Louisiana is seeing a decline in new HIV diagnoses. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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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.”

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Louisiana lawmakers anticipate an extremely busy 2024 right out of the gate after Governor-elect Jeff Landry is sworn in. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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At one time Louisiana led the nation in HIV cases but Sam Burgess with The Louisiana Department of Health says, Since 2018, the Bayou State has seen an 11% decrease in new cases of HIV. Burgess says the improvements were possible through the efforts of many…

Cut 4 (11) “…public health partners.”

In spite of the disruptions to healthcare during the pandemic, Louisiana HIV patients continued to receive care and new cases fell. Close to 23,000 Louisianans are living with HIV and Burgess says the key to living healthy is sticking to the right plan and fortunately there are more options today…

Cut 5 (09) “…anymore.”

Burgess says we have come far since the dark days of the mid 90s when he began his work with HIV and AIDS and he can now imagine an end to the epidemic…

Cut 6 (11) “…together on it.”

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A new documentary called “A Tall Order: The Louisiana State Capitol” debuts tonight on Louisiana Public Broadcasting at 7 PM. LPB Senior Producer Dorothy Kendrick says the 90-minute program will give viewers a new perspective of the 450-foot-tall building that features amazing art and architecture.

Cut 7 (07) “…the top..”

The documentary looks at how Governor Huey P. Long led the construction of the tallest capitol building in the country, designed after Nebraska’s state capitol.

In 1930, Kendrick says Long first proposed a measure to fund the construction of the 27-story structure but it failed in the regular session. She says after Long was elected to U-S Senate after being impeached, later that year…

Cut 8 (12) “…a depression.” 

The film also provides a glimpse at the blueprints of the great memorial hall and the friezes depicting the Bayou State history on the 450-foot structure.

Kendrick says viewers can see the architects who designed the soaring tower. They will also view commissioned artists who provided the adornments and craftsmanship.

Cut 9 (12)  “…the capitol.”

After 14 months of construction, the Louisiana State Capitol opened in May 1932. The building cost $5 million to complete.

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With a GOP super-majority in the legislature and a Republican governor about to be sworn in, leaders from both sides of the aisle are weighing in on issues they’ll address in 2024. Newly-elected chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and New Orleans Representative Matthew Williard says the first item they’ll address is the state’s congressional map.

Cut 10 (12) “…for sure.”

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.” 

Willard says one of the biggest concerns is rising property insurance premiums and legislators are eager to see what ideas the new insurance commissioner will present to lawmakers…

Cut 12 (11) “…special session.” 

In addition to addressing crime and the state’s insurance crisis, Miquez says improving education is another vital factor in attracting individuals and businesses to the state and keeping young people from leaving Louisiana.

Cut 13 (09) “…come about.”

Lawmakers and the Governor-elect Landry will be sworn in on January 8^th.

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The Saints fell behind by three touchdowns to the Detroit Lions, but got back into the game in the second half only to lose 33-28. The defeat drops New Orleans record to 5-and-7, as they have now lost three in a row. Coach Dennis Allen believes his team is still confident they can make a run for a playoff spot…

Cut 14 (10) “…break through”

Derek Carr threw for 226 yards and a touchdown. But his first pass of the game was intercepted and he left the game in the fourth quarter after taking a huge hit. Jameis Winston was just two of five for 41 yards.

Taysom Hill was the Saints’ leading rusher with 59 yards and a touchdown. He scored on a one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and that got New Orleans within three points, but could not complete the come back

Cut 15 (14) “…keep fighting”

But it was another slow start for the Saints defense as they allowed Detroit to march down the field on the opening drive of the afternoon. The Lions scored two more touchdowns in the first quarter. Safety Tyrann Mathieu says they’ve identified the issues that’s resulted in slow starts

Cut 16 (14) “…score game”

New Orleans is 5-7, Atlanta is in first place with a 6-6 record after beating the Jets 13-8. The Saints host the Panthers this Sunday, who has just one win on the season.

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 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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If you’re looking for the perfect festival to get you in the holiday spirit and knock out some of your shopping, you need to head to downtown Alexandria. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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 82-64. After a four-game absence, the Bayou Barbie says it felt good to be back.

Cut 3 (11) “….with them.”

For unknown reasons, Reese missed a home game against Texas Southern. She also missed games at SLU and two contests in the Cayman Island Classic.

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.”

Reese made 9 of 16 free throws against the Hokies which contributed to Coach Kim Mulkey’s 700^th career victory. Mulkey feels Reese’s return was good for Reese, the team, and Tiger Nation.

Cut 5 (13) “ …she’s comfortable.”  

The Lady Tigers take a break for final exams and will play again on December 10th when they host the Lady Cajuns.

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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.”

Spiller says the ice-skating rink is a crowd favorite and you can buy a $10 fast pass that allows you to wait in a shorter line.

Cut 7 (12) “…don’t get” 

AlexWinterFete, which attracts an average of 30 thousand attendees, is a companion festival to the city’s spring event RiverFete. Spiller says WinterFete also has live music, and the festivities continue rain or shine…

Cut 8 (10) “…F-E-T-E.” 

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

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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.” 

The sticker will be placed on the rear window of the occupant’s vehicle.

Boudreaux says customers must provide a statement from a qualified health professional verifying their diagnosis. But if you already have a driver’s license or identification card with Autism or Needs Accommodation indicator…

Cut 10 (09) “…the decal.”  

He says the indicator can removed at any time without documentation. Boudreaux says this will have a great effect on people on both sides.

Cut 11 (07) “…huge impact.”

To make an appointment with OMV, visit expresslane.org.

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A ruling is not expected until next week in Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson’s lawsuit challenging the result of the November election. Nickelson lost by one vote, to Henry Whitehorn. Political analyst Scott Hughes says Nickelson’s attorneys presented the judge with some compelling evidence…

Cut 12 (12)  “…proper form”  

Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Joseph Bleich is hearing the case. He’s asked the attorneys for both candidates to provide more written evidence. Hughes says Whitehorn believes he’s the undisputed winner, but NIckelson’s attorneys believe they’ve uncovered some questionable ballots…

Cut 13 (12) “…determine the winner.”

Retiring sheriff Steve Prator’s term does not end until June 30th. Hughes says if Judge Bleich rules another election should take place, it would occur in March…

Cut  14 (09) “…very difficult.”