2:30 PM Newscast

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.

4:30 PM Newscast

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.”

3:30 PM Newscast

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.

2:30 PM Newscast

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.”

5:30 PM Newscast

Authorities have arrested 21-year-old Malik Flowers and charged him with 2nd 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.

4:30 PM Newscast

An arrest in the 3rd 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 1st 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 2nd degree battery, attempted 2nd degree battery, attempted 2nd 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.”

 

 

3:30 PM Newscast

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 2nd degree battery, attempted 2nd degree battery, attempted 2nd 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.

2:30 PM Newscast

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 2nd degree battery, attempted 2nd degree battery, attempted 2nd 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.” 

4:30 PM Newscast

 

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.

3:30 PM Newscast

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.