History is made today as Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton is the first Speaker of the House from Louisiana. Johnson’s election ends a chaotic three-week period for the lower chamber that was without a leader…

Cut 13 (13) “….back in business” …

Former Congressman Ralph Abraham and influential Republican businessmen Lane Grigsby and Eddie Rispone were announced today as transition chairs for Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s transition team. Landry says the transition headquarters will also be at his alma mater U-L Lafayette, instead of LSU, where previous incoming governors held them…

cut 3 (12) “of this state”

State Police say vehicles involved in the massive car pileup on Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish on Monday have been removed. Sergeant Kate Stegall says troopers are working to make sure all vehicles involved in the crash are accounted for. She urges anyone involved who wants to retrieve their vehicle or personal items to contact Troop B before going to the tow company.

Cut 8 (12) “…in place.” 

Drivers and owners of vehicles can contact Troop B by email at TroopB@la.gov. There is no timeline for the completion of the reopening of Interstate 55.

Louisiana is among the thirty-three states suing Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for using addictive features to hook and exploit children. Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill…

Cut 9 (13) “…to them.” 

History is made as Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton is the first Speaker of the House from Louisiana. Johnson laid out some of his priorities during his introductory address as the 56th Speaker of the U-S House. He says it’s time to rein in spending to reduce inflation, more needs to be done to protect the southern border and the U-S needs to provide support to Israel…

Cut  14 (11) “world (clapping)”

Governor elect Jeff Landry says he plans to tackle the state’s crime problem as soon as he gets into office with a special session as early as mid-January. He says the state’s criminal justice system should work to keep people from going to jail, instead of letting criminals out…

Cut 4 (10) “…the criminals”

Vehicles involved in the deadly Interstate 55 pile-up near New Orleans have been removed and bridge inspections are underway. Teiko Foxx has more on the efforts…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

In Monroe a GoFundMe account has been set up to help with funeral arrangements for 14 year old Dontavius Wilson who was fatally shot Saturday night. The shooting occurred in the 3100 block of Renwick Street in Monroe. Authorities are actively investigating but have not yet identified a suspect.

History is made for Louisiana today as Congressman Mike Johnson has been elected as the next U.S. Speaker of the House. The Benton Republican is the first speaker from the state of Louisiana. Things moved fast at the capital but Johnson made sure to give the proper thank yous.

Cut 12 (09)…laughter

Johnson needed 217 votes. He got 220.

Jeff Landry announces his transition chairs as he prepares to take over as governor on January 8th. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana is among thirty-three 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 they are seeking financial damages from Meta and restitution to end such practices against children.

Cut 10 (09) “…our children.”

Meta issued a statement that it shares the attorneys general’s commitment to providing teens with safe and positive experiences online.

State Police say vehicles involved in the massive car pileup on Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish on Monday have been removed and cleanup is underway. Sergeant Kate Stegall says the bridge had to be cleared before inspectors could assess the damage.

Cut 6 (13) “…the bridge.”

Department of Transportation will be using specialized equipment, such as ground penetrating radar as part of the inspection process.

Is there still a chance the next Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives will be from Louisiana? Congressman Mike Johnson of Benton finished second out of 7 candidates in the Republican Conference nomination early Tuesday in a series of secret ballots eventually won by Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer. Emmer has now withdrawn his name from consideration.

The House has been without a speaker and unable to conduct business since former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted three weeks ago.

I-55 remains closed between Ponchatoula and Ruddock as the state department of transportation inspects the bridge for any deficiencies. The final few damaged vehicles were removed from the elevated roadway this morning Trooper Kate Stegall says it’s an unprecedented event…

Cut 9 (11) “…amount of vehicles” 

The State Fire Marshall is investigating a brush fire that resulted in the discovery of a man’s body in Alexandria on Monday. The fire was reported in the 6100 block of LA 488. Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the victim is believed in his 60s and is the homeowner

Cut 4 (12) “…went wrong.”

Mardi Gras 2024 receives the green light in Shreveport after security concerns put the annual event in Mardi Gras 2024 receives the green light in Shreveport after security concerns put the annual event in peril.

Stacy Brown with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says about 225,000 attend their five Mardi Gras parades and about 41 percent of them are out-of-town visitors.

Cut 7 (13) “…Mardi Gras season.” 

Next year Mardi Gras falls on February 13th

With I-55 closed, after the tragic 158 vehicle pile-up Monday morning, it’s going to be more difficult for people traveling from Tangipahoa or eastern Livingston Parishes to get to and from areas south of Lake Pontchartrain. How long the interstate will remain closed is unknown, but DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says a thorough inspection must be done…

Cut 12 (06) “..properly”  

The types of things they’re looking for

Cut 11 (12) “…re-open”

There are several alternate routes travelers can use including Hwy 51. You can check the DOTD website at 511LA.org

State Fire Marshall Deputies are investigating a brush fire that resulted in the death of an Alexandria man in his 60s.   Teiko Foxx has more…

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Mardi Gras 2024 receives the green light in Shreveport after security concerns put the annual event in peril. Mayor Tom Arceneaux made the announcement this morning alongside Krewe members of Centaur and Gemini.

Cut 6 (09) “…this process.”

Arceneaux says they will have enough police and fire personnel to support the parades.

I-55 is closed in Southeast Louisiana following yesterday’s  158-vehicle pileup in Superfog that killed at least seven and injured more than 25 people. Jeff Palermo the story..

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Currently I-55 remains closed between Ponchatoula and Ruddock. Alternate routes between Hammond/Ponchatoula and New Orleans are Hwy 51 to LaPlace then enter I-10 or travel to Mandeville and take the Causeway.

The State Fire Marshall is investigating a fatal brush fire that resulted in the discovery of a man’s body in Alexandria on Monday. Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says investigators are still working to identify the victim’s cause of death. She says the tragedy serves as an important reminder for Louisianans who are still following the state’s burn ban.

Cut 5 (10) “ ….about here.”  

Mardi Gras 2024 receives the green light in Shreveport after security concerns put the annual event in peril. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith says even though the amount of officers won’t be what they’ve had in the past they will be able to provide support for all parades.

Cut 8 (10) “…safe day.”

Mardi Gras day is February 13th next year.

At least two people are reportedly dead and approximately 30 injured after a massive pile-up on Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish. Reports say around a hundred vehicles are involved. The interstate in both directions is closed and first responders from multiple agencies are on-site. State Police Sergeant Kate Stegall says fog and smoke from nearby marsh fires led to very low visibility

Cut 9 (11) “…associated.” 

For a listing of road closures and rerouting instructions visit LA511-dot.org or follow LSP on social media.

The House has been without a speaker since early October as Republicans can’t get on the same page to elect a replacement for Kevin McCarthy. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson of Benton has been one of the more conservative members of Congress and that may help him out in his quest to be the next speaker.

Cut 5 (07) “ ..Republican caucus.”  

Though arrests have been made, no one has been charged with murder, in connection with the fatal shooting of Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell. Natchitoches police spokesperson John Greely says Natchitoches Police continue to vigorously investigate the homicide of Caldwell…

Cut 8 (08) “… currently have.”

Caldwell was laid to rest on Saturday in Austin, Texas. He was 21-years-old but his family says Caldwell had a life well lived.

The massive pile-up on I-55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish that claimed the lives of several travelers and sent many more to hospitals this morning was due to exceptionally low visibility. National Weather Service Tyler Stanfield says they were getting reports of visibility as low as one-eighth a mile when the crashes occurred. Stanfield says the fog and smoke from nearby marsh fires made it extremely difficult to see…

Cut 11 (06) “…by smoke”

Stanfield says winds were also low which allowed the Superfog to sock in. but stronger winds are expected for tomorrow morning’s commute…

Cut 13 (10) “…tomorrow morning”

The Blood Center and local hospitals are urging eligible people to donate blood as several people sustained injuries and had to be transported to area hospitals. For donation center locations visit TheBloodCenter.org

Louisiana Congressman Republican Mike Johnson will officially make his bid as U-S House Speaker before his party today. Teiko Foxx has more…

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No one has been charged with murder, but a second person has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell. Natchitoches police spokesperson John Greely says a former teammate of Caldwell’s, 22-year-old Maurice Campbell of Memphis, has been booked on multiple charge and Greely says, Campbell interfered with the investigation

Cut 7 (07) “…obstruct justice.” 

Caldwell was laid to rest on Saturday in Austin, Texas.

There are reports of several fatalities after low visibility caused by fog and marsh fires this morning in southeast Louisiana caused a massive traffic pile-up on I-55 in both directions. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

The Blood Center and local hospitals are urging people to donate blood as several people were injured and taken to local hospitals for treatment. For a list of donation center locations, visit thebloodcenter.org

U.S. Representative Mike Johnson from Benton will make his case before House Republicans today to be the next Speaker of the House. Eight other Republicans are also seeking the post. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Johnson’s chances are as good as the other candidates

cut 3 (13) “the caucus.”

Johnson’s announcement comes after Louisiana’s Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan of Ohio failed short of the 217 votes needed as House Speaker.

A second person has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell. Natchitoches police spokesperson John Greely says a former teammate of Caldwell’s, 22-year-old Maurice Campbell of Memphis, has been booked on multiple charges

Cut 6 (09) “…dangerous substance”

Walker Police have arrested two people involved in the murder 60-year-oid Sarah Santini who was reported missing on October 7^th. Santini’s vehicle was found abandoned in LaPlace on October 12th. Her body was found Thursday by a Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy off of Louisiana Highway 63. Captain John Sharp says about 24 hours later they arrested Bobby Schneider of Gonzales and Gregory Baker of Ascension Parish…

Cut 8 (12) “… State Police.”

After he was car-jacked Monday, Orleans Parish DA, Jason Williams says, Carjackings are actually down by 44% since the end of August, compared to the same time last year, according to a report by the Metropolitan Crime Commission. Williams says progress has been made but everyone must continue to take precautions.

Cut 5 (10) “ ..being vigilant.”  

Louisiana continues to post historic unemployment numbers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Saturday is not your regular non-conference game in Tiger Stadium. It’s the first time LSU will host a U.S. Service Academy School. Kick off between the Tigers and Army is at 6:30 and LSU Coach Brian Kelly says his team has the ultimate respect for the Black Knights…

Cut 11 (10) “…our country”