The state is waking up to temperatures in the low 20s and teens this morning, with wind chills making it feel much colder.

Utility companies have decided to suspend shutoffs due to non-payment through the New Year, so there is no need to worry about going without heat as temperatures struggle to get above freezing.

To help those who are displaced from last week’s deadly tornadoes, the State Office of Tourism is providing a little Christmas cheer. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

If you were impacted by hurricanes in 2020 and 2021, the Office of Community Development wants you to know you can apply for federal aid online at restore.la.gov…:
Cut 14 (12) “into the process”
That’s O.C.D. director Pat Forbes who says if you don’t have internet you can apply by calling 866-735-2001.

On his last monthly radio show of the year this week, Governor John Bel Edwards reflected on his time in office. His current term ends on January 8, 2024. Mr. Edwards said one of his biggest accomplishments was reforming the state’s healthcare system…:
Cut 10 (13) “as well”

Arctic air is arriving this evening and is expected to stay through Christmas in The Bayou State. Spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Mike Steele says they are ready to supply support to any community in need…:
Cut 15 (10) “they need”
He says the most important thing to do is stay weather aware.

If Senator John Kennedy were to win the governor’s race next year, who would appoint his replacement in Congress? That question was posed to Governor John Bel Edwards on his monthly radio show. He said the Governor’s Office would appoint Kennedy’s replacement before an election can be held. Kennedy has yet to throw his hat into the ring, but Mr. Edwards believes Kennedy has a good shot at being elected…:
CUT 9 (10) “formidable”

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier facing discharge for refusing the COVID vaccine. The Pelican Institute for Public Policy’s Special Counsel James Baehr says courts across the country have already ruled against the Biden administration’s mandate for soldiers to get the vaccine, and yet the Army still seeks to punish Master Sergeant Robert Galey Jr….:
Cut 11 (10) “the judge’s opinion”
The Army has not responded to the suit yet.

Governor John Bel Edwards has named Terri Ricks the new Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Ricks has been serving in the interim role since Marketa Walters stepped down last month after DCFS faced scrutiny over a series of missteps at the agency this year.

The state is bracing for a windy arctic blast that is slated to move in later this evening, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is urging you to remain weather aware. Spokesman Mike Steele advises residents to pay close attention to their vehicles and avoid traveling at peak traffic times if possible…:
Cut 14 (10) “event safely”
He says GOHSEP is ready to supply support to any community in need.

The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers as the response to last week’s tornadoes continues. Ed Bush, executive director of the Capital-West area of the Louisiana Red Cross says he knows volunteering is more difficult during the Holidays, but…:
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To apply, visit RedCross.org.

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier facing discharge for refusing the COID vaccine. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
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Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly radio show that the Department of Children and Family Services is slated to receive one time funding to help address its understaffing issue. And in a Wednesday news release the Governor’s Office announced its naming Terri Ricks as the new Secretary of DCFS.

Sportsman’s Paradise is bracing for a Christmas weekend freeze that is slated to move in later today into tonight. One point of concern is those still in temporary housing after the effects of Hurricane Ida and recent tornadoes. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says they sent out information to those residents.:
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He says the most important thing for us is to be weather aware and monitor local radio stations.

The Louisiana Department of Health says the state’s WIC website is down. They are working to get louisianawic.org back up and running but in the meantime available resources have been added to LDH’s WIC page.

The American Red Cross is asking for volunteers to help hundreds of Louisianans who were impacted by last week’s tornadoes…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Governor John Bel Edwards was asked on his monthly radio show who would appoint Senator John Kennedy’s successor should Kennedy be elected governor next year. Mr. Edwards says the governor’s office would pick another US Senator before Kennedy took office…:
CUT 7 (07) “oath of office”
Kennedy has yet to officially enter the governor’s race.

An arctic blast will arrive in Louisiana today, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is ready. Kace Kieschnick spoke with GOHSEP’s Mike Steele…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

Governor John Bel Edwards has named Terri Ricks the new Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Ricks has been serving in the interim role since Marketa Walters stepped down last month after DCFS faced scrutiny over a series of missteps at the agency this year.

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy files suit against the White House on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier who refuses to get the COVID vaccine. Pelican’s Special Counsel James Baehr says 16-year veteran Master Sergeant Robert Galey Jr. had and still has religious misgivings about the vaccine, and faces discharge if he does not comply…:
Cut 10 (11) “unfortunately rejected”
So far there has been no official response to the lawsuit by the Army of Department of Defense.

The American Red Cross has put out an urgent call for volunteers to help people impacted by last week’s tornadoes. Ed Bush is the executive director of the Capital-West area of the Louisiana Red Cross…:
Cut 4 (06) “by tornadoes”
He says teams are providing aid across the state, focusing efforts in Caddo, Iberia, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and Union parishes.

This flu season nationwide has been the worst so far in 10 years, and Covid cases are on the rise which is why the State Department of Health is urging folks to be updated on their shots before hanging out with family for Christmas. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter…:
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He says doing that now will get your immune system ready in time to unwrap presents.

Get out and vote today. A low voter turnout is expected because there aren’t a lot of high profile races on the ballot. But there are constitutional amendments for everyone and several municipalities are voting on a new mayor or local propositions. It’s easy to check your ballot and find your voting location on the GeauxVote app or GeauxVote.com. Polls close at 8.

The U-S House has approved 858-billion dollars for national defense and hundreds of millions of dollars will go towards Louisiana’s military bases. Congressman and House Armed Services Committee member Mike Johnson says Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish will receive 125-million dollars to construct a Weapons Generation facility…:
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The defense spending bill still needs U.S. Senate approval which is expected.

AARP launches a simple online tool to help Louisiana Veterans understand their healthcare options. Director of Advocacy and Outreach, Lorie Lucas says on The PACT Act…:
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Access it on the following website: AARP.com/VetsHealthNagivator.

Don’t forget to go vote today. Everyone in Louisiana has at least 3 constitutional amendments on their ballot. Shreveport, Hammond, Kentwood, Crowley and Zachary will be electing a new mayor, and the 3rd District will vote on a new Public Service Commissioner. You can check your ballot at GeauxVote.com or the Geaux Vote app. Geaux spelled the Louisiana way.

Covid cases are on the rise and flu is at its highest level in 5 years, so the Louisiana Department of Health is strongly encouraging residents to get boosters and vaccines before holiday gatherings. LDH reported nearly 4500 new Covid cases in its last count. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter…:
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He says if you get your shots now, your immune system will be ready for the height of holiday gatherings.

Lt Governor Billy Nungesser is conducting a poll this weekend as he contemplates running for governor, but is it too soon?
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The 2022 Prep Classic saw three terrific games yesterday in the Superdome. St. Thomas More rallied from 10 points down with a minute 45 seconds left to beat Lafayette Christian 52-48 to win the division 2 select championship. St. Charles Catholic rallied from eleven points down in the fourth quarter to beat Dunham in the division three select state championship. And Destrehan completed an undefeated season by winning the division one non-select title game as the Wildcats beat the Ruston Bearcats 17 to 10. There are three more games today.