Severe weather is expected to impact the southern half of Louisiana for the next several hours. National Weather Service Meteorologist Christopher Bannan says there’s potential for damaging winds and tornadoes and a tornado watch is likely for areas east of Interstate 55.

Cut 4 (11) “…strong tornadoes.”

Bannon says three to five inches of rain are predicted and for some areas, it could be as high as eight inches.

This crawfish season is among the most questionable in the Bayou State after the oppressive heat and drought of 2023. LSU AgCenter Crawfish Specialist Todd Fontenot says conditions have made it extremely difficult for the state’s favorite crustacean crop to thrive.

Cut 6 (08) “…this time.” 

Crawfish normally lay eggs in August but the drought dried out those areas where they normally retreat to reproduce.

On Sunday Republican Jeff Landry was ceremonially sworn in as the state’s 57th Governor. During his speech, he said residents want a government to reflect their values and the most important voice in a child’s education should be their parents…

Cut 11 (11) “…mothers back.” 

Due to anticipated severe weather today he was sworn in yesterday but officially became governor at noon today.

LSU has a new defensive coordinator; Blake Baker will take over defensive play-calling duties after two successful seasons at Missouri. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says Baker quickly emerged as the top candidate after the firing of Matt House….

Cut 16 (15) “…and Louisiana” 

Six students from Neville High School in Monroe were involved in a tragic accident where their deer camp caught on fire Friday morning. A 15-year-old is dead. The incident happened in Jefferson County, Mississippi and Sheriff James Bailey says the five other teenagers were sent to Mississippi hospitals with burns and cuts from trying to escape.

Cut 10 (11) “..five injuries.”

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

A new governor and Louisiana Legislature will be sworn in on Monday. Republicans will be in control of both the executive and legislative branches. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin on what that means for the first regular session that begins in March…

Cut 12 (12)  “…vetoed.”  

2023 was not the best year for real estate with rising interest rates after an unprecedented hot market during the height of the pandemic. But Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris believes things will improve with mortgage rates expected to settle in between five and six percent.

Cut 3 (10) “…buyers and sellers.”

Morris says the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage right now is 6.75%.

If you are a king cake connoisseur, get ready to find the baby. The season officially kicks off Saturday and Co-Owner Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans David Haydel says they’ve been busy with sales and shipping out orders nationwide.

Cut 6 (13) “….on Friday.” 

They’ve been shipping orders as far away as the Vatican also.

A 15-year-old Neville High School student from Monroe is dead and five of his classmates are injured after their deer camp caught on fire early this morning. The incident happened in Jefferson County, Mississippi, and Sheriff James Bailey says his deputies were among the first on the scene…

Cut 9 (11) “… burning camp.” 

He says the injured teen received cuts and burns while trying to escape. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has named former assistant attorney general Terrance “Joe” Donahue to be the next Transportation Secretary. And Landry has also named Conrad Appel, Judy Armstrong, and Simone Champagne to serve as BESE members. Landry will be sworn in on Monday as the state’s 57^th governor.

Word that mortgage rates are decreasing is encouraging news for the real estate market. And Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris is hopeful lawmakers will pass legislation to help homeowners and potential buyers with their property insurance premiums.

Cut 4 (07) “…in 2024.”

He says the rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage today is 6.75%.

King Cake season kicks off tomorrow. Co-Owner of New Orleans Haydel Bakery David Haydel says they are busy baking a variety of different flavored King Cakes but when it comes to the most popular…

Cut 7 (12) “…the tradition.” 

In addition to selling King Cakes locally he says they also ship cakes across the country. Mardi Gras is Tuesday February 13^th.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ two terms in office ends Monday, ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says in 2020 the Democrat from Tangipahoa Parish had to impose Covid restrictions that many Republicans thought went too far…

Cut 5 (09) “…of course.”

During his eight years, Cross says Edwards also navigated multiple natural disasters and civil unrest in 2016 following the Baton Rouge police shooting of Alton Sterling.

If you’re a king cake connoisseur, get ready to find the baby. One of the tastiest seasons in the Bayou State is upon us – King cake season begins tomorrow. Co-Owner of New Orleans Haydel Bakery David Haydel says they’ve been busy between local sales and shipping out orders nationwide.

Cut 6 (13) “….on Friday.” 

Louisiana’s longest-serving Insurance Commissioner, Jim Donelon, will leave office on Monday. Jeff Palermo has more on the 79-year-old who is retiring from politics…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Thibodeaux Police Department has issued a statement in response to the officer-involved fatal shooting of a loose dog on Christmas Day. TPD says it was justified because the dog bit the officer. You can read the full statement at LouisianaRadioNetwork-dot-com

Governor John Bel Edwards touted his accomplishments during a farewell address last night. Edwards says he entered office with a historic budget deficit, but now the state enjoys surpluses that resulted in investments into teacher pay, higher education and roads. He believes the state is better off than it was eight years…

Cut 6 (14) “…Laughter)

Edwards will be joining the New Orleans-based law firm Fishman Haygood. Senior partner Kerry Miller says Edwards, who was an accomplished attorney before his political career, will mesh well with their firm.

Cut 3 (10) “…throughout the state.”
Miller says in his new role as special counsel, Edwards will focus on renewable energy.

If you’re looking for a healthy eating plan as part of your New Year resolutions, the DASH diet has been ranked number two overall, according to U.S. News and World Report. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

If you’re using the diabetes medication Ozempic the FDA is looking into reports of hair loss, suicidal thoughts and aspiration linked to the medication. Off-label the drug is widely popular for weight loss. The FDA evaluating the need for regulatory action on the medication

Governor John Bel Edwards touted his accomplishments during a farewell address last night in his hometown of Amite. Edwards says he entered office with a historic budget deficit, but now the state enjoys surpluses that resulted in investments into teacher pay, higher education and roads. He believes the state is better off than it was eight years…

(Cut 6 (14) “…Laughter)

The next chapter in Edwards’ career will be written at the New Orleans law firm of Fishman Haygood. Senior partner Kerry Miller says Edwards will be able to continue to focus on the economic and environmental benefits of green energy via their firm.

Cut 4 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

As governor, Edwards announced more than $50 billion in renewable energy projects for the Bayou State.

House Speaker and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is urging President Biden and Senate Democrats to enforce policies along the U-S Mexico border. Johnson and House Republicans visited the Southern Border on Wednesday, and he says the situation is bad…

Cut 13 (10) “…our communities.”

Johnson made the remarks at a press conference in Eagle Pass, Texas.

U.S. News and World Report once again ranks LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s DASH Diet as the second-best diet overall of 2024. Pennington Dietician Cathy Champagne says their eating plan is proven to help those with heart disease.

Cut 10 (13) “…heart association.”

The full diet is available online at Pennington Biomedical Center’s website.

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry has named the leaders for the Department of Natural Resources, Homeland Security, and Workforce Commission. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise has officially endorsed former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race. The House Majority leader says quote “American families and workers deserve a president who will stand up for them and their safety,”

House Speaker and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is urging President Biden and Senate Democrats to enforce policies along the U-S Mexico border. Johnson and House Republicans visited the Southern Border and he says the situation is bad…

Cut 13 (11) “…our communities.”

Johnson made the remarks today at a press conference in Eagle Pass, Texas.

A major shakeup within the LSU football coaching staff went down today as LSU Coach Brian Kelly fired defensive coordinator Matt House, along with three other assistant coaches. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne expects Kelly to act quickly in hiring their replacements…

Cut 5 (06) “ …having a plan.” 

Defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey, safeties coach Kerry Cooks, and cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples were also let go today.

After a poor season on defense, LSU football coach Brian Kelly has fired his defensive coordinator and three other assistants. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

In Lake Charles Police have issued an arrest warrant for manslaughter for Summer Buxton after the death of her two-year-old child Kenyan Jay Buxton in May. The child’s father 20-year-old Adrian Higgins was arrested in connection with the child’s death and also faces manslaughter charges now. The child was found in a Lake Charles hotel room unresponsive and illicit drugs were also in the room.

Open enrollment for Louisiana Medicaid health insurance ends January 15^th. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana healthcare economist Michael Bertaut says individuals with an income between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for tax credits that can lower their monthly premium for a Marketplace health insurance plan.

Cut 7 (10) “…out of their own pocket.” 

To enroll, visit Health-Care-dot-gov.

Governor John Bel Edwards will give his farewell address this evening, and the two-term governor is expected to highlight his achievements in office. The 56^th governor will give his address from his hometown of Amite. This will be his final event as governor and governor-elect Jeff Landry will be sworn-in on Monday.

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry has named the leaders for the Department of Natural Resources, Homeland Security, and Workforce Commission. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

And outgoing Governor John Bel Edwards will deliver his farewell address tonight. Reflecting on his two terms that included multiple natural disasters and the pandemic. He will make his remarks from his hometown of Amite at 6:30.

If you received a cost of living raise you could find yourself in a higher tax bracket when you file your 2024 taxes next year. Shreveport CPA Hardy Foreman says for example a married couple with a joint income of more than $94,300 their tax bracket jumps from 22 percent to 24 percent.

Cut 10 (11) “..everything else.”

Federal tax brackets have not been adjusted for inflation in more than four years.

Around 200-thousand people in Louisiana lost their Medicaid health insurance last year as part of the nationwide disenrollment process. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana healthcare economist Michael Bertaut (BURR-toe) suggests calling an agent to help find the right plan for your medical needs.

Cut 8 (12) “…licensed agent.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards will give his farewell remarks tonight from his hometown of Amite. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards will highlight his achievements which he believes is a smart move politically if the Democrat wants to run again in 2027.

Cut 13 (11) “…so desires.”

The farewell address is scheduled for 6:30 this evening.

Louisiana’s float in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day wins the award for best showmanship. The state has promoted tourism with floats in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade for the last three years and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says always they see a bump in visits to their website.

Cut 9 (11)  “…for 2024.”

If one of your resolutions is eating healthy, guess what this carnival season you can indulge in a zero-sugar, gluten-free twist of a beloved Mardi Gras tradition. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Louisiana is considered the state with the second most prevalence for mold, just behind Hawaii. A recent study shows the Bayou State per capita has the second most searched for damp-related issues. Mold can also cause health problems when it’s allowed to grow which includes allergic reactions and asthma.