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A retired state Supreme Court Justice heard testimony today in a lawsuit filed by Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson who lost the election by one vote. Nickelson says the Board of Election Supervisors only rescanned mail-in ballots instead of a hand count. The Republican says two people voted twice, and…

Cut 8 (10) “…is counted.” 

Henry Whitehorn, who was declared the winner in the recount, says the results should stand. The Democrat says he’s always been told the person with the most votes wins whether it’s by 1,000 votes or even just one vote…

Cut 9 (11) “…this election.” 

The judge has given Nickelson’s attorneys a December 2 noon deadline to file a brief to further argue the case and Whitehorn until noon December 4^th.

After the worst wildfire season in Louisiana history, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says he’ll ask lawmakers next year to approve 43 million dollars for new firefighting equipment and personnel. He says funding is critical in preparing for possible wildfires in the future. Strain says forestry-made bulldozers will also help crews to fight wildfires efficiently.

Cut 5 (11) “ …and engines.”  

A federal judge has extended the deadline for redrawing the state’s congressional map. The new incoming legislature will have until January 30^th. Under state law the earliest a special session can take place would be January 15th. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says U-S District Judge Shelley Dick should realize January 30th is not enough time…

Cut 13 (09) “…like this.”

A federal judge is giving state lawmakers a little more time to redraw a Congressional district map that must have two majority-minority districts to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has named Bryan Adams to be the next State Fire Marshal and Thomas Friloux as the Louisiana National Guard’s next Adjutant General. Adams has more than 40 years of experience in fire and emergency service and Friloux has served as a Louisiana guardsman for more than 35 years.

A retired state Supreme Court Justice is hearing a lawsuit today filed by Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson who lost the election by one vote. During the recount, Nickelson says the Board of Election Supervisors only rescanned mail-in ballots instead of a hand count. The Republican says two people voted twice, and…

Cut 8 (10) “…is counted.” 

Henry Whitehorn, who was declared the winner in the recount, says the results should stand. The Democrat says he’s always been told the person with the most votes wins whether it’s by 1,000 votes or even just one vote…

Cut 9 (11) “…this election.” 
Whitehorn says the lawsuit is asking the court to disregard the election process.

As the state’s top law enforcement agency remains under federal investigation after the 2019 death of Ronald Greene, Attorney General-elect Liz Murrill announces her own investigation.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The 2023 hurricane season ends today and although 17 named storms were predicted by NOAA, it was a very busy season with 20 and seven were hurricanes. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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LSU’s Bayou Barbie is back as Angel Reese will be on the floor tonight when 7th ranked LSU hosts 9th ranked Virginia Tech. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Attorney General-elect Liz Murrill announces the appointment of former federal prosecutor Ed O’Callahan to conduct an in-depth review of the practices and operations of state police. Louisiana State Police is under a US Department of Justice investigation following the 2019 death of Ronald Greene.

Cut 4 (10) “…going forward.”

Murrill says O’Callahan is a long-time former federal prosecutor and former top official at the U.S. Department of Justice. She says O’Callahan and his team from the Washington DC law office of WilmerHale will guide the state in the ongoing USDOJ investigation.

Cut 5 (11) “…this country.”

Murrill, who’s the current Solicitor General, says because she respects and supports law enforcement an internal review of LSP is what’s best for the agency.

Cut 6 (13) “…improvements.”

O’Callahan has conducted similar reviews of law enforcement agencies in Illinois, Maryland, and New York.

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Today officially marks the last day of the 2023 hurricane season. While 14 named storms are considered an average season, State Climatologist Barry Keim says the season ended with 20 named storms and the signature storm – Hurricane Idalia.

Cut 7 (12) “…pretty spectacular..”

NOAA predicted a near to below to average season of 12 to 17 named storms. Out of the 20 named storms, seven developed into hurricanes and three became major hurricanes.

Despite early predictions, Keim says this season is tied for the fourth most active season we have on record. Overall, he says storm tracking was away from the Bayou State which kept it relatively quiet and dry.

Cut 8 (12) “…of that.” 

Keim says we could still possibly get storms in December and January. He says Louisiana is in a swing season period with a strong El Nino but hopes for more rain to help the drought.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to bed.”

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With 40 days left before transitioning to a new administration, Governor John Bel Edwards administration has released reports highlighting their accomplishments over the last eight years. Deputy Chief of Staff Eric Holl says it shows the work done by state agencies under Governor Edwards leadership.

Cut 10 (11) “…by LED.”

The “Challenges Met, Progress Delivered” overview details information of the Department of Health expansion of Medicaid and the people it helped.

Holl says the report details the work of Louisiana Economic Development has grown and diversified the economy and its record-breaking economic development deals. His personal favorite accomplishments…

Cut 11 (12) “…their community.” 

Holl says the series also celebrates Louisiana being much better off than it was eight years ago. He says the state has made tremendous progress in every possible metric including…

Cut 12 (09) “…billion dollars.” 

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It’s a new day for the Northwestern State football program as 47-year-old Blaine McCorkle takes over as the new head coach of the Demons. McCorkle takes over for Brad Laird, who resigned six games into the season following the murder of safety Ronnie Caldwell. The Demons did not play their final four games of the season so he McCorkle recognizes emotions are still raw…

Cut 13 (12) “…right in the tail.”

McCorkle is a 2000 graduate of LSU. He was a long snapper for the Tigers in the late 1990s and played on three bowl teams. He says he’s wanted to be a Division one head coach in Louisiana for 30 years now…

Cut 14 (14) “…football games.”

McCorkle spent the last six seasons as the head coach of Belhaven College. A division three school in Jackson, Mississippi. He took over a losing program and over the last three seasons at Belhaven they went 24-7 and celebrated their first appearance in the Division three playoffs in school history.  McCorkle wants to win championships at Northwestern State…

Cut 15 (15) “…to do.”

Northwestern State has not had a winning season since 2008.

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All-American forward Angel Reese is back with the 7th-ranked Lady Tigers just in time for Thursday night’s matchup against 9th-ranked Virginia Tech, a rematch of last year’s national semifinal game won by LSU. Reese has missed the last four games for an undisclosed reason and Coach Kim Mulkey says Angel is back and everyone is happy…

Cut 16 (10) “…the country.”

In four games this season, Reese is averaging 17 points and ten rebounds a game. She had 24 points and 12 rebounds against Hokie when they beat them last year to advance to the national championship game.

It remains a mystery why Reese missed the last four games, including a trip to the Cayman Islands. Mulkey continues to say it was a locker room issue…

Cut 17 (17) “…to me.”

Junior guard Kateri Poole has also been absent from the team. Mulkey says Poole is still not back and did not elaborate if her return is imminent. Poole averaged five points and two assists a game last year as she provided defensive toughness off the bench.

Mulkey did confirm that sophomore forward Sa’Myah Smith will miss the rest of the season after tearing her A-C-L and M-C-L in last Friday’s win over Niagara. Smith is a six-foot-two sophomore forward and Mulkey says she’ll be missed

Cut 18 (18)  “…thus far.” 

Smith is averaging 12 points and eight rebounds a game this season. LSU could use Smith against Va Tech. Six-foot-six Elizabeth Kitley is averaging 24 points and 12 rebounds a game. Tip-off is at 8 PM.

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Cut 19 (18) “…moving forward” 

Cut 20 (20) “…that’s significant.”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry announces Robert Hodges as the next Superintendent of State Police. Major Hodges is a 28-year veteran of LSP. Landry made the announcement in New Orleans and also announced a crime-fighting partnership with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office…

cut 9 (08) “…they deserve”

Landry says he will bring in as much of a law enforcement presence into the city of New Orleans as necessary to keep the entire city safe…

A disturbing story in south Louisiana today as an 11-year-old girl has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 36-year-old Kameran Bedsole. Bedsole’s body was found in the 47-hundred block of Jasper Road in New Iberia on November 14th. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says they are not releasing any other details at this time…
cut 7 (04) “…are expected”

The Department of Children and Family Services is urging EBT cardholders to immediately change their PIN. According to DCFS fraud director Rhonda Brown, multiple skimming devices at various retailers have been discovered around the state. She urges EBT card holder to regularly review their card transactions using the Life In Check EBT mobile app or visit their website…

Cut 20 (10) “…for months.”

If you want to see the world’s tallest Christmas tree structure, just make your way toward north Louisiana to DeSoto Parish which now holds the world record with its 300-foot-tall tree structure. Sheriff Jayson Richardson says the idea hit him last year while looking at Christmas lights with his family.

Cut 3 (13) “….exceeded that.”

An 11-year-old girl has been arrested for the murder of a 36-year-old man. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Katherine Breaux says the girl, a former resident of Iberia Parish, was taken into custody by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office…

Cut 6 (06) “…Lafayette Detention Center”

Breaux says she’s accused of killing Kameran Bedsole on November 14th. Bledsoe died from several gunshot wounds. His body was found in the 47-hundred block of Jasper Road.

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry will announce State Police appointments and other Safety and Security Appointments during a press conference today in New Orleans. LA Politics Dot Com Publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s a reason for that…

Cut 7 (07) “…in New Orleans.”

Alford says Landry has been open about his opinion of the issues he sees in the state’s largest city. Alford believes Landry will make his plans clear…

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s working with lawmakers to pass the Disaster Mitigation legislation which would help reduce the impact of future storms on the Bayou State and elsewhere in the country.

Cut 13 (13) “…next disaster.”

He says it is part of his broader commitment to make sure Louisiana is as prepared as possible for future natural disasters.

If you want to see the world’s tallest Christmas tree structure, just make your way toward north Louisiana to DeSoto Parish which now holds the world record with its 300-foot-tall tree structure. Sheriff Jayson Richardson says the idea hit him last year while riding around looking at Christmas lights with his family.

Cut 3 (13) “….exceeded that.”

The 28 structure is behind Stonewall Government Plaza.

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry is talking safety and security in New Orleans today. Colleen Crain has the story

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

If you have an EBT card, the Department of Children and Family Services is urging you to change your PIN, after the discovery of multiple skimming devices at several locations, Visit LifeInCheckEBT.com and monitor your card for any suspicious activity.

Among the Fiscal year 2023 goals for State Health that made strides was keeping the majority of calls to 9-8-8 answered by local counselors. Deputy Secretary Tonya Joiner says it’s important to keep calls to the suicide mental health crisis hotline closer to home.

Cut 12 (11) “…that call.” 

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is sponsoring bipartisan legislation with Hawaii to better mitigate natural disasters. He says we can learn from each other like how Louisiana pre-positions fuel trucks to quickly refill gas stations in areas where residents are evacuating.

Cut 15 (12) “…other natural disasters.”

He says it’s part of his broader commitment to make sure Louisiana is as prepared as possible for future natural disasters.

The family of Linda Frickey is hoping for closure after 18-year-old John Honore was found guilty of second-degree murder in her horrific death last year in New Orleans. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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There’s growing concern among veterinarians over a mystery respiratory disease among dogs that’s difficult to treat. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Linda Frickey’s family feels justice was served after 18-year-old John Honore was found guilty of second-degree murder by a unanimous jury on Monday. Honore was the driver in the horrific New Orleans carjacking that killed Frickey. Her sister-in-law, Kathy Richard says the guilty verdict doesn’t bring Linda back but it brings closure.

Cut 3 (12) “….were doing.”

Surveillance video showed Honore pulling Frickey out of her vehicle in mid-city New Orleans in March of 2022 and beating her. The car sped away dragging Frickey and severing her arm in the brutal death.  The defense argued that Honore did not intend to kill Frickey.

Richard says the murder was intentional and Honore could have made different choices.

Cut 4 (12) “…and left.”

Three other teens charged in the 2022 carjacking death pleaded guilty last week to attempted manslaughter in exchange for 20-year sentences.

Richard feels he should serve the maximum possible punishment of life in prison. She hopes the memory of that horrific day lives with him forever.

Cut 5 (12) “ …don’t come.”  

Sentencing is set for January. Honore could possibly be up for parole in 25 years.

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Today is Giving Tuesday – and the Humane Society of Louisiana is in need of your help. Director Jeff Dorson says support is especially needed this time of year to provide food and warm shelter for vulnerable animals.

Cut 6 (12) “…public shelters.”

Dorson says the society receives about five to 10 cruelty reports a day from anywhere in the state. He says in the past few days they found animals who needed essential medical care.

Cut 7 (12) “…stray animals.” 

The society receives no government funding. While some parishes in Louisiana are without shelters, Dorson says only 30 of the 64 parishes don’t have animal control services. He says they heavily rely on donations to care for pets.

Cut 8 (10) “…all about.” 

To donate to the Humane Society of Louisiana, visit www.humanela.org.

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A mystery respiratory disease among dogs in 12 states so far, is raising concern among veterinarians. New Orleans veterinarian Dr. Claire Guichard says while no cases have been reported in Louisiana there have been cases in Florida and Georgia. Symptoms include coughing, eye and nose discharge, and lethargy.

Cut 9 (09) “…than later” 

Some dogs have died from the disease and Guichard says it comes on rather fast.

Because it is a respiratory disease, Guichard says your dog has to come in contact with another dog to catch it.

Cut 10 (08) “…than worry.”  

Louisiana veterinarians are on notice to report any possible spread of the mystery disease in the Bayou State. Guichard says it’s best to keep your dog away from other dogs.

Cut 11 (11) “…36 hours.”

She says it affects dogs of all ages but puppies and senior dogs are most likely to have more severe complications.

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Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has introduced bipartisan legislation to help families when it comes to paying for caregivers. The Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act allows families to use their tax-free health savings account to cover those expenses.

Cut 12 (11)  “…not all can.”  

There are an estimated 38 million family caregivers in the United States and Cassidy says this would provide families with another cost-effective way to utilize their health savings account.

Cut 13 (10) “…a parent.”

Currently, adult children cannot use their HSA account to cover expenses they incur on behalf of aging parents unless their parents are classified as dependents for tax purposes.

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Cut  14 (09) “…many cases.”

Linda Frickey’s sister-in-law says justice was served after 18-year-old John Honore was found guilty of second-degree murder in the brutal New Orleans carjacking.  Kathy Richard says the murder was intentional and Honore could have made different choices.

Cut 4 (13) “…and left.”

A mystery respiratory disease among dogs in 12 states so far, is raising concern among veterinarians. New Orleans veterinarian Dr. Claire Guichard says while no cases have been reported in Louisiana there have been cases in Florida and Georgia. Symptoms include coughing, eye and nose discharge, and lethargy.

Cut 9 (09) “…than later” 

She says some dogs have died from the disease and it comes on rather fast.

The Nicholls State football team was stranded in a small airport for 22 hours this weekend after losing their playoff game. Nicholls’ Athletic Director Jonathan Terrell says it was a frustrating situation made worse when they weren’t able to get any answers from Eastern Airlines, the charter flight company.

Cut 6 (10) “…for us.”

The team finally made it home Sunday night.

Black Friday sales show online holiday shopping increased by seven percent over last year. Holiday shoppers spent nearly $10 billion in online sales in the U-S on Black Friday. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says holiday shopping is starting to normalize following the post-pandemic surge in shopping.

Cut 7 (12) “…percent -ish.”

Linda Frickey’s family feels justice was served after 18-year-old John Honore was found guilty of second-degree murder by a unanimous jury Monday. Honore was the driver in the horrific New Orleans carjacking that killed Frickey. Her sister-in-law, Kathy Richard says the guilty verdict doesn’t bring her back, but it brings closure.

Cut 3 (13) “….were doing.”

Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson has file a lawsuit seeking a new runoff election against Henry Whitehorn, who won after a recount by one vote. Political Analyst Scott Hughes says a district court judge is set to hear the case Thursday.

Cut 10 (10) “…in court.”

Just a reminder that every vote counts.

After losing to Southern Illinois on Saturday, the Nicholls State football team was stranded in a small airport for 22 hours. Nicholls’ Athletic Director Jonathan Terrell says the restaurants closed overnight in the small airport, they had no transportation and were unable to book a hotel last minute due to the size of the party.

Cut 5 (10) “…140 people.”

The team finally made it home Sunday night. The NCAA coordinates post-season travel from teams.

If you have an old Google account you want to keep, Haggai Davis of Tech Gumbo Podcast says you need to log in by the end of this week, they are removing accounts that have been inactive for two years. And If you have old accounts with other providers, he says their inactive account policies will probably change also.

Cut 15 (07) “…kind of thing.”

He says, Google is concerned about security, not data space.