Governor John Bel Edwards will give his farewell remarks tonight and from his hometown of Amite. Brooke Thorington has more.

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Lafayette’s Mayor-President Elect Monique Boulet will be sworn in this afternoon at the Cajundome. The daughter of former Governor Kathleen Blanco, Boulet talked about how her late mother would feel about her big day.

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Louisiana’s float in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day one another big award this year. The Showmanship award. Of course, Louisiana has promoted tourism with floats in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade for the last three years and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says always they see a bump in visits to the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s website.

Cut 9 (11)  “…for 2024.”

Mardi gras always attracts a lot of attention, but how about a king cake that’s certified gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly? Eat Fit NOLA Dietician Emma Poling says thanks to the all-natural ingredients of Ochsner’s Signature Kingcaike, everyone can now say yes to king cake.

Cut 12 (12) “…carnival season.” 

Cut 12 (12) “…carnival season.” 

Today Monique Blanco Boulet will be sworn in as Lafayette’s first female Mayor-President. Teiko Foxx has more…

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Governor John Bel Edwards will give his farewell remarks tonight from his hometown of Amite. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this the governor’s last chance to remind voters of what he’s accomplished in office.

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Louisiana’s float in the Rose Parade won an award again this year. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the parade’s theme “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language” allowed Louisiana to showcase some homegrown talent like Amanda Shaw, James Burton, and Sean Ardoin

Cut 8 (08) “…Mardi Gras theme.” 

You don’t have to give up king cake to live a healthier lifestyle. Ochsner Signature Eat Fit King Cakes made by Unrefined Bakery are certified gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly.  Eat Fit NOLA Dietician Emma Poling says people may worry about not getting the traditional taste, but the cakes are just as delicious and under 120 calories.

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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.

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She’s the daughter of former Governor Kathleen Blanco. And today Monique Boulet will be sworn in this afternoon at 3 pm at the Cajundome. As the first woman to serve in the position, Boulet says her first call to action is to build trust, increase transparency, and build the city’s economy.

Cut 4 (12) “…of Lafayette.”

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Louisiana’s New Year’s Day float in the Rose Parade has won an award for the third consecutive year. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they took home the Showmanship Award again this year for a second time this year and the float highlighted the Bayou State’s musical roots…

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If you’re trying to eat healthier in the new year, there’s a king cake for you! Ochsner Signature Eat Fit king cakes are for those who want to indulge in carnival season confections while keeping their New Year’s resolution. Eat Fit NOLA Dietician Emma Poling.

Cut 10 (10) “…every flavorful.”

Eat Fit King Cakes  are certified gluten free, grain free, dairy free and keto friendly and are being sold by select retailers  in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

The federal government is giving Louisiana the authority to issue permits and provide oversight for wells that store carbon dioxide. The Edwards administration has been working to make Louisiana a major player as a hub for Carbon Caputure and Sequestration…which takes carbon dioxide from industrial sources out of the air and storing it deep underground in a well.  Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges says Louisiana now has the power to approve these wells…

Cut 13 (09) “…a lot.” 

Four boaters were saved from a sinking 40 foot fishing boat on Lake Borgne early yesterday morning. St. Tammany Parish authorities say Marine deputies and the U-s Coast Guard were called in to help with the rescue. All four people on the boat were taken to local hospitals for treatment for exposure to the cold weather.

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The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will not hear Caddo Parish sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal, so there will be another run-off election. John Nickelson lost the November 18th election by one vote, but a lower court judge ordered a new election after several questionable votes were counted. The election will be held March 23^rd with the presidential primary so political analyst John Hughes says that should favor Hughes who’s a republican.

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In Ouachita Parish, a four-year-old was killed in a fatal crash Thursday afternoon. It happened on Highway 546. Trooper Ryan Davis says Bentley Whittlesey was rushed to a local hospital but did not survive…

Cut 4 (12) “…his injuries.”

The U-S EPA is giving Louisiana the authority to approve permits for underground storage of carbon dioxide. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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Sad news out of Ouachita Parish where four year old Bentley Whittlesey was killed in a fatal crash. Trooper Ryan Davis says routine toxicology samples were taken on both drivers, however…

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If you’ll be ringing in the new year with fireworks at home, the State Fire Marshall’s office is reminding us all to put safety first. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue suggests having a water source nearby in case of emergency or fire. She reminds adults to never give children fireworks, even sparklers.

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The LSU Tigers won easily over Northwestern State last night. Will Baker had 17 points as the LSU downed the Demons 96-55. LSU will open SEC play a week from tonight against Texas A-and-M.

And the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers get one last tune-up before SEC play as LSU hosts Jacksonville at 7 PM.

If you plan to ring in the new year with fireworks, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind us all that safety comes first. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the safest route is to attend a public display where professionals are handling the pyrotechnics. But if you’re going to be purchasing fireworks yourself…

Cut 10 (12) “…set ablaze.”

The federal government is giving Louisiana the authority to issue permits and provide oversight for wells that store carbon dioxide. Officials call it a monumental step in advancing the state’s energy future. Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges says they’ve been waiting for the U-S EPA to give them this power…

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The State Supreme Court has decided NOT to hear Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal to keep his one-vote victory in the run-off election. Here’s Brooke Thorington.

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Four boaters were saved from a sinking 40 foot fishing boat on Lake Borgne early yesterday morning. St. Tammany Parish authorities say Marine deputies and the U-s Coast Guard were called in to help with the rescue. All four people on the boat were taken to local hospitals for treatment for exposure to the cold weather.

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will not hear Caddo Parish sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal, so there will be another run-off election between Whitehorn and John Nickelson. Political Analyst Scott Hughes…

Cut 6 (12) “…new election.”

In Ouachita Parish, a four-year-old was killed in a fatal crash involving two vehicles. Trooper Ryan Davis says Bentley Whittlesey was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla that slammed into a Ford pickup truck on Highway 546 Thursday afternoon.

Cut 3 (12) “…serious injuries.”

If you plan to start the New Year with a bang, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you of some simple tips regarding fireworks safety. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says to make sure there are no fireworks restrictions in your parish.

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Rodrigue says the best way to enjoy fireworks safely is to attend a public display where professionals are handling the pyrotechnics.

Louisiana is having one of the worst flu seasons of any state. Friday afternoon, the Louisiana Health Department released its latest weekly flu report. It shows about 14% of people who sought emergency medical caring In Louisiana during the week ending December 23^rd, did so because of flu like illness. Experts say the best way to protect yourself is still making sure you wash your hands regularly.

The LSU Tigers are in Tampa, getting ready to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Reliaquest Bowl on January 1st. Garrett Nussmeier will make his first collegiate start at quarterback as Jayden Daniels has opted out. Daniels is the only Tiger who has opted out of the bowl game. Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo says the team is determined to finish the season with ten wins…

Cut 18 (10)  “…for the program.” 
Hunger in Louisiana is on the rise and has been for a couple of years. That’s according to a recent USDA study. Hunger Free America CEO, Joel Berg says the number of children without enough food surged to 20 percent in Louisiana compared to 16 percent nationwide between 2020 and October 2022.

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2023 was a good year for Louisiana Economic Development. Secretary Don Pierson says more than $25 billion of new investments was announced in the Bayou State this year and that’s not all. Louisiana’s growth in domestic product in the third quarter of 2023 exceeded the national average.

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Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport is using next-gen technology for hip replacements. Here’s Teiko Foxx.

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Things just keep getting better for Louisiana Economic Development. Secretary Don Pierson says he’s extremely proud of the work LED has done under Governor John Bel Edwards’ administration. In the last three years, Pierson says there’s been record investment in the state…

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Since 2016, Pierson says Louisiana has had $100 billion-plus in new capital investment and can claim the lowest recorded unemployment in the state’s history.

Willis-Knighton Health System is the first hospital in Northwest Louisiana to use HipInsight technology to perform total hip replacement surgery. The system displays real-time 3D models of the patient’s body with augmented reality. Medical Director for Joint Replacement Surgery Vic Chatrath

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Hunger Free America says Louisiana has one of the highest rates of hunger in the nation. Teiko Foxx explains…

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Dry air and near freezing temperatures are expected for much of Louisiana as the week progresses. Experts say a cold front expected today will mean Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport should be prepared for freezing temperatures in the next few days.

A recent study by USDA shows hunger in Louisiana is surging due to cuts in federal aid. Hunger Free America CEO, Joel Berg says it’s ironic that a state known for its culinary cuisine leads the nation in hunger. He says hunger is a political issue Louisiana leaders need to address.

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed retired Caddo Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock to be Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, saying he’s the right person at the right time to help Louisiana’s children.

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As the year draws to a close Louisiana Economic Development says it’s been one for the record books. Brooke Thorington has more.

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The LSU Tigers are in Tampa right, getting ready to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Reliaquest Bowl on January 1st. Garrett Nussmeier will make his first collegiate start at quarterback as Jayden Daniels has opted out though he is the only LSU player to do so. Kick off is set for 11 am,