A leader in the gaming industry is taking over the license of the Bossier City Diamond Jacks Casino, which closed amid the pandemic in 2020.  Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says Cordish will take over in the casino’s license and renovation.

cut 3 (08) “…base casino.”

Grambling State President Rick Gallot has been appointed to lead the University of Louisiana System. Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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If you’re planning on traveling Interstate 55 southbound lanes, you may see contractors mobilizing equipment between Ponchatoula and LaPlace over the next two weeks. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says crews will begin repair work on the southbound lanes where Monday’s deadly 168 vehicle pileup happened, beginning this weekend.

Cut 6 (11) “…just chipped.”

After an animal hoarding situation of 53 cats was discovered in New Iberia last Saturday, the Humane Society of Louisiana is asking for contributions to cover medical expenses. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says the cats were living in a home with deplorable conditions.

Cut 12 (11) “…their ailments.”  

Interstate 55 southbound lanes reopened Thursday following the massive 168-vehicle pileup that killed at least eight people and injured 63. The southbound lanes will merge to one lane for a quarter of a mile near the site of Monday’s accident.  DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the northbound portion of Interstate 55 is completely closed.

Cut 7 (13) “…anytime soon.” 

Grambling State President Rick Gallot will replace Doctor Jim Henderson as the President of the University of Louisiana System. Henderson is leaving his post at the U-L System to be the next president at La Tech and Gallot says he’s honored to have the opportunity to replace Henderson

Cut 9 (06) “…to this role” 

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Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board has approved the transfer of the gaming license of the abandoned Bossier City Diamond Jacks Casino to the Cordish Companies. Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says Cordish has begun renovation on the massive 77 thousand square feet venue.

Cut 4 (11) “…by piece.”

The parents of murdered Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell blame coach Brad Laird for not doing enough to protect their son. The family says Caldwell was re-located to another apartment because of mold. Ronnie’s father, Ronald Caldwell Senior, says they told Laird his son needed to be re-located again because his new roommate, who is not a student,  pulled a gun on him…

Cut 15 (11) “…is deceased”

DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says you may see heavy equipment between Ponchatoula and LaPlace on Interstate 55 southbound lanes over the next two weeks. He says crews will begin repairing the southbound lanes where the accident occurred – starting this weekend.

Cut 6 (11) “…just chipped.”

Interstate 55 southbound lanes reopened Thursday following the massive 168-vehicle pileup that killed at least eight people and injured 63. There is no timeline for reopening the northbound lanes at this time.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board announced the approval of the Cordish Companies transfer of license from the former Diamond Jacks property in Bossier City. Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says Cordish has begun renovation on the massive 77 thousand square feet gaming, entertainment, and dining venue.

Cut 4 (11) “…by piece.”

The $270 million project will feature more than 47 thousand square feet of gaming space, an upscale 550-room hotel, and 30 thousand square feet of first-class dining and entertainment venues. The project is expected to be complete by late 2025.

The University of Louisiana System Board has named Grambling State President Rick Gallot as their new President. Gallot will replace Doctor Jim Henderson who has been named the next president of La Tech. Gallot says he’s honored to have the opportunity to replace Henderson

Cut 9 (06) “…to this role” 

The U-L System is the largest higher education system in Louisiana nine different universities and 91-thousand students.  The Ruston native has served as Grambling’s president for seven years. Before that, he was a state lawmaker for 17 years.

The Humane Society of Louisiana is seeking financial help to cover medical expenses for 53 cats that were discovered in an animal hoarding situation in New Iberia last Saturday. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says /the cats were living in a home with deplorable conditions.

Cut 12 (11) “…their ailments.”  

A GoFundMe account “53 Cats Need Our Help” has been set up and you can find a link on HSLA’s Facebook Page or call 1-888-6-HUMANE.

Northwestern State has made the decision to cancel the remainder of its 2023 football season and their Head Coach Brad Laird has resigned after the tragic loss of Junior Safety Ronnie Caldwell roughly two weeks ago.

According to the Natchitoches Parish Journal Podcast, NSU President Marcus Jones says that Cut 15 (09) “… his decision.”

Caldwell passed away from injuries suffered during a shooting. NSU has said that several players are struggling to play with the loss on their minds and the entire team and staff has been affected in some manner. The Southland Conference stated that Northwestern State has their unwavering support during this troubling time and the school looks to successfully move forward.

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LSU has recruited Weston Davis to become a Tiger after the offensive tackle flipped from SEC rival Texas A&M. Davis will be a great addition to the Tigers as he is a 4 star recruit that is 169th overall in the class of 2023-2024 and 12th overall for offensive tackles.

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The Saints will head to Indianapolis this Sunday to play a 3 and 4 Colts team. While there are plenty of frustrations on the field for New Orleans, Chris Olave had some trouble off the field as he was ticketed for reckless driving after being caught going over 40 miles per hour over the speed limit of a road in Kenner, Louisiana on Monday. Saints quarterback Dereck Carr talked with the star receiver about the incident.

Cut 19 (19) “ … so games.”

The game will kickoff on Fox at noon.

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The NFC South is now up for grabs as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to 3 an 4 on the season when they lost to the Buffalo Bills 24 to 18 on Thursday night. The Atlanta Falcons currently lead the NFC South with a 4 and 3 record. If the Saints win this Sunday and the Falcons lose to the Titans, then the Saints will be tied with Atlanta for leading the division.

The southbound portion of Interstate 55 in Manchac has reopened today following the massive vehicle pileup that killed at least eight on Monday. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says inspectors have determined the majority of the southbound portion of the roadway is safe for travel.

Cut 6 (09) “…that area.”

Brandon Jolly, a survivor who drives long distances for a living,  says driving 20 miles under the speed limit of 70, didn’t change the outcome that morning.

Cut 4 (08) “…a blur.”

 Inspectors continue to assess damage to the bridge on the northbound portion of Interstate 55. There is no timetable for reopening the northbound lanes.

Northwestern State has canceled the remainder of their football season and head coach Brad Laird has resigned after Junior Safety Ronnie Caldwell was killed two weeks ago. In a Natchitoches Parish Journal podcast,  NSU President Marcus Jones said several players expressed difficulty with Caldwell’s death.

Cut 13 (09) “…to them.”

With four games left in the season, the Demons had yet to win any of their six games.

Doctor Jim Henderson has been named the 15th president of Louisiana Tech. Henderson will step down as U-L System president. He says there are several existing programs at La Tech that he is looking to grow…

Cut 10 (13) “…starting to emerge.”

The Saints visit the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in a matchup of 3 and 4 teams. Wide receiver Chris Olave is practicing with the team after being caught going more than 40 miles per hour over the speed limit on a Kenner street on Monday. Head Coach Dennis Allen says they talked about it

Cut 19 (17) “ … (x2) slow down”

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LSU has a bye week this weekend and it allows some much needed rest for the Tigers. After having no issues with the Army Black Knights in a 62-0 win, the Tigers will now be able to focus completely on the November 4th matchup versus Alabama, especially in a struggling and beat up LSU secondary. Andre Sam and Major Burns are projected to start at safety, but Sage Ryan is the only lock at corner.

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The Pelicans tipped off a new season last night with a 111 to 104 win over Memphis. CJ McCollum led the way with 24 points and Zion Williamson had 23. Head Coach Willie Green liked the ball movement

Cut 28 (18) “ … off of a win”

The Pelicans will host  Knicks in their home opener on Saturday with tipoff at 6:00 pm.

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In other basketball news, LSU’s Head Coach Matt McMahon and hopeful star Jalen Cook are still waiting on any news from the NCAA on his eligibility. Since Cook transferred from LSU to Tulane and then back to LSU, under the new NCAA transfer laws he has to sit out the season unless he can get a waiver from the NCAA which would clear him to play.

DOTD announced the southbound portion of Interstate 55 in Manchac is now open for motorists. The reopening comes after the massive pileup involving 168 vehicles that killed at least eight people and injured 63 on Monday. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says areas on the northbound portion had to be cleaned before inspection.

Cut 7 (12) “…in sight.” 

Brandon Jolly was among the motorists involved in the horrific car pile-up…

cut 3 (12) “…pretty much.”

Congressman Mike Johnson of Benton was elected as the new Speaker of the House on Wednesday. Johnson is the state’s first Speaker of the House. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says pressing political issues will serve as early tests of Johnson’s ability to manage the GOP conference.

Cut 15 (13) “…continual resolution.”

The 51-year-old of Benton received 220 votes, three more than required to win the seat.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to name Doctor Jim Henderson as Louisiana Tech’s next president. Henderson says there are several existing programs at La Tech that he looks to grow…

Cut 10 (13) “…starting to emerge.”

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson of Benton was sworn in as the 56^th speaker of the house – making him the first from the state of Louisiana. Shelly Horton, Mayor of Benton believes Johnson is the right man to bring the House together…

Cut 11 (11) “…right direction.” 

Johnson was the 4^th to gain the nomination for Speaker when he was finally elected on Wednesday.

A plan that involved the use of tolls to help fund the $2.1 billion I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project was rejected by the House Transportation Committee. There was $800 million lined up for the public-private partnership.  Interim State Transportation Secretary Eric Kalivoda says a portion of those funds will go towards the existing bridge.

Cut 6 (11) “…in pieces.”

The House Education Committee will meet this morning to discuss the new graduation appeals policy approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The process gives seniors who fail the LEAP test other options to graduate. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says we should not impose a government-sanctioned excuse for mediocrity.

Cut 7 (12) “…next level.” 

Louisiana is suing Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for designing features on Instagram and Facebook that are harmful and addictive to children. Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill…

Cut 21 (12) “…this is.”

The number of people killed in the massive car pileup on Monday caused by a “super fog” on Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish has risen to eight. State Police say 63 people were injured and 168 vehicles were involved in the crash.  There are multiple areas on the bridge that will need to be repaired. I-55 remains closed and it is unknown when the bridge will reopen.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is a co-sponsor of legislation to end hazing on college campuses. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry will hold his first press conference this morning to announce his transition team. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says when a governor reveals who will play a part in their transition team it’s primarily for publicity.

Cut 12 (12) “…a transition.” 

As for who will be among Landry’s key staff or his employees, Pinsonat says that will come later, but he could introduce who will be his Chief of Staff.  The press conference will be held in Lafayette at 10 a.m. this morning.

The President of the University of Louisiana System, Dr. Jim Henderson, is set to interview tonight to be Louisiana Tech’s next president. Henderson is the lone candidate. Henderson says he and his wife spent a day at Tech to meet with the students and faculty last week. He’s optimistic about his future in Ruston.

Cut 9 (11)  “…can be.”

The public will be allowed to ask questions at today’s meeting in Baton Rouge.

I-55 remains closed in St. John the Baptist Parish following yesterday’s massive 158-vehicle pileup due to Superfog mix that killed eight people.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The I-55 closure is now between Ponchatoula and Ruddock exit.  It’s unknown how long the interstate will remain closed.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux has announced the city’s two largest Mardi Gras parades, Gemini and Centaur, will roll in 2024 after security concerns put the annual events in limbo. Stacy Brown with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says about 225,000 attend their five Mardi Gras parades.

Cut 7 (13) “…Mardi Gras season.” 

The State Fire Marshall is investigating a fatal brush fire that resulted in the discovery of a man’s body in Alexandria on Monday. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry crews were called in to assist..

cut 3 (10) “the field.”

The victim is believed to be in his 60s and is the homeowner.