Rick Gallot has started his new job as president of the state’s largest university system. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Governor-elect Landry is being applauded for his choice to head the Department of Natural Resources. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

House Speaker and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says there’s a catastrophe at the Southern Border and the Biden administration needs to enact tougher immigration policies. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

Former Grambling State President Rick Gallot is on his first week on the job as President of the University of Louisiana System. Gallot says one his top goals is to recruit prospective students to the nine colleges that make up the U-L System…

Cut 4 (09) “…system schools.”

Gallot was offered the job on October 25th but Governor Elect Jeff Landry expressed concerns with the board’s decision to hire Gallot. Later, Landry decided to move forward with the contract.

The Ruston native believes his experience will benefit him as he advocates for resources on behalf of the 90 thousand students.

Cut 5 (12) “…system schools.”

The U-L System is the largest higher education system in Louisiana with nine universities including Grambling, La Tech, McNeese, Nicholls, Northwestern, Southeastern, UL Lafayette, ULM, and UNO.

During Gallot’s tenure at GSU, the university set enrollment records and saw a 200 percent improvement in its fiscal health score. He says he will continue the momentum of moving the system forward

Cut 6 (12) “…already has.”

____________________________________________________________________

Tyler Gray will serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association Mike Moncla applauds Gray’s appointment because of his conservation background and experience with the Louisiana Mid-Continent’s Oil and Gas Association.

Cut 7 (06) “…fantastic pick.”

The boon of carbon capture in Louisiana will be among the industries DNR will regulate. Moncla says Gray’s current position on the operations side with Placid Refining Company adds even more knowledge for the oversite of DNR.

Cut 8 (07) “…another plus.” 

Before Gray’s appointment, Moncla says the two even discussed who they thought would be an ideal choice for the position and Moncla encouraged him to apply.

Cut 9 (09)  “…great choice.”

Landry has also appointed Jacques Thibodeaux to serve as Director of the GOHSEP and Susana Schowen as Director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

____________________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards delivered his farewell address last night as he’s set to leave office on Monday after two terms. Edwards says the state is in much better shape than it was eight years ago and the best evidence to support that statement is the state’s finances…

Cut 10 (12) “…two reserve accounts.”

Edwards says improved budgeting practices resulted in teachers receiving more than five thousand dollars in teacher pay raises and historic investments in higher education. The governor says he’s leaving the office with the state’s unemployment rate well below the national average. He says his administration also allocated nearly five-point-five billion dollars to more than 2,00 infrastructure projects.

Edwards says natural disasters from hurricanes to floods to winter storms were huge challenges. He says there was no playbook for handling the COVID pandemic…

Cut 11 (15) “…public health.” 

Edwards delivered his farewell address in his hometown of Amite, where he’ll return as a private citizen. He says it’s been an honor to be Louisiana’s 56th governor…

Cut 12 (12) “…inhabit it” 

____________________________________________________________________

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. He says the lack of a strong border policy has resulted in lethal drugs pouring into the country and hundreds of terrorists have also entered the U-S.

Johnson believes the President should reinstitute a Trump-era policy of keeping migrants in Mexico until their U-S immigration court date…

Cut 14 (09) “…or more.” 

The Biden Administration is seeking 50-billion dollars in security assistance for Ukraine. But Johnson says House Republicans are not willing to spend that kind of money without a stringent border security policy…

Cut 15 (10) “… (clapping)

The White House has proposed more money to hire Border Patrol agents and asylum officers in an effort to reduce the number of illegal crossings. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says Johnson’s trip to the border was an attempt to score political points. He urges the Congressman to negotiate in a bipartisan way.

________________________________________________________________

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team tips off SEC play tonight by hosting Missouri. After losing their season opener, the Lady Tigers have won 13 in a row. Mizzou enters the game with a 9-4 record and they are led by Haley Frank, who averages 16 points and seven rebounds a game. LSU Coach Kim Mulkey…

Cut 16 (16) “…the same” 

LSU beat Missouri 77-57 last season, but two years ago in the PMAC, the game went into overtime and the Lady Tigers won 87-85. Tip off is at 8 PM and fans are encouraged to dress like Mulkey and the person who looks the most like Mulkey will win one of the coach’s game worn jackets. Mulkey is not a fan of the promotion…

Cut 17 (21) “…sequins right.” 

________________________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team looks to extend their home winning streak to 20 games when they host 19th ranked James Madison at the Cajundome tonight. It’s the first nationally ranked team to visit Lafayette since Nevada in 2006. Coach Bob Marlin is glad the game is on their home court…

Cut 18 (13)  “…assure you” 

Marlin’s team is looking to bounce back after losing its Sun Belt Opener to Marshall by 14 points last Saturday…

Cut 19 (15) “…big games” 

The Cajuns shot just 33-percent from the field in the loss to the Thundering Herd.

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”

______________________________________

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.” 

______________________________________

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 says  changes had to be made after a historically bad season for LSU on defense…

Cut 3 (11) “…do that.”

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

House is fired after two seasons as the defensive coordinator at LSU. He came to LSU with a solid resume. In 2018, House was the defensive coordinator at Kentucky and in 2018 they had one of the best defenses in the country. He was the linebackers coach with the Kansas City Chiefs when they won the Super Bowl during the 2019 season. Horne says House might prefer the NFL game over college

Cut 4 (12) “…hot mess”

Horne expects Kelly to act quickly in hiring their replacements…

Cut 5 (06) “ …having a plan.” 

LSU ranked 105th in the nation in total defense giving up 417 yards a game. LSU also allowed 28 points a contest, third worst in the SEC.

________________________________________________________________

About 200-thousand people in Louisiana who were on Medicaid lost their health insurance coverage in 2023 as part of the nationwide Medicaid disenrollment process. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana healthcare economist Michael Bertaut (BURR-toe) says if you are without coverage, you have until January 15th to apply for health insurance through Health-Care-dot-gov…

Cut 6 (08) “…into Medicaid”

Bertaut says individuals with an income between 100 and 400-percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for tax credits that can lower your monthly premium for a Marketplace health insurance plan.

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

If you’re not familiar with the Medicaid online process, Bertaut suggests calling an agent to answer any questions and to help select the right plan for you.

Cut 8 (12) “…licensed agent.” 

For more information visit healthcare.gov

__________________________________________________________________

If you received a cost of living raise you could find yourself in a higher tax bracket when you file your 2024 taxes. Shreveport CPA Hardy Foreman says even with a raise your expenses have gone up so you’re not necessarily bringing home more bacon…

Cut 9 (12) “…in 2025.” 

He says the federal tax brackets have not been adjusted for inflation in more than four years.

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.”

So, while you’re preparing your 2023 taxes, Foreman says you need to make some smart moves about your 2024 deductions. For example, if you have a small business keep receipts and write off your home office expenses, mileage, wifi, etc.

Cut 11 (12) “…tax bracket.”

For a listing of the tax brackets for 2024 visit LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

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

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

If one of your New Year resolutions is eating healthy, this carnival season 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”

______________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

Lafayette’s Mayor-President Elect Monique Boulet will be sworn in this afternoon at 3 pm at the Cajundome. Boulet is the first female to serve in the position. She says her first call to action is to build trust, increase transparency, and build the city’s economy.

Cut 4 (12) “…of Lafayette.”

In 2022, 98 homicides were reported across the Acadiana area by local law enforcement agencies. Boulet says she’s working on addressing the significant increase in violent crime in Hub City.

Cut 5 (12) “…address crime.”

The daughter of former Governor Kathleen Blanco has also served as CEO of the Acadiana Planning Commission. When asked how her mother would feel, she says…

Cut 6 (11) “…of this.”

____________________________________________________________________

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

Cut 7 (10) “…for Louisiana.”

In 2022, Louisiana won the Wrigley Legacy Award for outstanding display of floral presentation, float design, and entertainment.

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.” 

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 Nungesser says they see a bump in visits to the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s website.

Cut 9 (11)  “…for 2024.”

Nungesser says the Office of Tourism will also be promoting Louisiana at the Super Bowl this year in Las Vegas. In 2025, Super Bowl 59 will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

____________________________________________________________________

You don’t have to give up king cake to live a healthier lifestyle. 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 says it’s a smarter choice over the traditional king cake.

Cut 10 (10) “…every flavorful.”

Eat Fit King Cakes made by Unrefined Bakery are certified gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly.  The cakes are decorated with purple, green, and gold colors made with no artificial dyes. Plus, the cakes have zero sugar.

Poling says people may worry about not getting the traditional taste, but the cakes are just as delicious and under 120 calories.

Cut 11 (12) “…juice dyes.” 

Select retailers in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi are now offering the healthy king cake.

Poling says the cake is based on all-natural ingredients for those with healthy eating goals. And now everyone can say yes to king cake.

Cut 12 (12) “…carnival season.” 

For a full list of retailers, visit EatFitKingCake.com.

____________________________________________________________________

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.”

Among the two-term governor’s accomplishments is balancing the budget and increasing funding for education. Pinsonat says Edwards was fortunate the state was able to receive federal funds after multiple natural disasters and the pandemic.

Cut 14 (11) “…wisely.” 

With less than a week before his successor Governor-elect Jeff Landry takes office, Pinsonat says this is Edwards’ last chance to remind voters while he’s still governor of the state’s progress under his leadership…

Cut 15 (11) “…same opinion.”

Edwards has stated that he plans to return to work at his law practice and spend time with his first grandchild. ________________________________________________________________

The Saints will conclude the regular season by hosting the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans needs to win and they need some help from other teams in order to get in the postseason. The Dirty Birds beat the Saints 24-15 in Atlanta on Thanksgiving weekend. Atlanta rushed for 228 yards that game. Coach Dennis Allen says they can’t let the Falcons run all over them…

Cut 16 (12) “…passing game.” 

For the Saints to win the NFC South, they will have to beat Atlanta and Carolina needs to defeat the Buccaneers. A wild card berth for the Saints can occur if they win on Sunday and the Cardinals beat the Seahawks and the Bears defeat Green Bay. Allen says their focus needs to be on Atlanta…

Cut 17 (16) “…against Atlanta.” 

The Saints are coming off one of their best performances of the season, a 23-13 win over Tampa Bay, snapping the Buccaneers four-game winning streak. Allen was asked how they can repeat that effort…

Cut 18 (16)  “…good results.” 

_______________________________________________________________

The second year of the Brian Kelly era at LSU concluded on New Year’s Day with a 35-31 win over Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl. After waiting three years to get his first start, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 395 yards and three touchdowns in the bowl game. Nussmeier believes the program is heading in the right direction…

Cut 19 (19) “…in the offseason.” 

Kelly is 20-7 after two seasons at LSU. He took over a program that had only 37 scholarship players. The veteran coach says it took two years to build the roster back up and he would to win more than ten games every year…

Cut 20 (16) “…as we move forward.”