Former Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight is running for the Public Service Commission. McKnight will seek to replace District 2 PSC Commissioner Craig Greene, who is not seeking re-election.

Cut 3 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”

McKnight served in the Louisiana House from 2020-to-2024 and unsuccessfully ran for State Treasurer last year.

Doctor Ralph Abraham has been named as the state’s first Surgeon General. Abraham was serving as Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health. Governor Jeff Landry says in his role as Surgeon General, Abraham will look to modernize Louisiana’s healthcare and policies…

Cut 10 (10) “…our field.”

Abraham says he wants to change policies that have been holding the state back.

Wayne Warner, the principal at Chalmette High School will have to have surgery after being attacked by a man in a wheelchair. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Three Mandeville teenagers are facing charges after allegedly stealing a woman’s LGBTQ flag from her home and burning it. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Suzanne Carboni says detectives have been investigating the hate crime since Memorial Day weekend

Cut 12 (07) “… remarks.” 

The longest-serving principal in the country is facing surgery after he was allegedly attacked by wheelchair-bound, 33-year-old Christopher Kidd. St Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlman says when Chalmette High School principal 79-year-old Wayne Warner saw Kidd pushing over trash cans Sunday night, he stopped to render aid.

Cut 6 (09) “…(x2) in the wheelchair.”

Doctor Ralph Abraham has been named as the state’s first Surgeon General. Abraham was serving as Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health. Governor Jeff Landry says this will put a doctor in charge of health policy and an executive will oversee implementation

Cut 9 (10) “…healthcare system”

Abraham has been a practicing family medicine physician in Richland Parish for more than 30 years.

Former Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight is running for the Public Service Commission. Current district 2 commissioner Craig Greene announced he would not seek re-election. McKnight says this is a regulatory position and that means striking a balance of what is going on in the industry.

Cut 5 (06)  “…Louisiana.”

The election will be held on November 5, 2024, with a December 7^th run-off if necessary. Candidates will qualify for the election next month.

Lafayette Senator Jean-Paul Coussan and former state representative Barry Ivey from Central have also expressed interest in running.

Republican Congressman Garrett Graves, who is not seeking re-election for his seat in the U-S House, says he does not intend to run for P-S-C seat as some had speculated. Graves says he looks forward to stepping back from the growing divisiveness and polarization of political office, spending more time with normal people and reintroducing himself to friends and family.

A former Lafayette psychiatric nurse practitioner will spend the next five years in jail. Before he was arrested in 2022 in Alexandria for allegedly providing narcotics in exchange for sexual favors. Mark DeClouet was well-known in the field of addiction treatment. Monday in a plea deal DeClouet pleaded guilty to obtaining controlled dangerous substances by fraud, and possession of a Schedule III and Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. DeClouet pleaded not guilty to the seven original charges. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office was ordered to destroy any evidence seized during the arrest. DeClouet was ordered to surrender his professional license.

Chalmette High School principal 79-year-old Wayne Warner was allegedly attacked, robbed and pushed to the ground by a man in a wheelchair and now faces surgery. St Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlman says the alleged attacker, 33-year-old Christopher Kidd was taken into custody later that evening as he attempted to shoplift items at a nearby Winn Dixie.

Cut 7 (05) “…the deputies.”  

Governor Jeff Landry has named former Congressman Ralph Abraham as the state’s first surgeon general. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Three Mandeville teenagers are facing charges after allegedly stealing a woman’s LGBTQ flag from her home and burning it. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Suzanne Carboni says video evidence led to the arrest two 15-year-olds and one 14-year-old. They face several charges including theft and a hate crime.

cut 13 (08) “…their parents.” 

Doctor Ralph Abraham has been named as the state’s first Surgeon General. Abraham was serving as Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health. Governor Jeff Landry says this will put a doctor in charge of health policy. Abraham says he wants to change policies that have been holding the state back in providing better healthcare…

Cut 11 (11) ” …patient.”

Three Mandeville teenagers are facing charges after allegedly stealing a woman’s LGBTQ flag from her home and burning it. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Suzanne Carboni says detectives have been investigating the hate crime since Memorial Day weekend

Cut 12 (07) “… remarks.” 

That video led to the arrest of two 15-year-olds and one 14-year-old.

Wayne Warner, the principal at Chalmette High School will have to have surgery after being attacked by a man in a wheelchair. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (00)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight is running for the Public Service Commission. McKnight will seek to replace District 2 PSC Commissioner Craig Greene, who is not seeking re-election.

Cut 3 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month of around five dollars jumping to 13 dollars in October. The Louisiana Public Service Commission voted four to one to allow the increase. PSC Davante Lewis, who voted against the increase, says the way Cleco is framing the price jump is misleading at best and predatory at worst.

Cut 9 (10) “…acquiring them.”

Their last rate hike was in 2021.

Former President Donald Trump is in New Orleans today for a fundraiser hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors, Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro. Bollinger says Trump is confident he will win Louisiana like he did in 2020, so he’s stopping by to raise campaign funds, not to campaign.

Cut 13 (08) “…doing that.” 

Beginning next year, to receive their certification, teachers will have to pass a criminal background check. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon. Richardson, who was banned from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Games because of a positive marijuana test, was emotional when she crossed the finish line on Saturday

Cut 10 (10) “…today.”

Beginning January 1^st teachers seeking certification in Louisiana will have to undergo a criminal background check with the state. Such requirements had previously been left to local school systems. Louisiana State Police will conduct the checks and teachers that are currently certified will also have to under got the background check says Arthur Joffrion (Joe-free-on) with the Louisiana Department of Education.

Cut 5 (03)  “…securing those.”

Crimes of violence and crimes against children will automatically keep a certified teacher out of the classroom.

Former President Donald Trump is in New Orleans for a fundraising event today hosted by Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro. Bollinger believes Louisiana voters are frustrated with the way Trump has been treated as he navigates several legal challenges and want to support his campaign financially. He says, this fundraiser alone has raised millions of dollars.

Cut 15 (09) “…financially.”

Cleco customers will see a rate increase next month, but the reason why depends on who you ask. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

New Roads native, Christoper Hebert has been named Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. He is the first African American to serve as Chairman. Governor Jeff Landry made the appointment saying Hebert has the experience and background needed to properly regulate such a large industry. During Hebert’s time as Assistant Attorney General, he was instrumental in creating the Problem Gambling Resource Services Program.

Former President Donald Trump is raising campaign funds in New Orleans today. The event hosted by two of Louisiana’s biggest Republican donors, Boysie Bollinger and Joe Canizaro features three tiers of entry: thirty-three hundred dollars for a basic ticket, twenty-five thousand for a picture and one hundred thousand dollars to eat with Trump at dinner. Bollinger says every ticket has been sold.

Cut  14 (10) “…expect to have.” 

A rate increase is coming for Cleco customers next month. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix says bills will increase around five dollars next month and by October they will increase by thirteen dollars. Cleco’s last price raise was in 2021…

Cut 7 (09) “…adjustment.”  

Beginning next year, to receive their certification, teachers will have to pass a criminal background check. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richarson is heading to the Paris Olympics as a favorite to win a Gold Medal after a 10.71 second sprint in the 100-meters at the U.S. track trials in Oregon thats the fastest time from any woman in the world.

Cut 12 (11) “…well executed race.” 

Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system after a delay in request for two missing Loranger girls. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin sent a letter to the governor saying the current system is tedious and overcomplicated.

Cut 3 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

Police records showed it took 3 hours to issue an alert after Erin and Jalie Brunett were reported missing last week

Governor Landry has signed legislation giving the Louisiana Workforce Commission the responsibility of spearheading workforce changes and solutions. LWC Secretary Susana Schowen (sh-auh-on) says these changes can only result in good things.

Cut 10 (12) “…workers are.”

Saturday night’s induction of the 2024 class to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame featuring former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and LSU women’s basketball star Seimone Augustus will also feature great coaches. Among them, Tulane men’s basketball coach Perry Clark, former high school football coach Frank Monica and legendary Grambling Coach Wilbert Ellis, who won 701 games in 26 seasons as a head coach…

Cut  14 (11) “…win games.” 

Shoppers may soon be able to buy alcohol on Sundays in Bossier City. Currently, the city only allows the sale of lower alcohol content — wine and beer. This week the Bossier City Council voted six to one this week to allow grocery and liquor retailers to sell alcohol on Sundays during designated hours. Councilman Brian Hammonds proposed the bill siting an economic advantage for the city. Retailers in Shreveport already sell alcohol on Sundays.

Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system after Police records showed it took 3 hours to issue an alert after Erin and Jalie Brunett were reported missing last week. McMakin says part of the rework would make sure alert requests always go through to a real person.

cut 4 (12) “…hour or two.”

Tips from the public helped investigators determine a November fire that destroyed the Benoit Ford dealership on Johnnie B Hall Memorial Highway in Deridder was intentionally set. Now the State Fire Marshall’s office is asking the public’s help in identifying the person responsible. Deputies have photos of a young, 6 foot tall, male wearing a dark-colored hoodie and skinny jeans walking around the dealership property at 4:00 am on November 18^th, 30 minutes before the fire was reported. If you have any information, call the Arson Hotline at 844-954-1221.

As Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is making national headlines it also faces litigation. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees is not the only former Q-B being honored in the 2024 Class of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Saturday night. Former McNeese star Kerry Joseph will also be enshrined. The New Iberia native led the Cowboys to the 1995 Division One-Double-A semifinals and turned into an M-V-P performer in the Canadian Football League

Cut 13 (05) “…home.” 

Alanah Odoms with the ACLU of Louisiana says Louisiana’s law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in public classrooms clearly violates the First Amendment and the law calls for a government-mandated version of the Ten Commandments. Author of the legislation, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton believes it will withstand an expected U.S. Supreme Court challenge and, in the meantime, …

Cut 8 (09)  “…in schools.”

Governor Landry has signed legislation giving the Louisiana Workforce Commission the responsibility of spearheading state workforce changes and solutions. LWC Secretary Susana Schowen (sh-ow as in ouch-en) says Senate Bill 293…

Cut 9 (12) “…employers.”

After a delay in issuing an AMBER Alert for two missing Loranger girls, a lawmaker is calling for an overhaul of Louisiana’s AMBER Alert system. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class on Saturday night. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and LSU women’s basketball star Seimone Augustus are the headliners. Augustus was special even as a youngster

Cut 12 (10) “…amazing people.”