Spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Mike Steele says the agency is taking all necessary precautions ahead of the upcoming freeze. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has named Terri Ricks the new Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Ricks has been serving in the interim role since Marketa Walters stepped down last month after DCFS faced scrutiny over a series of missteps at the agency this year.

The Bayou State will become the Frozen State tonight with temps dipping into the teens tonight. LRN’s John Weatherby says we’ll experience strong northwest winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

Cut 6 (10)  “…many locations.”

Don’t forget to prep your pipes for the deep freeze and be sure to dress in layers all the way through Christmas day. It won’t be a white Christmas but it sure will feel like it.

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy files suit against the White House on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier who refuses to get the COVID shots. Pelican’s Special Counsel James Baehr says the Army’s actions against 16-year veteran Master Sergeant Robert Galey Jr. violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment…:

Cut 12 (09) “…he doesn’t deserve.”

Baehr says Galey is in danger of losing his pension.

Arctic air is arriving this evening and is expected to stay through Christmas in The Bayou State. Spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Mike Steele says they are ready to supply support to any community in need…:
Cut 15 (10) “they need”
He says the most important thing to do is stay weather aware.

If Senator John Kennedy were to win the governor’s race next year, who would appoint his replacement in Congress? That question was posed to Governor John Bel Edwards on his monthly radio show. He said the Governor’s Office would appoint Kennedy’s replacement before an election can be held. Kennedy has yet to throw his hat into the ring, but Mr. Edwards believes Kennedy has a good shot at being elected…:
CUT 9 (10) “formidable”

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier facing discharge for refusing the COVID vaccine. The Pelican Institute for Public Policy’s Special Counsel James Baehr says courts across the country have already ruled against the Biden administration’s mandate for soldiers to get the vaccine, and yet the Army still seeks to punish Master Sergeant Robert Galey Jr….:
Cut 11 (10) “the judge’s opinion”
The Army has not responded to the suit yet.

Governor John Bel Edwards has named Terri Ricks the new Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Ricks has been serving in the interim role since Marketa Walters stepped down last month after DCFS faced scrutiny over a series of missteps at the agency this year.

The state is bracing for a windy arctic blast that is slated to move in later this evening, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is urging you to remain weather aware. Spokesman Mike Steele advises residents to pay close attention to their vehicles and avoid traveling at peak traffic times if possible…:
Cut 14 (10) “event safely”
He says GOHSEP is ready to supply support to any community in need.

The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers as the response to last week’s tornadoes continues. Ed Bush, executive director of the Capital-West area of the Louisiana Red Cross says he knows volunteering is more difficult during the Holidays, but…:
Cut 6 (08) “the day”
To apply, visit RedCross.org.

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier facing discharge for refusing the COID vaccine. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly radio show that the Department of Children and Family Services is slated to receive one time funding to help address its understaffing issue. And in a Wednesday news release the Governor’s Office announced its naming Terri Ricks as the new Secretary of DCFS.

Sportsman’s Paradise is bracing for a Christmas weekend freeze that is slated to move in later today into tonight. One point of concern is those still in temporary housing after the effects of Hurricane Ida and recent tornadoes. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says they sent out information to those residents.:
Cut 13 (12) “more problems”
He says the most important thing for us is to be weather aware and monitor local radio stations.

The Louisiana Department of Health says the state’s WIC website is down. They are working to get louisianawic.org back up and running but in the meantime available resources have been added to LDH’s WIC page.

The American Red Cross is asking for volunteers to help hundreds of Louisianans who were impacted by last week’s tornadoes…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Governor John Bel Edwards was asked on his monthly radio show who would appoint Senator John Kennedy’s successor should Kennedy be elected governor next year. Mr. Edwards says the governor’s office would pick another US Senator before Kennedy took office…:
CUT 7 (07) “oath of office”
Kennedy has yet to officially enter the governor’s race.

An arctic blast will arrive in Louisiana today, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is ready. Kace Kieschnick spoke with GOHSEP’s Mike Steele…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

Governor John Bel Edwards has named Terri Ricks the new Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Ricks has been serving in the interim role since Marketa Walters stepped down last month after DCFS faced scrutiny over a series of missteps at the agency this year.

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy files suit against the White House on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier who refuses to get the COVID vaccine. Pelican’s Special Counsel James Baehr says 16-year veteran Master Sergeant Robert Galey Jr. had and still has religious misgivings about the vaccine, and faces discharge if he does not comply…:
Cut 10 (11) “unfortunately rejected”
So far there has been no official response to the lawsuit by the Army of Department of Defense.

The American Red Cross has put out an urgent call for volunteers to help people impacted by last week’s tornadoes. Ed Bush is the executive director of the Capital-West area of the Louisiana Red Cross…:
Cut 4 (06) “by tornadoes”
He says teams are providing aid across the state, focusing efforts in Caddo, Iberia, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and Union parishes.

We are in for a big blast of arctic air tomorrow; bringing bitterly cold temperatures with it. State Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures will drop like a rock after a cold front passes through…:

CUT 12(09)      “…in Louisiana.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he has no regrets about the fallout from Ronald Greene’s 2019 death which led to the indictment of five law enforcement officers last week. Edwards was asked if he will be testifying before a legislative committee investigating the incident…:

CUT 06(14)      “…reflect that.”

Body camera footage of Greene’s arrest showing law enforcement officers beating and tasing the black motorist before he died surfaced in 2020. His family had been told he died in a car crash after a police chase.

With a hard freeze coming, how do you protect your precious yard plants? We asked an LSU AgCenter expert for tips…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has tapped 32-year NOPD veteran Michelle Woodfork to serve as interim Police Chief while a search goes on to replace retired Chief Shaun Ferguson. Woodfork is the first woman to ever lead the New Orleans Police.

The American Red Cross is asking for volunteers to help hundreds of Louisianans who were impacted by last week’s tornadoes—which caused damage in seven parishes. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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Spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Mike Steele says the agency is taking all necessary precautions ahead of the upcoming freeze. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

_______________________________________________

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier facing discharge for refusing the COID vaccine. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

The American Red Cross has put out an urgent call for volunteers to help people impacted by last week’s tornadoes. Ed Bush, executive director of the Capital-West area of the Louisiana Red Cross says they need caseworkers right away.

Cut 4 (06)  “…by tornadoes.”

He says teams are providing aid across the state, focusing efforts in Caddo, Iberia, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and Union parishes.

 Cut 5 (11) “…Red Cross provides.”

Bush says Red Cross volunteers have opened 50 cases, serving more than 100 people with recovery support, including financial assistance and help with medical needs such as prescriptions. He says he knows he may be asking people to adjust their holiday plans to volunteer, but he compares the work to that done by people who volunteer in other ways during the holidays.

Cut 6 (08)  “…the day.” 

He says all training is free, can be done online, and takes just a few hours. To apply, go to www.redcross.org

________________________________________________

On his monthly radio program “Ask the Governor” John Bel Edwards discussed the hypothetical question of who would have the opportunity to appoint Senator John Kennedy’s successor should he be elected governor next year. Edwards says it appears that he would appoint Kennedy’s successor before Kennedy becomes governor.

Cut 7 (07) “…oath of office.”

In Louisiana’s state constitution the governor is sworn into office on the second Monday in January.

Edwards would be able to appoint a replacement to the US Senate until an election can be held for a permanent replacement. Where it gets interesting is that Edwards a Democrat would be filling the seat recently won overwhelmingly by a Republican with most likely a Democrat.

Cut 8 (12)  “…(x2) my inclination.”

And while it’s still the great unknown if Kennedy will throw his hat in the ring for the state’s highest office, Edwards believes Kennedy has a very good chance of being elected.

Cut 9 (10)  “…formidable.”

So far Attorney General Jeff Landry has officially announced his campaign Kennedy has yet to make a formal announcement if he is or is not running.

__________________________________________

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy files suit against the White House on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier who refuses to get the COVID shots. Pelican’s Special Counsel James Baehr says 16-year veteran Master Sergeant Robert Galey Jr. had and still has religious misgivings about the shots, and he faces discharge if he does not comply…:

Cut 10 (11) “…unfortunately rejected.” 

Baehr says he’s filed for an injunction in the Western District Federal Court of Louisiana to prevent Galey from being discharged. He says courts across the country have already ruled against the Biden administration’s mandate for soldiers to get the vaccine, and yet the Army still seeks to punish Galey…:

Cut 11 (10)  “…the judge’s opinion.”

Baehr says Sgt. Galey has served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan for over 16 years, yet his threatened discharge would mean losing his pension, retirement benefits, and medical benefits for himself and his family. He says the Army’s actions against Galey violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment…:

Cut 12 (09) “…he doesn’t deserve.”

So far there has been no official response to the lawsuit by the Army of Department of Defense.

______________________________________________

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is helping parishes get ready for the upcoming freeze. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says the organization held calls with all 64 parishes in preparation for the event. One point of concern is those still in temporary housing after the effects of Hurricane Ida and recent tornadoes. Steele says both GOHSEP and FEMA sent out information to residents in temporary housing…

Cut 13 (12) “…more problems.”

Steele says the most important thing is for all Louisianians to be weather aware. He advises residents to pay close attention to their vehicles and any mechanical issues, avoid traveling at peak traffic times if possible, and use caution when operating heaters and space heaters…

Cut 14 (10)  “…event safely.”

Steele says the freeze offers a unique challenge to those usually faced in Louisiana. As opposed to the coastal threat of hurricanes, officials are unsure which areas may be hit the hardest, but Steele says GOHSEP is ready to supply support to any community in need…

Cut 15 (10)  “…they need.”

______________________________________________

LSU signed 25 new recruits during the first day of the early signing period yesterday. LSU commit four-star cornerback Daylen Austin flipped his commitment to Oregon, but the Tigers were able to flip Vanderbilt-commit tight end Ka’Morreun Pimpton giving LSU a much-needed three tight ends in the 2023 class. LSU Coach Brian Kelly says recruiting takes a village…

Cut  16 (16)  “..graduate champions.” 

The Tigers also added three transfers to improve the defensive front. Oregon Edge Bradyn Swinson, Arizona Defensive Tackle Paris Shand, and Florida DT Jalen Lee will help to fill the gaps left by BJ Ojulari and Desmond Little. Kelly, however, says the team won’t be relying on the transfer portal this year…

Cut 17 (23) “…have a plan.” 

Amidst the recruiting frenzy, the Tigers prepare for their Citrus Bowl matchup in Orlando. LSU is currently a 14-point favorite over Purdue, but that won’t change the preparation for the matchup. Kelly says the team will practice as if they have a game Saturday this week and plans to travel a week early to Orlando…

Cut 18 (18) “…of preparation.” 

 ______________________________________________

Cut 19 (27) “…take of business”

Cut 20 (23)     ….of the year” 

Former LSU Athletic Executive Sharon Lewis’ lawsuit claiming she faced retaliation and harassment from former LSU Coach Les Miles and others after reporting sexual harassment allegations has been tossed out. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

Human skeletal remains were found by hunters in St. Martinville Tuesday. Police have not released any information about the age or gender of the person. An investigation is underway and tips from the public are welcome by St. Martinville Police.

Prepare for a hard freeze Thursday night and Friday morning. State Climatologist Barry Keim says even afternoon HIGHS won’t get higher than freezing until Saturday afternoon in northern Louisiana. He says wind chills will make it feel even colder than that…:

CUT 14  (07)        “…higher gusts.”

So how to protect your outside plants when it gets this cold? The LSU AgCenter’s Heather Kirk-Ballard says get your potted plant out of any direct wind chill effects…:

CUT 03(09)      “…temperature.”

She says plants that are in the ground and trees younger than five years old can be saved by wrapping them.

She filed suit against LSU alleging sexual harassment and retaliation for whistle-blowing, but a Baton Rouge judge tosses former LSU athletics executive Sharon Lewis’ case. Lewis alleged that LSU and it’s now former law firm Taylor Porter engaged in a criminal conspiracy against her. Sources say Lewis and her attorneys have also been sanctioned 330-thousand dollars for bringing RICO claims against Taylor Porter. Legal expert Franz Borghardt says you better have your facts straight when you accuse an organization of racketeering…:

CUT 10(08)      “…what happens.”

Get ready for a hard freeze Thursday night. State Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures will drop like a rock as a cold front comes through, bringing low temperatures along the I-10 / I-12 corridor down to around 20-degrees on Friday morning…and wind chills will in the single digits, and below zero in north Louisiana…:

CUT 13(12)      “…bitterly cold.”

With a hard freeze coming Thursday night, lots of people are worried about how to protect their plants. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk- Ballard says move plants in pots inside. For others, she recommends making a simple structure to hold coverings off of the foliage, and she says covers should be sealed with soil, stones, or bricks, and she adds that a surprising number of plants will survive the cold…:

CUT 05(09)      “…right back.”

Police in Baton Rouge seek two women who stole from a beauty supply store and left a store employee in a coma during their getaway. BRPD says 19-year-old Abdel Hamal chased the women and jumped on the back of their vehicle. He was thrown off as they roared off; suffering serious head injury. Sources say the women have been identified and police hope to make arrests soon.

A UL-Monroe student has been arrested for allegedly dealing drugs near the campus. Ironically, the student attends the ULM School of Pharmacy.