Motorists driving south on I-55 between Ponchatoula and LaPlace will begin to see crews repairing damage from Monday’s massive car pile-up that killed eight people. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says however the northbound portion of I-55 in that area remains closed.

Cut 7 (13) “…anytime soon.” 

The state Gaming Control Board approves the transfer of the abandoned Bossier City Diamond Jacks Casino license to the Cordish Companies. Board Chair Ronnie Johns says Cordish has begun renovations on the massive 77 thousand square feet gaming, entertainment, and dining venue.

Cut 4 (11) “…by piece.”

It’s expected to be completed by late 2025.

After an animal hoarding situation of 53 cats was discovered in New Iberia last Saturday, the Human Society of Louisiana is asking for contributions to cover medical expenses. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says they are also asking cat rescues and individuals interested in adopting a cat to contact them.

Cut 13 (09) “….good homes”

You can find a link on the Humane Society of Louisiana’s Facebook page.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot will replace Doctor Jim Henderson as the President of the University of Louisiana System. Henderson is leaving his post to be the next La Tech president.  Gallot says he’s looking forward to working with the system’s nine universities and their presidents.

Cut 10 (13) “…system office”

He’ll begin his new role January 1^st.

The family of Ronnie Caldwell, the Northwestern State Junior Safety who was fatally shot on October 12^th, is holding a press conference this afternoon at 1:30. Legal representatives from the family say they plan to announce intended legal action against multiple parties involved in Caldwell’s death. The 21-year-old from Austin, Texas didn’t play this season due to an injury.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot has been appointed to lead the University of Louisiana System. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

If you’re planning on traveling Interstate 55 south, you may see contractors using equipment between Ponchatoula and LaPlace over the next two weeks, after Monday’s massive pile-up. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says crews will begin repair work this weekend.

Cut 6 (11) “…just chipped.”

The northbound lanes remain closed.

After an animal hoarding situation of 53 cats was discovered in New Iberia Saturday, the Human 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.”  

A link can be found on the Humane Society of Louisiana’s Facebook Page

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.

Northwestern State’s football season has been canceled and head coach Brad Laird has resigned as the program continues to reel from the October 12th fatal shooting of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell. Many are upset with this decision, but N-S-U President Marcus Jones cites the mental health of the players…
cut 14 (12) “….remaining games”
Including tomorrow’s game at McNeese. Jones made those comments to the Natchitoches Parish Journal.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot will replace Doctor Jim Henderson as the President of the University of Louisiana System. Henderson is leaving his post as 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”
Gallot has served as Grambling’s president since 2016. Before that he was a state lawmaker for 17 years.

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. Cordish is a leader in the gaming development industry. Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Johns says the renovation of the Diamond Jack Casino will create jobs and generate millions of dollars in economic benefits.
cut 3 (08) “…base casino.”
DiamondJacks closed in 2020 amid the impacts of the pandemic.

Train service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is one step closer to reality. Governor John Bel Edwards along with the Department of Transportation signed a service development agreement with Amtrak and other officials that will advance the return of intercity passenger rail service. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Eric Holl…
Cut 7 (10) “…New Orleans.”
According to the agreement, passenger service could start as early as 2027.

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.”

So far no one has been charged with Caldwell’s murder and his family is holding a 1:30 press conference this afternoon.

Train service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is on track with Governor Edwards and the Department of Transportation signing a service development agreement with Amtrak, to advance the return of intercity passenger rail service. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Eric Holl… gave it a trial run…

Cut 8 (10) “…relaxing.” 

Rail service could start as early as 2027.

The House Education Committee voted against BESE’s plan to institute an appeals process for seniors unable to pass the LEAP exit exam. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

As DOTD crews work to repair damage on I-55 southbound from Ponchatoula to LaPlace, they are asking motorists to be aware and say the work could take up to two weeks to complete. This following Monday’s massive car pile-up that claimed eight lives. The northbound lanes remain closed as the inspection is being analyzed.

Northwestern State’s football season has been canceled and head coach Brad Laird has resigned as the program continues to reel from the October 12th fatal shooting of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell. Many are upset with this decision, but N-S-U President Marcus Jones cites the mental health of the players…
cut 14 (12) “….remaining games”
Including tomorrow’s game at McNeese. Jones made those comments to the Natchitoches Parish Journal.

US Senator John Kennedy in a video message to the Louisiana House Education Committee urged them to reject a proposal by BESE to provide seniors an appeals process if they fail to pass the LEAP graduation exit exam. Kennedy says the policy waters down standards
cut 11 (09) “….huge mistake”
The House Education Committee agreed and voted against the proposal, but Governor Edwards could take action for the policy to go into effect.

1969 was the last time there was passenger train service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, but the state has taken another step in bringing it back….
cut 1 (31) “….I’m Colleen Crain”

September was a record breaker for the total amount wagered in mobile sports betting. 248-million according to the L-S-P gaming audit section. That translates to four-point-seven million in tax revenues. Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says the popularity of sports betting continues to grow and they are working with the Association of Compulsive Gambling…
cut 6 (07) “….compulsive gambling”

The House Education Committee votes against BESE’s plan to institute an appeals process for senoirs unable to pass the LEAP exit exam. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Northwestern State has ended its football season and head coach Brad Laird has resigned. The Demons football program is grieving the death of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell. He was fatally shot two weeks at an apartment complex. No one has been charged in his murder, but one of teammates has been arrested for obstruction of justice.

Governor John Bel Edwards, the state transportation department and Amtrak have signed an agreement that will advance the return passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The governor’s office believes a passenger rail line between the Capital City and the state’s largest metro area could be an economic boost…
cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana”
That’s the governor’s spokesperson Eric Holl, who says infrastructure upgrades will begin next year and passenger service could start in 2027.

State Police Gaming Auditors says September was a record breaker for mobile sports wagering as nearly 249-million dollars was wagered, producing four-point-seven million dollars in tax revenue. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says legalized sports betting has produced 60-million in tax revenues since it went live nearly two years ago…
cut 5 (11) “…70-million range’

Northwestern State cancels the remainder of its football season and the head coach has resigned in the wake of the fatal shooting of one of its players. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A disturbing story out of Assumption Parish as deputies have arrested 14-year-old and a 10-year-old and charged them with first degree rape. Authorities say the victim was under ten years old. Investigators say the 14-year-old was the primary perpetrator and influenced the ten year to join in the assault.

Train service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is one step closer to reality. Governor John Bel Edwards along with the Department of Transportation signed a service development agreement with Amtrak and other officials that will advance the return of intercity passenger rail service. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Eric Holl…
Cut 7 (10) “…New Orleans.”
According to the agreement, passenger service could start as early as 2027.

September was the biggest month ever for mobile sports betting since its inception in February of 2022. That’s according to the State Police Gaming audit division. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says nearly 249-million dollars were wagered…
cut 4 (11) “…the country”

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.”

Northwestern State is canceling the rest of their Football season citing the mental health of players and coaches. On October 12th Junior Safety Ronnie Caldweld was shot and killed. The team travelled to Texas for Caldweld’s memorial last week. A week after Caldweld was discovered, a teammate was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice. NSU head coach, Brad Laird has stepped down saying because of the emotional burden it caused him, he didn’t feel he could give his all to his players. Natchitoches Police continue to investigate the murder.

Dr. Jim Henderson will leave his job as U-L System president to begin his role as president of Louisiana Tech on January 1st, replacing Doctor Les Guice who is retiring. Henderson has been the president of the U-L System since 2017 and is looking forward to moving to Ruston…

Cut 11 (06) “…right now.”

Congressman Mike Johnson is the 56^th Speaker of the U-S House of Representatives and he’s only been in Congress for six years. The Advocate Bureau Chief Mark Ballard says Johnson’s low profile may have worked in his favor.

Cut 12 (11) “…other three.”  

Johnson won the final ballot after his predecessors Congressman Steve Scalise, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, bid for the position flamed out.

DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says inspectors continue to assess damage to the bridge on the northbound portion of Interstate 55.

Traffic will merge to one lane at the crash site near the Manchac exit. Mallet urges motorists traveling on the southbound portion to plan ahead.

Cut 8 (12) “…with you.” 

There is no timetable for reopening the northbound lanes at this time.