The Federal Highway Administration has given Louisiana the green light for an environmental assessment for a proposed new Mississippi River Bridge south of Baton Rouge. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet (le-DAY) the environmental assessment will help engineers develop a more detailed road design, conceptual bridge designs and cost estimates for the three alternatives.

Cut 11 (12) “…the river.”

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office says it made an arrest ten minutes after a 20-year-old man killed a 21-year-old man execution style, and then put the body in a trunk. Sheriff Mike Tregre (“traig”) says they got the 911 call Saturday night about a man loading the body into an orange Dodge Charger.

Cut 13 (13)  “…very impressive.”

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A juvenile is arrested for allegedly posting a threat against a Rapides Parish high school. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Meanwhile, Rapides Parish authorities have announced another social media threat made, this one at Tioga High School.  We’re told RPSO and Cyber Crimes Unit are investigating that one, but this latest threat will not deter normal school operations.  Officials have said there will be extra security measures in place.

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Governor Jeff Landry says he has formally requested federal assistance to activate up to 1,000 Louisiana National Guard personnel under Title 32. He made the announcement on “Hannity” last night.  The Governor cited “ongoing public safety concerns regarding high crime rates throughout the state,” saying local law enforcement is overwhelmed by crime rates that significantly exceed the national average.

The Federal Highway Administration has given the state the green light to conduct an environmental assessment for a new proposed Mississippi River Bridge south of Baton Rouge. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet (le-DAY) says the approval marks a significant step in advancing the projects, and it begins the formal process to ensure the bridge is planned responsibly.

Cut 10 (10) “…this associated project?”

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The St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office says a LaPlace man killed another man execution style and then dumped his body in a trunk. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Multiple threats have been made against schools in Rapides Parish in the last few days, including Peabody Magnet High, Alexandria Senior High, and Pineville High School, where one juvenile has been arrested. Rapides Parish School Board member Willard McCall says schools are in session yesterday, but people are on edge.

Cut 5 (06) “…doing other things.”

Late yesterday, authorities announced another social media threat had been made against Tioga High School. Officials have said “copycat” threats will not deter normal school operations.

Detectives with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a juvenile in connection with a threat posted onto social media against Pineville High School. Rapides Parish School Board member Willard McCall says that school was not the only one in the parish to come under threat over the last several days.

Cut 4 (05) “…across the river.”
Those other two schools were Peabody Magnet High School and Alexandria Senior High School.   And just yesterday, officials there announced they’re looking into a fourth threat at Tioga High School.

Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal shooting involving a state trooper that happened early this morning in Gonzales.  It happened around two during a traffic stop at LA Highways 431 and 935.  We’re told the trooper’s weapon was discharged and one person was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.

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The state department of transportation says a significant step has occurred in building a new Mississippi River Bridge south of Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana colleges and universities are reporting record freshman enrollments for this school year, including U-L Lafayette.  Dr. DeWayne Bowie is the vice president for enrollment management.

Cut 7 (12) “…over last year.”

Dr. Bowie says it’s the largest freshman class in the school’s history.

The family of a Southern University student who died as the result of an alleged hazing ritual earlier this year, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Omega Psi Phi.  Investigators have said 20 year old Caleb Wilson died after being repeatedly punched in the chest. His family claims fraternity members lied about what happened, and that delayed medical treatment.

An Amite man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder charges in the death of a 35-year-old woman and her four-year-old daughter. Prosecutors say Daniel Callihan stabbed to death Callie Brunett 50-times in Loranger in June of 2024 and took her girls to Hinds County, Mississippi. That’s where four-year-old Erin Brunett was found dead. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says Callihan will serve two life sentences with no possibility of parole…

Cut 6 (06) “…important to us.”

Callihan is expected to plead guilty on Monday to state charges in Mississippi.
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Early voting in the New Orleans mayoral election begins today. Andrew Greenstein reports it could be a runaway.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Today is National Seat Check Saturday, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is has nine free child safety seat inspection stations around the state till noon today. State director for the Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force,  Bridget Gardner…

Cut 9 (10)  “…don’t get it right.”

An Amite pleads guilty to first-degree murder charges in the deaths of 35-year-old Callie Brunette and her four-year-old daughter Erin.  Prosecutors say Daniel Callihan stabbed to Callie Brunett 50-times in Loranger in June of 2024 and took her girls, to Hinds County, Mississippi, where little Erin was found dead. With the guilty plea, Callihan avoids the death penalty. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux…

Cut 7 (09) “…great benefit.”

Today is National Seat Check Saturday, which is why the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has nine free child safety seat inspection stations around the state from nine to noon. Bridget Gardner, the state director for the Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force says if you show up to one of these stations and you’re found to have an improper seat, you might be able to obtain a proper one right then and there.

Cut 11 (13) “…have any extras.”

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Early voting began today in the New Orleans mayoral election. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says while Helena Moreno, who’s the current president of the New Orleans City Council, is resonating with voters, State Senator Royce Duplessis and Councilman Oliver Thomas seem to be having less success winning them over.

Cut 4 (14) “…to the past.”

In today’s SEC showdown between 4th ranked LSU and 13th ranked Ole Miss, the Tigers’ defense will be tested. Last time the Tigers played Ole Miss in Oxford, LSU’s defense surrendered a program worst 707 yards of offense. ESPN analyst and former LSU defensive tackle Booger McFarland says he has a lot more confidence in this 2025 squad.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the field.”

Kick-off today is set for 2:30

If you have a “baby on board,” take a few minutes to check on the installation of your child safety seat as the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has nine free safety seat inspection stations around the state from nine to noon. Bridget Gardner, the state director for the Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force, says an improperly installed seat is as dangerous as a no child seat at all and…

Cut 10 (14) “…room for injury.”

Early voting began today in the New Orleans mayoral election. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says Helena Moreno has such a big lead in the polls that the other two major candidates in the race, Royce Duplessis and Oliver Thomas, are just hoping to get the race to a runoff.

Cut 3 (09) “…percent plus one.”

Early voting ends next Saturday.

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A Tangipahoa Parish man has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for killing a Loranger mother and her daughter in June of 2024. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The LSU Tigers are in Oxford to take on the Rebels of Ole Miss whose rush defense is 120^th in the nation.  There are reports that LSU’s leading rusher Caden Durham is doubtful for this game. ESPN analyst and former LSU defensive tackle Booger McFarland says the Tigers must run the ball efficiently.

Cut 12 (09) “…130 yards.”

Early voting in the New Orleans mayoral election begins today. Andrew Greenstein reports it could be a runaway.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The family of a Southern University student who died as the result of an alleged hazing ritual earlier this year, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Omega Psi Phi.  Investigators have said 20 year old Caleb Wilson died after being repeatedly punched in the chest. His family claims fraternity members lied about what happened, and that delayed medical treatment.
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An Amite man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder charges in the death of a 35-year-old woman and her four-year-old daughter. Prosecutors say Daniel Callihan stabbed to death Callie Brunett 50-times in Loranger in June of 2024 and took her girls to Hinds County, Mississippi. That’s where four-year-old Erin Brunett was found dead. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says Callihan will serve two life sentences with no possibility of parole…

Cut 6 (06) “…important to us.”

Today is National Seat Check Saturday, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is has nine free child safety seat inspection stations around the state from nine to noon. Bridget Gardner, the state director for the Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force, says the vast majority of parents fail to properly install child safety seats.

Cut 9 (10)  “…don’t get it right.”

You can find those locations at Louisiana Radio Network. com

The state is moving closer to its goal of having 60-percent of adults hold an educational credential beyond a high school diploma. Dr. Tristan Denley is the deputy commissioner for Academic Affairs and Innovation at the Board of Regents and says Louisiana has a variety of programs and initiatives working to make it happen by 20-30. Denly says it starts with improving overall student success and expanding education and training for adults.

Cut 9 (09)  “…higher education.”

Louisiana is in the midst of another industrial construction boom, and that could lead to a population boom. Leaders for a Better Louisiana says six megaprojects are driving construction activity and will bring in more people. CEO Adam Knapp…

Cut 14 (09) “…those six sites.”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is in serious financial pinch.  U-L’s Interim President revealed a 25 million dollar structural deficit yesterday, requiring substantial cuts to balance.  According to a report by The Current in Lafayette Interim President Jaimie Hebert says after weeks of work university officials have agreed to reduce spending by 10% across most divisions, identifying as much as 15-million dollars in budget savings in what he calls Phase 1 of the plan to fix the deficit.

National Hunting and Fishing Day is tomorrow, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding a celebration at four locations across the state… Baton Rouge, Woodworth, Haughton, and Monroe.  LDWF spokesman Trey Iles says there will be shooting ranges and young anglers attending the Baton Rouge event can enter a free fishing contest.

Cut 11 (07) “…keep there.”

For more information on National Hunting and Fishing Day Activities, go to LDWF’s Facebook page.

Louisiana is in the midst of another industrial construction boom — and Andrew Greenstein reports that could lead to a population boom.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A man in Lake Charles was sentenced yesterday to three consecutive life terms for raping children in the 1990s.  61-year-old Choy Van Leo was arrested last may after twenty years on the run. Calcasieu authorities say Van Leo either raped or molested seven children, between the ages of 4 and 12 years old, from 1992 until 2000.

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The City of Shreveport is teaming up with rapper 50 Cent to revitalize the downtown area. 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, is looking to establish a new entertainment district in downtown Shreveport that would be financed with a two-percent sales tax collected inside the specific zone being revitalized. Mayor Tom Arceneaux says everyone will benefit in the end.

Cut 5 (10) “…into the fund”

Louisiana has set a goal of having 60 percent of its residents credentialed beyond a high school diploma.  And The Board of Regents says, since last year, that number is up a full percentage point to 52.5 percent. Dr Christian Denley is the deputy commissioner for Academic Affairs and Innovation and says those with higher credentials will make significantly higher salaries than those without.

Cut 8 (11) “…their communities.”

Louisiana is in the midst of another industrial construction boom, and that could lead to a growth in population.  Leaders for a Better Louisiana says six megaprojects are driving construction activity. CEO Adam Knapp says between now and 2030, there will consistently be about ten-thousand people working on projects that include the Meta Data Center in Richland Parish and the Hyundai steel plant in Ascension Parish.

Cut 13 (10)  “…these six sites.”

The state is moving closer to its goal of having an educational attainment rate of 60-percent. The Board of Regents says it’s currently 52.5 percent, more than a full percentage point higher than last year. The education attainment rate is the proportion of people between the ages of 25 and 64 that have a credential beyond a high school diploma. Dr. Tristan Denley…

Cut 7 (10) “…want to get.”

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Louisiana’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hosting National Hunting and Fishing Day across the state tomorrow.  Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

An investigation is underway after a suspect died while in the custody of the Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office yesterday.  Louisiana State Police say they got the request to investigate the incident just before noon yesterday. We’re told APSO responded to a disturbance at a home in Kinder where the suspect was taken into custody. We’re told the suspect later showed signs of medical distress, and was taken to the hospital, where they died.