Governor-elect Jeff Landry held a press conference today to announce his first cabinet. Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto was named secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. She is the first Black female to serve in the position.

Annie Richardson, one of four women stabbed in a random knife attack on a Louisiana Tech campus has died. Richardson was leaving an exercise class at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center when she was attacked. In his weekly press conference, Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says the team’s thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this violent act…

Cut 4 (08) “…scary situation”

Twenty-three-year-old Jacoby Johnson faces a second-degree murder charge and three counts of attempted second-degree murder.

Plaintiffs who filed suit over the current congressional map with only one majority-Black district instead of two are pleased it’s been ruled unconstitutional. Judge Shelly Dick issued a January 15^th deadline for the state to have a revised map. ACLU Voting Rights Project attorney Sarah Brannon says Dick could give defendants an extension if they file for one…

Cut 11 (09) “…by May.” 

A new survey by the National Federation of Independent Business indicates a lack of optimism among small business owners in the fourth quarter. State Director Dawn McVea urges Louisianans to shop small businesses this holiday season.

Cut 9 (12)  “…year fresh.”

One of the four victims in Monday’s stabbing on the Louisiana Tech campus has passed away from her injuries. Annie Richardson lived in Ruston and was a Louisiana artist. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie opened his weekly press conference discussing the tragic incident….

Cut 3 (04) “….lives”

Twenty-three-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville now faces a second-degree murder charge and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. Authorities have called the attack on four women as random.

A federal appeals court wants the legislature to draw a new congressional map to include two majority-black districts by January 15^th.  ACLU Voting Rights Project attorney Sarah Brannon says the courts want the map finalized by May 2024 so…

Cut 10 (07) “…new map.”

The ACLU is a plantiff.

The National Federation of Independent Business released its monthly survey and it indicates a lack of optimism among small business owners in the fourth quarter. 22 percent of small business owners say inflation is their biggest obstacle in operating their business. State Director Dawn McVea…

Cut 7 (12) “…a break.”

A Parish Grand Jury has dismissed assault charges against Natchotiches Parish President John Richmond. Latorria Freeman, an opponent in Richmond’s re-election campaign, filed charges against him claiming he put his hands on her last May at a festival during a supposed altercation.  Richmond believes the accusation may have railroaded his re-election campaign…

Cut 14 (11) “…in an election.”

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry is having a press conference today to name his cabinet appointment. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat believes he will name former congressman, Dr. Ralph Abraham to head LDH.

Cut 6 (10) “…very popular.”

Pinsonat says Abraham’s experience in Congress and his knowledge of federal healthcare programs makes Abraham a valuable asset to Landry.

Nearly 22 percent of small business owners say inflation is their biggest obstacle in operating their business according to a new survey by the National Federation of Independent Business. State Director Dawn McVea says the survey also shows small business owners are not growing their inventories as labor and energy costs are not falling.

Cut 8 (11) “…just lingering.” 

A consumer Price Index Report released for October showed annual price inflation rose to three point two percent, which was down slightly from three point seven percent in September.

It’s unclear what will happen next now that a federal appeals court has ordered the Louisiana Legislature to redraw a new Congressional district map featuring two black districts by January 15th. The ACLU is a plaintiff and Attorney Sarah Brannon describes the map , they would like to see get approved.

Cut 12 (11) “…looking for.” 

Natchitoches Parish President John Richmond says he’s relieved a Parish Grand Jury has dismissed assault charges that were filed against him by Latorria Freeman, an opponent in his re-election campaign.  Richmond only recalls a conversation with his accuser.

Cut 15 (12) “…happened”

Freeman filed charges claiming Richmond pushed her during a supposed altercation at the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival in May.

Acadiana Representative Phillip DeVillier is the Republicans’ choice for the next Louisiana Speaker of the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Louisiana Legislature has until Jan. 15 to redraw a new congressional map after a court ruled last year that the current boundaries weaken the black vote. Outgoing Senate President Page Cortez….

Cut 9 (11) “…could pass.” 

Cortez believes Edwards is waiting to see if Judge Shelly Dick grants an extension or not. Governor-elect Landry and new lawmakers will be sworn in office one week before the January 15^th deadline.

The first post of the “56 for 56” – a social media campaign launched by the Governors Office – highlights his signing of an executive order to expand Medicaid. The series will highlight one of Governor Edwards top accomplishments every day for his final 56 days in office. Digital Creator for the Governor’s Office Tyler Walker says the campaign will also recap economic development projects, the bipartisan criminal justice reform, and…

Cut 7 (09) “…to highlight.” 

A federal Court has given the Louisiana legislature until Jan. 15 to pass a new congressional map for the state that would include a second majority-minority district.  Outgoing Senate President Page Cortez doesn’t think the deadline is ideal…

Cut 9 (12) “…could pass.” 

And if Edwards vetoed the maps, because of the limited timeline, Cortez there would be a veto override session for incoming lawmakers and Governor-elect Landry.

Governor John Bel Edwards term ends on January 8th and until then Louisianans will be able to view his top accomplishments in the “56 for 56” social media campaign. Digital Creator for the Governor’s Office Tyler Walker encourages Louisianans to comment on their favorite state improvement during Edwards tenure.

Cut 8 (11) “….this week.” 

The public can follow the Governor’s social media accounts and use the hashtag #56for56.

The 2023 school performance scores were released by the Louisiana Department of Education and there’s good news for students in the Bayou State. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

23-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville is in custody after stabbing four people on the campus of Louisiana Tech this morning. The incident happened at the Lambright Intramural Sports and Wellness Center on the school’s campus. Louisiana Tech Police Chief told Ruston Daily Leader the attack was random. One of the four victims is in critical condition. One victim is a graduate student and the other three are non-students. Johnson is a student and is being treated at a hospital for injuries received during the incident. The public is urged to avoid the area. No fatalities have been confirmed.

According to State Police, a nine-year-old was killed in a two-vehicle crash on LA 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish Saturday evening. Braelynn Washington of Port Allen was not properly restrained and was a front passenger in a Chevrolet Blazer when it was struck by a Jeep Cherokee. Trooper Christian Reed says state law requires all occupants in a vehicle to be restrained including children.

Cut 5 (12) “ …car seat.”  

The driver and rear passenger in the Chevrolet were not wearing seatbelts and sustained moderate injuries.

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.”

Southbound lanes are also open to the public.

A storm system in the Gulf has brought much-needed rain to the Bayou State today and will continue to track eastward tomorrow, and part of Wednesday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Bayou State is far behind the normal average for rainfall…

Cut 8 (11) “….this week.” 

In Ruston, a suspect is in custody and two people have been airlifted after a stabbing on Louisiana Tech’s campus. This is a developing story and details are limited. The incident happened this morning and police say as many as four people have been injured.

I-55 Northbound in St. John the Baptist Parish reopened today after being closed for four weeks. State Transportation spokesperson Rodeny Mallett urges motorists to always pay attention to changing weather conditions and react accordingly.

Cut 9 (11) “…the crash.” 

More than 160 vehicles were involved in the October 23^rd crash and seven people were killed.

A two-vehicle crash on LA 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish claimed the life of a minor Saturday evening. Trooper Christian Reed says nine-year-old Braelynn Washington of Port Allen was a front passenger in a Chevrolet Blazer when it was struck by a Jeep Cherokee.

Cut 3 (09) “….the Jeep.”

The driver and rear passenger in the Chevrolet were not wearing seatbelts and sustained moderate injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

Rain, something we haven’t seen much of for quite some time, is falling in south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a storm system in the Gulf, off the Texas coast, is expected to track eastward along Louisiana’s coastline today, tomorrow, and part of Wednesday.

Cut 6 (12) “…about that.”

Keim says any rain is welcome considering 99 percent of the state is in drought.

Government offices are closed today in honor of Veterans Day. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police say 21-year-old Josepy Mabou of Dry Prong and 21-year-old Morgan Durand of Pollock were killed in a single-vehicle crash in Grant Parish on Wednesday. A 2020 Ford F-150 driven by Mabou was traveling south on Highway 492 when for unknown reasons the vehicle left the roadway, vaulted into the air, and ejected both occupants. Impairment is a suspected factor in the crash.

With two weeks to go before Turkey Day, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says be prepared to pay 16 percent less for the main staple of your Thanksgiving meal this year, but other foods have nearly doubled.

Cut 6 (11) “…good news.”

The latest Consumer Price Index report reveals the inflation rate for food at home increased by two percent over the last 12 months.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front moving through today will bring us clouds, rain, and cooler temperatures.  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.” 

Highs in north Louisiana will be in the 60s and in the 70s for the southern half.

In observance of Veterans Day, state offices are closed today. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is holding numerous ceremonies honoring vets. Spokesperson Brandee Patrick says at each of the veteran cemeteries 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.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed a bill into law that would make thousands of state employees eligible for paid parental leave starting in January. Edwards says it’s hard for parents to concentrate on work when their mind is on their child.

Cut 8 (10) “…sick days.” 

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.”

LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly says quarterback Jayden Daniels is probable to play in Saturday’s game against the Florida Gators after receiving a head injury in the Alabama game.

ULL Ragin Cajuns lost in overtime as they were upset by Southern Mississippi 34-31 on Thursday night. U-L Lafayette is now 5-and-5 on the season.

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

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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. 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.

A bill authored by Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow aims to increase access to childcare for small businesses.  Letlow says resolving childcare issues is vital for the economy and families.

Cut 5 (12) “ …young parents.”  

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

Early voting indicates turnout for the November 18^th election might be slightly higher than the 15 to 18 percent anticipated. With only one full day left to vote, John Tobler with the Secretary of State’s Office reminds everyone polls open at 8:30 am and close at 6:00 pm.

Cut 7 (12) “…voting.”