LSU football coach Brian Kelly fired defensive coordinator Matt House today 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.”

He was the linebackers coach with the Kansas City Chiefs when they won the Super Bowl during the 2019 season. Defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey, safeties coach Kerry Cooks, and cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples were also let go today.

After a visit to the U-S Mexico border today, House Speaker and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is urging President Biden and Senate Democrats to enforce immigration policies. Johnson believes the President should reinstitute a Trump-era policy of keeping migrants in Mexico until their U-S immigration court date….

Cut 14 (10) “…or more” 

Rick Gallot, former President of Grambling State University President started the new year as the leader of the higher education system that contains nine school universities. Gallot says his first order of business is to recruit prospective students.

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.

If you are without coverage, you have less than two weeks to beat the deadline to apply for health insurance through healthcare dot gov. If you’re not familiar with the Medicaid online process, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana healthcare economist Michael Bertaut (BURR-toe) 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

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 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.

Louisiana’s 56^th governor John Bel Edwards will give his farewell address from his hometown of Amite tonight. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is Edwards’ last chance to remind voters of the state’s progress under his leadership…

Cut 15 (11) “…same opinion.”

Open enrollment for Louisiana Medicaid health insurance ends January 15^th. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana healthcare economist Michael Bertaut says individuals with an income between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for tax credits that can lower their monthly premium for a Marketplace health insurance plan.

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

To enroll, visit Health-Care-dot-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.” 

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.”

After a 10-3 season, LSU head football Coach Brian Kelly has cleaned house of his defensive staff.  In a released statement, Coach Brian Kelly said he met with Matt House,  Kerry Cooks, Robert Steeples, and Jimmy Lindsey to inform them they would not return next season.

Mayor-President Elect of Lafayette Monique Boulet will be sworn in this afternoon at 3 pm. Boulet is the first female to serve in the position. She says her first call to action is to…

Cut 4 (12) “…of Lafayette.”

Boulet who served as CEO of the Acadiana Planning Commission, says she’s also working to address the high rate of violent crime in Lafayette.

Ochsner Signature Eat Fit king cakes return just in time for Mardi Gras season. Eat Fit NOLA Dietician Emma Poling says it’s a smarter choice over the traditional king cake.

Cut 10 (10) “…every flavorful.”

Poling says their king cakes are for those who want to indulge in carnival season confections while keeping their New Year’s resolution.

With less than a week before his successor Governor-elect Jeff Landry takes office, Governor John Bel Edwards will highlight his accomplishments in his farewell remarks tonight in Amite. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards was fortunate the state was able to receive federal funds after multiple natural disasters and the pandemic.

Cut 14 (11) “…wisely.” 

Pinsonat says this is Edwards’ last chance to remind voters while he’s still governor of the state’s progress under his leadership…

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 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 their monthly premium for a Marketplace health insurance plan.

Lafayette’s first female Mayor-President, Monique Boulet will be sworn in this afternoon at 3 pm at the Cajundome. In 2022, 98 homicides were reported across the Acadiana area. Boulet says one of her first call to action is addressing the significant increase in violent crime.

Cut 5 (12) “…address crime.”

The Bayou State’s Mardi Gras-inspired float in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day wins the Showmanship Award for a second time. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says zydeco musician Sean Ardoin, cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw, and legendary guitarist James Burton highlighted the celebratory spirit of great musicians from Louisiana.

Cut 8 (08) “…Mardi Gras theme.” 

An Opelousas police officer is facing two counts of negligent injury after her firearm went off striking Opelousas police chief Graig LeBlanc and his wife Crystal Leblanc, who is a captain on the force. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says it happened after an argument between the LeBlancs outside of Butler’s home.

Cut 6 (11) “…front of him.”

Guidroz says they do not know why Chief LeBlanc was at Butler’s residence on December 22^nd, or why his wife, who’s a Captain with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office later arrived at the home and what led to the argument.

Jefferson Parish deputies are looking for the person who fired a gun and one of the bullets ended up striking an innocent bystander in their apartment.  Sheriff Joe Lopinto says when the owner tried to get her vehicle back, she was confronted by three male suspects in the parking lot and at least one of the suspects fired at the vehicle’s owner…

Cut 9 (09) “…our state.” 

The Jefferson Parish coroner has identified the victim as 32-year-old Corey Washington. Lopinto says the search for the suspects continues…

Keep Louisiana Beautiful has several New Year’s resolutions for Louisianans to help do their part in keeping the state clean in 2024. Director Susan Russell says one of the resolutions is to start using reusable bottles and bags and fewer single-use paper and plastic items.

Cut 5 (09) “ …don’t biodegrade.” 

Visit LetLouisianaShine dot org for more resolutions and litter facts.

The 2023 season is in the books for the LSU Tigers as they defeated Wisconsin 35-31 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 395 yards, three TDs, and one interception. He led LSU on a 98-yard drive for the winning score with just over three minutes left.
Cut 14 (11) “…very thankful.”
LSU finishes the year with a 10-3 record.

A new Legislature takes over next week and tackling violent crime will be one of their major priorities. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says the state needs to address the alarming shortage of law enforcement officers…
cut 11 (11) “…that profession”

LSU’s defense didn’t have a good day yesterday but they came up with back-to-back sacks on Wisconsin’s final drive to preserve a 35-31 over the Badgers in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Coach Brian Kelly on his defense securing a victory…
cut 15 (15) “…win a championship”

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) is urging Louisianans to adopt one of their resolutions to help clean up the Bayou State in the New Year. Director for KLB Susan Russell says litter is a major issue in Louisiana. She says one simple resolution is to a bag in the car to collect litter.

Cut 3 (13) “…get home.”

According to KLB’s 2023 roadside litter study, there were more than 143 million pieces of litter on Louisiana roadways.

A Violent Crime Task Force has submitted a report that will give the new Legislature something to work from as they look to pass criminal justice reform measures. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I”m Jeff Palermo”

For the third consecutive year, The Louisiana Office of Tourism  “Explore Louisiana” float won the Showmanship Award for the second year in a row. The Mardi Gras-inspired float featured a larger-than-life Mardi Gras jester, second-line inspired umbrellas, fleur de lis, and lots of purple, green, and gold.

If you made health and fitness goals part of your New Year resolutions, Pennington Biomedical Assistant Professor of Research Jacob Mey says don’t start with a goal that involves working out 6 days a week. He says if you fall off the wagon, regroup and identify achievable steps to keep going.

Cut 6 (09) “…person perspective.”

The LSU Tigers beat Wisconsin 35-31 in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa. Garrett Nussmeier was named the game’s MVP as he led the Tigers back from two 14-point deficits.  In his first collegiate start, Nussmeier threw for 395 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Nussmeier led LSU on an eight-play, 98-yard drive for the winning touchdown with just over three minutes left.

Cut 14 (11) “…very thankful.” 

LSU’s defense struggled giving up 508 yards, but back-to-back sacks on the Badgers final drive put the game away. Coach Brian Kelly says it was a good confidence builder…

It’s a new year and Louisiana’s new Legislature will get to work soon on redrawing the state’s Congressional map. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

36-year-old HARRY L RICHARD JR was fatally shot on New Year’s Eve around 11:05 pm in Rayne. Authorities say Richard was found with several gunshot wounds to his upper body in the 1000 block of Lyman Avenue. He was taken to a local hospital in Crowley where he later died.

Louisiana Red Cross Regional Volunteer Services Officer Rebecca Merritt says more volunteers are needed this year in Louisiana. In the last year, she says volunteers responded to more than 16 hundred local disasters.

Cut 4 (13) “…Cross going.”

Merritt says more than 900 people voluntarily give time to help the Louisiana Red CrossShe says there are lots of different disaster-related volunteer roles.

People are already focusing on New Year resolutions and LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey suggests making resolutions you can control and having a support group.

Cut 6 (08) “…positive future.”

How many special sessions will lawmakers see in 2024 before the start of the regular session in March? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a special session to redraw a new Congressional map will begin January 15th and a criminal justice reform session is expected to take place in February…

Cut 9 (06)  “…serious outcomes.”

Republicans will have a supermajority in both the House and Senate, but Pinsonat says Democrats will likely have a new Congressional map that would provide the opportunity for two additional Democrats to be elected to Congress in November or in a December runoff.

Tax Expert for Advantous, Jason DeCuir says in 2024 Louisiana is moving to a Uniform Local Sales Tax Board to collect taxes from businesses, instead of the Parish E-File System.

Cut 12 (11) “…local government.” 

DeCuir says after the Wayfair lawsuits, new federal rules regarding sales tax collection require states to have a simple centralized collection method. He says the state’s previous fragmented system cost Louisiana uncollected revenue from remote online businesses…

To avoid a setback after making New Year resolutions, LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says having positive support in your life increases your chances of being more likely to keep your resolutions.

Cut 7 (09) “…very beneficial.”

Bailey recommends joining or participating in group activities that involve hobbies you enjoy. At the same time, you’ll meet people with shared interests.

The American Red Cross has responded to nearly twice as many large disasters across the country as it did a decade ago. Regional Volunteer Services Officer Rebecca Merritt says the need for more volunteers in 2024 to help respond to disasters in the Bayou State has never been greater. She says volunteers responded to more than 16 hundred local disasters.

Cut 4 (13) “…Cross going.”

More than 900 people voluntarily give time to help the Louisiana Red Cross.

With two special sessions already planned, this year will be a busy year politically. A new governor and legislature are set to take over in less than a week. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 10 (10) “…behind him”

Pinsonat says property insurance reform, education, and the budget will also be big issues in the regular session which begins on March 11th.

The American Red Cross is making a call to action for more volunteers in the Bayou State in 2024. Regional Volunteer Services Officer Rebecca Merritt says volunteers are critical in responding to disasters.

Cut 3 (12) “…keep happening.”

It’s New Year’s Day and if you want to keep your resolutions this year, Brooke Thorington has some advice from a professional.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

An early morning shooting on New Year’s Day in Lafayette has left one person dead. Authorities responded to reports of shots fired around 3:30 a.m. in the 800 block of Martin Luther King Jr Drive. When officers arrived on the scene, one victim was found in the road with apparent gunshot wounds. Lafayette Police are asking the public to contact them or Lafayette Crime Stoppers if you have any information.