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.

21-year-old Malik Flowers has been arrested after the double shooting Friday night 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. Because the football game against Patterson was close by Jackson says the game was halted as a security precaution and the stadium needed to be utilized for air medics.

Cut 7 (06) “…control.” 

And Authorities have arrested 17 year old Artavien Green of Lake Charles today after 6 teenagers were shot at a Halloween party Saturday night. Police say a fight broke out a house party leading to shots fired. 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. Green 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 during a crime of violence.

It’s LSU-Alabama week as the Fighting Tigers are up to number 13 in the AP Top 25 poll. The Crimson Tide who has one less loss than LSU and is ranked 8th. LSU Coach Brian Kelly says they have to raise their level of preparation

Cut 12 (08) “…special teams.”  

Spending nationally on the ghoulish holiday of Halloween this year is expected to set a new record. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The parents of murdered Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell are speaking out.

Cut 15 (11) “…is deceased”

Ronald Caldwell Senior says Ronnie was re-located to another apartment because of mold and given a new non-student roommate. Caldwell Sr. says Ronnie’s roommate pulled a gun on him on October 9th, three days later he was fatally shot. No one has been charged in his murder, but the roommate, 27-year-old John McIntosh, has been arrested on gun and drug charges. Ronald Caldwell Senior says Laird and Northwestern State failed to protect his son…

Cut  16 (10)   “…was wrong”

Laird announced his resignation on Thursday and Northwestern State has canceled the rest of the season forfeiting the rest of its games.

DOTD and inspectors are analyzing data on the extent of the damage to the northbound lanes of the bridge. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says questions remain as to what can be done during foggy conditions that create extreme hazards on the highway.

Cut 8 (12) “…to travel.” 

There is no timeline for reopening the northbound lanes at this time.

The intense fire and extensive wreckage in the multi-vehicle crash on i-55 earlier this week, made investigations difficult. State Troopers initially reported 8 people died in the crashes. They have updated the number to 7 and say all have been identified.

Amazon is set to open a Robotics Fulfillment Center in Shreveport next year and plans are underway for a second facility. A Last-Mile Facility is planned to occupy space in the Shreve Park Industrial Campus. The Robotics Center is expected to bring a thousand jobs and is slated to open mid 2024.

The parents of murdered Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell blame coach Brad Laird for not doing enough to protect their son. The family says Caldwell was re-located to another apartment because of mold. Ronnie’s father, Ronald Caldwell Senior, says they told Laird his son needed to be re-located again because his new roommate, who is not a student,  pulled a gun on him…

Cut 15 (11) “…is deceased”

Laird announced his resignation on Thursday and Northwestern State has canceled the rest of the season forfeiting the rest of its games.

Amazon is set to open a Robotics Fulfillment center in Shreveport next year and plans are now underway for a second facility. A Last-Mile Facility is planned to occupy 87,000 square feet of the Shreve Park Industrial Campus. These facilities will bring good jobs to Caddo Parish says Amazon’s Jessica Breaux. The Robotics Center is expected to bring 1000 jobs and is slated to open mid 2024.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot has been appointed to lead the University of Louisiana System. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board has approved the transfer of the gaming license of the abandoned Bossier City Diamond Jacks Casino to the Cordish Companies. Cordish is a leader in the gaming development industry. Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says Cordish will take over in the renovation of Diamond Jacks.

cut 3 (08) “…base casino.”

Diamond Jacks Casino closed in 2020 amid the impacts of the pandemic. Cordish Live! brands several sports and entertainment destinations such as Texas Live! Kansas City Live! and Bally Sports Live! in St. Louis, Missouri.

Ronnie Calweld’s heartbroken parents are speaking out today with details of the days leading up to the murder of their son, the Northwestern State junior safety. Through a statement from their attorneys, Caldweld’s parents say they reached out to NSU and Head Football Coach Brad Laird when Ronnie told his parents that is new roommate had pulled a gun on him. Caldweld’s parents say Coach Laird assured them he would move Caldweld to a safe location but three days later, Ronnie was found at his apartment complex where he died from several gunshot wounds. Caldweld had recently been given a new non-university non-college student roommate and moved to new apartment due to mold in his unit. Caldweld’s new roommate, 27 year old John McIntosh had previous run ins with law enforcement. Guns and drugs were subsequently discovered in the new roommate’s possession and he was arrested. On Thursday, Northwestern canceled the rest of their football season and Coach Laird resigned. No one has yet been charged with the murder.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot will replace Doctor Jim Henderson as the President of the University of Louisiana System. Gallot has served as Grambling’s president since 2016. Before that, he was a state lawmaker for 17 years. The Ruston native believes his experience as a state lawmaker will benefit him as he advocates for resources…

Cut 11 (11) “…is a plus”

Gallot will begin his new role January 1st. Information about the search to replace Gallot at Grambling will be announced at a later date.

The Humane Society of Louisiana is asking for your help after more than 50 cats were taken from a hoarding situation in New Iberia. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Northwestern State is canceling the rest of their Football season citing the mental health of players and coaches. On October 12th Junior Safety Ronnie Caldweld was shot and killed. The team travelled to Texas for Caldweld’s memorial last week. A week after Caldweld was discovered, a teammate was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice. NSU head coach, Brad Laird has stepped down saying because of the emotional burden it caused him, he didn’t feel he could give his all to his players. Natchitoches Police continue to investigate the murder.

Dr. Jim Henderson will leave his job as U-L System president to begin his role as president of Louisiana Tech on January 1st, replacing Doctor Les Guice who is retiring. Henderson has been the president of the U-L System since 2017 and is looking forward to moving to Ruston…

Cut 11 (06) “…right now.”

Congressman Mike Johnson is the 56^th Speaker of the U-S House of Representatives and he’s only been in Congress for six years. The Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard says Johnson’s low profile may have worked in his favor.

Cut 12 (11) “…other three.”  

Johnson won the final ballot after his predecessors Congressman Steve Scalise, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, bid for the position flamed out.

DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says inspectors continue to assess damage to the bridge on the northbound portion of Interstate 55.

Traffic will merge to one lane at the crash site near the Manchac exit. Mallet urges motorists traveling on the southbound portion to plan ahead.

Cut 8 (12) “…with you.” 

There is no timetable for reopening the northbound lanes at this time.

Northwestern State Football has canceled the rest of their season and head coach, Brad Laird has stepped down due to the recent passing of Junior Safety Ronnie Caldwell. NSU is citing the mental health of players and coaches as the reason. Caldweld was shot and killed on October 12th. A week later a teammate was arrested for interfering in the investigation. Natchitoches Police are actively investigating the murder. The team attended memorial services for Caldwell in Texas last week.

Louisiana Tech has found a new president. Jeff Palermo reports Jim Henderson will leave as U-L System President to lead the Ruston-based school…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Brandon Jolly was among the motorists involved in Monday morning’s horrific car pile-up on Interstate 55 in St. John the Baptist Parish. Jolly says he was traveling south and the fog intensified once he reached Lake Maurepas and it was a miracle he wasn’t initially hit or hit anyone else.

cut 3 (12) “…pretty much.”

Eight people died in the pile-up that occurred in both the north and southbound lanes of the interstate.

DOTD announced the southbound side of Interstate 55 has reopened. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says inspectors have determined the majority of the southbound portion of the roadway is safe for travel.

Mallet says inspectors continue to assess damage to the bridge on the northbound portion of Interstate 55. He says areas on the northbound portion had to be cleaned before inspection.

Cut 7 (12) “…in sight.” 

Traffic will merge to one lane at the crash site near the Manchac exit. Mallet urges motorists traveling on the southbound portion to plan ahead.