A huge crowd is expected to be at the Baton Rouge airport on Friday where President-elect Donald Trump is slated to appear. Mr. Trump is supporting US Senate candidate John Kennedy, and his appearance comes a day before Louisiana voters will head to the polls. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross on Mr. Trump’s message:
Cut 6 (09) “to do”
Kennedy faces Democrat Foster Campbell in Saturday’s runoff.

Former New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas took the stand today in the murder trial of Will Smith. Thomas, who had dined with Smith earlier in the evening and later ended up at the scene of the incident, testified during direct examination that Cardell Hayes was the only person who ever had a gun and fired shots where Smith was killed. The defense is arguing Smith was the aggressor. This comes a day after emotional testimony from Smith’s wife who insists her husband did nothing wrong.

The US House Appropriations Committee has approved a continuing resolution that contains $1.2 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Louisiana flood relief. Governor’s Office spokesman Richard Carbo adds that Congress should be voting on the proposal by the end of the week, which will also contain dollars to fund other flood repair projects…:
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LSU releases the details on defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s new three-year contract extension that also makes him the associate head coach. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says he’s earned the distinction of being the highest paid assistant in college football…:
cut 11 (08) “every dollar”
Aranda’s contract runs until March of 2020 and includes a first year salary of 1.8 million dollars.