Two freshman students at LSU have created a GroupMe chat for other female students who may need a safe ride home. It’s inspired by the death of Madison Brooks, who was hit by a car, after leaving a vehicle where she was allegedly raped. Alisha Ortolano hopes other schools follow their lead and she reminds women to look out for each other…
cut 6 (10) “….speak out”

On the campus of Dillard University in New Orleans, they are installing a new school president this weekend as Doctor Rochelle Ford takes over. Ford says tomorrow they will break ground on the Living Learning Communities, a new residential hall for students on Norman Mayer Boulevard. She says professors will also have the opportunity to live there…
Cut 13 (09) “….living communities.”

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s office is looking for a 55-year-old woman who has not been seen since Christmas Day. Her name is Shelia Baker. Baker’s last location of travel is believed to be near Bunkie. A Lafayette TV station reports Baker was supposed to go to Lake Charles to visit her mother after staying with another family member for Christmas.

The search for the state’s longest-married couple is underway. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can nominate a duo that’s been married for seven decades or more.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In response to the death of LSU student Madison Brooks who was allegedly raped then run over by a vehicle after leaving a bar, two other students created a group to help other girls find rides home…:
CUT 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Baton Rouge leaders announced Thursday the airport in the Capitol City will begin nonstop flights to Washington DC beginning this summer via American Airlines. Tickets go on sale Saturday morning for the direct flight to Reagan International Airport from Baton Rouge.

The Louisiana Family Forum is now accepting nominations seeking the state’s longest married couple. President Gene Mills says it’s an annual tradition to find couples who’ve been married for several decades and honor their achievement as the Longest Married Couple in the Bayou State…:
Cut 7 (11) “needs to be told”
You can find an entry form at LAfamilyforum.org.

The state transportation department is mourning the death of a DOTD worker killed on Wednesday afternoon while filling potholes in DeSoto Parish on U.S. Highway 171. State Police Trooper Jonathan Odom says 35-year-old Christopher Gray of Lake Charles was killed after an empty log truck driven by 42-year-old Charles Barker hit two DOTD vehicles…:
Cut 10 (10) “…behind the truck”
Gray was pronounced dead at the scene.

One of the wounded victims in the January 22nd mass shooting in Shreveport has died. Officials in Caddo Parish confirmed 33 year old Latounda Bryant succumbed to her injuries Thursday morning. She was one of 8 people hit by what police believe was a drive by shooting on Sunday. Three of the victims were under the age of ten. No arrests have been made in the case.

Kickoff Sunday is 6pm.

After LSU student Madison Brooks never made it home, two freshman students created a group in the app GroupMe to help others find a safe ride home.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The search for the state’s longest-married couple is underway. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can nominate a duo that’s been married for seven decades or more.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals will try to reach the Super Bowl for the second year in a row as they visit the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Sunday. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

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Since the tragic assault and death of LSU student Madison Brooks made the headlines, it’s inspired two freshman students to create a group to help other female students get home safely. Alisha Ortolano says that sadly females are abandoned without a way home more often than you’d think.

Cut 4 (06)  “…this situation.”

So Ortolano and her friend Caitlynn Bakewell created a group called LSU GIRLS RIDES on the app GroupMe. Female students are verified and when one requests a ride other members can answer the call. Ortolano says the response has been overwhelming.

Cut 5 (07) “…700 girls.”

Ortolano hopes other schools follow their lead and reminds women to always look after each other.

Cut 6 (10)  “…speak out.” 

Ortolano and Bakewell hope the group can prevent another tragic outcome like Brooks from ever happening again.

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The Louisiana Family Forum is looking to honor the state’s longest-married couple and is currently accepting nominations. LFF President Gene Mills says it’s an annual tradition to find couples who’ve been married for several decades and honor their achievement as the Longest Married Couple in the Bayou State.

Cut 7 (11) “…needs to be told.”

The 2022 Longest Married Couple was Patsy and Gail Richardson of Gonzales. Mills says they were husband and wife for 81 years.

Cut 8 (11)  “…any occasions.”

The Richardson’s raised three children and had 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

The deadline for entries is February 6^th and the honorees will be recognized on the most appropriate day, Valentine’s.

Cut 9 (08)  “…this year.”

You can find an entry form at LAfamilyforum.og

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The state transportation department is mourning the death of a DOTD worker killed on Wednesday afternoon while filling potholes in DeSoto Parish on U.S. Highway 171. State Police Trooper Jonathan Odom says 35-year-old Christopher Gray of Lake Charles was killed after an empty log truck driven by 42-year-old Charles Barker of Florein hit two DOTD vehicles

Cut 10 (10)  “…behind the truck”

Barker and two other DOTD workers, Jalen Singleton and Mario Ross were injured in the crash. Gray was pronounced dead at the scene. Odom says as of now, the driver of the log truck has NOT been charged

Cut 11 (06)  “…under investigation.”

Odom says they are not sure exactly what caused this fatal three-vehicle crash, but they ask motorists to obey the speed limit and avoid all distractions while driving.

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Dillard University in New Orleans officially installs Doctor Rochelle Ford as the school’s eighth president with an Inauguration celebration that starts today. Ford says she will look to accelerate Dillard’s mission to cultivate leaders who live ethically by focusing on three key areas

Cut 12 (10) “…our students.”

Ford says on Saturday they will break ground on the Living Learning Communities, a new residential hall for students on Norman Mayer Boulevard. She says professors will also have the opportunity to live there…

Cut 13 (09)  “….living communities.”

Ford says her vision also includes leveraging Dillard’s academic programs and centers to address health disparities…

Cut 14 (11)  “…expand on that.”

Ford previously served as the dean of the School of Communications at Elon University in North Carolina.

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LSU Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals visit the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Sunday. The two teams met earlier this year in a 27-24 Cincinnati win. Burrow threw for almost 300 yards and 2 touchdowns, but Burrow says the team needs to be prepared to face a familiar opponent…

Cut 15 (17)  “…for anything.”

The matchup is a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship in which the Bengals came away with a shocking 27-24 overtime win just weeks after beating the Chiefs at home to close out the regular season. Chiefs’ Arrowhead stadium is notoriously one of the toughest environments in the NFL for opposing teams, but given the Bengals’ 3-0 record over the last two seasons, some fans have taken to calling it Burrowhead. Burrow says he’s not going to underestimate one of the best teams in the AFC in recent years…

Cut  16 (21)  “…on that side” 

The Bengals defeated the Bills in Buffalo last week 27-10 behind a stellar all-around performance. Burrow threw for almost 250 yards and two touchdowns while running back Joe Mixon reached the century mark on the ground with a TD of his own. Burrow and former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have remained one of the league’s top passing duos this season, and Burrow was named a finalist for league MVP. Burrow, though thinks much of the team’s success comes from coaching not just their star power…

Cut 17 (19) “…run the ball well.” 

The Chiefs earned the number one seed in the AFC this year with a 14-3 record. Former LA Tech defensive back L’Jarius Snead has been Kansas City’s number-one corner this year and one of the best in the AFC. He was with the team for last year’s loss to the Bengals and says he and his teammates are ready to avenge the missed opportunity…

Cut 18 (07) “…not fall short” 

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The LSU men’s basketball team fell again in a 60-40 loss to Arkansas Tuesday night. The Tigers have lost their last seven straight after opening conference play with a win. LSU struggled only shooting only 265 from the floor and 11% from beyond the arc. First-year coach Matt McMahon says he knew there would be struggles when rebuilding a program…

Cut 19 (18) “…the toughness”

The Tigers will face Texas Tech in the SEC-Big 12 showdown this weekend. Guard Justice Winslow will return to the team and suit up for the matchup after stepping away from the team last week. McMahon says he and his team are excited for the weekend despite their recent struggles…

Cut 20 (20)  “…Saturday afternoon’s game” 

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The state transportation department is mourning the death of a DOTD worker killed while working on an asphalt project in DeSoto Parish on U.S. Highway 171. Trooper Jonathan Odom says 35-year-old Christopher Gray of Lake Charles was killed after an empty log truck driven by 42-year-old Charles Barker of Florein hit two DOTD vehicles.

Cut 10 (10)  “…behind the truck”

Odom reminds motorists to obey the speed limit and avoid all distractions while driving.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was asked about allegations she had an extra-martial affair with her bodyguard that’s also an NOPD officer. Cantrell says it’s a false rumor…

Cut 13 (08) “…all pronouns.” 

Since the tragic assault and death of LSU student Madison Brooks made the headlines, it’s inspired two freshman students to create a group to help other female students get home safely. Alisha Ortolano says that sadly females are abandoned without a way home more often than you’d think.

Cut 4 (07)  “…this situation.”

It’s called LSU GIRLS RIDES on the app GroupMe.

Many elected officials from Louisiana are in the nation’s capital for Washington Mardi Gras, but House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says it’s not all fun and games. Schexnayder says there are economic development meetings with the goal of bringing more manufacturing jobs to the state
Cut 9 (08) “…get it done” 

Over the next three days, he says there will be several different dinners featuring Louisiana cuisine and there are also plenty of social events.

A federal judge sentences 21-year-old Chance Seneca of Lafayette for attempting to kill a gay man he groomed on the dating app, Grindr. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

State Police says a DOTD worker from Lake Charles was killed yesterday afternoon when an empty log truck struck two work crew vehicles on U-S Highway 171 in Desoto Parish. 35-year-old Christopher Gray was pronounced dead at the scene. no charges have been filed as of yet.

Charges against 19-year-old Blayne Terrebonne of Larose have been upgraded to second-degree murder after authorities say he sold a 15-year-old female drugs that led to her death. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Captian Brennan Matherne says on October 27th, deputies first responded to a 16-year-old male in Galliano.

Cut 4 (10) “…suspected overdose.”

toxicology results indicated high levels of fentanyl in her system.

Many Louisiana elected officials are attending Washington Mardi Gras. Discussions take place during the day on how to make Louisiana better, and at night there are numerous social events. the Advocate newspaper reporter Mark Ballard says a big topic of discussion is whether Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves will run for governor.

Cut 11 (11) “…Garret Graves.”

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has reportedly selected Graves as the chairman of the Republican leadership.

21-year-old Chance Seneca of Lafayette is sentenced to 45 years in federal prison for kidnapping and attempted murder of a gay man as part of a hate crime scheme. U-S Attorney Brandon Brown says hate crimes are a top priority for the D-O-J and they take these kinds of cases very seriously…
Cut 8 (11) “…ever gets out.”
The 21-year-old Seneca has already served 2 1/2 years of his 45-year sentence.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell responded to allegations she had a sexual relationship with a New Orleans Police Officer assigned to be her bodyguard. Those claims were made in divorce papers by the estranged wife of NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie. Cantrell says this is a personal matter for the Vappie family.
Cut 12 (03) “…of yours.”
Cantrell has denied the allegations after a FOX 8 tv investigation showed video of Vappie sending time with herr during the day and late at night at the city own apartment.

Drug distribution charges against a Larose man have been upgraded to second-degree murder. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Many elected officials from Louisiana are in the nation’s capital for Washington Mardi Gras, House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says over the next three days, says there will be several different dinners featuring Louisiana cuisine and there are plenty of social events at night…
Cut 10 (11) “…hazardously”