11:30 am Newscast

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.”

——–
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.