The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will not hear Caddo Parish sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal in a five to two vote. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Department of Insurance will hold a hearing on February 14th to examine the sale of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana to Elevance Health. Opponents of the sale are concerned it will result in higher healthcare costs for patients, while Blue Cross says the deal will benefit its policyholders.

The federal government is giving Louisiana the authority to issue permits and provide oversight for carbon dioxide wells. Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges…

Cut 12 (10)  “…or denial.”  

It’s taking carbon dioxide from industrial sources out of the air and storing it deep underground in a well. Courreges says Louisiana now has the power to approve these wells…

State Fire Marshal’s Office has some safety tips if you plan to attempt your own fireworks show to celebrate New Year’s. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue advices you to make sure there are no fireworks restrictions in your parish.

Cut 9 (09) “…our state.” 

Rodrigue says it’s best to attend a public display where professionals are handling the pyrotechnics.

The biggest story in the Bayou State this year was the election of Governor-Elect Jeff Landry. Landry’s victory was predicted, but winning in October, without the need for a November run-off was a surprise…

Cut 13 (09) “…(cheering).”

Also in 2023, no one could have predicted that Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson would be elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Republican from northwest Louisiana won the powerful seat after Kevin McCarthy was ousted and Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan failed to get majority support…

Starting Monday, the asthma inhaler Flovent, made by GSK, will disappear from pharmacy shelves. LSU Health New Orleans Pulmonologist Dr. Kyle Happel encourages asthma users to be proactive about refilling their medication…

Cut 5 (08) “…their asthma.”

Louisiana’s Mardi Gras-themed float featuring a larger-than-life jester will roll in the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena California on Monday. More than 90 volunteers from Louisiana and across the country will decorate the massive float. Second-year rider, Assistant Vice President of Communications for the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Kaylie LeBlanc…

Cut 8 (12) “…anything else.” 

The parade will broadcast at 10 am on ABC Network New Year’s Day.

Folks are beginning to crowd fireworks stands to kick off New Year’s with a bang and authorities are offering some simple tips regarding fireworks safety. If you plan to purchase fireworks, Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue suggests…

Cut 10 (13) “…set ablaze.”

If you use the asthma inhaler Flovent, you need to know that beginning January 1^st it won’t be on the shelves. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana’s float will be on display to the world on Monday in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Louisiana rings in a new year this weekend. Jeff Palermo reviews the top stories for 2023…

Cut 3 (50) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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If you have asthma and use the inhaler Flovent made by GSK, listen up. LSU Health New Orleans Pulmonologist Dr. Kyle Happel says they just learned it’s being removed from the shelves beginning Monday. And while there are other options…

Cut 4 (11) “…called fluticasone.”

Happel unfortunately says many insurance companies do not cover the alternatives for Flovent so he’s encouraging users to be proactive about refilling their maintenance medication…

Cut 5 (08) “…their asthma.”

GSK is reportedly discontinuing Flovent due to Medicaid rate changes that would force the company to pay larger penalties for hiking prices. Happel says you might want to get in touch with your doctor now so a prescription for an alternative is ready to go…

Cut 6 (12) “…January 1st.”

Happel says ironically the generic fluticasone, which is also made by GSK, works just as well as Flovent.

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The Bayou State’s Mardi Gras-inspired float will cruise the streets of Pasadena on Monday in the 135^th Rose Parade. This year’s theme is “Celebrating a World of Music: Universal Language.” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says this is an opportunity to put Louisiana on the front line and drive tourism.

Cut 7 (12) “…every year.”

The float will feature a larger-than-life Mardi Gras jester, second-line inspired umbrellas, fleur de lis, and lots of purple, green, and gold. More than 90 volunteers from Louisiana and across the country will decorate the massive float.

Second-year rider, Assistant Vice President of Communications for the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Kaylie LeBlanc…

Cut 8 (12) “…anything else.” 

Grammy-nominated zydeco musician Sean Ardoin, Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw, and legendary guitarist James Burton will render a musical performance along the parade route. And Lafayette musician Sydney “Sid” Williams will be representing Lafayette Parish on this year’s float.

Nungesser says this year’s riders highlight the celebratory spirit of great musicians from Louisiana. He hopes this will be another award-winning float that exposes all that the Bayou State has to offer.

Cut 9 (09)  “…and this year.”

View photos and videos of the decorating process at explorelouisiana.com. The parade will broadcast at 10 am on ABC New Year’s Day.

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According to Gas Buddy’s annual fuel outlook, the national average for gas and diesel will drop from 3.51 this year to 3.38 in 2024. After gas prices surged to nearly six dollars a gallon in 2022, Head of Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the global refining picture has continued to improve.

Cut 10 (10) “…price relief.”

The average yearly spending per household will fall to an estimated $2407, down two percent from this year and over 12 percent from last year.

DeHaan says there’s also been continued improvement in the balance of supply and demand. He says several factors contribute to less of a pinch at the pump for consumers including…

Cut 11 (13) “…year ahead.” 

DeHaan says gas prices still could fall below a national average of three dollars per gallon this winter before rising again. He says gas prices may peak to around four dollars a gallon around Memorial Day but it’s still uncertain.

Cut 12 (12) “…avoid that.” 

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2023 is coming to a close and the biggest story in Louisiana was the election of Republican Jeff Landry as the state’s 57th governor. Landry’s victory was predicted, but for him to win in October, without the need for a November run-off was a surprise…

Cut 13 (09) “…(cheering).”

A year ago, no one could have predicted that Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson would be elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Republican from northwest Louisiana won the powerful seat after Kevin McCarthy was ousted and Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan failed to get majority support…

Cut 14 (14) “…in business.” 

It was a busy summer and early fall for firefighters as record-breaking hit and drought led to wildfires that destroyed 62-thousand acres statewide. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says in August alone, there were 550 wildfires…

Cut 15 (14) “…in the archives.”

The most controversial bill during the 2023 legislative session was a bill that makes it illegal for doctors to perform certain procedures to alter the sex of transgender minors. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the legislation because it said it was unnecessary…

Cut 16 (09) “…have to do.” 

But lawmakers overrode the governor’s veto and the legislation goes into effect on New Year’s Day.

2023 saw LSU athletic programs win not one, but two national championships, the Lady Tigers basketball team won in April, and LSU baseball won the College World Series in June….

Cut 17 (16) “…walk it off.” 

(Sound courtesy of the LSU Sports Radio Network.)

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The LSU Tigers will take the field on New Year’s Day with a new quarterback as Garrett Nussmeier will get the start. Nussmeier replaces Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels who opted out. Nussmeier will have the opportunity to throw to star receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas…

Cut 18 (21)  “…been awesome.” 

Monday’s game against Wisconsin will mark Nussmeier’s first start at quarterback since December 4, 2020. He can’t wait…

Cut 19 (19) “…playing good” 

Nussmeier and the Tigers will try to rack up points against a Wisconsin defense that’s only allowing 19 points a game. He says it will be a challenge…

Cut 20 (19) “…excited for it”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry will become Louisiana’s 57^th governor in less than two weeks and there are still cabinet positions to fill. The state’s next Transportation Secretary has not been appointed. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 13 (05) “…of activity”

The next transportation secretary will have a major say about how to fund new interstate bridges in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge and other major infrastructure projects.

A law that blocks procedures to change the gender of a minor goes into effect Monday.  Because other surrounding states passed similar legislation, Grant Parish Representative GabeFirment feared it would bring minors seeking gender-affirming medical care to the state.

Cut 11 (12) “…experimental procedures.” 

Firment expects the law to be challenged in court.

Starting Monday, millions of workers across the nation will get a pay bump as minimum wage increases in 22 states, but Louisiana’s minimum wage remains at 7.25 an hour.  Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says the minimum wage is still below an adequate living wage for a full-time worker in the Bayou State.

Cut 5 (12) “…so low.”

Start your New Year off with a guided hike at one of Louisiana’s state parks or historic sites. State parks across the country are participating in the First Day Hikes project. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the addition of track chairs will allow individuals confined to wheelchairs, walkers, or similar devices to enjoy the trails with family and friends.

Cut 9 (07)  “…and their family.”

The Thibodaux Police Department is under fire after an officer fatally shot a loose dog on Christmas Day. Jeff Dorson with the Humane Society of Louisiana says it’s an unfortunate incident that could have been avoided if more law enforcement officers were properly trained.

Cut 6 (10) “…and training.”

A press release from Thibodaux PD says the officer was bit by the dog before the shooting.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has named retired Judge David Matlock to be Louisiana’s next Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Landry says the 68-year-old Shreveport native is the right person to help children in the state.

Cut 4 (10) “…successful lives.”

Matlock supervised the development of the state’s first sex trafficking community response team.

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

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU Tigers are in Tampa getting ready to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Reliaquest (Ree-lie-a-quest) 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.

Retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock will serve as Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. By appointing Matlock, Governor-Elect Jeff Landry believes DCFS will provide children with the best resources available…

Cut 6 (13) “…less crime.”

The 68-year-old Shreveport native launched the state’s first juvenile drug court, family drug court, and juvenile mental health court during his tenure.

Louisiana Economic Development had a successful year in 2023. Secretary Don Pierson says more than $25 billion of new investments was announced in the Bayou State this year…

Cut 7 (09) “…rising wages.”

Shreveport’s 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 says the system gives surgeons x-ray vision through special headgear and improves the success rate.

Cut 11 (12) “…as well.” 

More than 727 thousand Louisianans struggle with hunger in the Bayou State due to federal aid cuts of the expanded child tax credit and free school meals.. Hunger Free America CEO, Joel Berg…

Cut 13 (13) “…getting it.”

Natchitoches Police are investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Marcus Sowell. Officers responded to a call around 1 am Tuesday morning in the 300 block of Texas Street about a gunshot victim in the parking lot. Sowell was taken to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead due to his injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

Tax Day is quickly approaching and Gina Rachel, a partner with EAG Gulf Coast CPA firm in Metairie, suggests you start preparing and get organized now. She says big life changes such as births, deaths, and marriages can greatly affect your tax filing status and tax bill. And if you plan to prepare your taxes…

Cut 5 (12) “ …for you.”  

If you made money in the stock market this year, Rachel says you might consider trimming your portfolio before the end of the year to save on taxes.

It’s the day after Christmas and Christmas paper is scattered throughout the house. LDEQ spokesperson Greg Langley reminds you to recycle packing materials like cardboard. But when it comes to foam peanuts…

Cut 9 (08) “…recycling agency.” 

Even batteries can be recycled. Langley says to visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s website at rbrc-dot-org, to find the closest drop-off location…

As this week rolls on, New Orleans will begin to fill up with college football fans as Texas is set to take on Washington in a College Football Playoff semifinal game. The matchup is this year’s Sugar Bowl contest and Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says there’s a lot of excitement surrounding this game…

Cut 12 (10)  “…great football game.”  

If you’re spending the day cleaning up after opening presents, Brooke Thorington has a few tips from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A woman has died after falling into the Atchafalaya River in Morgan City. Authorities were called to a business in the area of Front Street this morning before 1 am on reports of someone falling. The woman’s body was later recovered. The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time, The investigation is ongoing.

There are ways you can start preparing now to stay ahead of the April 15 deadline to submit your taxes. Gina Rachel is a partner with EAG Gulf Coast CPA firm in Metairie. She recommends business owners pay bills now so they can take those deductions for this year.

Cut 3 (12) “…that liability.”

If you made money in the stock market this year, Rachel says you might consider trimming your portfolio before the end of the year to save on taxes. Rachel says individuals can also help themselves and deserving charities at the same time.

National beverage manufacturer, Multipack Services, is investing $10.4 million in a new production facility in Shreveport. Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development Don Pierson…

Cut 6 (10) “…beyond that.”

When shopping or donating this holiday season, Better Business Bureau President Carmen Million says to watch out for schemes trying to swipe your cash or steal your personal information.  She says don’t become a victim of unsolicited calls, emails, and texts.

Cut 10 (11) “…for it.”

If you receive an email requesting you to buy a gift card to pay for an item, she says to treat it as a red flag.

If you plan to gift an animal for Christmas, it’s best to have an open discussion with the receiver about the commitment that comes with caring for an animal. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society…

Cut 4 (08) “…everything in.”

Dorson suggests fostering a pet from a shelter or offering to pay for the adoption fee and let the recipient choose their pet at a shelter instead.

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is heading back to Notre Dame to be the offensive coordinator for the Fighting Irish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

For the first time in years, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve will not host a live segment in New Orleans. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says since the Office of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism gave up the project to New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, the New Orleans segment has been poor, even humiliating…

Cut 13 (08) “my opinion.”

Nungesser says, that after two years of poor showings with Cantrell’s people, he learned the show opted out of the Crescent City…

Children’s Hospital New Orleans is raffling off 28 suite tickets to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour stop in New Orleans next year.  The funds will help build a new Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit. Director of Stem Cell Transplant Ben Watkins…

Cut 12 (12) “…there too.” 

The concert will be at the Ceasar’s Superdome on October 26.  Tickets can be purchased at chnola.org/taylor.

The Festival of the Bonfires which normally takes place on Christmas Eve in St. James Parish has been moved to a new date due to inclement weather forecast. The event is now scheduled for Saturday. St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne ….

Cut 4 (09) “…that day.”

Fortunately, the change falls on the weekend but Dufresne understands the change is still inconvenient when so many have already made plans in advance.

Friday begins the start of a very busy travel holiday season. Nationwide, more than 115 million people will pack roadways and airports. AAA Analyst Don Redman says a record seven-point-five million are expected to travel by air, so give yourself a little extra time if you are heading to the airport

Cut 9 (12)  “…about winter.”