The question looms if incoming lawmakers can meet the January 15^th deadline to redraw the state’s congressional map.  Outgoing Senate President Page Cortez says they’ll have a better idea soon if current or incoming lawmakers will address the map.

Cut 10 (08) “…take it up.” 

Federal Judge Shelly Dick ruled the map must have two majority-black districts, not one.

It appears that Eunice Representative Phillip DeVillier is the Republicans’ choice for Louisiana Speaker of the House. LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says he’s never seen a legislature so pro-active, and they need to get a leg up because…

Cut 3 (10) “….right off the bat.”

And there’s a chance another special session could be called before the regular session begins in March.

The Governor’s Office has kicked off the “56 for 56” social media campaign for Edwards’ final days in office…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

A Natchitoches Parish Grand Jury has returned a decision of “No True Bill” on assault charges filed by Natchitoches Parish President candidate Latorria Freeman against current President John Richmond. The criminal complaint alleged Richmond had a physical altercation with Freeman.  Freeman a Democrat is in a runoff with Independent John Salter. The charges will be dismissed.

23-year-old-Jacoby Johnson of Rayville faces four counts of attempted second-degree murder after four women were stabbed on LA Tech’s campus Monday morning. A student, who did not witness the incident and asked not to be identified questions why the school was never put on lockdown.

Cut 24 (06) “…going on.” 

The ages of the victims are 23, 62, 65, and 72.

JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says turnout among Louisiana’s Democratic voters for the November 18^th election may be worse than the primary. 115,000 less voters participated in early voting for the runoff….

Cut 12 (11) “…statewide contender.” 

Polls open at 7 am on Saturday and close 8 pm.

Yesterday the Governor’s Office launched “56 for 56” – a social media campaign highlighting one of Edward’s accomplishments each day of his final 56 days in office. Governor’s Office Digital Creator Tyler Walker says it also celebrates Louisianans who supported and collaborated with Edwards since 2016.

Cut 6 (13) “…we’ve made.”

According to a new poll, Edward’s job approval is 40 percent, 41 percent disapprove, and 20 percent had no opinion. UNO conducted the statewide survey and pollster Ed Chervenak says Edwards’ approval rating is 20 percent higher than when predecessor Governor Bobby Jindal left office…

Cut 14 (06) “…20 percent.”
Edwards who is Louisiana’s 56^th governor leaves office on January 8^th.

The Louisiana Department of Education releases 2023 performance scores and there’s good news for Louisiana Students. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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After four females were stabbed on LA Tech’s campus a suspect is in custody and the Mayor of Ruston says it was a random attack. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The latest UNO Research Center statewide survey indicates opinions differ in several categories including Governor John Bel Edwards’ job performance and legalizing marijuana. Teiko Foxx more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education has released the 2023 Louisiana Student Performance Scores and in spite of the unprecedented disruptions of the last two years, State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley is encouraged.

Cut 4 (07) “…2019.”

Brumley says Louisiana students are gaining ground but we’re not there yet…

Cut 5 (10) “…student needs.”

Brumley says we need quality teachers in every classroom, parental choice, and a return to the basics.

Improvements in scores surpassed the pre-pandemic numbers and Brumley recognized the highest performing districts in Louisiana…

Cut 6 (12) “…and Vernon.”

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After four females were stabbed on Louisiana Tech’s campus Monday morning, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says 23-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville was taken into custody. And while a motive has not been released Walker asked members of the public to reach out for help when they have mental health issues.

Cut 7 (10) “…always do.”

The names of the victims were not released but two are in critical but stable condition and another in stable condition. Walker says the fourth victim did not seek medical care.

Walker said the ages of the victims were 62, 65, 72, and 23. He says three were students taking a class at the Lambright Center and one was an instructor.

A LA Tech student spoke to us about the incident and while she did not witness it the Junior says there was a lack of communication and she questioned why the school was never put on lockdown.

Cut 8 (06) “…going on.” 

Walker says while there’s plenty of speculation as to what happened…

Cut 9 (10)  “…this happened.”

And while the student we spoke to, who asked not to be identified, says before Monday’s incident she wasn’t signed up with the school’s emergency response system, she believes students and faculty should have been emailed updates also.

Cut 10 (09) “…random attack.”

The school is holding a candlelight vigil on the school’s campus this evening and a blood drive on Thursday. LA Tech is also offering group counseling sessions for students impacted by the incident.

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JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says turnout among Louisiana’s Democratic voters for the November 18^th election may be worse than the gubernatorial primary. He says part of the GOP advantage seems to be a demotivated Democratic base.

Cut 11 (12) “…Democratic race.” 

Early voting numbers in the Bayou State show only 254,000 people voted that’s 115,000 fewer voters than the October early-voting turnout. Couvillon says this is not a good indication for Democratic candidates who are in big races like Secretary of State and Attorney General.

Cut 12 (11) “…statewide contender.” 

Couvillon says about five percent of Lafayette parish’s 158,000 registered voters cast a ballot. He expects high-profile local races may create more interest on election day.

Cut 13 (11) “…the primary.”

Polls open Saturday at 7 am and close at 8 pm. 

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The UNO Research Center has released the results of a statewide comprehensive survey. The random poll asked 429 participants to rate Governor John Bel Edwards’ job performance and the incoming Landry administration. Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says Governor Edwards received a 20 percent higher job approval rating compared to former Governor Bobby Jindal when he left office in 2016.

Cut 14 (06) “…20 percent.”

Respondents age 65 and older were twice as likely to approve of Edwards’ job performance compared to the youngest age group. Chervenak says 17 percent of respondents feel crime should be the main priority for the incoming Landry administration.

Cut 15 (09) “…public safety”

The survey also shed light on respondents’ party choices and the factors influencing these preferences.

Prior to 2021, Chervenak says the majority of registered voters were firmly against the idea of legalization. He points out that now 52 percent favor legalizing the recreational use of marijuana.

Cut 16 (12) “…marijuana legalized.”

The survey was conducted from October 25 to November 2.

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The Saints are currently coming off of a loss to the Vikings 29 to 17, but that’s not the only loss New Orleans suffered on Sunday as star cornerback Marshon Lattimore and receiver Michael Thomas both went down with significant injuries during the game. Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen views the injuries as a setback . . .

Cut 17 (14) “…things like that.”

Saints Quarterback Derek Carr is now in concussion protocol after taking a hard hit in the Vikings game, but his shoulder was not affected.

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LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly and his staff found Jayden Daniels at Arizona State during his first year at LSU and the two have worked together to create one of the greatest college football offenses of all time this season. When reflecting on recruiting Daniels to LSU, Coach Kelly remembers that…

Cut 18 (18) “…fun to watch.”

Not only is Coach Kelly happy with Daniels’ improvements on the field, but he is proud of all the different little things that Daniels has accomplished, outside of his gridiron statistics, that have transformed him into an elite quarterback. Little things like strength training, agility, and other categories have seen major improvement while Daniels has been at LSU and Coach Kelly admires the hard work and effort Daniels put in to get there.

Cut 19 (21) “…he works out.” 

A very important part of LSU’s historic offense and what could be Jayden Daniels’ Heisman season has been the elite play of Malik Nabers who has 1,284 yards on 72 receptions and 10 touchdown receptions on the season. Nabers’ numbers may be even more video game-like if Junior receiver Brian Thomas Jr. wasn’t performing at an elite level as well with 13 touchdown receptions and 918 yards. The only other challenger to him winning the Biletnikoff trophy would be Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Head Coach Brian Kelly has this to say about his odds…

Cut 20 (20) “..award winner.” 

After four females were stabbed on LA Tech’s campus Monday morning, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says 23-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville was taken into custody. And while a motive has not been released Walker asked members of the public to reach out for help when they have mental health issues.

Cut 24 always do. :10

The names of the victims were not released but two are in critical but stable condition and another in stable condition.

A La Tech student spoke to us about the incident and while she did not witness it the junior says there was a lack of communication and she questioned why the school was never put on lockdown.

Cut 25 going on. :07

Walker said the ages of the victims were 62, 65, 72 and 23. He says three were students taking a class at the Lambright Center and one was an instructor.

Rain is falling in the southern half of the state and State Climatologist Barry Keim says any rain is welcome considering 99 percent of the Bayou State is in drought and 88 percent of is in either extreme or exceptional drought. Since October 1^st there’s only been an average of one-point-nine inches of rain in the state.

Cut 7 (09) “…since October 1st.” 

Rain totals could reach up to three to four inches over the next few days for south Louisiana.

Repairs have been completed and I-55 Northbound in St. John the Baptist Parish has reopened since last month’s fatal 168-car pile-up. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett reminds motorists to always buckle up, pay attention to the road, never drive impaired, avoid tailgating other vehicles, and when weather conditions change slow down…

Cut 11 (11) “…we had.”

A federal appeals court orders Louisiana’s Legislature to approve a new Congressional district map with two majority-minority districts by January 15th. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

1-55 northbound in St. John the Baptist Parish has reopened. State Transportation says repairs have been completed. It reopened for motorists today that’s after being closed for four weeks that’s after a massive pile-up involving more than 160 vehicles claimed the lives of seven people.

After more than a six-month blackout, the lights are set to go back on in Hollywood South as a deal was reached between the actors union and studios. Director of Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly says it’s good news for the businesses and citizens who depend on film production in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (13) “…motion pictures.”

Louisiana Tech is launching Tech Online, an enhancement to its online and distance learning. Director of Online Learning Initiative, Jerona Washington is excited about the services they can offer students seeking degrees or certifications…

Cut 10 (09) “…their organization.”

Tech Online offers programs including graduate degrees up to doctorates.

Government offices are closed today in honor of Veterans Day. Brooke Thorington has more from the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 Governor John Bel Edwards is active in his last 2 months in office. His latest executive order grants paid parental leave for state employees. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The family of Ronnie Caldwell has filed a wrongful death suit against Northwestern State and the apartment complex where he lived and was gunned down. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State offices are closed today in honor of Veteran’s Day. And while the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is holding numerous ceremonies, spokesperson Brandee Patrick says there are several ways to honor vets any day of the year like visiting a veterans home.

Cut 4 (11) “…volunteer opportunities.”

And because it’s important to continue to raise awareness about veterans and their sacrifices, Patrick also encourages servicemen and women to remain active.

Cut 5 (08) “…stay engaged.”

And at each of the veteran cemeteries today Patrick says they will place flags on gravesites…

Cut 6 (05) “…those flags.”

It’s just one of many ways you can help honor Louisiana’s 267-thousand vets.

For a listing of Veterans Day events visit VetAffairs-dot-LA-dot-gov.

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Governor John Bel Edwards signed an executive order Thursday and come January, 70,000 state employees will be eligible for paid parental leave.

Cut 7 (12) “…or placement.”

Edwards says the paid leave will actually help parents be more productive when they return. He says it’s hard for parents to concentrate on work when their mind is one their child.

Cut 8 (10) “…sick days.” 

Classified Civil Service employees were granted the paid leave by a civil service rule approved in September and approved by Edwards Monday. Thursday’s executive order takes effect in January and covers the eligible unclassified state employees

Cut 9 (06)  “…one year.”

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What farmers and firefighters would deem a promising forecast football fans may beg to differ. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front moving through today will bring us clouds, rain, and cooler temperatures. And the front is expected to stall along the coastline…

Cut 10 (10) “…Louisiana coast.”

But rainfall totals should diminish farther north. Keim says any rain the state does get will be a godsend for the current drought…

Cut 11 (07) “…we need.” 

Keim says highs in north Louisiana will be in the 60s and in the 70s for the southern half. Low temperatures Saturday morning will be in the 50s for the northern parishes and in the 60s in south Louisiana.

Cut 12 (11) “…into Tuesday.” 

Tiger fans in Death Valley Saturday night can expect 64 degrees for kickoff with winds out of the northeast at 7 miles per hour and a 60-percent chance of rain

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Attorneys representing the family of Ronnie Caldwell say they are seeking justice and accountability. A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Northwestern State and the owners of The Quad apartments where the football player was gunned down on October 12^th. Attorney Helen Daniel…

Cut 13 (08) “…of an education.”

Three days before he was shot 21-year-old Caldwell told his parents that his roommate, 27-year-old John McIntosh, threatened him with a gun. His father asked coach Brad Laird to move his son to a safe location but that never happened. Attorney Johnathan Cox says they want to know if Campus Advantage ran a background check on McIntosh for the safety of Caldwell and other residents at the complex.

Cut 14 (05) “…wasn’t done.”

The lawsuit is seeking damages, funeral expenses and has requested a trial by jury. Cox says Caldwell and his parents asked for help and failure to act resulted in his death.

Cut 15 (08) “…were seeking.”

Laird resigned from his coaching position and NSU canceled the remainder of the football season after Caldwell’s death.

The Caldwell family is represented by Daniel Williams & Associates and the Cox Pradia Law Firm.

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LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly has his focus on Florida’s transfer quarterback Graham Mertz this Saturday as the Gators QB has thrown for nearly 2,500 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions . Kelly says he recruited Mertz out of high school…

Cut 16 (20) “…playmakers.”

Coach Kelly is also focused on getting his defense back to the LSU standard. Through 9 games LSU is allowing 407 yards per game, 28.2 points per game, and is ranked 12th in almost every major statistical category of defensive play in the SEC. Kelly says that each week brings something new to prepare for and a new opponent.

Cut 17 (22) “…for four quarters.”

The Tigers will face the Gators at 6:30 pm on Saturday and the game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is very familiar with the Minnesota Vikings’ new quarterback Joshua Dobbs as the two played together at Tennessee. Kamara has a great respect for Dobbs and is not surprised by his flawless transition into the Vikings offensive scheme.

Cut 18 (18) “…what he’s doing.”

New Orleans Head Coach Dennis Allen has already started studying the tape and play of the new Minnesota QB. Allen and other defensive players like Alontae Taylor know that this week won’t be easy even though the quarterback is just transitioning into the Vikings scheme. When speaking on his capabilities as a quarterback, Allen thinks …

Cut 19 (21) “…the game.” 

The Saints will travel up to the Vikings on Sunday and the game is at noon on FOX.

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Louisiana Tech plays its final home game of the season as they host Sam Houston State at 2 PM. And tt will be the final home game for Smoke Harris. Harris leads the team in receiving and he’s an outstanding punt returner. Coach Sonny Cumbie says he’ll be missed…

Cut 20 (20) “..football team” 

More Louisiana voters are showing up at the polls during the early voting for the November 18^th election than predicted. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Louisiana’s own Lainey Wilson took home five CMA awards last night.  Brooke Thorington has more…

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

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Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow has introduced bipartisan legislation to increase access to childcare for small businesses. As a single mother herself, she says the Childcare Small Business Insight and Improvement Act will help parents across the country.

Cut 3 (10) “….this childcare.”

The bill would require the U.S. Small Business Administration to conduct a study on the needs and challenges of for-profit childcare providers and identify resources. Since the pandemic, Letlow says many working mothers had to leave the workforce.

Cut 4 (06) “…adequate childcare.”

With small businesses still struggling post-pandemic to find qualified workers, Letlow says resolving childcare issues is vital for the economy and families.

Cut 5 (12) “ …young parents.”  

Ohio Representative Democrat Greg Landsman is co-sponsoring the bill with Letlow.

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With an anticipated low voter turnout of less than 15 percent for the November 18th election, early voting indicates turnout might be slightly higher than anticipated. And John Tobler with the Secretary of State’s Office expects turnout to increase on election day.

Cut 6 (11) “…good sign.”

Nearly 178 thousand voters showed up to cast their ballot at the close of early voting yesterday.

Out of nearly 3 million registered voters, only 36 percent showed up for the October 18^th gubernatorial election. With only one full day left to vote, Tobler reminds everyone polls open at 8:30 am and close at 6:00 pm.

Cut 7 (12) “…(x2) early voting.” 

There are four constitutional amendments and three statewide offices that are still in play with a runoff. Tobler says GEAUXVOTE dot com…

Cut 8 (12) “….your ballot.” 

Voters can also visit www.sos.la.gov for information.

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Louisiana native Lainey Wilson won five CMA awards last night. She took home Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and when she won Album of the Year…

Cut 9 (18) “…feel something.” 

Wilson’s win in five categories in one year ties the record first set by Johnny Cash in 1969. The 31-year-old from Baskin led the competition with nine nominations and recalled how significant her ninth year was as a child.

Cut 10 (11) “….very first time.” 

Wilson thanked all the female country artists who came before her and the ones alongside her…

Cut 11 (10) “…of that.”

The awards aired on ABC.

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Before tonight’s game against Queens, the reigning National Champions in women’s basketball, the LSU Lady Tigers will be recognized with a banner, and they’ll also receive their rings. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says she’s looking forward to tonight’s ceremony, not just for herself but for her players.

Cut 12 (10) “…great memories.”  

Mulkey recalls her thoughts during the final seconds of that game…

Cut 13 (13) “…really happening.”

Doors will open earlier than usual at 5:30 for fans tonight at the PMAC. The ceremony will be at 6:20 and Tip-off is at 7 o’clock.

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Cut  14 (05) “…work for you.”

Cut 15 (11) “…is deceased”

Cut  16 (10)   “…was wrong”

Louisiana native Lainey Wilson won five CMA awards last night. She took home Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and when she won Album of the Year…

Cut 9 (18) “…feel something.” 

The awards aired on ABC.

Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow has introduced bipartisan legislation to increase access to childcare for small businesses. As a single mother herself, she says the Childcare Small Business Insight and Improvement Act will help parents across the country.

Cut 3 (11) “….this childcare.”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has been criticized for forming an exploratory committee on the city of New Orleans that doesn’t include city leaders. No one from the mayor’s office, the Orleans Parish DA’s office nor the New Orleans Police Department were asked to sit on the committee. Landry campaigned that he was the best candidate to address rising crime, an issue that has plagued the Crescent City.

Cut 12 (04) “…major problems.” 

He says the committee will identify issues first and then approach city leaders with solutions.

Before tonight’s game against Queens, the reigning National Champions in women’s basketball, the LSU Lady Tigers will be recognized with a banner, and they’ll also receive their rings. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says she’s looking forward to tonight’s ceremony, not just for herself but for her players.

Cut 24 (10) “…great memories.”  

Doors will open earlier than usual at 5:30 for fans tonight at the PMAC. The ceremony will be at 6:20.

Former Louisiana Speaker of the House Taylor Barras will serve as Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s Commissioner of Administration. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Pardon Board denied five death row inmates the opportunity of a full clemency hearing. The Board conducted what is called administrative reviews for five people on death row to determine if they were eligible for a clemency review. The Pardon Board took similar action against five other death row inmates last month.

Nicholls State University has announced plans to build to a new College of Nursing building. University spokesperson Jared David says there is a nursing shortage and this new building can help them double the number of nursing students they graduate….
cut 8 (09) “….the industry”
The project is currently in the architectural phase and university leaders are hoping for it be completed in early 2025.

The childhood home of pop music icon Britney Spears is for sale for one-point-two million dollars. The three-bedroom, three bath ranch style home is located in a rural area near Kentwood. Realtor Yvonne Hulsey says it’s the history that gives the high value to this home…
cut 27 (07) “….my intent”
Hulsey says she has her first showing on Friday.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says quarterback Jayden Daniels is making progress from the head injury he sustained in the Alabama game. And since Daniels was placed in concussion protocol and Kelly says he’s moving through the steps well…

Cut 10 (09) “….fashion” 

If practice goes well today, Daniels will be cleared to participate in contact drills on Thursday.

Former Speaker of the House Taylor Barras has been named Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s Commissioner of Administrator. And former lawmaker Patrick Goldsmith will be Deputy Commissioner of Administration. Landry says these two roles are vital to prepare the budget.

Cut 5 (12) “ …two gentlemen.”  

In an effort to help farmers after the prolonged drought, Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow has introduced the Drought Assistance Improvement Act. The legislation would cut the time in half that farmers can apply for assistance during dry conditions.

Cut 10 (12) “…back to work.”

Nicholls State University has broken ground on their new Coastal Center. Spokesperson Jared David says the new state-of-the-art coastal facility will house a research division and a boardroom. The center will also house an educational outreach section geared towards primary and secondary students…

Cut 7 (11) “…next generation.” 

The state’s investment of $45 million will help pay for construction.