Governor-Elect Jeff Landry has appointed Mandeville Representative and former gubernatorial candidate Richard Nelson as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s speculation Nelson dropped out of the race in exchange for a position with Landry’s administration.

Cut 9 (12) “…Republican.” 

If you’re still looking for Medicare health coverage or want to change your existing plan, tomorrow is the last day to enroll. Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut (bur-tau) says Louisianans 65 and older should consider the three P’s when looking for the ideal Medicare plan.

Cut 5 (13) “ …plans incorporate.”  

With original Medicare Part A and B covers hospital care, doctor visits, and other services. Coverage starts January 1st.

Senator Bill Cassidy says if illegal crossings across the southern border are not addressed, Republicans will not approve the 111-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The New Orleans swamp fire that contributed to the 168-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish plie that killed eight people and injured 63 others nearly a month ago has finally been put out. Officials say the fire drilled into the swamp’s dense soil which had become dry and combustible after weeks of drought.

Judge Joe Bleich has ordered a new runoff election in the Caddo Sheriff’s race after ruling the results void. Republican candidate John Nickelson challenged the November 18^th outcome after he lost to Democrat Henry Whitehorn by one vote. Political Analyst Scott Hughes says the earliest an election can be held is next spring.

Cut 6 (12) “…local race.”

Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator’s term ends June 30^th.

Homeowners in the Bayou State are feeling the pinch of increasing property insurance premiums and so are school districts. Louisiana School Boards Association Lobbyist, Dannie Garrett…

Cut 7 (09) “…money somewhere.”

Garret says expenses associated with school buildings are schools’ second largest expense and insurance rates continue to rise.

State Transportation has extended the deadline for the public-private partnership to widen Interstate 10 and construct a new Calcasieu River Bridge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The New Orleans swamp fire that contributed to the 168-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish plie that killed eight people and injured 63 others nearly a month ago has finally been put out. Officials say the fire drilled into the swamp’s dense soil which had become dry and combustible after weeks of drought.

Louisiana high school seniors will have the option to appeal their scores on the state’s standardized graduation exam starting December 20th. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Department of Transportation announced preliminary site work has started on the Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River connecting Bossier and Caddo Parishes. Officials say the process of removing types of vegetation is underway near the foot of the existing bridge.

Jayden Daniels is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, one of the highest awards in college football. Some have mentioned LSU’s 9-3 record and its potential to hurt Daniels’ chances of winning the Heisman. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne…

Cut 15 (09) “…out there.”

The ceremony will air on ESPN at 8 pm on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns will play the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the 23^rd annual R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on December 16. Bowl director Billy Ferrante…

Cut 4 (12) “…Rich Rodriguez.”

The Ragin Cajuns who are six-and-six overall, will make their seventh appearance in the bowl game.

Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Holly Boffy defends her efforts to give students who are unable to pass the LEAP test to file an appeal. Boffy filed an emergency rule for the process to be implemented sooner but after political pushback, it will go into effect on December 20^th.

Cut 10 (11) “…a distraction.”

Boffy says it was never her intent for the issue to become a political distraction, but the December 20^th date still allows for December graduates. Louisiana is one of eight states that require passage of the graduation

Concordia Parish Deputies have arrested seven people in a home invasion, false imprisonment, and second-degree battery of a female in Vidalia last week. One more person is still wanted for their allegedly participating. Brandy Spears with Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the female was inside a residence when eight individuals entered without permission and assaulted the victim.

Cut 8 (08) “…pepper spray.” 

The woman escaped the next day and was able to identify eight people ranging in age from 23 to 43 involved in the home invasion.

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is one of four finalists up for the Heisman Trophy. Daniels leads college football in most offensive categories including yards per rush at 8.4 yards a carry. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says that sets Daniels apart from the other two quarterbacks up for the award….

Cut 14 (11) “…at quarterback.”

The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night.

The Ragin Cajuns will once again compete in the R and L Carriers New Orleans Bowl as they face Jacksonville State on December 16. Bowl director Billy Ferrante says this is the 23rd annual R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and every time, U-L Lafayette is in the game, there’s more interest locally…

Cut 5 (12) “…0f market.”

The 23rd annual bowl game will air on ESPN at 1:15 pm.

Weyerhaeuser, one of the largest private owners of timberland, will spend 96 million dollars to modernize and decarbonize its Winn Parish lumber mill. Spokesperson Deano Orr says the upgrade will increase safety, productivity, and reliability.

Cut 3 (12) “….dry kilns.”

Governor John Bel Edwards set a goal to reduce GHG emissions to net zero by 2050.

Texas Tech Red Raiders will take on California Golden Bears in a six and six-team matchup on December 16^th  in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport.  Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson says it’s their first power-five game since 2016.

Cut 7 (10) “…play too.” 

Cal won a big game over UCLA and Texas Tech had big wins over Kansas and UCF.

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.”

Louisiana lawmakers expect a busy 2024 after being sworn in on January 8th.  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.” 

Miquez says improving education is another vital factor in attracting individuals and businesses to the state and keeping young people from leaving Louisiana.

Since 2018, Sam Burgess with The Louisiana Department of Health says the Bayou State has seen an 11% decrease in new cases of HIV and can now imagine an end to the epidemic…

Cut 6 (11) “…together on it.”

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…

The New Orleans Saints are now 5-and-7 after a 33-28 loss against the Detroit Lions last night. 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.

Louisianans will get an up-close view of the amazing craftsmanship and architecture of the State Capitol in a new LPB documentary, “A Tall Order: The Louisiana State Capitol”, premiering tonight at 7:00 pm. LPB Senior Producer Dorothy Kendrick…

Cut 7 (07) “…the top..”

Alexandria’s favorite Winter Festival is back for the seventh year and there’s plenty of free-family-friendly entertainment. There’s plenty to keep the kids busy and of course, lots of shopping. AlexWinterFete event manager Cathy 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” 

Since 2018, Louisiana has an 11% decrease in new cases of HIV. That’s after leading the nation in cases for years. Close to 23,000 Louisianans are living with HIV and Sam Burgess with the Louisiana Department of health says the key to living healthy is sticking to the right plan.

Cut 5 (09) “…anymore.”

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You may have heard Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles is now offering “Autism Spectrum Disorder” or “Needs Accomodation” decals at no cost to those who qualify. Spokesperson Matt Boudreau says it will let law enforcement know an individual has a disability.

Cut 9 (13) “…the stop.” 

High School Football playoffs are in the books and The Prep Classic will kick off next Thursday in the Caesars Superdome. The Opelousas Tigers will be there, playing for a state championship for the first time in 67 years after upsetting top seeded North Desoto 28-20.

St. Charles Catholic will play for a state title for a fifth consecutive season after beating University High 10 to seven in overtime.

The Union Parish Farmers knocked off Jena and will play in the Prep Classic for the fourth straight year as they take on St. James.

Accommodation” decal for their vehicle at no cost from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. The decal will indicate to law enforcement that an individual has a disability. Spokesperson Matt Boudreaux says the indicator can removed at any time without documentation, which will have a big effect on people on both sides.

Cut 11 (07) “…huge impact.”

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

No appointment required for AlexWinterFete, going on this weekend in downtown Alexandria. The annual festival attracts an average of 30 thousand people each year with something for everyone. And AlexWinterFete event manager Cathy Spiller says that means rain or shine.

Cut 8 (10) “…F-E-T-E.” 

The festival runs through ten o’clock tonight.
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A judge is expected to rule sometime next week in a lawsuit looking for a new run-off election in the race for Caddo Parish Sheriff. Candidate John Nickelson lost to Henry Whitehorn by a single vote after a re-count…and Nickleson’s attorney has presented some pretty compelling evidence to make their case. Political analyst Scott Hughes says if the judge rules in favor of a new election, it would happen in March.

Cut  14 (09) “…very difficult.”

For the first time in 67 years Opelousas will play for a state championship in football as the 12th seeded Tigers upset top seeded North Desoto 28-20.

Cecilia will play for a state title in football for the first time in 28 years as the Bulldogs knocked off Northwest 55-18.

St. Charles Catholic will play in a state championship game for a fifth consecutive season after beating University High 10 to seven in overtime. The Prep Classic kicks off in the Ceasars Superdome next Thursday.

Louisiana is showing promise in the care of people with HIV. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The betting odds have LSU’s Jayden Daniels as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy after last night’s Pac-12 championship game. Washington defeated Oregon 34-31. Ducks quarterback Bo Nix threw three touchdown passes, but he only threw for 239 yards. If Nix and the Ducks won, the former Auburn quarterback might have been the favorite to win the Heisman.

___________

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”  

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, Santa, a petting zoo, plenty of inflatables for the kids, and more….

Cut 6 (09) “…shopping vendors.”

A ruling is not expected until next week in Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson’s lawsuit challenging the result of the November election. Political analyst Scott Hughes says Henry Whitehorn believes he’s the undisputed winner, by a single vote,  but Nickelson’s attorneys believe they’ve uncovered some questionable ballots…

Cut 13 (12) “…determine the winner.”

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 individuals must provide a statement from a qualified health professional verifying their diagnosis. But if your drivers license already identifies you as someone who qualifies…

Cut 10 (09) “…the decal.”  

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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.” 

Louisiana has seen an 11% decrease in new cases of HIV in the last five years…after once leading the nation in HIV cases. Sam Burgess with The Louisiana Department of Health says the improvements happened thanks to the efforts of many…

Cut 4 (11) “…public health partners.”