The southbound side of Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish has reopened following the massive pileup involving 168 vehicles that killed at least eight people and injured 63 people. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says inspectors determined the majority of the southbound portion of the roadway is safe for travel.

Cut 6 (09) “…that area.”

The northbound portion of I-55 remains closed during inspection.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors names Doctor Jim Henderson as the new president of Louisiana Tech. Henderson will leave his job as U-L System president and says he looks to build on what he calls the best undergraduate scholarship program in the state.

Cut 9 (10) “…the institution” 

The Shreveport native previously served as president of Northwestern State and Bossier Parish Community College.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal housefire in Oakdale that claimed two lives. Tuesday night the Oakdale Fire Department was able to pull a 61-year-old man through the window who later died, and a 35-year-old disabled woman was found in the bedroom of the home she was renting. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

The House Education Committee meets to hear the pros and cons today about a new BESE policy to allow students to appeal if they fail the graduation exit exam. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson of Benton was sworn in as the 56^th speaker of the house – making him the first from the state of Louisiana. Shelly Horton, Mayor of Benton believes Johnson is the right man to bring the House together…

Cut 11 (11) “…right direction.” 

Johnson was the 4^th to gain the nomination for Speaker when he was finally elected on Wednesday.

A plan that involved the use of tolls to help fund the $2.1 billion I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project was rejected by the House Transportation Committee. There was $800 million lined up for the public-private partnership.  Interim State Transportation Secretary Eric Kalivoda says a portion of those funds will go towards the existing bridge.

Cut 6 (11) “…in pieces.”

The House Education Committee will meet this morning to discuss the new graduation appeals policy approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The process gives seniors who fail the LEAP test other options to graduate. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says we should not impose a government-sanctioned excuse for mediocrity.

Cut 7 (12) “…next level.” 

Louisiana is suing Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for designing features on Instagram and Facebook that are harmful and addictive to children. Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill…

Cut 21 (12) “…this is.”

For the first time ever, the Speaker of the House is from Louisiana. Benton Republican Mike Johnson was elected yesterday after a three week search for a new leader. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says Louisiana will see more federal dollars with Johnson sitting in the speaker’s chair…
cut 14 (06) “….an the like”

Johnson’s hometown of Benton is thrilled over his sudden rise to power in the House. Colleen Crain has more…
cut 3 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crane”

BESE President Holly Boffy will go before the House Education Committee today to discuss a new proposal that would allow seniors who fail the LEAP graduation exit exam to still receive a diploma, by going through an appeals process…
cut 9 (12) “…..high school”
House Education Chairman Lance Harris and Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley say this policy diminishes the value of a diploma.

Earlier this week, the House Transportation Committee rejected a financing proposal for a new two-point-one billion dollar I-10 Calcasieu River bridge. DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda says the plan is to still build a new bridge in Lake Charles, but it will take decades instead of years…
cut 5 (10) “…..you go plan”

Mike Johnson has spent just six years in the U-S House but now finds himself in possession of the gavel as he was elected as the House Speaker yesterday. The 51-year-old is from Benton in Bossier Parish and the mayor of Benton, Shelly Horton, believes Johnson’s temperament and people’s skills will make him an excellent speaker…
cut 12 (10) “….skills”

At the state capitol today, the House Education Committee will meet this morning to discuss a proposal approved by BESE that will give seniors an appeals process that would still allow them to graduate, despite not passing the LEAP exit exam. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley opposes the policy…
cut 7 (12) “….they need”
If the House Education Committee does not approve, Governor Edwards can still act and allow the policy to go into effect.

The House Transportation Committee rejected the use of tolls to partially fund a new $2.1 billion I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Brooke Thorington reports DOTD has other options.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

I-55 in St. John the Baptist Parish remains closed following Monday’s deadly pile-up crash that killed eight people and involved 168 vehicles. No timeline on when the bridge will open. Inspectors have identified several areas that need repairs.

Mike Johnson is the first Congressman from Louisiana to serve as House Speaker. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says Johnson won on a 220-to-209 vote after three other nominees, including Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise, failed to get the full support of Republicans in the House…
cut 13 (12) “…..voting behavior”
The 51-year-old Johnson is in his fourth term. He’s a Shreveport native, but now lives in Benton. The mayor of Benton, Shelly Horton, says the community could not be happier…
cut 10 (04) “…of Johnson”
Speaker Johnson says now that the House is back in business, the public will see Congress work as hard as ever to deliver for the American people.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has announced the chairpersons of his transition team, which include influential Republican businessman Lane Grigsby. Landry says fixing Louisiana’s problems will not happen overnight, but his transition team will help his administration get off to a running start…
Cut 30 (05) “ …we have coming.”
Landry says his administration will focus on reducing crime and improving education and the economy. The transition team will be housed at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

A new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles is not coming anytime soon after the House Transportation Committee voted down a proposal to use a combination of tolls and taxpayer dollars to build a two-point-one billion dollar bridge. DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda says they’ll now look to rehab the current bridge built in 1952…
cut 4 (12) “….funding allows”
Kalivoda says under this plan it will take decades to build a new bridge.

Since the House Transportation Committee rejected the use of tolls to partially fund the project, construction of a new $2.1 billion I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge is rerouted. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The House Education Committee meets to hear the pros and cons today about a new BESE policy that would allow students who fail the graduation exit exam to still graduate through an appeals process. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The election of the first US Speaker of the House from Louisiana makes history for the state and his hometown is especially excited. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (29) …I’m Colleen Crain.”

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After the legislature’s House Transportation committee rejected a plan that involved the use of tolls to partially fund a new $2.1 billion I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, interim State Transportation Secretary Eric Kalivoda says in the meantime they’ll focus on rehabbing the existing bridge.

Cut 4 (12) “…funding allows.”

Kalivoda says it could be decades before a new bridge is funded and constructed. So, the detour to rehabbing the existing bridge versus the previous plan…

Cut 5 (10) “…you go plan.”

As for funding, Kalivoda says there was $800 million lined up for the public-private partnership. Now he says a portion of those funds will go towards the existing bridge.

Cut 6 (11) “…in pieces.”

Kalivoda says the legislature set up an annual $40 million revenue stream for the Calcasieu Bridge, which is funded by sales tax from new and used vehicles. He says it will go towards building sections of the new bridge.

_________________________________________________

The House Education Committee will meet today to review the new graduation appeals policy approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The process provides seniors who fail the LEAP test with other means to graduate. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says we should not impose a government-sanctioned excuse for mediocrity.

Cut 7 (12) “…next level.”

Under the new appeals process, students who do not meet graduation requirements would complete a project or portfolio for their teacher to grade. If the students receive a passing grade, they will receive a diploma that will count toward their school’s accountability rating score.

House Education Chairman Lance Harris who opposes the policy believes it diminishes the value of the diploma and the timing for the process is off.

Cut 8 (12) “…overwhelming disappointment.” 

Appeals will be administered at the local school level, and students will still be required to take the LEAP assessment. BESE President Holly Boffy says the appeals process helps seniors who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills to graduate but struggle with taking exams.

Cut 9 (12)  “…high school.”

If House Education decides unfavorably towards the policy, then it would be up to Governor John Bel Edwards to make a final decision before he heads out of office.

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History was made for Louisiana on Wednesday when Congressman Mike Johnson of Benton was elected Speaker of the House making him the first from the state of Louisiana. Benton Mayor, Shelly Horton, says the community couldn’t be happier…

Cut 10 (04) “…Johnson.”

The House of Representatives had been without a speaker for 3 weeks and Horton believes Johnson is the right man to bring the House together…

Cut 11 (11) “…right direction.” 

Johnson was the 4^th to gain the nomination for Speaker when he was finally elected on Wednesday. After his nomination, his election happened quickly. Horton says Johnson is easy to know and describes his temperament and skill…

Cut 12 (10) “…skills.” 

__________________________________________________

Congressman Mike Johnson has been elected as the new Speaker of the House. Johnson is Louisiana’s first House Speaker. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Johnson topped three other Republican nominees including Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise

Cut 13 (12) “…voting behavior.”

The 51-year-old of Benton received 220 votes, three more than required to win the seat. Sadow believes this could make the Bayou State top tier for federal dollars.

Cut 14 (11) “…little more.”

Democrats criticized Johnson for former President Trump’s legal effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Sadow says pressing political issues will serve as early tests of Johnson’s ability to manage the GOP conference.

Cut 15 (13) “…continual resolution.”

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Despite a 1-and-2 record in the Sun Belt, the Ragin Cajuns are still alive for a West Division championship as they get ready to visit South Alabama on Saturday. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says they have five conference games left and they have to win them all…

Cut 16 (19) “…little bit.”

Zeon Chriss threw for just 106 yards last week in a loss to Georgia State. He also threw an interception in the end zone as U-L Lafayette was trying to score the winning touchdown. Desormeaux expects Chriss to have a good game this Saturday in Mobile…

Cut 17 (17) “…on Saturday.”

__________________________________________________

The Saints are getting ready to visit the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Indy features two really good running backs. Zack Moss who is second in the NFL in rushing yards and former Pro Bowler Jonathan Taylor. Coach Dennis Allen says they are a dynamic duo….

Cut 18 (14) “…deal with.” 

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave is practicing with the team after he was caught going more than 40-miles per hour on a city street in Kenner on Monday. Allen says they’ve talked to Olave about the poor decision he made…

Cut 19 (17) “…(x2) slow down.” 

Indianapolis lost its starting quarterback Anthony Richardson for the season, but Allen says Gardner Minshew is more than capable…

Cut 20 (15) “…the game.” 

Benton Congressman Mike Johnson made history today he’ll be the first Speaker of the House from Louisiana. Johnson, who announced his candidacy Saturday, received 220 votes, three more than he needed. It happened quickly Johnson after Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer removed himself from consideration yesterday…

Cut 12 (08) “.(laughter)”  

This ends three weeks without a Speaker…

State transportation is using ground penetrating radar to inspect the I-55 bridge after the massive fatal car pile-up Monday. State Police Sergeant Kate Stegall says reopening the roadway will be coordinated pending the results of the inspection.

Cut 7 (12) “…is needed.” 

Governor-elect Jeff Landry announced members of his transition team today, which include influential Republican Lane Grigsby. Landry says fixing Louisiana’s problems will not happen overnight, but his transition team will help his administration get off to a running start…

Cut 5 (05) “ …we have coming.”  

The transition team will be housed at ULL.

Louisiana is among the states suing Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for using addictive features to hook and exploit children. Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill says notifications from the apps are a dopamine hit to the brain for children and she compares the damage to the current opioid crisis.

Cut 11 (12) “…this is.”

Meta says it shares the attorneys general’s commitment to providing teens with safe and positive online experiences.

History is made today as Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton is the first Speaker of the House from Louisiana. Johnson’s election ends a chaotic three-week period for the lower chamber that was without a leader…

Cut 13 (13) “….back in business” …

Former Congressman Ralph Abraham and influential Republican businessmen Lane Grigsby and Eddie Rispone were announced today as transition chairs for Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s transition team. Landry says the transition headquarters will also be at his alma mater U-L Lafayette, instead of LSU, where previous incoming governors held them…

cut 3 (12) “of this state”

State Police say vehicles involved in the massive car pileup on Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish on Monday have been removed. Sergeant Kate Stegall says troopers are working to make sure all vehicles involved in the crash are accounted for. She urges anyone involved who wants to retrieve their vehicle or personal items to contact Troop B before going to the tow company.

Cut 8 (12) “…in place.” 

Drivers and owners of vehicles can contact Troop B by email at TroopB@la.gov. There is no timeline for the completion of the reopening of Interstate 55.

Louisiana is among the thirty-three states suing Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for using addictive features to hook and exploit children. Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill…

Cut 9 (13) “…to them.” 

History is made as Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton is the first Speaker of the House from Louisiana. Johnson laid out some of his priorities during his introductory address as the 56th Speaker of the U-S House. He says it’s time to rein in spending to reduce inflation, more needs to be done to protect the southern border and the U-S needs to provide support to Israel…

Cut  14 (11) “world (clapping)”

Governor elect Jeff Landry says he plans to tackle the state’s crime problem as soon as he gets into office with a special session as early as mid-January. He says the state’s criminal justice system should work to keep people from going to jail, instead of letting criminals out…

Cut 4 (10) “…the criminals”

Vehicles involved in the deadly Interstate 55 pile-up near New Orleans have been removed and bridge inspections are underway. Teiko Foxx has more on the efforts…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

In Monroe a GoFundMe account has been set up to help with funeral arrangements for 14 year old Dontavius Wilson who was fatally shot Saturday night. The shooting occurred in the 3100 block of Renwick Street in Monroe. Authorities are actively investigating but have not yet identified a suspect.

History is made for Louisiana today as Congressman Mike Johnson has been elected as the next U.S. Speaker of the House. The Benton Republican is the first speaker from the state of Louisiana. Things moved fast at the capital but Johnson made sure to give the proper thank yous.

Cut 12 (09)…laughter

Johnson needed 217 votes. He got 220.

Jeff Landry announces his transition chairs as he prepares to take over as governor on January 8th. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana is among thirty-three states suing Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for using addictive features to hook and exploit children. Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill says they are seeking financial damages from Meta and restitution to end such practices against children.

Cut 10 (09) “…our children.”

Meta issued a statement that it shares the attorneys general’s commitment to providing teens with safe and positive experiences online.

State Police say vehicles involved in the massive car pileup on Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish on Monday have been removed and cleanup is underway. Sergeant Kate Stegall says the bridge had to be cleared before inspectors could assess the damage.

Cut 6 (13) “…the bridge.”

Department of Transportation will be using specialized equipment, such as ground penetrating radar as part of the inspection process.