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.”

A minimum wage increase goes into effect Monday in 22 states, while Louisiana remains one of over a dozen states that is keeping the federal minimum wage at 7.25 an hour.
Cut 4 (12) “…Louisiana legislature.”
That’s Jan Moeller, director of the Louisiana Budget Project, but U-L Lafayette economist Gary Wagner says wages have been on the rise since the pandemic and a higher minimum wage is not needed.

A law going into effect on New Year’s Day is a measure that bans gender affirming procedures on children. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment authored the legislation and expects a legal challenge….
cut 12 (08) “….will stand”
Governor Edwards opposed the legislation, because he says it denies healthcare to a small, unique and vulnerable group of children.

Republican Jeff Landry will become the state’s 57th governor on January 8th. Landry is still filling out his cabinet as he’s yet name who will be the secretaries for the department of transportation, natural resources, economic development and corrections under his administration. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are hundreds of positions that need to be filled when a new administration takes over…
cut 15 (11) “….state government”

On January 1st, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is encouraging the public to kick off the new year with a hike at one of Louisiana’s State Parks. Nungesser says some of the hikes are guided…
cut 8 (11) “…of the parks”
Nungesser says nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Sam Houston State Park hike led by Southwest Master Naturalist Barbara Morris.

Over a dozen new laws will go into effect on January 1st. One of the more controversial bills going into effect is a bill that bans gender affirming care for trans minors in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards called it an attack on transgender children and vetoed it, but the Legislature overrode the veto. Grant Parish Representative Gabe Firment wrote the legislation…
cut 10 (08) “….protect children”
The legislation is expected to face a legal challenge.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry takes office in eleven days and has yet to name a Transportation Secretary. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a sought after position…
cut 14 (11) “…that job”
Landry also has to name a new Economic Development Secretary and Natural Resources Secretary.

On January 1, 2024, the minimum wage will increase in 22 states, while in Louisiana it holds steady at $7.25 an hour…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Looking for something to do on New Year’s Day. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser recommends taking a hike in a State Park…
cut 7 (07) “….21 state parks”

Eleven days from now, Governor-elect Jeff Landry will be sworn in, and he still has several major positions to fill in his cabinet. Landry has yet to name the next Transportation Secretary. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a coveted position with federal transportation dollars available to spend…
Cut 13 (05) “…of activity”
Alford says former and current legislators are in interested in becoming the next state Transportation Secretary, but he says Landry could also pick a former Trump administration official.

There are 22 states that will increase the minimum wage on January 1st. In Louisiana, the minimum wage will remain $7.25 an hour, it’s been that way since 2009. Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says Louisiana continues to lose population as many search for higher wages. He says for the Bayou State to be more competitive, a higher minimum wage is needed…
cut 6 (07) “…an hour”
Governor-elect Landry says the state’s focus should be on bringing in good paying jobs, instead of raising the minimum wage.

Louisiana State Parks has a suggestion for New Year’s day. Colleen Crain has the details
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Temperatures will dip into the upper 20s for much of north Louisiana tonight. We’ll see near freezing temperatures for south Louisiana.

A 16-year-old is dead, and his 13-year-old passenger was airlifted to Baton Rouge after the stolen vehicle they were in crashed and burst into flames early this morning. The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s office says a chase ended in Pointe Coupee Parish after the car was spotted driving recklessly on I-10. The vehicle crashed a mile or more after spikes were deployed on Highway 411 to stop the vehicle. The driver and his girlfriend are believed to be from the New Orleans area.

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 could have been avoided if more law enforcement officers were properly trained…

Cut 8 (10) “…used to this.” 

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

2023 will come to an end with cooler temperatures with lows in the mid to low 30s. National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Tyler Stanfield says it will hover around the freezing mark for the southern half of the state this weekend.

Cut 3 (12) “…Friday Saturday.”

There are plenty of respiratory illnesses plaguing the state right now. LSU Health  New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says while there are vaccines for COVID, the flu, and RSV now, unfortunately, the state’s vaccination rate is woefully low. So, if you find yourself not up to par…

Cut 11 (11) “…been vaccinated.”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry still has several major positions to fill in his cabinet including Transportation Secretary who will have a major say about how to fund new interstate bridges in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge and other major infrastructure projects. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry has options…

Cut 14 (11) “…that job.” 

In addition to the multiple respiratory viruses, like COVID, and RSV, going around right now, LSU Health Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says Louisiana is a hot spot for influenza.

Cut 10 (09) “…in the state.”

After fatally shooting a loose dog on Christmas Day the Thibodaux Police Department is receiving criticism for overreacting. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Cooler temperatures expected over the next few days in the Bayou State, bringing temperatures in the mid to low 30s to parts of the state. National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Tyler Stanfield also expects light rain chances on New Years Day. Stanfield says El Nino climate conditions in the Gulf of Mexico will bring the Bayou State temperatures in the 60s and possibly wetter conditions through February.

Cut 5 (12) “ …that period.” 

A 16-year-old is dead, and his 13-year-old passenger was airlifted to Baton Rouge after the stolen vehicle they were in crashed and burst into flames early this morning. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Twelve days from now, Governor-elect Jeff Landry will be sworn-in, and he still has several major positions to fill in his cabinet. Landry has yet to name the next Transportation Secretary. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a coveted position with federal transportation dollars available to spend…

Cut 13 (05) “…of activity”

Temperatures may likely reach freezing over the weekend says National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Tyler Stanfield. North Louisiana along with East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes expected to experience the cooler weather through the weekend. But Stanfield says temperatures will start to warm across Louisiana into the new year.

Cut 4 (09) “…that next week.”

Unfortunately, during this gift-giving season, presents are the only thing going around. LSU Health Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says it’s not just the flu, COVID-19, and RSV that’s being spread this time of year.

Cut 9 (13) “…for detecting.” 

Lopez says Louisiana is a hot spot for influenza.

After fatally shooting a loose dog on Christmas Day the Thibodaux Police Department is receiving criticism for overreacting. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A 16-year-old is dead, and his 13-year-old passenger was airlifted to Baton Rouge after the stolen vehicle they were in crashed and burst into flames early this morning. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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2023 is looking to end with cooler temperatures over the next few days in the Bayou State, bringing temperatures in the mid to low 30s. National Weather Service New Orleans Meteorologist Tyler Stanfield forecasts temperatures may likely reach freezing for the southeastern areas over the weekend.

Cut 3 (12) “…Friday Saturday.”

Stanfield expects northern areas and East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington will also experience cooler weather through the weekend. But says temperatures will start to warm across Louisiana into the new year.

Cut 4 (09) “…that next week.”

He also expects light rain chances going into the start of 2024 on Monday. Stanfield says El Nino climate conditions in the Gulf of Mexico will bring the Bayou State temperatures in the 60s and possibly wetter conditions through February.

Cut 5 (12) “ …that period.” 

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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.”

Dorson is also quick to point out that the dog’s owner is also responsible for what happened.

Cut 7 (05) “…of problems.” 

While only half of the parishes in Louisiana have shelters or animal control officers,  Dorson says Lafourche Parish does.

Cut 8 (10) “…used to this.” 

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

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Unfortunately, during this gift-giving season, presents are the only thing going around. LSU Health Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says it’s not just the flu, COVID-19, and RSV that’s being spread this time of year.

Cut 9 (13) “…for detecting.” 

In addition to the multiple respiratory viruses, like COVID, RSV, and the flu going around right now, Lopez says Louisiana is a hot spot for influenza.

Cut 10 (09) “…in the state.”

While there are vaccines for COVID, the flu, and RSV now, Lopez says unfortunately the state’s vaccination rate is woefully low. So if you find yourself under the weather…

Cut 11 (11) “…been vaccinated.”

Lopez says if you find yourself with a high fever after recovering from a previous respiratory illness, see a healthcare provider to rule out a secondary bacterial infection.

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Cut 12 (09)  “.. his career”  

Cut 13 (13) “…to gold” 

Cut  14 (11) “..play out”

An iAero Boing 737 plane left Alexandria International Airport this morning from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility and headed for Guatemala but had to make an emergency landing in Lake Charles with 157 passengers on board. The pilot declared the emergency before making a safe landing at Chennault International. No injuries or incidents were reported and the reason for the emergency landing has not been released.

A Thibodaux police officer fatally shot a loose dog on Christmas Day after the officer was bitten. 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 8 (10) “…used to this.” 

While only half of the parishes in Louisiana have shelters or animal control officers,  Dorson says Lafourche Parish does.

Hunger Free America says Louisiana has one of the highest rates of hunger in the nation. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 25 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Jayden Daniels is the only Tiger who has opted out of the Reliaquest Bowl on New Years Days. The Tigers are 9-3 and Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo says the team is determined to finish the season with ten wins…

Cut 18 (10)  “…for the program.” 

After fatally shooting a loose dog on Christmas Day the Thibodaux Police Department is receiving criticism for overreacting. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A police chase that started in Iberville Parish ended with the death of a 16-year-old in Pointe Coupee Parish after the stolen vehicle they were in crashed and burst into flames early this morning.  The vehicle crashed a mile or more after spikes, to stop the vehicle, were deployed on Highway 411. The passenger in the vehicle, a 13-year-old, was airlifted to Baton Rouge.

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 to operate.

Cut 10 (13) “…patient tissue.”

The LSU Tigers are now in Tampa, getting ready to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Reliaquest Bowl on January 1st. The Tigers are 9-3, but it’s been a tough year for the defense as LSU has struggled on that side of the football. Linebacker Greg Penn says they can set the tone for 2024 with a good performance against the Badgers…

 Cut 16 (20) “…next year.”