Three Southern University band members were killed in a crash involving an 18-wheeler last night. The students were reportedly on their way home to Texas for Christmas break. Captain Tony Moran with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office says it happened on I-49 near the Powhatan around 7 pm.

Cut 15 (09) “…situation.”

State Police are investigating and say Tyran Williams, Dylan Young, and Broderick Moore were killed while trying to change a flat tire. Authorities says all three were declared dead on the scene and the driver of the commercial vehicle was unharmed. This is an active investigation.

Southern University released a statement regarding the fatalities and is offering grief counseling to students.

Port Barre (BARRY) police have arrested two fifteen-year-old boys for allegedly making a bomb threat at Port Barre High School Monday.  Police chief Deon Boudreaux one of the boys wrote a threat on a school bathroom wall, and the other conspired with him to do it.

Cut 12 (09) “…lot of chaos.” 

Boudreaux says one boy is charged with terrorizing, and the other with accessory to terrorizing. Both carry sentences of up to 15 years in prison.

A new statewide poll shows a majority of Louisianans accept climate change as a reality but feel it’s not up to the U.S. alone to address it. John Couvillon, with JMC Analytics & Polling, says the survey of over 600 residents found a majority (42%) feel it’s a real problem…:

Cut 3 (08) “…something about it.” 

After learning three members of the Human Jukebox were killed in a traffic accident last night, the Southern University community is in shock. The students were reportedly on their way home to Texas for Christmas break. According to a Facebook post Dylan Young, Brody Moore, and Tyron Williams were killed in the crash with an 18-wheeler near Natchitoches Tuesday night. The accident happened on I-49 North near Powhatan.

After responding to four overdose deaths in a 72-hour period over the weekend, police in Monroe have one suspect in custody. Detective Matt Schmitz says 47-year-old Jarrell Lee Walker has been arrested and charged with the deaths of two persons. Schmitz says they are still waiting on toxicology reports. As for the other two overdose deaths…

Cut 7 (05)  “…other two.”

Police are concerned a deadly batch of fentanyl is circulating in the community and they are asking for the communities help with tips.

A new round of federal small business assistance will bring over $ 100 million to Louisiana’s locally-owned businesses. More from Whitney Thomas…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Three Southern University students were killed in a car crash last night, the students were reportedly members of the school’s band the Human Jukebox. According to a Facebook post Dylan Young, Brody Moore, and Tyron Williams were on their way home to Texas for Christmas break when the crash with an 18-wheeler happened near Natchitoches.

The U.S. Treasury approves Louisiana’s application for up to $ 113 million in support for the state’s small business owners; a part of the $10-billion State Small Business Credit Initiative.  Governor John Bel Edwards says the funds will be of particular assistance to the state’s many minority-owned small businesses…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…that we’re successful.” 

In Monroe police have arrested 47-year-old Jarrell Lee Walker in connection with two of the four overdose deaths that happened over the weekend.

81 years ago today, Seaman 1st Class Houston Temples died when Pearl Harbor was attacked. His remains were finally identified and today he will be buried in Bogalusa. His niece Shirley Temples Hayman was only five months old when her uncle was killed, says her was her son suggested having his funeral on this significant day.

Cut 10 (05) “…Harbor day.” 

Can the weather impact your shopping habits. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says yes but it depends on where you live, the kind of weather, and the time of the year. He says when the weather is mild retailers tend to see more foot traffic but if it’s cold and rainy some products see a boost in sales.

Cut 14 (13)  “…do outdoors.”

A new round of federal small business assistance will bring over $ 100 million to Louisiana’s locally-owned businesses. More from Whitney Thomas…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The remains of a Louisiana sailor who died at Pearl Harbor 81 years ago will have a proper burial today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Can the unseasonably warm temperatures for December in the Bayou State change how one shops for the holiday season? Brooke Thorington asks the question.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The U.S. Treasury approves Louisiana’s application for up to $ 113 million in support for the state’s small business owners; a part of the $10-billion State Small Business Credit Initiative. The program will give financial help to “mom & pops” in the form of venture capital, seed capital, low-interest loans, and more. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is great news…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…capital and investment.”

The size of the federal commitment is significant when one considers that Louisiana received just over $13-million when the program was last done in 2010. Louisiana Economic Development will administer the program. Edwards says a great many small businesses are struggling in the wake of the pandemic and fierce hurricanes in 2020 and ’21…:

Cut 5 (13) “…federal partners.”

Edwards says the funds will be of particular assistance to the state’s many minority-owned small businesses…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…that we’re successful.” 

To find out more about the program, visit “LouisianaSSBCI.com”

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Congressman Troy Carter says he hopes the Memorandum of Understanding inked by Governor John Bel Edwards and French officials last week will help bridge the gaps between advocates for clean energy and those who prefer relying on fossil fuels.

Cut 7 (10) “…a better way.”

As part of the agreement, France will send an international technical expert to Louisiana to help state agencies find French industries that might want to work on carbon reduction initiatives in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11)  “…our climate.”

Governing Magazine says France has established several international technical experts in various parts of the world. This is the first one dedicated to energy transition and climate change and the first one based in Louisiana.

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81 years ago today, Seaman 1st Class Houston Temples of Varnado died when Pearl Harbor was attacked. His remains were finally identified and today he will be buried in Bogalusa. His niece Shirley Temples Hayman recalls a letter he sent home while he served in the Navy.

Cut 9 (07)  “…my country.”

Hayman who was only five months old when her uncle was killed, says when the Navy offered to have his remains buried in his home state and it was her son who suggested having his funeral on this significant day.

Cut 10 (05) “…Harbor day.” 

Hayman and family members are extremely proud of Temples’ military service and they are very grateful to be able to honor his memory in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (07)  “…coming home.”

The funeral will take place at 2. p.m at Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa.

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While it might look like Christmas it sure doesn’t feel like it in Louisiana weatherwise. So, we asked LSU marketing professor Dan Rice if the weather can impact shopping habits when it’s warmer than usual. He says yes, but it depends on the time of year…

Cut 12 (07) “…may not.”

With unseasonably warm temps in December for some, it’s hard to even consider buying a winter coat, they might prefer to purchase summer vacation attire instead. Rice says hazardous weather can change how one shops.

Cut 13 (07) “…online shopping.”

When it comes to cold rainy weather, Rice says some products see a boost in sales.

Cut 14 (13)  “…do outdoors.”

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The Saints suffered a heartbreaking 17-16 loss to the Buccaneers Monday night. After leading and controlling for much of the game, up 13 with just over 5 minutes left, the Saints allowed 2 long touchdown drives as the Bucs scored the game-winning touchdown with 3 seconds left. The Saints controlled much of the game and made three trips to the red zone, none of which resulted in a touchdown. Coach Dennis Allen says he was pleased with the team’s ability to move the ball but was frustrated by the missed opportunities…

Cut 15 (18)  “…in what we’re doing.”

Frustration has been the story of the Saints’ season. Falling to 4-9, the loss to the division rival all but eliminates them from the playoff hunt. New Orleans is the second most penalized team in the NFL and has the 2^nd worst turnover margin after their two takeaways against Tampa Bay. Allen says the team has consistently lost winnable games…

Cut  16 (19)  “…fans, everybody.” 

The Saints enter their bye week at a much-needed time. After back-to-back disappointing losses Allen hopes the team will find some time to rest and refocus before the final 4 games of the season. Now, two games behind the Bucs and at the bottom of the division, New Orleans will have to put the pieces together during their week off if they want a chance to save their season…

Cut 17 (17) “….message was” 

The Saints will host Atlanta after the bye on Dec. 18

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UL-Lafayette was selected to the 2022 Independence Bowl against Houston. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says he and his team set out to be champions this year, and Independence bowl Champions fits that criteria. He says the team is excited about the tough matchup…

Cut 18 (21) “…great situation” 

The Cajuns will make their first appearance in the Independence Bowl in School history. Only about a three-hour drive for the team, Desormeaux hopes fans and players will be excited to show support here in Louisiana and provide a home atmosphere…

Cut 19 (18) “….to get there”

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Cut 20 (11) “…on that”

A four-year-old witnessed his father die in a boating accident in Natchitoches Parish Saturday night. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 37-year-old Jack Crowell of Natchitoches was driving the boat at night on Cane River when it hit a downed tree. Crowell was wearing an engine cutoff switch when he fell into the water.

Cut 24 after that :12

The child was saved by nearby boaters who witnessed the accident.

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s looking at legislation to help with the rising costs of the National Flood Insurance Program he’s looking at how FEMA administers the program.

Cut 11 (12)  “…risk of flooding.”

Data from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office says voters age 65 and up made up about two-thirds of the votes cast last month. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says older voters have long dominated the electorate because they are more settled in the community…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…day-to-day lives.“

LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte says he’s staying. The New Iberia native says he’ll play his senior year at LSU instead of opting for the NFL draft. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says the beginning of the season, there were rumors of tension between Boutte and the new head coach, but their relationship grew and his choice to return signifies that.

Cut 13 (09) “…right in.”  

That huge sigh of relief you heard is from LSU fans over the announcement that star wide receiver Kayson Boutte says he’s staying. Boutte says he’ll play his senior year at LSU instead of opting for the NFL draft. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says this is huge news for the Bayou Bengal’s 2023 season and quite a nod to head coach Brian Kelly.

Cut 12 (13) “…he’s on board.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s working on legislation to give tax relief to people impacted by natural disasters. Because of the physical and financial impacts of hurricanes and flooding, Cassidy is working on a policy to create special tax deductions for personal casualty losses.

Cut 9 (10) “…. standard deduction.” 

He says it would be similar to that which was given to Hurricane Laura victims, and he hopes this will assist those impacted by Ida.

New numbers from the Louisiana secretary of state show the youngest voters did not turn out heavily here in the November 8^th election as they did in other states Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby..”

US Bureau of Indian Affairs awards the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana a grant to assist the community with the threats of flooding, storms, and rising sea levels. The $5 million dollar award is part of the departments expanded efforts to assist tribes impacted by climate-related environmental threats.

When the new Congress convenes next year, Louisiana Congressmembers will have key committee roles for example Congresswoman Julia Letlow will serve on House Appropriations. Congressman Troy Carter this gives Louisiana better influence.

Cut 4 (09)  “…of Louisiana.” 

Carter will serve as Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

While younger voters made an impact in other elections last month, turnout was low here in Louisiana.   ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says that’s because the Louisiana ballot was humdrum compared to those in other states.

Cut 7 (11)  “…economic issues.”

Last month Louisiana voters 18 to 34 made up almost 13-percent of the total electorate.

In three days, Monroe police responded to four overdose deaths. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 24 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Here’s a look at commodities

Political analysts are still examining why the expected red wave didn’t happen in national elections. ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says the youngest voters had a key impact.

Cut 6 (10)  “…thirty years.”

But numbers from the Louisiana Secretary of State show that didn’t happen  here, the youngest voters had the lowest turnout., Eighteen- to 20-year-olds accounted for 1.3 percent of the total electorate.

When the 118^th Congress convenes next year, members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation assume new leadership roles. Congressman Steve Scalise will serve as House Majority Leader and Representative Troy Carter will be the Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Cut 3 (12) “…will assume.” 

The CDC says flu cases are rising fast nationwide. How is the flu season in Louisiana shaping up? State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the flu came earlier than normal this year and cases in Louisiana are on the rise…:

Cut 13 (07) “…still going up.”

According to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the job satisfaction rate at the Department of Children and Family Services is low. Emily Dixon with the Auditor’s Office says pay and managerial support are among the complaints and DCFS is working on increasing pay and filling job vacancies.

Cut 12 (10) “…daily bases.”

Last month Marketa Garner Walters resigned as Secretary of the Department after two high-profile child welfare deaths.

In 72 hours, Monroe Police responded to four overdose deaths over the weekend. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan says they are asking the public to contact them or Crimestoppers if they have any information about overdoses.

Cut 9 (05)  “…responsible for it.”

One arrest has been made so far and they believe they are fentanyl related.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor releases details from a job satisfaction survey of child welfare workers within the Department of Children and Family Services. Emily Dixon with Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office says workers are forced to do more with fewer resources.

Cut 11 (09)  “…completing investigations.”

The agency has already started working on initiatives to address job satisfaction, job performance, and leadership.

The Saints suffered an absolute gut punch of a loss last night as New Orleans blew a 13-point lead to the Buccaneers and lost 17-16. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1(31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Shreveport will host the Independence Bowl and Executive Director Missy Setter says ULL and Houston fans won’t have to travel far to attend will have plenty of to keep them busy.

Cut 5 (10) “…day or two.”

The UL-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns will make their first appearance in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 23^rd. Marsanne Golsby reports Shreveport is rolling out the red carpet.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Marsanne Golsby ”

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In three days, Monroe police responded to four overdose deaths. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office releases details from a survey about the level of satisfaction workers felt within the Department of Children and Family Services. Whitney Thomas Reports

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Shreveport will host the Independence Bowl for the 46^th time this year and two teams that have never been there will play. The UL-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns will face the Houston Cougars at 2 pm Friday, December 23^rd. Missy Setters is the Executive Director of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.

Cut 4 (07)  “…lagniappe.”

This will be the tenth time the two schools will face off against each other. The Cajuns won the last matchup in 2006. The Cougars lead the series six to three.Setters says the game and the festivities surrounding it should be a nice getaway for fans of both schools.

Cut 5 (10) “…day or two.”

Tickets are on sale now and are $30 for the end zone bench, $45 for sideline bench, and $65 for sideline chair back seats. Setters encourages fans to arrive in time for festivities the night before.

Cut 6 (09)  “…county line.” 

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Monroe Police responded to four overdose deaths over the weekend in the span of just 72 hours. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan, who’s also a former DEA agent, says the first of the four overdoses happened on Thursday.

Cut 7 (13) “…on to the other.”

Zordan wants to warn the public of what he believes is a particularly deadly strain of fentanyl. He says an arrest has been made in connection with one of the overdose deaths and they were able to…

Cut 8 (09)  “…laced product.”

Zordan says they believe two of the overdose deaths are linked and the cases remain under investigation. Because there were four deaths in such a short period, authorities want to alert the public. Zordan says they are also asking the public to contact them or Crimestoppers if they have any information about overdoses.

Cut 9 (05)  “…responsible for it.”

Zordan says as much as 67 percent of the drugs they process are shown to contain fentanyl. He says one milligram of fentanyl can kill a person and which is equivalent to 11 grains of table salt

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The Louisiana Legislative Auditor released details from a job satisfaction survey of child welfare workers within the Department of Children and Family Services. The survey revealed that workers had issues with pay, caseloads, and unrealistic expectations. Emily Dixon with Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office says workers felt a lack of respect and were unsupported by supervisors and managers.

Cut 10 (10) “…current conditions.” 

Most issues respondents reported began over the previous governor and were carried from 2014.  The survey revealed 89% of workers are passionate about their work, and only 54% are actually satisfied with their job. Dixon says workers are forced to do more with fewer resources.

Cut 11 (09)  “…completing investigations.”

DCFS has already started working on initiatives to address job satisfaction, job performance, and leadership. Dixon says so far they are working on increasing pay and filling job vacancies.

Cut 12 (10) “…daily bases.”

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says flu cases are rising fast nationwide. How is the flu season in Louisiana shaping up? State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the flu came earlier than normal this year and cases in Louisiana are on the rise…:

Cut 13 (07) “…still going up.”

Kanter says the best way to avoid getting sick is to get your flu shot as soon as possible. He says Louisiana medical providers are not yet overwhelmed by the flu, but the caseloads are rising fast…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…for flu symptoms.”

The CDC says nearly 9 million have gotten seriously sick with the flu so far this season and about 78-thousand had to be hospitalized. Dr. Kanter says the best way to lower your chances of flu-related downtime is to get the annual flu shot right away…:

Cut 15 (06)  “…month and a half early.”

Flu shots are available most everywhere. If you cannot afford one, visit your parish health unit and ask about a free flu shot. Locations are online at “ldh.la.gov”