An important step has been taken in bringing passenger rail service to north Louisiana. The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded a 500-thousand dollar planning grant to the Southern Rail Commission. Commissioner Knox Ross says this money will determine what’s needed to bring passenger rail service to the I-20 Corridor…

Cut 12 (06)  “..want to be.”  
The proposed rail line would connect Dallas-Fort Worth to Atlanta, with stops in Shreveport, Ruston, Monroe and Vicksburg, Mississippi.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says over the past five Christmas holidays in Louisiana 26 people were killed and 452 injured in vehicle crashes involving alcohol.

Cut 6 (05) “…any means.”

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There’s been plenty of speculation about a special session before the regular one to address the state’s property insurance crisis next year. But at a recent NOLA-dot-com town hall meeting, Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says it’s highly unlikely…

Cut 9 (11) “…timing issue.” 

If and when one is called, Temple says he’ll push to get legislation introduced, that would focus on bringing property owners immediate premium relief.

Meanwhile a federal appeals court refused Friday to reconsider its ruling setting a January deadline for the Louisiana Legislature to enact a new congressional map after a lower court found that the current political boundaries dilute the power of the state’s Black voters.  If lawmakers to not pass a new map by January 30^th, then a lower court judge will likely decide on a plan for the 2024 elections.

LSU has three potential first-round picks in Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas Jr. WWL sports talk show host and draft analyst Mike Detillier says that Daniels has always been a first-round pick and his draft stock is rapidly increasing.

Cut 16 (08) “… as high as two.”

The NFL draft will take place next year on April 25th through the 27th in Detroit.

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The ULL Rajin Cajuns will face Jacksonville State Gamecocks tomorrow in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. ULL Head coach Michael Desormeaux has his team prepared for the matchup and he says that motivation is a key factor in who will be crowned the New Orleans Bowl champion.

Cut 20 (13) “… problem.”

The game will kick off tomorrow at 1:15 pm on ESPN.

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The Pelicans will travel to face the Charolette Hornets tonight, but even with the home crowd advantage New Orleans is still favored to beat Charolette by six and a half points. Zion Williamson is not expected to play for the Pelicans, but Brandon Ingram will be on the court for New Orleans and he is expected to be a key part of their offense, after his 40-point performance against Washington.

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In hunting news, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries State Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon says that 14 positive cases for chronic wasting disease (CWD) have been confirmed in Tensas Parish and that the LDWF has set up 13 free CWD collection sites throughout the region. Bordelon says that the process is free and relatively simple.

Cut 8 (12) “… off site.”

The process normally takes about two to three weeks and hunters must match their sample I-D number to data online to receive test results.

On Louisiana Public Broadcasting tonight a documentary about human sex trafficking, Turning the Tide: A Story of Hell, Hope, and Healing profiles three survivors, and will feature First Lady Donna Edwards, who’s championed the cause since learning of autistic woman who was held captive for a year in Amite.

Cut 14 (11) “…(x2) the light switch.” 

The documentary airs tonight at 8 on LPB..

A 34-year-old Chauvin man is facing for sex crimes involving a victim under the age of six this morning. Terrebonne Parish investigators say they conducted an extensive investigation into James Paul Naquin after learning of the allegations.  Deputies arrested Naquin, and authorities say when questioned, he admitted to the abuse.

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After the state’s worst wildfire season in history, Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says he’s already taking proactive measures to mitigate future impacts of future. Strain says he’ll ask lawmakers next year to approve 43 million dollars for new firefighting equipment and personnel, and that’s not all.

Cut 5 (12) “…be trained.”

The Ragin Cajuns will face Jacksonville State in tomorrow’s R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Kick-off is set for 1:15. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says his team has been preparing to play a good team…

Cut 19 (14) “…moving forward.” 

The Board of Regents has approved Statewide Universal Transfer Pathways to reduce the time and money needed to complete a bachelor’s degree when transferring from one of the state’s two-year colleges. Tristan Denley, Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Innovation…

Cut 10 (10) “…towards their degree.”
14 positive cases of Chronic Wasting Disease have been detected in deer harvested in Tensas Parish this season. That’s why the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has set up 13 free collection sites throughout the region. L-D-W-F State Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon…

Cut 8 (12) “…off site.” 

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After the worst wildfire season on record, proactive steps are being taken to help reduce the impact of future wildfires in the Bayou State. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

On Louisiana Public Broadcasting tonight a documentary about human sex trafficking.  It profiles three survivors, along with First Lady Donna Edwards who’s helping raise awareness…

Cut 13 (08) “…100% our business.”

Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says he’s already taking proactive measures to mitigate future impacts of wildfires in the Bayou State.  After the state’s worst wildfire season in history, he plans to hire a Director of Meteorology to keep accurate and informed fire weather conditions.

Cut 4 (12) “…(x2) soil conditions.”

Deer hunters in northeast Louisiana are urged to bring the head of any deer they harvest to one of 13 collection points after 14 cases of chronic wasting disease were confirmed in Tensas Parish. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries State Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon .

Cut 7 (11) “…new areas.”

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A documentary about human sex trafficking in Louisiana  is set to air tonight on LPB. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A 34-year-old Chauvin man is facing for sex crimes involving a victim under the age of six this morning.  Terrebonne Parish investigators say they conducted an extensive investigation into James Paul Naquin after learning of allegations that he committed “sexually motivated crimes.” Deputies arrested Naquin, and authorities say when questioned by authorities, he admitted to the abuse.

It’s expected Jayden Daniels will become LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner as the award will be handed out tonight in New York City Coach Brian Kelly on what it would mean if Daniels were to win the Heisman.

cut 20 (20) “….to retain”

For the 7^th year in a row, Louisiana has seen economic growth. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says Louisiana’s ports give the state a global advantage and he is not the only one who sees a bright future for the Bayou State…

Cut  14 (11) “…2024 and 2025.”

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A cold front approaching the Bayou State from the northwest has the potential to bring some severe weather. State Climatologist Barry Keim says says we could have up to an inch and a half of rain, and the heavier rain is more likely in northeast Louisiana.  Still we all need to be weather aware.

Cut 7 (08) “…drought situation.” 

The first 13 homes to have a fortified roof installed with Louisiana Fortified Roof Grants are complete. Homeowner Alicia Craige says the entire process was seamless and she’s pleased with the results.

Cut 5 (08) “ …them enough.”  

Craige says she even saved 15 hundred dollars on her homeowners insurance.

There’s a potential for some severe weather Saturday in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

A 13 year old Madisonville girl was arrested Friday after telling a classmate she was going to “shoot up” her junior high school. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office became aware of the incident after the other student informed a teacher. The girl was issued a menacing summons and released on a custodial agreement to appear in court.

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The first 13 homes to have a fortified roof installed through the Louisiana Fortified Roof Grant Program have been completed. Homeowner Alicia Craige is among them. In order to comply with insurance requirements, Craige says she needed to get her roof repaired immediately so she applied online.

Cut 4 (12) “…new roof.”
Three more state champions were crowned yesterday in the dome… Union Parish with a dramatic win over St. James. Catholic High Crushed Acadiana. And Opelousas won the school’s first state championship beating out Cecilia

The prep classis finishes up today with three more games. St. Charles Catholic goes after its third consecutive state title when they face Calvary Baptist at 3:30. Cougars Coach Wayne Stein.

Cut 10 (04) “…blessed.”

Louisiana is about to see a significant mercury drop, the high today will be in the 70s. But State Climatologist Barry Keim says after the rain moves through get ready for a much colder Sunday with highs only in the 50s.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the state.” 

Another year of economic growth for Louisiana… as private companies invested 25 Billion Dollars in the Bayou State in 2023. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary, Don Pierson says new opportunities in new fields at higher paying positions are increasing in Louisiana and that will mean more growth for the state…

Cut 13 (12) “…the nation.”

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Thirteen Louisiana homes to get a fortified roof are complete under the Louisiana Fortified Roof Grant Program. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

It’s expected Jayden Daniels will become LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner as the award will be handed out tonight in New York City. Daniels won two big awards last night, the Water Camp national Player of the Year award and the Davey O’Brien Award as the top quarterback in college football.

The first 13 homes to have a fortified roof installed through the Louisiana Fortified Roof Grant Program have been completed. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon stopped by a home in Slidell and says it’s exciting to see the first homes finished.

Cut 3 (10) “…an evaluator.”

A cold front approaching the Bayou State from the northwest has the potential to bring some severe weather along with rain and much cooler temperatures this weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s potential for some dicey weather Saturday, in the form of high winds and tornados…

Cut 6 (10) “…out of five.”

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For the 7^th year in a row, Louisiana has seen economic growth. Private companies invested 25 Billion Dollars in the Bayou State in 2023. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary, Don Pierson…

Cut 12 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”  
Union Parish ended its streak of three consecutive losses in the state championship game with a dramatic 36-35 win over St. James yesterday. Opelousas won the school’s first state championship with a 26-13 win over Cecilia and Catholic High crushed Acadiana 55-31.

The Prep Classic finishes with three more games today. It starts at noon with St. Thomas More taking on Lafayette Christian. Cougars head coach Jim Hightower.

Cut 9 (08) “…we measure up.” 

The New Orleans Pelicans lost to a star studded Los Angeles Lakers team in the Semi-finals of the first ever NBA In-Season tournament last night. The game saw Lebron James return to King James form as the star scored 30 points and 8 assists in a 133 to 89 rout of New Orleans.

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In other basketball news, LSU will face off against Kansas State tomorrow at 12:30pm on the SEC Network and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will host the ULL Ragin Cajuns at 2 pm on ESPN+.

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The 2023 Prep Classic continues today with St.James taking on Union Parish. St.James upset second-seeded Sterlington on the road to earn their spot in the championship and Wildcats head Coach Lavanta Davis says that Union Parish’s offense will be tough to stop.

Cut 13 (14) “ … hands full.”

St.James and Union Parish will kick off at 3:30pm today.

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The 5 and 7 Saints are on a three game losing streak heading into their matchup this Sunday against the 1 and 11 Panthers. New Olreans running back Alvin Kamara knows that any divisional rivalry game will be a tough game, so he says that the Saints need to adopt a must win mindset to beat Carolina on Sunday and also finish this season strong.

Cut 18 (20) “ … work for it.”

The Saints will battle the Panthers at noon on FOX

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LSU Heisman hopeful Jayden Daniels was announced as the second ever Tiger to win the AP College Football Player of the Year Award. In LSU’s magical 2019 season, Joe Burrow was the first to receive the honor and he also won the Heisman that year which is something that Daniels is looking to accomplish tomorrow night at 7 pm.