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.” 

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.”
Lafayette’s Mayor-President Elect Monique Boulet will be sworn in this afternoon at the Cajundome. The daughter of former Governor Kathleen Blanco, Boulet talked about how her late mother would feel about her big day.

Cut 6 (11) “…of this.”
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Louisiana’s float in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day one another big award this year. The Showmanship award. Of course, Louisiana has promoted tourism with floats in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade for the last three years and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says always they see a bump in visits to the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s website.

Cut 9 (11)  “…for 2024.”

Mardi gras always attracts a lot of attention, but how about a king cake that’s certified gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly? Eat Fit NOLA Dietician Emma Poling says thanks to the all-natural ingredients of Ochsner’s Signature Kingcaike, everyone can now say yes to king cake.

Cut 12 (12) “…carnival season.” 

Cut 12 (12) “…carnival season.” 

Today Monique Blanco Boulet will be sworn in as Lafayette’s first female Mayor-President. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”
Governor John Bel Edwards will give his farewell remarks tonight from his hometown of Amite. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this the governor’s last chance to remind voters of what he’s accomplished in office.

Cut 15 (11) “…same opinion.”

Louisiana’s float in the Rose Parade won an award again this year. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the parade’s theme “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language” allowed Louisiana to showcase some homegrown talent like Amanda Shaw, James Burton, and Sean Ardoin

Cut 8 (08) “…Mardi Gras theme.” 

You don’t have to give up king cake to live a healthier lifestyle. Ochsner Signature Eat Fit King Cakes made by Unrefined Bakery are certified gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly.  Eat Fit NOLA Dietician Emma Poling says people may worry about not getting the traditional taste, but the cakes are just as delicious and under 120 calories.

Cut 11 (12) “…juice dyes.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards will give his farewell remarks tonight from his hometown of Amite. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards will highlight his achievements which he believes is a smart move politically if the Democrat wants to run again in 2027.

Cut 13 (11) “…so desires.”
She’s the daughter of former Governor Kathleen Blanco. And today Monique Boulet will be sworn in this afternoon at 3 pm at the Cajundome. As the first woman to serve in the position, Boulet says her first call to action is to build trust, increase transparency, and build the city’s economy.

Cut 4 (12) “…of Lafayette.”

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Louisiana’s New Year’s Day float in the Rose Parade has won an award for the third consecutive year. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they took home the Showmanship Award again this year for a second time this year and the float highlighted the Bayou State’s musical roots…

Cut 7 (10) “…for Louisiana.”

If you’re trying to eat healthier in the new year, there’s a king cake for you! Ochsner Signature Eat Fit king cakes are for those who want to indulge in carnival season confections while keeping their New Year’s resolution. Eat Fit NOLA Dietician Emma Poling.

Cut 10 (10) “…every flavorful.”

Eat Fit King Cakes  are certified gluten free, grain free, dairy free and keto friendly and are being sold by select retailers  in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

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 Jefferson Parish man was fatally shot when a bullet came through his apartment window. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

After weeks of waiting former Grambling President Rick Gallot has signed his contract to be the next University of Louisiana System President. The board offered him the position on October 25^th but the contract was delayed after Governor-elect Jeff Landry expressed concern the board approved the appointment without his input. Gallot will oversee nine schools within the UL-system.

Opelousas police officer Savannah Butler faces two counts of negligent injury after her firearm was discharged towards her boss police chief Graig LeBlanc and his wife Crystal. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says it happened after an argument between the LeBlancs outside of Butler’s home. Guidroz says the police chief’s hand was injured when he tried to take the gun and the bullet then struck his wife in the arm. Fortunately, the injuries were not serious…

Cut 8 (03) “…lot worse.” 

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.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) is urging Louisianans to make cleaning up the Bayou State one of their resolutions this year. KLB Director Susan Russell says one simple way is to keep a small trash bag in the car to collect litter.

Cut 3 (09) “…great way.”

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says a woman attempting to retrieve her stolen vehicle was shot at on New Year’s eve and one of the bullets fatally struck a man inside an apartment complex near Westwego….
cut 11 (09) “…the victim”
Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the search is on for a group of male subjects who confronted the woman. The man fatally shot has been identified as 32-year-old Corey Washington.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is leaving politics after a 35-year career. Dardenne has served as a state senator, Secretary of State and Lt. Governor. Dardenne was elected as Lt. Governor in 2010 and launched the Pick Your Passion marketing campaign….
cut 28 (10) “…after Katrina”
Dardenne has served as Commissioner of Administration for Governor Edwards the last eight years.

An Opelousas police officer is facing two count 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. The victims suffered minor injuries. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the shooting occurred during an argument at the home of the officer who has been arrested, Savannah Butler. Guidroz says a second person was also arrested…
cut 7 (05) “…trespassing”

Keep Louisiana Beautiful is asking Louisiana residents to make not littering a New Year’s Resolution for this year. Director Susan Russell says pickup truck drivers can make sure their bed is free of debris and secure large loads…
cut 4 (12) “….roadside hazard”
Russell says more than 53-percent of roadway litter is due to motorists.

Jefferson Parish deputies are looking for the person that fired a gun and one of the bullets ended up striking an innocent bystander in their apartment. Sheriff Joe Lopinto…
cut 10 (08) “…better it is”
Lopinto says the gunshot was intended for a woman attempting to retrieve her stolen vehicle near Westwego and she was confronted by a group of male suspects.

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.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful has several New Year’s resolutions for Louisianans to help do their part in keeping the state clean in 2024. Teiko Foxx spoke with Director Susan Russell…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Many of us have made health and fitness resolutions for the new year. LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Assistant Professor of Research Jacob Mey suggests making subtle adjustments to your diet and every day ask yourself…
Cut 4 (10) “…positive direction.”

Opelousas police officer Savannah Butler faces two counts of negligent injury after her firearm was discharged at police chief Graig LeBlanc and his wife Crystal. 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.

Authorities are searching for Sammy Patrick, a Black male, who they believe could be in Concordia Parish, after he allegedly shot, killed, sexually assaulted, and then set the elderly female victim on fire in Forest, Mississippi, Saturday afternoon. He’s considered armed and extremely dangerous.

An innocent bystander was killed on New Year’s Eve near Westwego in Jefferson Parish as a woman was attempting to retrieve her stolen vehicle. 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.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) is asking residents to cut down on waste as one of their New Year’s resolutions. Director Susan Russell suggests using reusable bottles and bags and fewer single-use paper and plastic items.

Cut 5 (09) “ …don’t biodegrade.” 

She says 43 million pieces of trash litter Louisiana roadways.

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.