DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says you may see heavy equipment between Ponchatoula and LaPlace on Interstate 55 southbound lanes over the next two weeks. He says crews will begin repairing the southbound lanes where the accident occurred – starting this weekend.

Cut 6 (11) “…just chipped.”

Interstate 55 southbound lanes reopened Thursday following the massive 168-vehicle pileup that killed at least eight people and injured 63. There is no timeline for reopening the northbound lanes at this time.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board announced the approval of the Cordish Companies transfer of license from the former Diamond Jacks property in Bossier City. Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says Cordish has begun renovation on the massive 77 thousand square feet gaming, entertainment, and dining venue.

Cut 4 (11) “…by piece.”

The $270 million project will feature more than 47 thousand square feet of gaming space, an upscale 550-room hotel, and 30 thousand square feet of first-class dining and entertainment venues. The project is expected to be complete by late 2025.

The University of Louisiana System Board has named Grambling State President Rick Gallot as their new President. Gallot will replace Doctor Jim Henderson who has been named the next president of La Tech. Gallot says he’s honored to have the opportunity to replace Henderson

Cut 9 (06) “…to this role” 

The U-L System is the largest higher education system in Louisiana nine different universities and 91-thousand students.  The Ruston native has served as Grambling’s president for seven years. Before that, he was a state lawmaker for 17 years.

The Humane Society of Louisiana is seeking financial help to cover medical expenses for 53 cats that were discovered in an animal hoarding situation in New Iberia last Saturday. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says /the cats were living in a home with deplorable conditions.

Cut 12 (11) “…their ailments.”  

A GoFundMe account “53 Cats Need Our Help” has been set up and you can find a link on HSLA’s Facebook Page or call 1-888-6-HUMANE.

The parents of murdered Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell are speaking out.

Cut 15 (11) “…is deceased”

Ronald Caldwell Senior says Ronnie was re-located to another apartment because of mold and given a new non-student roommate. Caldwell Sr. says Ronnie’s roommate pulled a gun on him on October 9th, three days later he was fatally shot. No one has been charged in his murder, but the roommate, 27-year-old John McIntosh, has been arrested on gun and drug charges. Ronald Caldwell Senior says Laird and Northwestern State failed to protect his son…

Cut  16 (10)   “…was wrong”

Laird announced his resignation on Thursday and Northwestern State has canceled the rest of the season forfeiting the rest of its games.

DOTD and inspectors are analyzing data on the extent of the damage to the northbound lanes of the bridge. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says questions remain as to what can be done during foggy conditions that create extreme hazards on the highway.

Cut 8 (12) “…to travel.” 

There is no timeline for reopening the northbound lanes at this time.

The intense fire and extensive wreckage in the multi-vehicle crash on i-55 earlier this week, made investigations difficult. State Troopers initially reported 8 people died in the crashes. They have updated the number to 7 and say all have been identified.

Amazon is set to open a Robotics Fulfillment Center in Shreveport next year and plans are underway for a second facility. A Last-Mile Facility is planned to occupy space in the Shreve Park Industrial Campus. The Robotics Center is expected to bring a thousand jobs and is slated to open mid 2024.

The parents of murdered Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell blame coach Brad Laird for not doing enough to protect their son. The family says Caldwell was re-located to another apartment because of mold. Ronnie’s father, Ronald Caldwell Senior, says they told Laird his son needed to be re-located again because his new roommate, who is not a student,  pulled a gun on him…

Cut 15 (11) “…is deceased”

Laird announced his resignation on Thursday and Northwestern State has canceled the rest of the season forfeiting the rest of its games.

Amazon is set to open a Robotics Fulfillment center in Shreveport next year and plans are now underway for a second facility. A Last-Mile Facility is planned to occupy 87,000 square feet of the Shreve Park Industrial Campus. These facilities will bring good jobs to Caddo Parish says Amazon’s Jessica Breaux. The Robotics Center is expected to bring 1000 jobs and is slated to open mid 2024.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot has been appointed to lead the University of Louisiana System. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board has approved the transfer of the gaming license of the abandoned Bossier City Diamond Jacks Casino to the Cordish Companies. Cordish is a leader in the gaming development industry. Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says Cordish will take over in the renovation of Diamond Jacks.

cut 3 (08) “…base casino.”

Diamond Jacks Casino closed in 2020 amid the impacts of the pandemic. Cordish Live! brands several sports and entertainment destinations such as Texas Live! Kansas City Live! and Bally Sports Live! in St. Louis, Missouri.

Ronnie Calweld’s heartbroken parents are speaking out today with details of the days leading up to the murder of their son, the Northwestern State junior safety. Through a statement from their attorneys, Caldweld’s parents say they reached out to NSU and Head Football Coach Brad Laird when Ronnie told his parents that is new roommate had pulled a gun on him. Caldweld’s parents say Coach Laird assured them he would move Caldweld to a safe location but three days later, Ronnie was found at his apartment complex where he died from several gunshot wounds. Caldweld had recently been given a new non-university non-college student roommate and moved to new apartment due to mold in his unit. Caldweld’s new roommate, 27 year old John McIntosh had previous run ins with law enforcement. Guns and drugs were subsequently discovered in the new roommate’s possession and he was arrested. On Thursday, Northwestern canceled the rest of their football season and Coach Laird resigned. No one has yet been charged with the murder.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot will replace Doctor Jim Henderson as the President of the University of Louisiana System. Gallot has served as Grambling’s president since 2016. Before that, he was a state lawmaker for 17 years. The Ruston native believes his experience as a state lawmaker will benefit him as he advocates for resources…

Cut 11 (11) “…is a plus”

Gallot will begin his new role January 1st. Information about the search to replace Gallot at Grambling will be announced at a later date.

The Humane Society of Louisiana is asking for your help after more than 50 cats were taken from a hoarding situation in New Iberia. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

Motorists driving south on I-55 between Ponchatoula and LaPlace will begin to see crews repairing damage from Monday’s massive car pile-up that killed eight people. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says however the northbound portion of I-55 in that area remains closed.

Cut 7 (13) “…anytime soon.” 

The state Gaming Control Board approves the transfer of the abandoned Bossier City Diamond Jacks Casino license to the Cordish Companies. Board Chair Ronnie Johns says Cordish has begun renovations on the massive 77 thousand square feet gaming, entertainment, and dining venue.

Cut 4 (11) “…by piece.”

It’s expected to be completed by late 2025.

After an animal hoarding situation of 53 cats was discovered in New Iberia last Saturday, the Human Society of Louisiana is asking for contributions to cover medical expenses. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says they are also asking cat rescues and individuals interested in adopting a cat to contact them.

Cut 13 (09) “….good homes”

You can find a link on the Humane Society of Louisiana’s Facebook page.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot will replace Doctor Jim Henderson as the President of the University of Louisiana System. Henderson is leaving his post to be the next La Tech president.  Gallot says he’s looking forward to working with the system’s nine universities and their presidents.

Cut 10 (13) “…system office”

He’ll begin his new role January 1^st.

The family of Ronnie Caldwell, the Northwestern State Junior Safety who was fatally shot on October 12^th, is holding a press conference this afternoon at 1:30. Legal representatives from the family say they plan to announce intended legal action against multiple parties involved in Caldwell’s death. The 21-year-old from Austin, Texas didn’t play this season due to an injury.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot has been appointed to lead the University of Louisiana System. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

If you’re planning on traveling Interstate 55 south, you may see contractors using equipment between Ponchatoula and LaPlace over the next two weeks, after Monday’s massive pile-up. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says crews will begin repair work this weekend.

Cut 6 (11) “…just chipped.”

The northbound lanes remain closed.

After an animal hoarding situation of 53 cats was discovered in New Iberia Saturday, the Human Society of Louisiana is asking for contributions to cover medical expenses. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says the cats were living in a home with deplorable conditions.

Cut 12 (11) “…their ailments.”  

A link can be found on the Humane Society of Louisiana’s Facebook Page

Northwestern State has made the decision to cancel the remainder of its 2023 football season and their Head Coach Brad Laird has resigned after the tragic loss of Junior Safety Ronnie Caldwell roughly two weeks ago.

According to the Natchitoches Parish Journal Podcast, NSU President Marcus Jones says that Cut 15 (09) “… his decision.”

Caldwell passed away from injuries suffered during a shooting. NSU has said that several players are struggling to play with the loss on their minds and the entire team and staff has been affected in some manner. The Southland Conference stated that Northwestern State has their unwavering support during this troubling time and the school looks to successfully move forward.

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LSU has recruited Weston Davis to become a Tiger after the offensive tackle flipped from SEC rival Texas A&M. Davis will be a great addition to the Tigers as he is a 4 star recruit that is 169th overall in the class of 2023-2024 and 12th overall for offensive tackles.

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The Saints will head to Indianapolis this Sunday to play a 3 and 4 Colts team. While there are plenty of frustrations on the field for New Orleans, Chris Olave had some trouble off the field as he was ticketed for reckless driving after being caught going over 40 miles per hour over the speed limit of a road in Kenner, Louisiana on Monday. Saints quarterback Dereck Carr talked with the star receiver about the incident.

Cut 19 (19) “ … so games.”

The game will kickoff on Fox at noon.

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The NFC South is now up for grabs as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to 3 an 4 on the season when they lost to the Buffalo Bills 24 to 18 on Thursday night. The Atlanta Falcons currently lead the NFC South with a 4 and 3 record. If the Saints win this Sunday and the Falcons lose to the Titans, then the Saints will be tied with Atlanta for leading the division.

Northwestern State’s football season has been canceled and head coach Brad Laird has resigned as the program continues to reel from the October 12th fatal shooting of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell. Many are upset with this decision, but N-S-U President Marcus Jones cites the mental health of the players…
cut 14 (12) “….remaining games”
Including tomorrow’s game at McNeese. Jones made those comments to the Natchitoches Parish Journal.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot will replace Doctor Jim Henderson as the President of the University of Louisiana System. Henderson is leaving his post as the U-L System to be the next president at La Tech and Gallot says he’s honored to have the opportunity to replace Henderson
Cut 9 (06) “…to this role”
Gallot has served as Grambling’s president since 2016. Before that he was a state lawmaker for 17 years.

Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board has approved the transfer of the gaming license of the abandoned Bossier City Diamond Jacks Casino to the Cordish Companies. Cordish is a leader in the gaming development industry. Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Johns says the renovation of the Diamond Jack Casino will create jobs and generate millions of dollars in economic benefits.
cut 3 (08) “…base casino.”
DiamondJacks closed in 2020 amid the impacts of the pandemic.

Train service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is one step closer to reality. Governor John Bel Edwards along with the Department of Transportation signed a service development agreement with Amtrak and other officials that will advance the return of intercity passenger rail service. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Eric Holl…
Cut 7 (10) “…New Orleans.”
According to the agreement, passenger service could start as early as 2027.

Northwestern State has made the decision to cancel the remainder of its 2023 football season and their Head Coach Brad Laird has resigned after the tragic loss of Junior Safety Ronnie Caldwell roughly two weeks ago. According to the Natchitoches Parish Journal Podcast, NSU President Marcus Jones says that…

Cut 15 (09) “…his decision.”

So far no one has been charged with Caldwell’s murder and his family is holding a 1:30 press conference this afternoon.

Train service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is on track with Governor Edwards and the Department of Transportation signing a service development agreement with Amtrak, to advance the return of intercity passenger rail service. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Eric Holl… gave it a trial run…

Cut 8 (10) “…relaxing.” 

Rail service could start as early as 2027.

The House Education Committee voted against BESE’s plan to institute an appeals process for seniors unable to pass the LEAP exit exam. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

As DOTD crews work to repair damage on I-55 southbound from Ponchatoula to LaPlace, they are asking motorists to be aware and say the work could take up to two weeks to complete. This following Monday’s massive car pile-up that claimed eight lives. The northbound lanes remain closed as the inspection is being analyzed.

Northwestern State’s football season has been canceled and head coach Brad Laird has resigned as the program continues to reel from the October 12th fatal shooting of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell. Many are upset with this decision, but N-S-U President Marcus Jones cites the mental health of the players…
cut 14 (12) “….remaining games”
Including tomorrow’s game at McNeese. Jones made those comments to the Natchitoches Parish Journal.

US Senator John Kennedy in a video message to the Louisiana House Education Committee urged them to reject a proposal by BESE to provide seniors an appeals process if they fail to pass the LEAP graduation exit exam. Kennedy says the policy waters down standards
cut 11 (09) “….huge mistake”
The House Education Committee agreed and voted against the proposal, but Governor Edwards could take action for the policy to go into effect.

1969 was the last time there was passenger train service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, but the state has taken another step in bringing it back….
cut 1 (31) “….I’m Colleen Crain”

September was a record breaker for the total amount wagered in mobile sports betting. 248-million according to the L-S-P gaming audit section. That translates to four-point-seven million in tax revenues. Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says the popularity of sports betting continues to grow and they are working with the Association of Compulsive Gambling…
cut 6 (07) “….compulsive gambling”