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.

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.”

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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.”

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.” 

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Cut 19 (27) “…take of business”

Cut 20 (23)     ….of the year” 

A judge has reportedly dismissed a lawsuit filed by former LSU athletics executive Sharon Lewis claiming harassment and retaliation after she reported sexual harassment allegations. A report determined LSU mishandled numerous sexual misconduct cases which led to the suspensions of two employees and a recommitment to improve the school’s Title IX office. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says it appears Lewis tried to take advantage of the situation…

Cut 11 (05)  “…bucket of money.”

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 Edwards has been asked twice to testify before a legislative committee investigating Greene’s death.

Cut 7 (06)  “… answered.”

One of those meetings was canceled the other Edwards had scheduling conflicts.

An arctic blast will invade Louisiana tomorrow bringing bitterly cold temperatures with it. State Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures will drop like a rock after the cold passes through…

Cut 12 (09) “…in Louisiana”  

Low temperatures along the I-10-I-12 corridor will be around 20 degrees on Friday morning and wind chills in the single digits, and below zero in north Louisiana.

With a hard freeze coming Thursday night, lots of people are worried about how to protect their plants. LSU ag center horticulturist Heather Kirk- Ballard says plants that are in the ground and trees younger than five years old can be saved by wrapping them the right way.

Cut 4 (10)  “…those sheets 

She says water is a good insulator for plants that are in the ground, so if the soil is dry, they should be watered thoroughly before a freeze.

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 6 (14)  “…reflect that.”

With a hard freeze coming Thursday night, lots of people are worried about how to protect their plants. LSU ag center horticulturist Heather Kirk- Ballard says if the plants are in containers, you should move them, but they don’t all have to come all the way inside.

Cut 3 (09) “…temperature.” 

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 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Baton Rouge judge has reportedly dismissed a lawsuit filed by former LSU athletics executive Sharon Lewis who claimed she faced harassment and retaliation after she reported sexual harassment allegations involving former coach Les Miles.  Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says it appears Judge Tim Kelley determined the lawsuit to be frivolous

Cut 9 (11) “…it didn’t stick” 

Lewis alleged that LSU and its now former law firm Taylor-Porter engaged in a criminal conspiracy against her.

Senator Bill Cassidy’s RISE Act would lift a cap on royalties to energy-producing states and more capital for coastal rebuilding. While the bill passed out of committee, Cassidy says it got pushed aside in the mad dash to pass the spending bill.

Cut 8 (08)  “…they pass.”

The Salvation Army is offering additional ways for you to donate to their annual Red Kettle Campaign. You can use your smartphone at a kettle and a QR code will take to you a donation site. With inflation causing so many to tighten their belts, Lt. Thomas Johnson says that means more people need assistance.

Cut 15 (11)  “…too small.”

By day Alistair Adkinson is a New Orleans attorney and when he’s not practicing law, he’s saving Christmas. After reading about porch pirates stealing packages in their neighborhood, he decided to offer his office as a drop-off site and with all the positive feedback Adkinson believes it will become a holiday tradition.

Cut 6 (07)  “…lifesaver.

You can contact him at TripleALawyer-dot com that the work triple spelled out.

A Baton Rouge woman convicted of poisoning her former live-in boyfriend in 2015 has been sentenced to life in prison. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore…

Cut 10 (09) “…in a verdict.” 
Moore believes money led to Meshell Hale killing Damian Skipper. She’s also been accused of killing her estranged husband, 42-year-old Arthur Noflin. The charred remains of his body were found in a burned-out pickup truck in New Orleans in 2016.

Because people tend to not carry cash on them these days, the Salvation Army is offering additional ways for you to donate to their annual Red Kettle Campaign. Lt. Thomas Johnson with the Salvation Army in Lafayette says now it’s as easy as pulling out your phone to donate when you see a bell ringer.

Cut 13 (08) “…to the site.”

As Congress races to pass a federal spending bill before a government shutdown deadline, Senator Bill Cassidy laments there’s NO money in it for coastal restoration. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Bayou State will begin to feel more like the frozen state tomorrow night. Louisiana is under a deep freeze warning beginning at 9 pm Thursday until 4 am Sunday. Wind chills on Friday are expected to be below zero so make preps for your pipes, plants, and pets today.

In a 26-hour period, three separate house fires claimed three lives in Louisiana. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to be aware of the dangers of space heaters if used improperly and spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says to be mindful of holiday decorations also.

Cut 11 (09)  “…outlet.”

The fires happened in New Orleans, Leesville, and Ruston.

The Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund will stop accepting applications tomorrow. Assistant Commissioner in the Division of Administration, Desiree Honore Thomas says the programs have helped people stay afloat through financial challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Cut 4 (09)  “…few people 

Governor John Bel Edwards is asking the Environmental Protection Agency to have Capitol Lakes declared as a Superfund site. Edwards says the letter he sent last week is the final step to make the long-polluted lakes eligible for federal assistance.

Cut 12 (10) “…by the EPA.”  

Edwards says it could take three to five years before remediation work begins.

The Corps of Engineers has given the green light to the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project to use Mississippi River sediment to rebuild parts of Louisiana’s coast. Bren Haase executive director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says it’s a monumental development

Cut 6 (12)  “…first place”

He says the project will also provide more hurricane protection for New Orleans.

In a 26-hour period, three separate house fires claimed three lives in Louisiana. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to be aware of the dangers of space heaters if used improperly and spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says to be mindful of holiday decorations also.

Cut 11 (09)  “…outlet.”

The fires happened in New Orleans, Leesville, and Ruston.

The Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund will stop accepting applications tomorrow. Assistant Commissioner in the Division of Administration, Desiree Honore Thomas says the programs have helped people stay afloat through financial challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Cut 4 (09)  “…few people 

Governor John Bel Edwards is asking the Environmental Protection Agency to have Capitol Lakes declared as a Superfund site. Edwards says the letter he sent last week is the final step to make the long-polluted lakes eligible for federal assistance.

Cut 12 (10) “…by the EPA.”  

Edwards says it could take three to five years before remediation work begins.

The Corps of Engineers has given the green light to the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project to use Mississippi River sediment to rebuild parts of Louisiana’s coast. Bren Haase executive director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says it’s a monumental development

Cut 6 (12)  “…first place”

He says the project will also provide more hurricane protection for New Orleans.

In a 26-hour period, three separate house fires claimed three lives in Louisiana. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it’s vital to have a working smoke detector, especially with the hard freeze in the forecast.

Cut 10 (09) “… us yet.” 

Rodrigue urges residents to look for fire hazards before using a space heater and Christmas décor. The fires happened in New Orleans, Leesville, and Ruston.

The Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund will stop accepting applications tomorrow. Desiree Honore Thomas is Assistant Commissioner in the Division of Administration.

Cut 3 (05) “..funds left. ” 

The program has assisted 26 hundred tenants and 62 hundred homeowners since its inception.

The Public Service Commission has delayed a vote on another six-dollar storm recovery surcharge being put on customers’ bills as they look to see if Entergy can pay some of the costs from the 2020 and 2021 storms.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The attorney representing Kory York believes the now suspended Master Trooper will be found not guilty of the charges from the 2019 in-custody death of Ronald Greene. Mike Small says there will be no plea bargaining as he believes York did not commit any crimes…

Cut 8 (11)  “…in Union Parish.“

Body camera video of the arrest shows York dragging Greene by his ankle shackles and putting his foot on his back to push him down and leaving him face down in the dirt for nearly ten minutes.

A major arctic blast is heading Louisiana’s way. State Climatologist Barry Keim says you’ll need the heavy coats and gloves later this week.

Cut 13 (10) “…below normal.”

The lows on Friday will be in the teens in north Louisiana and the 20s elsewhere.

Governor Edwards held his End of the Year Press Conference today highlighting accomplishments of 2022. Edwards reflected on where the state was in January with the Omicron surge and how cases are much lower now. But the governor pointed out that the healthcare system is still stressed because they are responding to a “tridemic.”

Cut 10 (12) “… boosters.” 

Experts say this year has been the worst year for Louisiana sweet potato production in more than 30 years.  LSU Ag Center sweet potato specialist Myrl Sistrunk says the crop was expensive to plant, due to increased fuel, labor, and pesticide costs. He says production is down as much as 60-percent.

Cut 4 (10)  “…for the state”