A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent receives North America’s highest honor for civilian heroism, the Carnegie Medal. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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LSU Health Shreveport has opened the doors to a new 79 million dollar state-of-the-art medical facility. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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A serious canine respiratory illness has now spread to 16 states. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent receives North America’s highest honor for civilian heroism, the Carnegie Medal. In 2022, Sergeant Stephen Rhodes saved nine people including a seven-year-old girl when their boat capsized. He says he didn’t hesitate, removed his gear, and jumped in the water.

Cut 4 (08) “…and fixed.”

And after two rounds of CPR, Rhodes says she began to show signs of life. The young girl was airlifted to a New Orleans hospital and made a full recovery.

Rhodes says he began May 7, 2022, on a boat patrol in Golden Meadow when he received a call about a possible shrimp violation on Grand Isle. He was nearby writing up a ticket when the boat flipped.

Cut 5 (05) “…right time.”

Sixteen individuals have been honored with the Carnegie Medal this year and more than 10,000 since its inception in 1904. As a first responder, Rhodes says he doesn’t necessarily like the title hero…

Cut 6 (11) “… inescapable.”

Rhodes, a 16-year veteran of LDWF who lives in Houma, was nominated for the award by his mother and presented with the honor by Governor John Bel Edwards.

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After nearly three years of construction, LSU Health Shreveport has unveiled its $79 million Center for Medical Education. Dr. David Lewis Dean of the School of Medicine says the center brings innovative learning techniques to north Louisiana seen at major universities nationwide…

Cut 7 (12) “…future leaders.”

The new center’s 155-square-foot structure also includes teaching spaces, a 500-seat auditorium, and a Wellness Center.

While the center received more than 26 million dollars from the Louisiana Legislature last year, Lewis says more than a third of the cost was supported by partnerships and the community.

Cut 8 (12) “…large donations.” 

An important component of the building is the more than 11 thousand square foot Center for Emerging Viral Threats research, education, and training facility. The research space will help in advanced research on viral pathogens and molecular testing for different viruses.

Lewis says this facility gives Shreveport advantage to compete for top-tier students from both near and far.

Cut 9 (12)  “…our citizens.”

The four-story structure is the first new building on campus in 15 years.

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A serious canine respiratory illness is now in 16 states. Though no cases of Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex have been reported in Louisiana, Ginger Guttner with the LSU Vet School wants you to know what it is and when to be concerned…

Cut 10 (10) “…the veterinarian.”

As the illness spreads to other states and holiday travel increases, Guttner says it’s important to call ahead and ask questions before boarding your dog…

Cut 11 (08) “…sick dogs.” 

Guttner says it’s also important to know about the facility’s cleaning protocols.

It’s okay to walk your dog with dogs you already know but Guttner says it’s not the time to introduce your dog to a new population of dogs. When the Vet School first posted information about this Canine illness, it was seen in 14 states. At last check, it was up to 16.

Cut 12 (08) “…in Florida.” 

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The Top Ten 2023 baby names for Louisiana are out. Baton Rouge General Communications Manager Katie Johnston says the name Ivy for a girl grew in popularity, from 37th the year before to 13th in the state and it’s the fifth most popular in the capital city.

Cut 13 (08) “…speculation.”

Ivy is the name of a Taylor Swift song on the album Evermore. Johnston says pop culture has an impact on baby names. Last year Maverick was a popular boy name after the release of Top Gun: Maverick.

Cut 14 (07) “…after year.”

Among the staples for boys are Liam and Noah, and for girls, Olivia and Amelia.

A growing trend in the Red Stick for boy names is Jalen. Johnston says they’ve seen multiple spellings, and they expect a similar name will make its mark in 2024.

Cut 15 (06) “…next year.”

The Top Ten Names for 2022 in Louisiana are Liam, Elijah, Noah, Luke, James, Levi, John, William, Oliver, and Asher.

For girls, it’s Olivia, Amelia, Ava, Charlotte, Harper, Emma, Isabella, Mia, Avery, and Evelyn.

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It’s game week for the Ragin Cajuns as they will play Jacksonville State on Saturday in the New Orleans Bowl. U-L Lafayette will make its seventh New Orleans Bowl appearance on Saturday and Coach Michael Desormeaux says the players are excited

Cut 16 (20) “…this game”

The demolition of the west side of Cajun Field began Monday. The school will replace the west side with 34 suites, 40 loge boxes, 524 club-level seats, and an expanded chairback section. The 65-million-dollar project is expected to be completed in time for the 2025 season. Desormeaux says it’s an exciting time for the program…

Cut 17 (20) “…all about”

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It certainly was not Saints quarterback Derek Carr’s best day as he only threw for 119 yards in New Orleans 28 to 6 win over Carolina. Carr has had multiple concussions and rib fractures this season and Coach Dennis Allen was asked Monday if injuries contributed to Carr’s performance against the Panthers…

Cut 18 (18)  “…ready for New York.” 

The Saints once again had trouble stopping the run on Sunday. The Panthers rushed for 215 yards and New Orleans is one of five teams who has allowed more than 17-hundred yards rushing on the season. Allen says open-field tackling has been an issue…

 Cut 19 (19) “…explosive plays.” 

The Saints will face a good running back this Sunday when Saquon Barkley and the Giants visit the Dome.

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” 

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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” 

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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.

Lasyone says after a valid sample of DNA is extracted from the remains, it will be compared to possible genealogy matches.

Cut 4 (08) “…this case.”

The biggest barrier Lasyone says is funding. Not every agency has the budget to deep dive into cold cases and perform extensive lab work. He says they are raising funds at DNAsolves.com.

Cut 5 (08) “ …the agency.”  

At LouisianaRadioNetwork-dot-com you can see an LSU FACES image of what they believe this particular John Doe looks like.

If you have any information about the case you’re asked to call the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office.

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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”

Johnson admits it’s still surreal for him that he is now the Speaker of the House and his schedule has increased dramatically…

Cut 7 (08) “..my analogy.” 

During his time back home, Johnson visited one of his favorite breakfast spots, Strawn’s Eat Shop in Shreveport. He held a town hall meeting televised by the Fox News Network….

Cut 8 (10) “…the economy” 

Johnson says the House plans to hold a vote Wednesday  to formalize an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Republicans allege Mr. Biden benefited financially from deals made with China and other foreign companies by his son Hunter. The White House says the President has done nothing wrong.

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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.

Hodges says Lawrence was originally on a bicycle in the 4100 block of Youree Drive and led officers on a foot pursuit through A.C. Steere Park.

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.”

The incident happened just after 11:30 on Saturday night.

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They are celebrating in Ruston today as the Bearcats football team won its first state championship since 1990, beating the Zachary Broncos 31-17. It’s the ninth state title in program history and coach Jerrod Baugh says a lot of hard work went into it…

Cut 11 (13) “…for these kids.”

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”  

Calvary Baptist and St. Thomas More also won state championships on Saturday. The Cougars of repeated as Division Two select state champions by knocking off Lafayette Christian 35-21. S-T-M Coach Jim Hightower…

Cut 13 (08) “…super proud of em”

St. Thomas More quarterback Sam Altmann threw for 153 yards and a had a rushing touchdown…

Cut  14 (13) “…achieved it”

After a lower court ruled for another Caddo Parish Sheriff election, candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal will be heard today.  Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana tops the list of states, unfortunately, it’s a list of states with the highest flu activity. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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LSU’s Jayden Daniels shows off his humor and hopes his winning the award inspires others. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Second Circuit Court of Appeals will hear Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s case today. Whitehorn is hoping to overturn the ruling for a new election after opponent John Nickelson challenged Whitehorn’s one-vote victory. Political Analyst Scott Hughes…

Cut 4 (10) “…court ruling.”

Because it’s an election case and timely, Hughes expects the court will rule quickly. He says five judges will review briefings filed by both sides and question the attorneys.

Cut 5 (11) “…decision.”

The legality of eleven ballots is being questioned in the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s race. Of those votes, two people voted twice, at least five mail-in votes were invalid, and four were cast by unqualified voters.

As for similar cases, Hughes says ironically in neighboring Red River Parish a runoff election for sheriff in 1999 was challenged all the way to the Supreme Court which ruled in favor of another election.

Cut 6 (11) “…uphold this.”

Last week Whitehorn told the media he will take the case to the Louisiana Supreme Court if necessary.

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The State Office of Community Development has distributed over 146 million dollars to nearly eight thousand Louisiana homeowners for pandemic mortgage assistance through the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund. Ginger Moses Chief Operating Officer with Office of Community Development…

Cut 7 (11) “…the cap.”

The Bayou State received federal funding through the 10-billion American Rescue Plan Act. Service providers had to participate in the program for an applicant to be eligible.

Moses says payments went directly to mortgage companies. She says this will impact thousands of Louisianans who struggled to meet mortgage payments during the pandemic.

Cut 8 (13) “…these dollars.” 

 Moses says the program offered a lifeline to Louisiana residents to help meet their mortgage payments and not lose their homes.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the funding.”

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Again this year, a large number of Louisianans are sick with the flu. Louisiana Health Officer, Dr. Joe Kanter…

Cut 10 (08) “…in the country.”

We’re tied with South Carolina. Kanter says 1 in 5 flu tests are currently positive.

Kanter says the Bayou State is nearing previous flu season peaks but numbers often rise after holiday gatherings. Louisiana loses somewhere between 500 and a thousand lives to flu every year but, Kanter says…

Cut 11 (07) “…and death.” 

Those at highest risk due to the flu are the elderly, those with significant underlying medical conditions, and immune-compromised individuals. Kanter says there’s still time to get the benefits of a flu vaccine before holiday travel and gatherings and vulnerable people should also…

Cut 12 (09) “…added protection.” 

For more information on the flu visit ldh.la.gov/fight the flu

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“That Kid” from San Bernardino, California is the third LSU football player to win the Heisman trophy. Jayden Daniels received 501 of the 870 first-place votes. After three inconsistent years at Arizona State, Daniels transferred to LSU and blossomed into college football’s best player…

Cut 13 (12) “…your dreams”

Daniels had a season for the ages in 2023 as he nearly accumulated 5,000 total yards of offense. Daniels also led the nation in passing touchdowns with 40 and total touchdowns with 50. He orchestrated one of the greatest offenses in LSU’s history. He wishes it could have led to more team success…

Cut 14 (11) “…for me”

During his Heisman acceptance speech, Daniels thanked God, his parents, coaches, teammates and everyone who helped him along his incredible journey. The latest Heisman winner also says he’s a product of hard work and faith…

Cut 15 (13) “here today”

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The Saints ended a three-game losing streak with a 28-6 win over a bad Carolina Panthers team. New Orleans offense didn’t do much for three quarters, but Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to put the game away. Coach Dennis Allen on the victory…

Cut 16 (21) “…deciding factor”

Carr only threw for 119 yards. And late in the third quarter, following a sack, Carr and center Erik McCoy got into a heated argument and had to be separated. Allen says the screaming match is no big deal…

Cut 17 (14) “…get pissed”

Carr says him and McCoy are still cool…

Cut 18 (17)  “…all good” 

Despite the victory, the Saints fans booed several times during the game as the offense struggled to move the ball. Tight end Jimmy Graham says he can understand Who Dat Nation’s frustrations…

 Cut 19 (09) “…reason too” 

The Saints are back home this Sunday to host the Giants.