It was a frigid night across the state that saw some incredibly close games in the Louisiana high school football playoffs, along with some shocking upsets. In 4A, Helen Cox takes down North Desoto 19-14. In 2A, Frankling beats Red River 16-13, and Independence beats Pine 36-32

In college basketball, number 23 LSU beats the UNC Greensboro Spartans 97-91 to start off a year with March Madness intentions 2 and 0. Forward Naz Reid scored 29, and grabbed 7 rebounds, while Guard Tremont Waters dropped 21 points and dished out 10 assists. The Tigers next game is against Memphis on Tuesday at 6pm.

And UL Lafayette got hammered last night by the number 6 ranked Vols 87-65, to begin the year 1 and 1. The Ragin Cajuns top player was Jakeenan Gant, who managed 18 points and 6 assists. Schedule doesn’t get any easier as Lafayette has to take on number one ranked Kansas next Friday at 7pm.

LSU will face an Arkansas team today that has just two wins. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron is eager to see how his team bounces back from the Alabama loss…

Cut 14 (08) “very good offense.”

If LSU wins its remaining three remaining games they’ll likely play in one of the New Year’s Six bowl games. Orgeron says winning 10 games is the goal…

The hype is not as high as it was last weekend when the Tigers and Saints hosted a pair of undefeated football teams, but it’s still a big weekend for the LSU and New Orleans. The Black and Gold are at Cincinnati and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins says they better be ready for the 5-and-3 Bengals…

Cut 12 (11)   “…he does.”

In the Saints win over the Rams last week, they held Rams superstar running back Todd Gurley to 68 yards rushing. They’ll need another game like that against the Bengal’s Joe Mixon.

Democrat Gwen Collins-Greenup shocked many analysts in the midterm as the East Feliciana Parish Minister and Elections Office worker made the run-off for Secretary of State. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The mother of an infant that was found burned alive in a barn in Natchitoches has been indicted on 1^st degree murder. 23-year-old Hannah Baker allegedly asked her partner, Felicia Smith to murder her child. On July 17^th, police say Smith set took the child from Bakers home and set it on fire, but Baker says her child was stolen against her will during a break in.

A 17-year-old is dead following a single vehicle crash last night just after 9PM.  Louisiana State Police responded to a crash on US Hwy 165 just north of Bastrop.  LSP spokesperson Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt says the vehicle was southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control.

Cut 9 (12) “…of the car.”

Reichardt says during the holidays, the death of a loved one is news no one wants to receive, and says this is a reminder to always buckle up.

And it’s sweater weather this weekend and beyond as a cold front has invaded the Bayou State. National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Tim Destri says says south Louisiana can expect highs in the mid to upper 50s for Saturday and Sunday into the low 60s.  sorth Louisiana will struggle to get out of the 40s.

Cut 7 (04) “…than late fall.”

Secretary of State candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup is the surprise of the midterms, as the Democrat will head to a run-off against Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin. Collins-Greenup was just 10 thousand votes shy of topping the Interim Secretary, despite little fundraising and not securing the Democratic Party’s backing, which went to 3^rd place candidate Renee Fontenot Free. She says she never viewed herself as an underdog.

Cut 4 (09) “…to it″

The Democrat who only raised 3,000 dollars for the campaign is a minister with a law degree, was a notary, and worked in elections in the East Feliciana Parish Clerk’s Office. The run-off election will be held December 8^th.

LSU will face an Arkansas team on Saturday that has just two wins. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron is eager to see how his team bounces back from the Alabama loss…

Cut 14 (08) “very good offense.”

A 17-year-old is dead following a single vehicle crash last night just after 9PM.  Louisiana State Police responded to a crash on US Hwy 165 just north of Bastrop.  LSP spokesperson Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt says during the holidays, the death of a loved one is news no one wants to receive, and says this is a reminder to always buckle up.

Cut 11 (11) “…save your life.”

The driver was buckled up and sustained only minor injuries.  Reichardt says the teen who died was not wearing a safety belt.

Those looking for an excuse to break out that beloved hoodie or sweater will get the opportunity to do so this weekend.  But you’ll need the heavier jackets next week. National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Tim Destri says a cold front is pushing through most of the state starting today.

Cut 6 (10) “…next week as well”

Secretary of State candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup is the surprise of the midterms, as the Democrat will head to a run-off against Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin. While some candidates fundraised and sought high profile endorsement’s Collins-Greenup, an East Feliciana Minister and law degree holder says she just went door to door, talking to constituents about their needs.

Cut 3 (09) “…their area.”

The run-off election will be held December 8^th

A 17-year-old is dead following a single vehicle crash last night just after 9PM.  Louisiana State Police responded to a crash on US Hwy 165 just north of Bastrop.  LSP spokesperson Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt says the teen who died was not wearing a safety belt.

Cut 10 (07)   “…of the crash.“

The driver was buckled up and sustained only minor injuries.

A St. Bernard Parish correctional officer on trial for the death of an inmate is hospitalized with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 2 (22) “Im Kevin Barnhart.”  

The hype is not as high as it was last weekend when the Tigers and Saints hosted a pair of undefeated football teams, but it’s still a big weekend for the LSU and New Orleans. The Black and Gold are at Cincinnati and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins says they better be ready for the 5-and-3 Bengals…

Cut 12 (11)   “…he does.”

The Bengals will be without star wideout AJ Green.

Democrat Gwen Collins-Greenup shocked many analysts in the midterm as the East Feliciana Parish Minister and Elections Office worker made the run-off for Secretary of State. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Shreveport Police Violent Crimes detectives are investigating the discovery of two bodies located inside of a burning vehicle in west Shreveport last night.  Shortly before midnight, police responded to the call of a vehicle engulfed in flames at an abandoned home.  The bodies, believed to be that of a man and woman, were taken to the Caddo Parish Coroners office for identification.

A 17-year-old is dead following a single vehicle crash last night just after 9PM.  Louisiana State Police responded to a crash on US Hwy 165 just north of Bastrop.  LSP spokesperson Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt says the vehicle was southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control.

Cut 9 (12) “…of the car.”

The driver was buckled up and sustained only minor injuries.  Reichardt says the teen who died was not wearing a safety belt.

If you are going to be spending any time outside this weekend it’s going to be pretty chilly.  National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Tim Destri says South Louisiana can expect highs in the mid to upper 50s for Saturday and Sunday into the low 60s.  North Louisiana will struggle to get out of the 40s.

Cut 7 (04) “…than late fall.”

Secretary of State candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup is the surprise of the midterms, as the Democrat will head to a run-off against Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin. Collins-Greenup was just 10 thousand votes shy of topping the Interim Secretary, despite little fundraising and not securing the Democratic Party’s backing, which went to 3^rd place candidate Renee Fontenot Free. She says she never viewed herself as an underdog.

Cut 4 (09) “…to it″

The Democrat is a minister who holds a law degree, was a notary, and worked in elections in the East Feliciana Parish Clerk’s Office.

Bust out the hoodies and sweater, cause it’s about to get cold. National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Tim Destri says a front is pushing through most of the state starting today.

Cut 6 (10) “…next week as well”

Louisiana’s public school report card is out, and the number of schools scoring “A”s is down while “F”s are up, with 40 percent of schools ordered to submit plans to improve their performance. The 502 schools deemed in need of intervention will have to submit reform plans, but funding to execute those plans might be hard to come by. Superintendent of Education John White says short-term, a revenue neutral approach might be needed.

Cut 12 (09)   “…our kids”

13 percent of schools scored an A, while 12 percent of schools nabbed an F rating, but the state instituted higher standards this year, so If rated under the old system, the average score for schools would have been roughly ten percent higher on average.

Fall will arrive with a vengeance at the start of this weekend. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (26) “Im Connor Ferrill”  

A 17-year-old is dead following a single vehicle crash last night just after 9PM.  Louisiana State Police responded to a crash on US Hwy 165 just north of Bastrop.  The Ford Crown Victoria was southbound on 165 when, for reasons still under investigation, the 31 year old driver, Dallas Lee of Bastrop, lost control of the vehicle and struck tree on the passenger’s side, killing 17 year old Quaterrius Brooks, also of Bastrop.  Brooks was not wearing a seatbelt.

Secretary of State candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup is the surprise of the midterms, as the Democrat will head to a run-off against Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin. While some candidates fundraised and sought high profile endorsement’s Collins-Greenup says she just went door to door, talking to constituents about their needs.

Cut 3 (09) “…their area.”

The Democrat is a minister who holds a law degree, was a notary, and worked in elections in the East Feliciana Parish Clerk’s Office.

The Louisiana Department of Education has released school performance scores. Education Superintendent John White says over 500 schools have been identified as struggling and must submit an improvement plan to the state…
cut 11 (10) “…those plans”
13-percent of schools received an “A” grade while 12-percent of schools statewide received an “F” grade.

Two Republican-run southern states raised their minimum wage Tuesday, and advocates say that’s great ammunition for Louisiana’s upcoming attempt in 2019.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Fall will arrive with a vengeance at the start of this weekend. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (26) “Im Connor Ferrill”  

If Georgia doesn’t make the four-team playoff or if the Bulldogs do not finish higher than LSU in the college football playoff rankings, than LSU will end up at the Sugar Bowl.

Palm predicts LSU will play in the Fiesta Bowl, where they’ll face off against a Group of Five school, most likely U-C-F11

Cut 17 (12) “Fiesta Bowl”

ESPN and Sports Illustrated predicts LSU will end up in the Peach Bowl. Palm says the Tigers will be in one of these big bowls, as long as they win out…

Cut 18 (10) “group of teams”

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The Saints newest acquisition, Dez Bryant, spoke with media for the first time since inking a deal with the black and gold to finish out the season.  He joins a depleted receiving core that’s lost Ted Ginn, Tommy Lee Lewis, and now Cameron Meredith for the year.  The former All-Pro Bryant says he’s excited about to opportunity to work with his new squad.

Cut 19 (13)   “…with these guys.”

The Saints make the trip to Arlington later this month to take on Bryant’s former team.  Bryant was asked if it would be emotional for him to return to the stadium he called home for so many years.

Cut 20 (14) “…the opponent now.”

Saints coach Sean Payton spoke today about the team’s new acquisition, former Cowboys star Dez Bryant.  Payton says the former All-Pro wide receiver is about five pounds heavier than he should be, but that’s to be expected.

Cut 12 (08)   “…that process today.”
Bryant has been known as a problem child. But Payton says the Saints have a special culture and it will be a good fit for Bryant.
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is celebrating a record breaking number of adoptions from foster care, with 912 children finding homes in the Federal Fiscal Year of 2018.  It’s an 18% increase from the previous record set last year.  DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters credits additional staffing support as well as families wanting to take in more than just one child.

Cut 9 (08) “…a big chunk.”

A Gonzales woman was killed last night in an eleven vehicle pile up on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. State Trooper Bryan Lee says an 18-wheeler caused the chain reaction crash.  Lee says the driver of the semi-truck, 56-year-old John White from Mississippi, has been booked into the Ascension Parish Jail for Negligent Homicide and 18 counts of Negligent Injuring.

Cut 4 (10) “…major task″

Turnout for the midterm elections in Louisiana was 48 percent.  That’s in comparison to the only 40 percent of eligible voters who participated in the 2015 governor’s race run-off between David Vitter and now Governor Edwards.  It tough to answer exactly why Louisianans have grown less engaged with state issues over the decades, but LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says it could be due to a media climate that’s increasingly focused on high profile races for federal seats.

Cut 8 (08) “…the papers”

A Gonzales woman was killed last night in an eleven vehicle pile up on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. State Trooper Bryan Lee says 18-wheeler caused the chain reaction crash. Lee says the 18-wheeler encountered traffic on Interstate 10 near Gonzales that was stopped because of a previous accident…
Cut 5 (05)  “…that crash.” 
The driver of the semi-truck, 56-year-old John White from Mississippi, has been booked into the Ascension Parish Jail

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is celebrating a record breaking number of adoptions from foster care, with 912 children finding homes in the Federal Fiscal Year of 2018.  It’s an 18% increase from the previous record set last year.  DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the agency is seeking out families that will adopt groups of siblings over just one child at a time.
Cut 10 (11)   “…only want one.“

Turnout for the midterm elections in Louisiana was 48 percent. Only 40 percent of eligible voters participated in the 2015 governor’s race run-off between David Vitter and now Governor Edwards. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says it’s a notable number, considering Louisiana lacked any high profile statewide elections, but it’s only a bit higher than the last major midterm in 2014.  While Louisiana’s federal election participation is going up…

Cut 7 (09) “…early 80s.”
Louisiana’s next statewide election is in December for the Secretary of State’s run-off.

Could we ever see a Blue Wave in Louisiana? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat doubts that will happen, because the national party has moved too far to the left…
Cut 30 (09) “…Democratic Party’
Pinsonat says the number of white Democrats is dwindling in Louisiana.