On this last radio call in the show “Ask the Governor,” Governor John Bel Edwards talked about his plans for the future and traditions he along with other Louisiana governors had participated in before leaving office. Among them is literally leaving his mark…

Cut 6 (09) “…as well.”

Another tradition recognized by outgoing presidents is a handwritten personal letter for your successor.

The new $270 million LIVE! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City is a step closer to its grand opening in 2025. It will be the first land-based casino in the northwest region and feature 47 thousand square feet of gaming space. President of Cordish Gaming Group Rob Norton says the casino will create 750 permanent jobs and generate over $200 million in economic benefits.

Cut 4 (12) “…of time.”

The casino will be built on the site of the former Diamond Jacks casino.

On his final radion call-in show, Governor Edwards reflected on his time in office and what he’s looking forward to when he leaves next month.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In Bossier Parish, three juveniles have been arrested after an 18-year-old Houghton teen was found dead in the parking lot of the Walnut Ridge Apartments on Monday. Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matt Gaydos (Gay-duss) says investigators were able to connect a stolen vehicle from Bossier City to the three suspects, whose ages are 15, 16, and 17.

Cut 6 (12) “…lives away.”

He says robbery was the apparent motive and the car involved was found in flames in Shreveport.

Today is Governor John Bel Edwards’ last monthly call-in radio show, “Ask the Governor”. Louisiana Radio Network has produced the show for the last seven years. General Manager Jim Engster says the show gave Edwards a chance to directly talk with Louisianans.

Cut 7 (12) “…radio program.”

 Engster says the show launched statewide in April of 2016.

A state appeals court agrees there should be a new runoff election between Democrat Henry Whitehorn and Republican John Nickelson for Caddo Parish Sheriff. Political analyst Scott Hughes…believes their campaigns will differ this go around to motivate voter turnout.

Cut 11 (12) “…better sheriff.” 

After a one-vote margin, Nickelson challenged the race, and an appellate court upheld a lower court’s ruling to void the November 18^th runoff and hold another one.

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.”

Now that an appeals court has upheld a lower court’s ruling for another Caddo Parish Sheriff election the campaign is expected to get even spicier. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Iberia Middle School in New Iberia will be closed today for the funeral service of Principal Dina Bourque. 56-year-old Dina Bourque, was killed in a fatal car crash on U-S 90 Frontage Road last week.  Services will be held at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church at 11 am.

Today is the first day of qualifying for the Presidential primary scheduled for March 23, 2024. Deputy Secretary of State for Outreach Joel Watson says any political party that has 40,000 or more members in Louisiana…

Cut 4 (11) “…in Louisiana.”

Local, municipal, parish executive committee and state central committee candidates are to qualify with the clerk of court in the parish where they are registered to vote.  Qualifying ends on Friday.

After a seven-year run, Governor John Bel Edwards’ call-in radio show, “Ask the Governor” will air its final show today. Louisiana Radio Network General Manager Jim Engster says the monthly radio show launched statewide in April of 2016.

Cut 8 (10) “…this kind.” 

The show aired on the third Wednesday of every month. Engster believes the show was good public relations for Edwards.

The Second Circuit Court of Appeal has decided to uphold a lower court ruling calling for a new election in the Caddo Parish Sheriff race. Democrat Henry Whitehorn filed for an appeal after Republican John Nickelson filed an appeal after he lost to Whitehorn by one vote. Political analyst Scott Hughes…

Cut 10 (06) “…previous decisions.”

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

According to the Metropolitan Crime Commission, the City of New Orleans has not reported a homicide for December. President of the MCC Rafael Goyeneche credits proactive policing for the reduction in violent crime…

Cut 4 (10) “…several years.”

He says shootings are down 22 percent and armed robbery has declined 34 percent from this time last year.

AAA forecasts Christmas and New Year’s travel period will be the second-highest year-end holiday travel period. More than 115 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home. Spokesperson Don Redman…

Cut 6 (13) “…the road”

Redman says Triple A is reporting a record even point five million Americans will travel by air for the holidays, so be prepared for packed airports.

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 of today, 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%.”

However, Goyeneche is quick to point out that homicides in 2022 were among the highest for the last three decades.

Sergeant Stephen Rhodes, an agent with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, saved nine people when their boat capsized in the Gulf of Mexico last year. For his act of heroism, Rhodes received the Carnegie Medal. As a first responder, Rhodes says he doesn’t necessarily like the title hero…

Cut 6 (11) “… inescapable.”

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

After nearly three years of construction, the LSU Health Shreveport campus has opened its transformative Center for Medical Education. The $79 million structure is the first new building in 15 years. Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. David Lewis says the center brings innovative learning techniques to north Louisiana seen at major universities nationwide…

Cut 7 (12) “…future leaders.”

A severe respiratory illness is spreading in dogs in 16 states. Symptoms to watch for include coughing, sneezing, heavy breathing, nose or eye discharge, and a decreased appetite. As more people and their pets continue to travel for the holidays, Ginger Guttner with the LSU Vet School says it’s important to call ahead boarding your dog…

Cut 11 (08) “…sick dogs.” 

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.”

McNeese State President Daryl Burckel announces his plans to step down after nearly seven years of service. In a released statement, Burckel says he plans to finish his career where he started in the classroom educating students. He will step down next summer.

LSU Health Shreveport has unveiled its $79 million new state-of-the-art Center for Medical Education. The center brings innovative learning techniques to north Louisiana seen at major universities nationwide.  While the center received more than 26 million dollars from the Louisiana Legislature last year, Dr. David Lewis Dean of the School of Medicine says more than a third of the cost was supported by partnerships and the community.

Cut 8 (12) “…large donations.” 

Cases of serious canine respiratory illness are being reported in multiple states. Ginger Guttner with the LSU Vet School says pet owners should be concerned if their dog has…

Cut 10 (10) “…the veterinarian.”

Currently, there are no cases reported in the Bayou State.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent Stephen Rhodes was presented with the Carnegie Medal by Governor John Bel Edwards. The medal was for his heroic actions in 2022 where he rescued nine people from a capsized boat. And when he found out a seven-year-old girl could not be found… He says he didn’t hesitate… he just jumped in the water.

Cut 4 (09) “…and fixed.”

The young girl was airlifted to a New Orleans hospital and made a full recovery.

LSU Health Shreveport has opened its $79 million Center for Medical Education. Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. David Lewis….

Cut 9 (13)  “…our citizens.”

Dogs around the country are becoming sick from a mystery canine respiratory illness. Though no cases have been reported in Louisiana, Ginger Guttner with the LSU Vet School says up to 16 states have reported cases of Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex…

Cut 12 (09) “…in Florida.” 

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.

The Top Five 2023 baby names for Louisiana are out. The top names for boys are Liam, Elijah, Noah, Luke, and James. The top five names for girls are Olivia, Amelia, Ava, Charlotte, and Harper. Baton Rouge General Hospital Spokesperson Katie Johnston says she wouldn’t be surprised if LSU’s Heisman Trophy winner’s name makes the list next year

Cut 15 (06) “…next year.”

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was back home in Shreveport this weekend for the first time since being elected. Johnson says there are some major adjustments he must get used to like the security detail that accompanies him everywhere now…

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…

State Police are investigating the death of 35-year-old Kenderis D. Lawrence, of Shreveport, who died after being tased while reportedly becoming uncooperative with officers Saturday night.  Lawrence fled from Shreveport Police as they were patrolling the Broadmoor area due to a recent rise in burglaries. Trooper LeAnn Hodges…

Cut 10 (09) “…provided.”

Natchitoches Parish Officials are still trying to identify the body found in the 2005 Natchitoches Parish cold case. The body is that of a black male between the ages of 18 and 30.  Othram Labs of Texas Director of Operations Colby 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.” (1)

State officials partnered with Othram Labs to help identify the body through new technology.

Calvary Baptist and St. Thomas More won state championships in the Prep Classic. The Cougars defeated Lafayette Christian 35-21. St. Thomas More quarterback Sam Altmann threw for 153 yards and had a rushing touchdown…

 Cut  14 (13) “…achieved it”

It’s official! LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels was named the 89th Heisman Trophy winner Saturday night in New York. Daniels transferred to LSU from Arizona and became college football’s best player of the year…

Cut 13 (12) “…your dreams”

Daniels led the nation in passing touchdowns with 40 and total touchdowns with 50.

Louisiana has one of the highest cases of flu activity in the nation. Louisiana Health Officer, Dr. Joe Kanter says the Bayou State loses somewhere between 500 and a thousand lives to flu every year but, Kanter says…

Cut 11 (07) “…and death.” 

Kanter says numbers often rise after holiday gatherings but there’s still time to get the benefits of a flu vaccine.

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” 

Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal of a state judge’s ruling that there should be another election will be heard today. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is in Shreveport today for the ribbon cutting of the Center for Medical Education at LSU Health Shreveport. The new building offers state-of-the-art facilities for the School of Medicine, Graduate Studies, and Allied Health Professions.

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 Clarance and was ruled a homicide.

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…