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.

On Talk Louisiana this morning, a man involved in Monday’s massive car pile-up describes his experience. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Of the eight victims, 7 have now been identified by the St. John the Baptist Coroner. The youngest was a 6 year old little boy from Madisonville and the oldest was an Eighty-Seven year old gentleman originally from Missouri.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors names Doctor Jim Henderson as the new president of Louisiana Tech. Henderson will leave his job as U-L System president and he looks to build on what he calls the best undergraduate scholarship program in the state

Cut 9 (10) “…the institution” 

Henderson is a native of Shreveport and previously served as president of Northwestern State and Bossier Parish Community College.

Newly elected Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson is a conservative who received the backing of former President Donald Trump. The Advocate Chief Mark Ballard expects Johnson’s social conservatism to add to his approach in this role.

Cut 13 (12) “….apparently does.”

As Speaker of the House, Johnson faces a possible federal government shutdown if Congress fails to pass funding legislation by November 17.

History is made today as Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton is the first Speaker of the House from Louisiana. Johnson’s election ends a chaotic three-week period for the lower chamber that was without a leader…

Cut 13 (13) “….back in business” …

Former Congressman Ralph Abraham and influential Republican businessmen Lane Grigsby and Eddie Rispone were announced today as transition chairs for Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s transition team. Landry says the transition headquarters will also be at his alma mater U-L Lafayette, instead of LSU, where previous incoming governors held them…

cut 3 (12) “of this state”

State Police say vehicles involved in the massive car pileup on Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish on Monday have been removed. Sergeant Kate Stegall says troopers are working to make sure all vehicles involved in the crash are accounted for. She urges anyone involved who wants to retrieve their vehicle or personal items to contact Troop B before going to the tow company.

Cut 8 (12) “…in place.” 

Drivers and owners of vehicles can contact Troop B by email at TroopB@la.gov. There is no timeline for the completion of the reopening of Interstate 55.

Louisiana is among the thirty-three states suing Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for using addictive features to hook and exploit children. Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill…

Cut 9 (13) “…to them.” 

History is made as Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton is the first Speaker of the House from Louisiana. Johnson laid out some of his priorities during his introductory address as the 56th Speaker of the U-S House. He says it’s time to rein in spending to reduce inflation, more needs to be done to protect the southern border and the U-S needs to provide support to Israel…

Cut  14 (11) “world (clapping)”

Governor elect Jeff Landry says he plans to tackle the state’s crime problem as soon as he gets into office with a special session as early as mid-January. He says the state’s criminal justice system should work to keep people from going to jail, instead of letting criminals out…

Cut 4 (10) “…the criminals”

Vehicles involved in the deadly Interstate 55 pile-up near New Orleans have been removed and bridge inspections are underway. Teiko Foxx has more on the efforts…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

In Monroe a GoFundMe account has been set up to help with funeral arrangements for 14 year old Dontavius Wilson who was fatally shot Saturday night. The shooting occurred in the 3100 block of Renwick Street in Monroe. Authorities are actively investigating but have not yet identified a suspect.

History is made for Louisiana today as Congressman Mike Johnson has been elected as the next U.S. Speaker of the House. The Benton Republican is the first speaker from the state of Louisiana. Things moved fast at the capital but Johnson made sure to give the proper thank yous.

Cut 12 (09)…laughter

Johnson needed 217 votes. He got 220.

Jeff Landry announces his transition chairs as he prepares to take over as governor on January 8th. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana is among thirty-three states suing Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for using addictive features to hook and exploit children. Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill says they are seeking financial damages from Meta and restitution to end such practices against children.

Cut 10 (09) “…our children.”

Meta issued a statement that it shares the attorneys general’s commitment to providing teens with safe and positive experiences online.

State Police say vehicles involved in the massive car pileup on Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish on Monday have been removed and cleanup is underway. Sergeant Kate Stegall says the bridge had to be cleared before inspectors could assess the damage.

Cut 6 (13) “…the bridge.”

Department of Transportation will be using specialized equipment, such as ground penetrating radar as part of the inspection process.

Is there still a chance the next Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives will be from Louisiana? Congressman Mike Johnson of Benton finished second out of 7 candidates in the Republican Conference nomination early Tuesday in a series of secret ballots eventually won by Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer. Emmer has now withdrawn his name from consideration.

The House has been without a speaker and unable to conduct business since former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted three weeks ago.

I-55 remains closed between Ponchatoula and Ruddock as the state department of transportation inspects the bridge for any deficiencies. The final few damaged vehicles were removed from the elevated roadway this morning Trooper Kate Stegall says it’s an unprecedented event…

Cut 9 (11) “…amount of vehicles” 

The State Fire Marshall is investigating a brush fire that resulted in the discovery of a man’s body in Alexandria on Monday. The fire was reported in the 6100 block of LA 488. Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the victim is believed in his 60s and is the homeowner

Cut 4 (12) “…went wrong.”

Mardi Gras 2024 receives the green light in Shreveport after security concerns put the annual event in Mardi Gras 2024 receives the green light in Shreveport after security concerns put the annual event in peril.

Stacy Brown with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says about 225,000 attend their five Mardi Gras parades and about 41 percent of them are out-of-town visitors.

Cut 7 (13) “…Mardi Gras season.” 

Next year Mardi Gras falls on February 13th

With I-55 closed, after the tragic 158 vehicle pile-up Monday morning, it’s going to be more difficult for people traveling from Tangipahoa or eastern Livingston Parishes to get to and from areas south of Lake Pontchartrain. How long the interstate will remain closed is unknown, but DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says a thorough inspection must be done…

Cut 12 (06) “..properly”  

The types of things they’re looking for

Cut 11 (12) “…re-open”

There are several alternate routes travelers can use including Hwy 51. You can check the DOTD website at 511LA.org

State Fire Marshall Deputies are investigating a brush fire that resulted in the death of an Alexandria man in his 60s.   Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

Mardi Gras 2024 receives the green light in Shreveport after security concerns put the annual event in peril. Mayor Tom Arceneaux made the announcement this morning alongside Krewe members of Centaur and Gemini.

Cut 6 (09) “…this process.”

Arceneaux says they will have enough police and fire personnel to support the parades.

I-55 is closed in Southeast Louisiana following yesterday’s  158-vehicle pileup in Superfog that killed at least seven and injured more than 25 people. Jeff Palermo the story..

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Currently I-55 remains closed between Ponchatoula and Ruddock. Alternate routes between Hammond/Ponchatoula and New Orleans are Hwy 51 to LaPlace then enter I-10 or travel to Mandeville and take the Causeway.

The State Fire Marshall is investigating a fatal brush fire that resulted in the discovery of a man’s body in Alexandria on Monday. Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says investigators are still working to identify the victim’s cause of death. She says the tragedy serves as an important reminder for Louisianans who are still following the state’s burn ban.

Cut 5 (10) “ ….about here.”  

Mardi Gras 2024 receives the green light in Shreveport after security concerns put the annual event in peril. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith says even though the amount of officers won’t be what they’ve had in the past they will be able to provide support for all parades.

Cut 8 (10) “…safe day.”

Mardi Gras day is February 13th next year.