After serving two terms, Governor John Bel Edwards is leaving office next month. He spoke to the media about the accomplishments he’s most proud of…among them growing funding for higher education by 465 million dollars a year.

Cut 8 (11) “…when I did.” 

Meanwhile, Governor-elect Jeff Landry is expected to name former Congressman Ralph Abraham the next Secretary at LDH. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The holidays are a favorite time for scammers. That’s according the The Better Business Bureau so beware. Carmen Million with the B-B-B says watch out for scams trying to steal your personal information or money through social media ads.

Cut 10 (12) “…social media.”
2023 was a tough year for Louisiana cattle and hay producers because of extreme heat and drought conditions. According to an LSU Ag Center report, these two agriculture entities lost more than 360 million dollars this year, and LSU AgCenter Area Beef Specialist Ashley Edwards says the hot temperatures also stressed cattle and led to much lower weights when they went to sale barns…

Cut 13 (08) “being sold.”

LSU Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels announces he’s not playing in the bowl game, but the Tigers’ two-star receivers, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Junior will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on January 1st. Coach Brian Kelly says no one else has decided to opt out…

Cut 19 (18) “…we are.” 

Jayden Daniels has been busy though…yesterday helping Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves give out 100 bikes in Baton Rouge.  Canes also donated a $25,000 check to the Greg Brooks Foundation. Brooks. The LSU safety was diagnosed with brain cancer in October. Daniels says he’s honored to help out…

Cut 14 (12) “…blessing others.” 
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Tis the season to be jolly but many Americans suffer from stress, depression, and sadness during the holidays.  Experts encourage those in need to proactively seek care before the problem gets worse.  LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey urges those who are suffering from depression not to compare themselves to others who seem to have it all this time of year.

Cut 12 (13) “…the case.” 

If you feel overwhelmed, you can also speak with a trained counselor by dialing 988 on your phone.

The Belle Chase tunnel is set to close permanently tomorrow.  Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development officials say the south-bound LA Highway 23 will shift to the newly constructed Belle Chasse bridge over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Northbound motorists will use the existing Belle Chasse bridge.  Tolls on the new bridge will not begin until the project is complete in a few months.

For some, the holidays can be difficult. Teiko Foxx has more from an LSU Health New Orleans psychiatrist on coping with holiday depression…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”
Pope Francis has released an official Papal declaration permitting Catholic priests to bless msame-sex couples.  LSU professor of religious studies Michael Pasquier (PassKay) says the message is that all should feel comfortable seeking a blessing…

Cut 5 (07) “…a blessing.”

During his final press conference of the year and the next to last of his administration, Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s pulling for Republican Governor-elect Jeff Landry but did address whether he will seek office again someday.

Cut 8 (11) “…say never.” 
The New Orleans Saints are in the final stretch of the with only the Rams, Buccaneers, and Falcons left on the schedule. The added stress of playing Thursday Night Football almost 2,000 miles away on a shortened week will prove to be a tough test, but Head Coach Denis says they’ll be prepared come Thursday.

 Cut 16 (23) “…ready to go for Thursday Night.”