All seven major candidates for governor will participate tonight in a televised debate hosted by Nexstar Media Group. Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the debate is only an hour long, so hopefully the candidates have enough time to talk…

Cut 4 (05) “…under that format”

The debate is set for 7 pm.

Tech President Dr. Les Guice will retire at the end of the year, after serving the institution for 45 years, the last 10 as president.

Cut 10 (12) “…we’re measured.”

In his last few months, Guice says he’ll oversee the design and fundraising for future facilities on campus and recruit more partnerships for the La Tech Research Institute in Bossier City.

Today is National Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day, Brooke Thorington has more on how the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is honoring the day.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There will a balloon release today in place of a football game for the St. Helena student who was shot and killed on Tuesday. The family of Vernon Gordon Junior is hosting the memorial event in honor of the 16 year old who was killed by a fourteen year old in a shooting at St. Helena College and Career Academy.

The seven major candidates for governor will participate in a televised debate tonight hosted by Nexstar Media Group. Jeff Palermo has a preview…(11)

Cut 1 (31)……I’m Jeff Palermo”

 Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is directing insurance agents to notify Louisiana Citizens policyholders of the possibility they could find coverage with a private insurer. Donelon says SafePoint Insurance Company identified over 19 thousand Citizens policies that could be switched over to a private insurer, but so far less than have of those have been authorized for depopulation out of Citizens. And that’s cause for concern.

Cut 8 (11) “…a conflict.”

Citizens policyholders who could be taken out of Citizens should have received a notice by mail.

14th-ranked LSU faces its first road challenge when they take on Mississippi State in Starkville tomorrow. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says we’ll learn a lot more about this team in the coming weeks…

Cut 18 (16) “…next month.”

Kick-off is set for 11 am. LRN

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The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a new campaign to promote their 988 suicide and prevention helpline. Two key components of the campaign are the new website and social media. State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Robyn Thomas ….

Cut 6 (08) “…zoom backgrounds.”

Since its launch in July of 2022, call volume for 988 has increased by 11 percent.

Former Transportation Secretary Democrat Shawn Wilson is broadcasting his first TV ad in his bid to become Louisiana governor. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan believes the ad is a success because Wilson is able to introduce himself to voters and…

Cut 3 (10) “…together.”

Polls indicate Wilson will most likely face front-runner Jeff Landry in a runoff.

St. Helena College and Career Academy, the site of a fatal school on Tuesday, will remain closed for the rest of the week. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A West Baton Rouge Parish grand jury has indicted a man in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Ja’Kobe Queen who was killed at the Port Allen/ Brusly football game. 18-year-old Jarrettin Jackson the third was charged with second-degree murder, carrying a firearm on school property at a school-sponsored function, and other offenses.

St. Helena College and Career Academy will remain closed until Tuesday after a 16-year-old student was killed by the suspected gunman a 14-year-old student. It’s believed bullying led to the shooting and St. Helena Parish School Superintendent Doctor Kelli Joseph says they do look for instances of bullying but a lot of it happens on social media…

Cut  14 (12) “…we are not aware”

Democrat Shawn Wilson launches his first gubernatorial TV campaign ad. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the 30-second spot highlights his accomplishments at DOTD.

Cut 4 (07) “…already.”

Polls indicate Wilson will most likely face front-runner Jeff Landry in a runoff.

The state’s four largest wildfires continue to burn but are more than 50 percent contained. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says things are looking better and the Tiger Island Fire is now 80 percent contained.

Cut 9 (09) “…fighting fire.” 

More than 1,200 emergency responders from 120 agencies and 26 states have fought wildfires across Louisiana.

State Health is launching a new website and marketing campaign promoting the 988 suicide and prevention helpline. State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Robyn Thomas says the goal is to reach vulnerable populations including Blacks, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQ, and veterans.

Cut 7 (13) “…crisis situations.” 

Classes were scheduled to resume at St. Helena College and Career Academy tomorrow, the site of a fatal shooting, where authorities say a 14-year-old fatally shot a 16-year-old. But St. Helena Parish School District Superintendent Doctor Kelli Joseph says they will have children come back to the school on Tuesday
cut 13 (04) “…what is happened”
Southeast Community Health System is providing counseling for teachers and will be on campus when students return Tuesday.

We are a month away from the gubernatorial primary and the major Democrat in the race, Shawn Wilson, has launched his first TV ad. In the spot, Wilson touts himself as someone who can bring everyone to the table to find common ground. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Wilson’s calling to end political divisiveness is a common theme that voters say they want.
Cut 5 (10) “ …several years.”

State Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says thanks to a little rain this week, they are making progress in putting out those wildfires that continue to impact the western side of the state. Strain urges residents to continue following the outdoor burn ban…
cut 11 (08) “…light that match”
The largest fire, the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish, is now 80-percent complete.

The Louisiana Department of Health has launched a new website, Louisiana 9-8-8-dot-org, which provides information about the 9-9-8 suicide and crisis hotline. Robyn Thomas is the state suicide prevention coordinator…
cut 8 (12) crisis centers”
There are five parishes they are particularly targeting with this campaign, Evangeline, Avoyelles, St. Landry. Livingston and Calcasieu. Those are the parishes with the highest suicide rates.

St. Helena Parish is still in shock over Tuesday’s fatal shooting as school was letting out at St. Helena College and Career Academy in Greensburg. A 16-year-old student was killed and the suspected gunman, a 14-year-old student, is in a juvenile detention center. St. Helena Parish School Superintendent Doctor Kelli Joseph…
Cut 12 (15) “…its core”
Joseph says they will resume classes on Tuesday.

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says crews are getting a better handle on the major wildfires that are still burning on the western side of the state. Strain says it took emergency responders from 26 states and special equipment to contain the fires…
cut 10 (11) “…drop water”

Democrat Shawn Wilson releases his first TV ad in his bid to become governor. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise is back working at the U-S Capitol for the first time since being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which is a blood cancer. The 57-year-old will continue to undergo chemotherapy while he continues his work in Congress. Scalise says his wife urged him to the visit the doctor three weeks ago when his appetite suddenly dropped that’s how they came up with the diagnoses.