The family of Ronnie Caldwell, the Northwestern State football player who was killed on October 12th, is expected to file a lawsuit against the school this week. Three days before he was killed Caldwell told his parents his roommate 27-year-old John McIntosh threatened him with a gun. They asked coach Brad Laird to move Ronnie to another location. Attorney Troy Pradia says if Laird had only called the cops on McIntosh…
Cut 13 (03) “…with us.”
The family says Laird assured them he would help but nothing happened.

There has been an insurgence of annoying salt marsh mosquitoes in the Bayou State. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Kristen Healy says the drought and wildfires are contributing factors…

cut 3 (08) “…long time.”

Salt marsh mosquitoes are a dusk brown color but unlike many other types of mosquitoes, they fly during the day.

Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport has been recognized as the best hospital in Louisiana by Newsweek magazine. Senior Vice President of Quality and Clinical Performance Clarie Rebouche says in June in July surveys were performed for the rating…

Cut 11 (12) “…of state.” 

The first significant fall cold front is moving into the state today. Lows this evening in the southern parishes will be in the 40s and in the upper 30s in the northern parishes. And as we advance through the week, State Climatologist Barry Keim says…

Cut 6 (11) “…in the forties.”

Keim says to be sure to dress the trick-or-treaters accordingly for the cooler temps

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.”

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.

DOTD says the southbound lane of Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish has reopened following the massive vehicle pileup involving 168 vehicles. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says inspectors have determined the majority of the southbound portion of the roadway is safe for travel.

Cut 6 (09) “…that area.”

There are details on when the northbound lane will reopen.

Brandon Jolly was one the motorists traveling on I-55 south Monday and says it was surreal when people would emerge from the fog looking for help. He says a woman who worked with a fire department approached him and they began to pull people out of cars.  And while he didn’t see any fatalities in his immediate area…

Cut 5 (09) “ …wreckage.”  

Eight people were killed as a result.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors names Doctor Jim Henderson as the new president of Louisiana Tech. The Shreveport native has been the president of the U-L System since 2017 and is looking forward to moving to Ruston…

Cut 11 (06) “…right now.”

Grambling President Rick Gallot will replace Henderson as UL-system president.

Yesterday Congressman Mike Johnson was elected as the 56^th Speaker of the House. Johnson also made history as the first Speaker from Louisiana. The Advocate DC Bureau Chief Mark Ballard says Johnson’s low profile may have worked in his favor.

Cut 12 (11) “…other three.”  

Johnson won the final ballot after his predecessors Congressman Steve Scalise, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, bids for the position tanked.

Brandon Jolly was just one of the motorists involved in Monday morning’s horrific car pile-up on Interstate 55 in St. John the Baptist Parish. Jolly, who drives long-distance for a living, says even driving 50 miles per hour, well below the posted speed limit of 70, that morning didn’t change the outcome.

Cut 4 (08) “…a blur.”

The southbound side of I-55 is now open after DOTD inspected the area for any deficiencies. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the majority of the southbound portion is safe for travel. Traffic will merge into one lane at the crash site near the Manchac exit. He urges southbound motorists to plan ahead.

Cut 8 (12) “…with you.” 

There is no timetable for reopening the northbound lanes.

Louisiana Tech has found a new president. Jeff Palermo reports Jim Henderson will leave as U-L System President to lead the Ruston-based school…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

And Grambling President Rick Gallot has been appointed to replace Henderson as UL-system president.

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.”

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________

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.”

___________________________________________________

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.

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson has been elected as the next U.S. Speaker of the House. The Benton Republican was able to garner the 217 votes needed in Congress…

Cut 20 cheering :13

The House has been without a Speaker for three weeks after Kevin McCarthy was ousted by members of his own party.

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.