Among Governor-Elect Jeff Landry’s goals is improving customer service at the Office of Motor Vehicles and that is why he says he’s named Dan Casey will serve as the new Commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles. Landry said The Office of Motor Vehicles is an office of public service, and it should respect each citizen’s time and offer quality customer service. Landry also named Austin Badon as Assistant to the Commissioner

McNeese State President Daryl Burckel announces his plans to leave his role by June 30th.  Burckel says it is the right time to welcome new leadership who can see the school through more growth.

Cut 3 (13) “…moving forward.”

During his seven years as President, he was able to bring the $40 million state-of-the-art Legacy Center to campus which seats more than four thousand people. The complex is the home to the men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball programs.

Three Bossier City juveniles have been arrested for the murder of a Haughton teen. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the bird flu outbreak is wiping out waterfowl in the Bayou State for a second year. State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Jim Lacour says this year’s fall migration has created a resurgence of infected waterfowl. While this strain of bird flu poses minimal dangers to humans…

Cut 10 (10) “…to it.”

Former LSU Associate AD Sharon Lewis’ 50-million dollar sexual harassment, race-based and gender-based retaliation lawsuit against LSU is underway. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne is covering the trial at the federal courthouse in Baton Rouge and says On the first day of testimony, former student intern Nikole Jessie broke down and cried on the stand as she recalled her claims LSU running backs coach Frank Wilson made unwanted sexual advances against …

Horne says jesseie testified, after Wilson kissed her on the lips, she immediately told Lewis….

Cut 14 (10) “…her job” 

Horne says Jessie testified that another student employee lost her job after complaining about being sexually harassed and did not want to lose her job, despite receiving inappropriate gifts from Wilson.

As of this morning, there hasn’t been a homicide in New Orleans this month and violent crime is also down.  Brooke Thorington has more.

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

Spokesperson, Don Redman says triple A is reporting a record eleven point five million Americans will travel by air for the holidays, so be prepared for packed airports

Cut 8 (12) “…winter” 

As of this morning, the City of New Orleans has not reported a homicide for December. In September the Crescent City went 12 days without a murder. President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission Rafael Goyeneche…

Cut 3 (12) “…about 19%.”

Cam Jordan of the New Orleans Saints says a violent argument and gunshots disrupted his annual charity event for local children Monday evening.  Jordan was holding his God Iz Love Foundation Christmas sneaker giveaway at Sneaker Politics, when he said heard the argument and gunshots. No one inside the store at 216 Chartres Street was injured. New Orleans Police Department are investigating a report of aggravated criminal damage to property in the 200 block of Chartres Street that occurred at around 6 p.m. Monday, but did not say whether the incident is related to the situation Jordan described.

AAA predicts 115 million people will be on the move over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday and. Spokesperson Don Redman says the national average for a gallon of gas was $3.26 and this year its $3.14 a gallon for regular gasoline. He says travelers can expect cheaper gas prices in the Gulf South

Cut 7 (08) “.. seventy-one.” 

Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn loses his appeal as the election drama continues. The 2^nd Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s ruling granting Republican John Nickelson another election after he lost to Whitehorn by one vote in November.  Political analyst Scott Hughes says it was a split three-two decision. And filing a challenge to the state’s highest court, Hughes says won’t be cheap for Whitehorn…

Cut 11 (12) “…a mistake.”

If filed Hughes expects the Supreme Court to render an answer sooner than later.

As of this morning, the City of New Orleans has not reported a homicide for December. President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission Rafael Goyenech says prioritizing arrests of those carrying weapons illegally and/or drugs is reflected in the reduction of violent crime because they are not out on the streets.

Cut 5 (10) “ …drug offenses.”  

Goyeneche is also hopeful the partnership with Republican Governor-elect Jeff Landry and Democrat Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams will continue the crime reduction.

Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn loses his appeal to avoid a new election against Republican John Nickelson who sued after losing to Whitehorn by one vote in November in which a recount revealed illegal votes cast.  Political analyst Scott Hughes says for the case to advance, you have to have to prove a new argument because this case mirrors the precedent set in the 1999 Red River Parish Sheriff’s race.

Cut 10 (07) “…previous decisions.”

Triple A forecasts an additional two million travelers this Christmas and New Year’s holiday compared to last year. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Fox” 

Louisiana dogs have been fortunate to escape a serious canine respiratory illness but Ginger Guttner with the LSU Vet Schools says it’s not the time to introduce your dog to a new dogs. When the Vet School first posted information about Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex, it was seen in 14 states. At last check, it was up to 16.

Cut 12 (08) “…in Florida.” 

DNA from remains of a 2005 Natchitoches Parish cold case is being profiled at a Texas lab, in hopes of identifying the body. Director of Operations of Othram Labs, Colby Lasyone says they believe the body found in an oil drum encased in cement is that of a black male between the ages of 18 and 30…

Cut 3 (06) “…information.”

The body was located in a shallow creek near Clarence and was ruled a homicide. It was determined that the victim had been deceased for as few as one year or as many as twenty-five years.

State Police are investigating the in-custody death of 35-year-old Kenderis D. Lawrence, of Shreveport, who fled from Shreveport Police as they were patrolling the Broadmoor area Saturday evening due to a recent rise in burglaries. Trooper LeAnn Hodges says when he failed to comply with officers a taser was deployed.

Cut 9 (08) “…saving measures.” 

Lawrence was transferred to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport where he was later pronounced deceased.

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson was back in his district for the fist time since he was elected as Speaker of the House in late October. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

High school football winners over the weekend included, Calvary Baptist and St. Thomas More, both won state championships on Saturday. The Cougars of St. Thomas More repeated as Division Two select state champions by knocking off Lafayette Christian 35-21. S-T-M Coach Jim Hightower…

Cut 13 (08) “…”

House Speaker Mike Johnson was back in his district this past weekend. Johnson says it was the first time he’s been home since elected as speaker on October 25th. Johnson says he’s still the same guy, but the security detail that accompanies him everywhere is a major change…

Cut 6 (10) “…three suburban motorcade”

State Police are investigating the in-custody death of 35-year-old Kenderis D. Lawrence. According to Trooper LeAnn Hodges Lawrence led police on a foot pursuit which led to Lawrence being tased by Shreveport police Saturday evening. Hodges says they are asking anyone with information, pictures, or video about the incident to contact LSP either by phone, their online reporting system, or the LSP Fusion Center Hotline.

Cut 10 (09) “…provided.”

A key member from last year’s national championship team is no longer with the LSU Lady Tigers. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Ruston brings home their first state championship since 1990 as the Bearcats football team beat the Zachary Broncos over the weekend. Ruston quarterback Josh Brantley rushed for three touchdowns and linebacker Jadon Mayfield had a game-high 12 tackles. Mayfield says it was a great way to end his high school career…

Cut 12 (13)  “…state champion”  

For the 7^th year in a row, Louisiana has seen economic growth. Private companies invested 25 Billion Dollars in the Bayou State in 2023. Louisiana Economic Development, Don Piers says new opportunities in new fields at higher paying positions are increasing in Louisiana and that will mean more growth for the state…

Cut 13 (12) “…the nation.”

And we’re about to see a significant mercury drop, highs Saturday will be in the 70s. But Keim says after the rain moves through get ready for a much colder Sunday with highs in the 50s.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the state.” 

Thirteen Louisiana homes to get a fortified roof are complete under the Louisiana Fortified Roof Grant Program. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

The Prep Classic finishes with three more games on Saturday. St. Charles Catholic goes after its third consecutive state title when they face Calvary Baptist at 3:30. Cougars Coach Wayne Stein credits the players for theirconsistent performance…

Cut 10 (04) “…blessed.”

The 2020Teacher of the year at Cypress Cove Elementary in Sulfur has been arrested in Texas for possessing child pornography.  Kenneth Espree, who most recently worked as a music teacher in Klein, Texas, taught music in the Calcasieu Parish School system from 2016 to 2020.  Espree resigned after Texas deputies found child pornography on his computer this fall, leading to his arrest and incarceration on a $200,000 bond.

For the 7^th year in a row, Louisiana has seen economic growth and Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, Don Pierson says new opportunities in new fields at higher paying positions are increasing in Louisiana and that will mean more growth for the state…

Cut 13 (12) “…the nation.”

There’s a potential for some severe weather Saturday in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

The Louisiana Fortified Roof Grant Program has seen the first 13 upgraded roofs completed. Homeowner Alicia Craige is among one of the first to have hers installed. After getting the green light to move forward, Craige says she selected a contractor and her roof was up. She says the entire process was seamless and she’s pleased with the results.

Cut 5 (08) “ …them enough.”  

For the 7^th year in a row, Louisiana has seen economic growth. Private companies invested 25 Billion Dollars in the Bayou State in 2023. Louisiana Economic Development, Don Pierson…

Cut 12 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”  

Pierson says investments are coming from both established giants like Exxon Mobile and companies like a solar panel company bringing over 700 jobs.

And we’re about to see a significant mercury drop, highs Friday and Saturday will be in the 70s. But State Climatologist Barry Keim says after the rain moves through get ready for a much colder Sunday with highs in the 50s.

Cut 8 (08) “…of the state.” 

It’s a good time to check that your weather alert radio and smartphone apps are up to date so you can receive any severe weather notifications this weekend.

Thirteen Louisiana homes to get a fortified roof are complete under the Louisiana Fortified Roof Grant Program. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

Prep Football wraps up tomorrow. Ruston will play for a state title for the second year in a row. Last year the Bearcats lost to Destrehan in the division one non-select title game, on Saturday night they’ll face Zachary. Ruston Coach Jerrod Baugh (baw)…

Cut 11 (11) “…state championship.”

We’re going to need sweaters and raincoats this weekend. A cold front is bringing rain and State Climatologist Barry Keim says, rain will be scattered across the state but with the increased probability of tornadic activity, you want to remain weather-aware. Rain totals shouldn’t be excessive, he says we could have up to an inch and a half of precipitation, and the heavier rain is more likely in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 7 (09) “…drought situation.” 

The first 13 homes to have a fortified roof installed through the Louisiana Fortified Roof Grant Program have been completed. Homeowner Alicia Craige is among one of the first to have her roof installed. To comply with insurance requirements, Craige says she needed to get her roof repaired immediately so she applied online.

Cut 4 (12) “…new roof.”

The Prep Classic finishes with three more games on Saturday. It starts at noon with St. Thomas More taking on Lafayette Christian in the division two select state title game. St. Charles Catholic goes after its third consecutive state title when they face Calvary Baptist at 3:30. Cougars Coach Wayne Stein credits the players for their consistent performance…

Cut 10 (04) “…blessed.”

Ruston will face Zachary Saturday night but first Tonight, Acadiana faces Catholic High in a battle of 5A powers. Yesterday, Oak Grove won its fourth state title in five years, while Southern Lab took home its second championship in three years.