Mandeville Representative and former gubernatorial candidate Richard Nelson has been appointed Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s speculation Governor-elect Jeff Landry promised Nelson a job in exchange for dropping out of the race…

Cut 9 (12) “…Republican.” 

One of Nelson’s campaign promises was to repeal the state income tax.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says Republicans are unified and will not approve a 110-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel unless it addresses southern border security. Cassidy says since President Biden took office there have been eight-million illegal crossings…

Cut 6 (06) “…not done so”

Democratic leadership in the Senate says this funding for Ukraine is desperately needed and the bill should not be tied to extreme immigration proposals.

If you’re still looking for Medicare health coverage or want to change your existing plan, you have until tomorrow to meet the 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment deadline. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

A federal judge is expected to rule soon if the state will need to redraw it’s legislative maps. The case is similar to the state’s congressional map that was found in violation of the Voting Rights Act. The case questions if lawmakers diluted minority voting for both the House and state Senate. Lawmakers are poised to have a special session to redraw the congressional map next month.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says Republicans are unified and will not approve a 110-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel unless the legislation addresses southern border security. Cassidy says since President Biden took office there have been eight-million illegal crossings…

Cut 6 (06) “…not done so”

Democratic leadership in the Senate says this funding for Ukraine is desperately needed and the funding bill should not be tied to extreme immigration proposals.

Republican John Nickelson has won his lawsuit challenging the results of the November 18th Caddo Parish sheriff’s election. He lost the race by one vote to Democrat Henry Whitehorn, a judge has ruled for a new election because of 11 questionable votes. Political analyst Scott Hughes expects Whitehorn to appeal the decision.

Cut 5 (12) “…on this.”

Many Louisiana residents have felt the financial squeeze from rising property insurance rates, and it’s also a problem for school systems. Dannie Garrett, lobbyist for the Louisiana School Board Association, says premiums are going up and funding from the state is not matching the increase…

Cut 8 (11) “…school system.” 
Legislators are expected to address the state’s property insurance crisis next year.

State Transportation will give the next Legislature an opportunity to approve a public-private partnership that would result in the construction of a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The current House Transportation Committee rejected the plan, because of its reliance on tolls as a source of funding. DOTD spokesperson John Guidroz says they want to give a new group of legislators a say…

cut 11 (07) “….cost anything”
The deadline has been extended from December 3rd to February first.

A judge calls for a new sheriff’s election in Caddo Parish after Republican John Nickelson challenged the results when he lost the run-off and recount by one vote to Democrat Henry Whitehorn. Political Analyst Scott Hughes says the judge identified at least 11 illegal votes.

Cut 4 (13) “…vote margin.”

The election, if not appealed, will be held in March.

State Police have arrested 19-year-old Isabelle Nguyen after the fatal hit-and-run crash that killed 66-year-old cyclist Henry Savoie of Larose last week. Trooper Ross Brennan says the crash happened on LA Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish. Nguyen is charged with hit and run driving with serious injury or death…

Cut 10 (06) “…of the crash”  

Savoie died over the weekend.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says a decision has yet to be made if quarterback Jayden Daniels will play in the Tigers bowl game on New Year’s Day in Tampa against Wisconsin. Daniels is a likely top-ten pick in the 2024 NFL draft and Kelly says the Heisman finalist understands the pros and cons of playing in one more college game…

Cut 15 (15) “…both sides of it.”

=The University of Louisiana Monroe has named Bryant Vincent as their new head football coach. Vincent most recently served as Offensive Coordinator at the University of New Mexico and before that he was the interim head coach at UAB in 2022. ULL will hold a press conference Wednesday at 11 AM to officially welcome him to the Warhawk family.

State Transportation has started preliminary site work for the $361 million project to build a new Jimmie Davis Bridge connecting Bossier and Caddo Parishes. Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the design phase also includes transforming the existing structure into a linear park.

Cut 7 (10) “…each side.” 

Major construction on the four-lane bridge is still about a year away.

It’s official as LSU’s Jayden Daniels was named a Heisman Finalist last night. The biggest argument against Daniels receiving the award is the three losses suffered by the Tigers this season. But Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says….
cut 15 (09) “…out there”
The other finalists are Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Junior, and Ohio State s Marvin Harrison Junior. The award will be handed out on Saturday.

Concordia Parish Sheriff deputies have arrested seven people involved in the beating of a woman who was held against her will for a night inside a residence. Authorities say the victim escaped and got help at a pharmacy in Vidalia. Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Brandy Spears, says authorities are still searching for one person, 23-year-old Dustin Wright of Vidalia…
cut 9 (03) “….white male”

The woman escaped the next day and was able to identify the suspects ranging in ages from 23 to 43.

LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center has received a more than $13 million grant to help fight childhood obesity among minorities and those in rural communities. Associate Professor Amanda Staiano says the grant will allow them to find the best approach to deliver their 26-hour evidence-based obesity program.

Cut 5 (11) “ …of families.”  

Concordia Parish Deputies have arrested seven people in a home invasion, for false imprisonment, and second-degree battery of a female in Vidalia last week. One more person is still wanted for their alleged participation. Brandy Spears with Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the victim was inside a residence when eight individuals assaulted the victim.

Cut 8 (08) “…pepper spray.” 

The woman escaped the next day and was able to identify the suspects ranging in ages from 23 to 43.

The list of Heisman finalists is out, and Jayden Daniels is one of four players’ up for the award. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the oddsmakers believe Daniels will be LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner…

Cut 13 (09) “…overwhelming favorite.”
The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night.

Starting on December 20th, high school seniors who do not pass the LEAP exam will have an option to appeal and possibly receive their diploma. The policy could be changed when new BESE members are sworn in next year. Current BESE president Holly Boffy says if that does happen…

Cut 12 (08) “…state law.” 
Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry oppose the appeals process, they believe it devalues a high school diploma.

LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center has received a $13 million grant to help fight childhood obesity among minorities and those in rural communities. Associate Professor Amanda Staiano says the grant will allow them to find the best approach to deliver their 26-hour evidence-based obesity program.

Cut 3 (09) “….time period.”

The outreach study is in conjunction with Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

One of the largest private owners of timberland in the world, Weyerhaeuser will invest 96 million dollars in its Winn Parish lumber mill in Winn Parish to reduce carbon emissions. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

If you want your packages and holiday cards to reacher their destination by December 25^th you need to put them in the mail by December 16^th. You get an extra four days if you send them priority but if you send them by priority mail express you have to mail them by December 21^st.

California will face off against Texas Tech in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport on December 16^th.  Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson says it’s their first power-five match-up since 2016. With two high-profile teams, Evenson says it’s a three-hour commercial for Shreveport-Bossier City.

Cut 6 (12) “…the game.”

Sixteen teams are getting ready to play in the state high school football championships. Among them, Union Parish will make their fourth straight state championship game appearance when they face St. James Friday afternoon. Farmers Head Coach Joe Spatafora says they want to win it all this year after finishing as a runner-up the last three seasons…

Cut 11 (11) “…last three.”

California will play Texas Tech in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport on Saturday, December 16^th.  In the past, the game was held closer to Christmas, but this time bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson says the new date is a win-win for visiting fans and locals to enjoy the festivities leading up to kickoff.

Cut 8 (10) “…on Monday.” 

Weyerhaeuser one of the largest private owners of timberland, will spend 96 million dollars to modernize and decarbonize its Winn Parish lumber mill. Spokesperson Deano Orr says the facility will improve mill efficiencies and the new technology will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and waste, in addition to…

Cut 4 (11) “…as well.”

The improvements will help them retrain almost 160 jobs.

After human remains were found in the woods in Bastrop, the police department has released very little information. They were found on Sunday south of White Avenue near the intersection of South Cox. No other details of the investigation have been released.

Louisianans will get an up-close view of the amazing craftsmanship and architecture of the State Capitol in a new LPB documentary premiering tonight at 7:00 pm. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

California will face off against Texas Tech in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport on December 16^th.  Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson says it’s their first power-five match-up since 2016. With two high-profile teams, Evenson says it’s a three-hour commercial for Shreveport-Bossier City.

Cut 6 (12) “…the game.”

The documentary “A Tall Order: The Louisiana State Capitol” debuts on Louisiana Public Broadcasting tonight. Governor Huey Long wanted the tallest capitol building in the country, but the legislature said no. LPB Senior Producer Dorothy Kendrick says when Long was elected to the US Senate he finally got his wish…

Cut 8 (12) “…a depression.” 

It airs at seven o’clock.

Louisiana lawmakers expect a busy 2024 after being sworn in on January 8th.  New Iberia Senator-elect and former House GOP leader, Blake Miquez expects Governor-elect Jeff Landry will call a special session to address crime before the regular session in March.

Cut 11 (08) “…our governor.” 

Newly elected chair of the House Democratic Caucus and New Orleans Representative Matthew Williard says there’s also talk of a special session on insurance reform…

Cut 12 (11) “…special session.” 
The first order of business will be a special session to address the state’s congressional map after a court order has instructed them to draw a map with two majority-Black districts instead of one.

Louisiana residents can now request an “Autism Spectrum Disorder” or a “Needs Accommodation” decal for their vehicle at no cost from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the decal will indicate to law enforcement that an individual has a disability.

Cut 9 (13) “…the stop.” 

Documentation is required for the decal.

A new report by the National Center for Health Statistics reveals suicide rate in the U-S last year reached a record high. More than 49 thousand people intentionally committed suicide. And LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says there has been an increase in drug overdose deaths largely driven by opioids.

Cut 11 (10) “…related event.” 

If you are a loved one need assistance with a mental health crisis call 9-8-8.

LSU All-American forward Angel Reese scored 19 points and had nine rebounds last night as the 7th-ranked Lady Tigers defeated ninth-ranked Virginia Tech. After a four-game absence, Reese says she used her time away to reset and refocus. She says LSU legend Shaquille O’Neal was her daily motivator.

Cut 4 (15) “…I am.”

AlexWinterFete is underway in Alexandria and event manager Cathy Spiller says you can buy a $10 fast pass that allows you to wait in a shorter line for the ice-skating rink.

Cut 7 (12) “…don’t get” 

Visit AlexWinterFete, that’s F-E-T-E dot com for more information.

The CDC says nearly 50-thousand people in the U.S. died as a result of a suicide in 2022. The suicide rate of 14.3 deaths per 100-thousand people reached its highest level since 1941. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Doctor Rahn Bailey says the stigma of mental illness needs to be removed so individuals are more likely to seek help…
cut 12 (12) “…professional care”

Alexandria’s favorite Winter Festival is back for the seventh year and there’s plenty of free-family-friendly entertainment. AlexWinterFete event manager Cathy Spiller says they even have an ice-skating rink with real ice, Santa Claus, a petting zoo, plenty of inflatables for the kids, and more….

Cut 6 (09) “…shopping vendors.”

The hours on today in downtown Alexandria are four to ten and on Saturday 10 am until 10 pm.

After a four-game absence, LSU women’s basketball star forward Angel Reese made a powerful return to the court last night but felt her time off was necessary to recharge and refocus. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”