko Foxx has more from an LSU Health New Orleans psychiatrist on coping with holiday depression…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”
Pope Francis has released an official Papal declaration permitting Catholic priests to bless msame-sex couples.  LSU professor of religious studies Michael Pasquier (PassKay) says the message is that all should feel comfortable seeking a blessing…

Cut 5 (07) “…a blessing.”

During his final press conference of the year and the next to last of his administration, Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s pulling for Republican Governor-elect Jeff Landry but did address whether he will seek office again someday.

Cut 8 (11) “…say never.” 
The New Orleans Saints are in the final stretch of the with only the Rams, Buccaneers, and Falcons left on the schedule. The added stress of playing Thursday Night Football almost 2,000 miles away on a shortened week will prove to be a tough test, but Head Coach Denis says they’ll be prepared come Thursday.

 Cut 16 (23) “…ready to go for Thursday Night.”

Catholic Priests now have the Pope’s permission to give blessings to individuals in same-sex relationships.  Colleen Crain has details on the papal declaration.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Raising Canes’s founder Todd Graves gave away 100 bikes at the Boys and Girls Club and Baton Rouge Big Buddy program yesterday. And he had help from Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.

Cut 15 (11) “… role model.”

——–

If you’re feeling down this holiday season, you’re not alone.  Many people experience symptoms of holiday blues like loneliness, irritability, changes in eating or sleeping habits, fatigue, and poor concentration. . LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Baily recommends acknowledging your feelings and being more open when it comes to taking care of your mental health.

Cut 11 (13) “…speak emotionally.” 

Louisiana State Police have reinstated a veteran trooper who had been accused of withholding body cam video that showed another officer dragging a black motorist by his ankles during a deadly 2019 arrest in North Louisiana. Officials say Lt. John Clary will return to active duty this week.  This comes weeks after prosecutors dismissed obstruction charges against Clary after agreeing to testify at trial in the death of Ronald Greene.