Freezing temperatures are in the forecast tonight down to the I-10 corridor. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the forecasted low for Shreveport, Monroe and Alexandria is around 30-degrees and some areas could see temperatures even lower than that…

Cut 12 (12)  “.. 25-degrees”  

The first Buc-cee’s in Louisiana is on track to open in 2025. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says $15 million from the bond commission, $6 million from the state, and an expected $6 million from Congress will fund the construction of service roads, interchanges, etc. for the toothy beaver superstore. He says it’s a good return on investment for the state.

Cut 4 (12) “…two years.”

We’ve seen them in other states and now there’s one in Louisiana, a lawsuit attempting to remove former President Donald Trump’s name off the March presidential primary ballot. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A Louisiana resident has filed a lawsuit to take former President Trump off of the state’s March primary ballot. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the petitioner believes Trump should be disqualified because he violated Section Three of the 14th Amendment, and that the courts are facing three difficult questions…

Cut 7 (10) “…insurrection” 

Ciolino expects the U-S Supreme Court will eventually step in.

On Monday, the Louisiana law that bans procedures to alter the gender of a minor goes into effect. Because of resistance from LGBTQ rights groups, Grant Parish Representative Gabe Firment expects the law to be challenged in court…

Cut 12 (08) “…will stand.” 

Governor Edwards, who vetoed the bill, expects it will be ruled unconstitutional.

The first Buc-cee’s in Louisiana is one step closer to reality. The Bond Commission has approved the city of Ruston’s request of $15 million to finance infrastructure to accommodate the project. Mayor Ronny Walker says now they are waiting on final plans from state transportation…

Cut 3 (10) “…the development.”

Construction is expected to begin next year and is projected to open in 2025.

Return season is underway and President of the Louisiana Better Business Bureau Carmen Million says before you try to return or exchange an unwanted gift, double-check the store’s policy.

Cut 9 (12) “…item back.” 

Stores are not required to accept exchanges or give refunds unless the merchandise was defective or misrepresented.

A Louisiana resident has filed a lawsuit seeking to take former President Donald Trump’s name off of the state’s presidential primary ballot in March. Ashley Reeb of Chalmette filed the petition. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the petitioner believes Trump should be disqualified because he violated Section Three of the 14th Amendment…
cut 6 (11) “…presidency’
A similar lawsuit was successful in Colorado, but not in Michigan. Ciolino says the U-S Supreme Court will eventually have to step in.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry takes office in eleven days and has yet to name a Transportation Secretary. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a sought after position…
cut 14 (11) “…that job”
On January 1st, it will be illegal for doctors to perform certain procedures to alter the sex of transgender minors. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 29 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana native Gypsy Blanchard has been released from prison in Missouri after serving around 8 years for stabbing her mother Dee Blanchard. Gypsy, who was born in Raceland, testified she killed her mother after she was forced to live her childhood as as a disabled. Dee Blanchard benefited by receiving gifts and other donations. Gypsy Blanchard told TMZ she hopes to meet Taylor Swift who has been an inspiration to her.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry will become Louisiana’s 57^th governor in less than two weeks and there are still cabinet positions to fill. The state’s next Transportation Secretary has not been appointed. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 13 (05) “…of activity”

The next transportation secretary will have a major say about how to fund new interstate bridges in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge and other major infrastructure projects.

A law that blocks procedures to change the gender of a minor goes into effect Monday.  Because other surrounding states passed similar legislation, Grant Parish Representative GabeFirment feared it would bring minors seeking gender-affirming medical care to the state.

Cut 11 (12) “…experimental procedures.” 

Firment expects the law to be challenged in court.

Starting Monday, millions of workers across the nation will get a pay bump as minimum wage increases in 22 states, but Louisiana’s minimum wage remains at 7.25 an hour.  Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says the minimum wage is still below an adequate living wage for a full-time worker in the Bayou State.

Cut 5 (12) “…so low.”

Start your New Year off with a guided hike at one of Louisiana’s state parks or historic sites. State parks across the country are participating in the First Day Hikes project. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the addition of track chairs will allow individuals confined to wheelchairs, walkers, or similar devices to enjoy the trails with family and friends.

Cut 9 (07)  “…and their family.”

A minimum wage increase goes into effect Monday in 22 states, while Louisiana remains one of over a dozen states that is keeping the federal minimum wage at 7.25 an hour.
Cut 4 (12) “…Louisiana legislature.”
That’s Jan Moeller, director of the Louisiana Budget Project, but U-L Lafayette economist Gary Wagner says wages have been on the rise since the pandemic and a higher minimum wage is not needed.

A law going into effect on New Year’s Day is a measure that bans gender affirming procedures on children. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment authored the legislation and expects a legal challenge….
cut 12 (08) “….will stand”
Governor Edwards opposed the legislation, because he says it denies healthcare to a small, unique and vulnerable group of children.

Republican Jeff Landry will become the state’s 57th governor on January 8th. Landry is still filling out his cabinet as he’s yet name who will be the secretaries for the department of transportation, natural resources, economic development and corrections under his administration. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are hundreds of positions that need to be filled when a new administration takes over…
cut 15 (11) “….state government”

On January 1st, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is encouraging the public to kick off the new year with a hike at one of Louisiana’s State Parks. Nungesser says some of the hikes are guided…
cut 8 (11) “…of the parks”
Nungesser says nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Sam Houston State Park hike led by Southwest Master Naturalist Barbara Morris.

Over a dozen new laws will go into effect on January 1st. One of the more controversial bills going into effect is a bill that bans gender affirming care for trans minors in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards called it an attack on transgender children and vetoed it, but the Legislature overrode the veto. Grant Parish Representative Gabe Firment wrote the legislation…
cut 10 (08) “….protect children”
The legislation is expected to face a legal challenge.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry takes office in eleven days and has yet to name a Transportation Secretary. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a sought after position…
cut 14 (11) “…that job”
Landry also has to name a new Economic Development Secretary and Natural Resources Secretary.

On January 1, 2024, the minimum wage will increase in 22 states, while in Louisiana it holds steady at $7.25 an hour…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Looking for something to do on New Year’s Day. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser recommends taking a hike in a State Park…
cut 7 (07) “….21 state parks”

Eleven days from now, Governor-elect Jeff Landry will be sworn in, and he still has several major positions to fill in his cabinet. Landry has yet to name the next Transportation Secretary. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a coveted position with federal transportation dollars available to spend…
Cut 13 (05) “…of activity”
Alford says former and current legislators are in interested in becoming the next state Transportation Secretary, but he says Landry could also pick a former Trump administration official.

There are 22 states that will increase the minimum wage on January 1st. In Louisiana, the minimum wage will remain $7.25 an hour, it’s been that way since 2009. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says Louisiana continues to lose population as many search for higher wages. He says for the Bayou State to be more competitive, a higher minimum wage is needed…
cut 6 (07) “…an hour”
Governor-elect Landry says the state’s focus should be on bringing in good paying jobs, instead of raising the minimum wage.

Louisiana State Parks has a suggestion for New Year’s day. Colleen Crain has the details
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Temperatures will dip into the upper 20s for much of north Louisiana tonight. We’ll see near freezing temperatures for south Louisiana.