DOTD is expecting it will take another two weeks to repair portions of Interstate 55 damaged by the 168-vehicle pileup that killed seven people in St. John the Baptist Parish. I-55 South is currently open but spokesperson Rodney Mallet says they’ll need to shut it down for a six-hour period this weekend where traffic is currently reduced to one lane.

Cut 8 (12) “…or so.” 

The weather forecast for the next week does not call for any significant chance of rain. Keim says an El Nino climate pattern is expected to continue into the winter and he says that should result about normal precipitation

Cut 13 (12) “…in yet.”

Governor Edwards and Colonel Lamar Davis officially broke ground on the site of the new State Police Crime Lab this morning. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (00)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Brittany Spears fans have a chance to own part of her childhood. The Kentwood home where she grew up hit the market this week. The 2300 sq foot Ranch style home sits on almost 2 acres and still has many of the furnishings that were there while Brittany lived there. If you’re interested, it has 1 point 2 million dollar price tag.

A revised US drought monitor shows 88-percent of the state is under extreme or exception drought. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

DOTD is expecting it will take another two weeks to repair portions of Interstate 55 damaged by the 168-vehicle pileup that killed seven people in St. John the Baptist Parish. I-55 northbound remains closed. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says partial deck replacement is needed. He say contractors will start next week and repairs could take up to two weeks to complete.

Cut 10 (09) “…repave it.”

Governor John Bel Edwards and Colonel Lamar Davis officially broke ground on the site of the new State Police Crime Lab this morning. In the past year alone, the current lab has taken on more than 16-thousand new cases and it’s often the data processed that will decide one’s guilt or innocence. In addition to solving crimes, Edwards says the facility plays another vital role…

Cut 5 (08) “ …as well.”  

It’s National Adoption Month and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and First Lady Donna Edwards honored 465 families who have adopted 619 children from foster care this year. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says the ultimate goal is to find safe and permanent homes and families for children through adoption.

Cut 6 (13) “…their own”

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry announced his transition website today and has identified 14 areas in Louisiana that need the most attention and he’s named chairpersons that will lead a committee to come up with solution-driven ideas. The governor-elect says one of the panels formed will look at how to improve New Orleans…

Cut 8 (12) “…is crime.” 

Union Parish DA John Belton filed papers Tuesday dismissing charges of malfeasance in office against Lt. John Clary, the ranking State Police Trooper at the 2019 scene of Ronald Greene’s death. Clary was one of five officers originally indicted last year after a high speed chase, crash and alleged cover-up. Clary is said to be cooperating in the case against the two remaining defendants, Master Trooper Kory our and Union Parish sheriff’s deputy Chris Harpin. On dismissal of Clary’s charges, Greene’s mother said “ Youre glad to see anybody flip but it absolutely has no meaning until we’re through.

A record-high 87 hundred students in the Bayou State earned a three or better on their Advanced Placement exams. Teiko Foxx on what this means…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

Louisiana Tax payers in the Northwest part of the state will again have in-person help for their tax issues as the Louisiana Department of Revenue reopens their regional office in Shreveport. You can submit your state taxes and payments, and make payment plans but the staff cannot assist with the completion of your return. The office is located at 910 Pierremont Road, Suite 312.

If you want a job in Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s administration, go to his new transition website oneteam.la. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Louisiana Department of Education has released the 2022-2023 Advanced Placement results which show high school seniors have earned record achievement on their placement tests. Nearly nine thousand students earned a three or better. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says students who earned a three or better can earn college credits for the course.

cut 3 (11) “…high schools.”

The Bayou State is literally a trash receptacle for other states because of litter that flows into the Mississippi River and ultimately the Gulf says Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful Susan Russell. Louisiana receives the drainage of approximately 100 million people.

Cut 11 (12) “…our state.”

Trash flowing into the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River has resulted in some of the highest concentrations of microplastics in the world which impacts the state’s seafood industry.

Louisiana Tax payers in the Northwest part of the state will again have in-person help for their tax issues as the Louisiana Department of Revenue reopens their regional office in Shreveport. You can submit your state taxes and payments, and make payment plans but the staff cannot assist with the completion of your return. The office is located at 910 Pierremont Road, Suite 312.

Since Northwestern State sophomore tight end Travon Jones started the petition to bring back their football season, he says he’s not received any feedback from the school’s administration or coaches. Jones says playing football is the best way for him and fellow teammates to handle their grief after the death of Ronnie Caldwell. When he lost a loved one before previous coaches agreed to play on.

Cut 8 (10) “…taken away.” 

Last week NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones cited the mental health of the players for cancelling the final four games of the season.

It’s a cold day for outdoor Halloween activities. It will be in the low to mid 50s when most communities are holding trick or treat activities. And a strong wind out of the north is making it feel even colder. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says after a hot summer and warm October, we are not used to this…

Cut 9 (06) “…alarming” 

In January, a collective called Bayou Traditions was formed to raise funds to provide NIL deals with athletes. For over 30 years, the Tiger Athletic Foundation has raised money for facilities.  LSU associate athletics director, Taylor Jacobs, says some donors have a tough choice to make…

Cut 4 (11) “…necessary”

If you’re looking for additional heat on this first cold day of the season, Ashley Rodrigue with the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds you to do so safely. Never use an extension cord with a space heater because it could create an additional power source that isn’t equipped to handle the amount of electricity needed for the heater.

Cut 13 (12) “…catch fire.”

After the fatal shooting of Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell, the season was canceled. But sophomore tight end Travon Jones has started a petition to change that. On the Natchitoches Parish Journal Podcast, he says players were never asked about ending the season.

Cut 6 (06) “…to everyone.”

Jones says playing football helps them cope.

LSU Associate Athletics Director Taylor Jacobs provided an update on N-I-L and what’s next in the world of college athletics. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain is asking the public not to light a match when outside. Strain says the state needs a few inches of rain to end the wildfire threat

Cut 12 (11) “…be careful”  

Across the generations most employees would be willing to make sacrifices for a 4 day work week according to a July Bankrate Survey. The survey says Younger Gen Z and Millennial workers are willing to give up more than older Gen X and Baby Boomers though. Of the 83% of the younger groups, almost half 43% would sacrifice 3 or more aspects of their jobs for the shorter work week. 78% of the older groups also want to shorter week but only 26 % of them would make 3 or more sacrifices but 83% would make one. At least that’s how they answered the survey.

Northwestern State administrators opted to cancel the football season citing the mental health of players after safety Ronnie Caldwell was killed. But one player says they want to play…

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

It’s cold today and strong winds are making it feel even colder. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee say the gusty winds and low humidity also produces dangerous fire weather conditions

Cut 10 (10) “…of days.”

Since the NCAA began allowing college athletes to be paid for their name, image, and likeness in July of 2021, LSU athletes have inked numerous deals and LSU associate athletics director, Taylor Jacobs, says the next big thing to possibly come is revenue sharing. Under a revenue-sharing model, schools would share TV profits with athletes. She’s concerned about the future of Olympic sports that are not showcased on television…

Cut 5 (11) “ …sustain that model”  

With the first real cold weather of the season, Ashley Rodrigue with the state fire marshall’s office wants to remind us to be safe. Never leave a space heater unattended and turn it off when sleeping because radiant heat from the source over time could catch a blanket on fire. Also, Rodrigue says never to use a stove, oven or Sterno can to warm your home, they’ve been known to cause home fires.

the safest way to stay warm when sleeping?…

Cut  14 (08) “…anything else.”

Authorities have arrested 21-year-old Malik Flowers and charged him with 2^nd degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Tyree Parker and attempted murder in the shooting of a second victim still fighting for his life after the double Friday night shooting a block from the Donaldsonville High School football game. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson says

Because the football game against Patterson was close by, the game was halted as a security precaution and the stadium needed to be utilized for air medics.

Cut 7 (06) “…control.” 

There has been an insurgence of annoying salt marsh mosquitoes in the Bayou State. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Kristen Healy says Salt marsh mosquitoes are a dusk brown color but unlike many other types of mosquitoes, they fly during the day. Healy says saltmarsh have adapted to fly extremely long distances for food sources.

Cut 4 (11) “…by piece.”

Halloween spending to reach a record $12.2 billion according to the National Retail Federation, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion. But NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights, Katherine Cullen says the big headline is more people are celebrating the holiday than before…

Cut 9 (09) “…last year.” 

LSU has injury and availability concerns going into the game against Alabama this Saturday. Head Coach Brian Kelly says defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo had surgery and will miss at least six weeks. The Tigers will also be without some of their top cornerbacks, but a freshman from Rummel High School is available…

Cut 13 (07) “…practice today”

Kelly says he has confidence freshmen cornerbacks Jeremiah Hughes, Javien Toviano and Ashton Stamps can get the job done.

An arrest in the 3^rd shooting near a high school football game this year has been made. 21-year-old Malik Flowers has been arrested after the double Friday night shooting a block from the Donaldsonville High School football game. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson says Flowers faces second-degree murder for the death of 21-year-old Tyree Parker and another shooting victim is hospitalized and fighting for his life.

Cut 8 (12) “…this incident.” 

There was another shooting on October 6 at the Hahnville – Thibodaux game and a fatal shooting on September 1^st at the Brusly – Port Allen game.

Authorities have made an arrest in the shooting at a Halloween party in Lake Charles Saturday night. 17 year old Artavien Green of Lake Charles is charged with 5 counts of aggravated 2^nd degree battery, attempted 2^nd degree battery, attempted 2^nd degree murder, and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile. Police say 6 teenagers were shot after a fight broke out a house party. 5 of the victims were transported to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and one victim reportedly fighting for his life had to be air lifted to Lafayette General.

There has been an insurgence of annoying salt marsh mosquitoes in the Bayou State. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Kristen Healy says a combination of drought and wildfires are contributing factors to this situation.

cut 3 (08) “…long time.”

Salt marsh mosquitoes are a dusk brown color but unlike many other types of mosquitoes, they fly during the day.

Halloween spending to reach a record $12.2 billion according to the National Retail Federation, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion. But NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights, Katherine Cullen says more people are celebrating the holiday than before and that’s driving the increase in spending. Before the pandemic, only 68% of US adults observed Halloween. Post-pandemic Before the pandemic, only 68% of US adults observed Halloween events…

Cut 10 (12) “…their kids.”

21-year-old Malik Flowers has been arrested after the double Friday night shooting a block from the Donaldsonville High School football game. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson says Flowers faces second-degree murder for the death of 21-year-old Tyree Parker and an attempted murder charge…

Cut 6 (08) “…being fired.”

Authorities have made an arrest in the Halloween shooting in Lake Charles Saturday night. 17 year old Artavien Green of Lake Charles is charged with 5 counts of aggravated 2^nd degree battery, attempted 2^nd degree battery, attempted 2^nd degree murder, and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile. Police say 6 teenagers were shot after a fight broke out a house party. 5 of the victims were transported to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and one victim reportedly fighting for his life had to be air lifted to Lafayette General.

The number of salt marsh mosquitoes has increased despite no major rain in Louisiana – making the common flying insect bold and bothersome. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

October has consistently been one of the deadliest months of the year on roadways according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Last year 94 people lost their lives in preventable roadway crashes. LHSC is urging drivers to be particularly careful this Halloween and avoid the fatal 4 which means wear your seatbelt, put your phone away, drive the speed limit, and don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. One more thing – Please pay close attention and watch out for pedestrians and trick or treaters.