How many special sessions will we see in 2024 before the start of the regular session in March? A special session will be needed in January to redraw the state’s Congressional map. Governor-elect Jeff Landry wants a special session on criminal justice reform. New Orleans Representative Matthew Williard says there’s also talk of a special session on insurance reform…
cut 12 (11) “….special session”
New Iberia Senator elect Blake Miguez says in addition to addressing crime and the state’s insurance crisis, improving education also needs to be done…
Cut 13 (09) “…come about.”
The new legislature will be sworn in on January 8th.

The Louisiana Health Department reports new HIV diagnoses have dropped 11-percent over the last five years. As of June, the number of individuals living with HIV in Louisiana stands at nearly 23-thousand. Sam Burgess with L-D-H says with access and adherence to antiretroviral medication, individuals living with HIV can achieve an undetectable viral load…
cut 5 (09) “…..anymore”

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will debut a documentary tonight on the State Capitol. L-P-B Senior Producer Dorothy Kendrick says the 90-minute program has drone shot video of the capitol that gives viewers a new perspective of the 450-foot building. Kendrick says the documentary also goes into the construction of the iconic building and how Huey Long secured funding…
cut 8 (12) “…..a depression”

Another disappointing loss for the Saints yesterday as they dug themselves a 21-to-nothing hole, only to lose to the Detroit Lions 33-28. Taysom Hill tried to put a positive spin on it…
cut 15 (14) “….keep fighting”
The Saints fall to 5-and-7 and the hot seat for head coach Dennis Allen is getting hotter.

State lawmakers are gearing up for a busy 2024. New Orleans Representative Matthew Williard says state legislators will have to redraw the state’s Congressional district map in January and they expect another special session on crime before the regular session begins in March….
cut 10 (12) “…for sure”
And there could be a special session on property and auto insurance reform.

Louisiana is seeing a decline in new HIV diagnoses. Colleen Crain has the details.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tulane has lost its head football coach to Houston. Willie Fritz led the Green Wave program to new heights, 23 wins over the last two years, including a Cotton Bowl victory.

LSU will face Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on New Year’s Day. It will be the fourth 11 AM kickoff for the Tigers this season. The Ragin Cajuns will play Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl on December 16th.

Louisiana lawmakers anticipate an extremely busy 2024 after Governor-elect Jeff Landry is sworn in on January 8th. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

2024 will begin with LSU playing Wisconsin in the Reliaquest Bowl in Tampa at 11 AM. The Sugar Bowl in New Orleans will host a national semi-final game on New Year’s Day night between Texas and Washington. The Ragin Cajuns will play Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl on December 16th. And the Saints lost to the Lions 33-28 yesterday.

At one time Louisiana led the nation in HIV cases but Sam Burgess with The Louisiana Department of Health says, Since 2018, the Bayou State has seen an 11% decrease in new cases of HIV. Burgess says the improvements were possible through the efforts of many…
Cut 4 (11) “…public health partners.”
In spite of the disruptions to healthcare during the pandemic, Louisiana HIV patients continued to receive care and new cases fell.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will air tonight a new documentary at 7 PM that will give viewers a fresh look at the State Capitol Building. The 450-foot tall building built in the early 1930s has unique craftmanship that visitors can not see…
cut 9 (12) “…the capitol”
That’s LPB’s Senior Producer Dorothy Kendrick, who says it cost just five million dollars to build the capitol and it took only 14 months to complete.

Alexandria’s favorite Winter Festival is back for the seventh year and there’s plenty of free-family-friendly entertainment. There’s plenty to keep the kids busy and of course, lots of shopping. AlexWinterFete event manager Cathy Spiller says the ice-skating rink is a crowd favorite and you can buy a $10 fast pass that allows you to wait in a shorter line.

Cut 7 (12) “…don’t get” 

Since 2018, Louisiana has an 11% decrease in new cases of HIV. That’s after leading the nation in cases for years. Close to 23,000 Louisianans are living with HIV and Sam Burgess with the Louisiana Department of health says the key to living healthy is sticking to the right plan.

Cut 5 (09) “…anymore.”

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You may have heard Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles is now offering “Autism Spectrum Disorder” or “Needs Accomodation” decals at no cost to those who qualify. Spokesperson Matt Boudreau says it will let law enforcement know an individual has a disability.

Cut 9 (13) “…the stop.” 

High School Football playoffs are in the books and The Prep Classic will kick off next Thursday in the Caesars Superdome. The Opelousas Tigers will be there, playing for a state championship for the first time in 67 years after upsetting top seeded North Desoto 28-20.

St. Charles Catholic will play for a state title for a fifth consecutive season after beating University High 10 to seven in overtime.

The Union Parish Farmers knocked off Jena and will play in the Prep Classic for the fourth straight year as they take on St. James.

Accommodation” decal for their vehicle at no cost from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. The decal will indicate to law enforcement that an individual has a disability. Spokesperson Matt Boudreaux says the indicator can removed at any time without documentation, which will have a big effect on people on both sides.

Cut 11 (07) “…huge impact.”

To make an appointment with OMV, visit expresslane.org.

No appointment required for AlexWinterFete, going on this weekend in downtown Alexandria. The annual festival attracts an average of 30 thousand people each year with something for everyone. And AlexWinterFete event manager Cathy Spiller says that means rain or shine.

Cut 8 (10) “…F-E-T-E.” 

The festival runs through ten o’clock tonight.
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A judge is expected to rule sometime next week in a lawsuit looking for a new run-off election in the race for Caddo Parish Sheriff. Candidate John Nickelson lost to Henry Whitehorn by a single vote after a re-count…and Nickleson’s attorney has presented some pretty compelling evidence to make their case. Political analyst Scott Hughes says if the judge rules in favor of a new election, it would happen in March.

Cut  14 (09) “…very difficult.”

For the first time in 67 years Opelousas will play for a state championship in football as the 12th seeded Tigers upset top seeded North Desoto 28-20.

Cecilia will play for a state title in football for the first time in 28 years as the Bulldogs knocked off Northwest 55-18.

St. Charles Catholic will play in a state championship game for a fifth consecutive season after beating University High 10 to seven in overtime. The Prep Classic kicks off in the Ceasars Superdome next Thursday.

Louisiana is showing promise in the care of people with HIV. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The betting odds have LSU’s Jayden Daniels as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy after last night’s Pac-12 championship game. Washington defeated Oregon 34-31. Ducks quarterback Bo Nix threw three touchdown passes, but he only threw for 239 yards. If Nix and the Ducks won, the former Auburn quarterback might have been the favorite to win the Heisman.

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A ruling is not expected until next week in Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson’s lawsuit challenging the result of the November election. Nickelson lost by one vote, to Henry Whitehorn. Political analyst Scott Hughes says Nickelson’s attorneys presented the judge with some compelling evidence…

Cut 12 (12)  “…proper form”  

Alexandria’s favorite Winter Festival is back for the seventh year and there’s plenty of free-family-friendly entertainment. AlexWinterFete event manager Cathy Spiller says they even have an ice-skating, Santa, a petting zoo, plenty of inflatables for the kids, and more….

Cut 6 (09) “…shopping vendors.”

A ruling is not expected until next week in Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson’s lawsuit challenging the result of the November election. Political analyst Scott Hughes says Henry Whitehorn believes he’s the undisputed winner, by a single vote,  but Nickelson’s attorneys believe they’ve uncovered some questionable ballots…

Cut 13 (12) “…determine the winner.”

Louisiana residents can now request an “Autism Spectrum Disorder” or a “Needs Accommodation” decal for their vehicle at no cost from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says individuals must provide a statement from a qualified health professional verifying their diagnosis. But if your drivers license already identifies you as someone who qualifies…

Cut 10 (09) “…the decal.”  

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If you’re looking for the perfect festival to get you in the holiday spirit and knock out some of your shopping, you need to head to downtown Alexandria. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Louisiana has seen an 11% decrease in new cases of HIV in the last five years…after once leading the nation in HIV cases. Sam Burgess with The Louisiana Department of Health says the improvements happened thanks to the efforts of many…

Cut 4 (11) “…public health partners.”

LSU All-American forward Angel Reese returned to the court last night after a two-week hiatus scoring 19 points and nine rebounds last night as the Lady Tigers defeated Virginia Tech 82-64. Reese says it felt good to be back.

Cut 3 (11) “….with them.”

For unknown reasons, Reese missed a home game against Texas Southern. She also missed games at SLU and two contests in the Cayman Island Classic. Reese also made 9 of 16 free throws

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is now offering eligible Louisiana residents an “Autism Spectrum Disorder” or a “Needs Accommodation” sticker for their vehicle for free. Spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the decal will indicate to law enforcement that an individual has a disability.

Cut 9 (13) “…the stop.” 

Customers must provide a statement from a qualified health professional verifying their diagnosis

If you’re looking for the perfect festival to get you in the holiday spirit and knock out some of your shopping, you need to head to downtown Alexandria. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A ruling is expected next week on Caddo Sheriff candidate John Nickelson lawsuit challenging election results after a judge has allowed attorneys more time to file briefs to argue the case. Nickelson’s request for another runoff election in response to his allegations of voting irregularities after a recount still had him losing by one vote against Caddo Sheriff-Elect Henry Whitehorn.

Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Joseph Bleich is hearing the Caddo Parish Sheriff Candidate John Nickelson’s lawsuit challenging the result of the November election. He’s asked the attorneys for both candidates to provide more written evidence. Political analyst Scott Hughes says Henry Whitehorn believes he’s the undisputed winner, but Nickelson’s attorneys believe they’ve uncovered some questionable ballots…

Cut 13 (12) “…determine the winner.”

Today is World AIDS Day and Louisiana has seen some improvement in new cases of HIV in the state. According to The Louisiana Department of Health, Since 2018, the Bayou State has seen an 11% decrease in those living with HIV. There’s still work to do as 22,920 Louisianans are HIV positive.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is offering  “Autism Spectrum Disorder” and “Needs Accommodation” decals for vehicles to indicate to law enforcement that an individual has a disability Spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux…

Cut 9 (13) “…the stop.” 

Boudreaux says customers will need to show a statement from a qualified health professional verifying their diagnosis unless they have an indicator on driver’s license or identification card.

LSU All-American forward Angel Reese scored 19 points and had nine rebounds last night as the 7th-ranked Lady Tigers defeated ninth-ranked Virginia Tech 82-64. After a four-game absence, the Bayou Barbie says it felt good to be back.

Cut 3 (11) “….with them.”

Reese missed games against Texas Southern, Southeastern Louisiana and the Cayman Island Classic.

A ruling is not expected until next week in Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson’s lawsuit challenging the result of the November election. Nickelson lost by one vote, to Henry Whitehorn. Political analyst Scott Hughes says Nickelson’s attorneys presented the judge with some compelling evidence…

Cut 12 (12)  “…proper form”  

Retiring sheriff Steve Prator’s term ends June 30^th

Louisiana residents can now request an “Autism Spectrum Disorder” or a “Needs Accommodation” automobile decal to indicate to law enforcement that an individual has a disability. They are available through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at no cost. Spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the decal is a positive move.

Cut 11 (07) “…huge impact.”

To make an appointment with OMV, visit expresslane.org.

After a four-game absence, LSU women’s basketball star forward Angel Reese made a powerful return to the court last night but felt her time off was necessary to recharge and refocus. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

Alexandria’s favorite Winter Festival is back for the seventh year and there’s plenty of free-family-friendly entertainment. AlexWinterFete event manager Cathy Spiller says the event attracts an average of 30 thousand attendees, and is a companion festival to the city’s spring event RiverFete.

Cut 8 (10) “…F-E-T-E.”