Northwestern State Football has canceled the rest of their season and head coach, Brad Laird has stepped down due to the recent passing of Junior Safety Ronnie Caldwell. NSU is citing the mental health of players and coaches as the reason. Caldweld was shot and killed on October 12th. A week later a teammate was arrested for interfering in the investigation. Natchitoches Police are actively investigating the murder. The team attended memorial services for Caldwell in Texas last week.

Louisiana Tech has found a new president. Jeff Palermo reports Jim Henderson will leave as U-L System President to lead the Ruston-based school…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Brandon Jolly was among the motorists involved in Monday morning’s horrific car pile-up on Interstate 55 in St. John the Baptist Parish. Jolly says he was traveling south and the fog intensified once he reached Lake Maurepas and it was a miracle he wasn’t initially hit or hit anyone else.

cut 3 (12) “…pretty much.”

Eight people died in the pile-up that occurred in both the north and southbound lanes of the interstate.

DOTD announced the southbound side of Interstate 55 has reopened. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says inspectors have determined the majority of the southbound portion of the roadway is safe for travel.

Mallet says inspectors continue to assess damage to the bridge on the northbound portion of Interstate 55. He says areas on the northbound portion had to be cleaned before inspection.

Cut 7 (12) “…in sight.” 

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.

On Talk Louisiana this morning, a man involved in Monday’s massive car pile-up describes his experience. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Of the eight victims, 7 have now been identified by the St. John the Baptist Coroner. The youngest was a 6 year old little boy from Madisonville and the oldest was an Eighty-Seven year old gentleman originally from Missouri.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors names Doctor Jim Henderson as the new president of Louisiana Tech. Henderson will leave his job as U-L System president and he looks to build on what he calls the best undergraduate scholarship program in the state

Cut 9 (10) “…the institution” 

Henderson is a native of Shreveport and previously served as president of Northwestern State and Bossier Parish Community College.

Newly elected Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson is a conservative who received the backing of former President Donald Trump. The Advocate Chief Mark Ballard expects Johnson’s social conservatism to add to his approach in this role.

Cut 13 (12) “….apparently does.”

As Speaker of the House, Johnson faces a possible federal government shutdown if Congress fails to pass funding legislation by November 17.

DOTD says the southbound lane of Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish has reopened following the massive vehicle pileup involving 168 vehicles. 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.”

There are details on when the northbound lane will reopen.

Brandon Jolly was one the motorists traveling on I-55 south Monday and says it was surreal when people would emerge from the fog looking for help. He says a woman who worked with a fire department approached him and they began to pull people out of cars.  And while he didn’t see any fatalities in his immediate area…

Cut 5 (09) “ …wreckage.”  

Eight people were killed as a result.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors names Doctor Jim Henderson as the new president of Louisiana Tech. The Shreveport native has been the president of the U-L System since 2017 and is looking forward to moving to Ruston…

Cut 11 (06) “…right now.”

Grambling President Rick Gallot will replace Henderson as UL-system president.

Yesterday Congressman Mike Johnson was elected as the 56^th Speaker of the House. Johnson also made history as the first Speaker from Louisiana. The Advocate DC 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, bids for the position tanked.

Brandon Jolly was just one of the motorists involved in Monday morning’s horrific car pile-up on Interstate 55 in St. John the Baptist Parish. Jolly, who drives long-distance for a living, says even driving 50 miles per hour, well below the posted speed limit of 70, that morning didn’t change the outcome.

Cut 4 (08) “…a blur.”

The southbound side of I-55 is now open after DOTD inspected the area for any deficiencies. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the majority of the southbound portion is safe for travel. Traffic will merge into one lane at the crash site near the Manchac exit. He urges southbound motorists to plan ahead.

Cut 8 (12) “…with you.” 

There is no timetable for reopening the northbound lanes.

Louisiana Tech has found a new president. Jeff Palermo reports Jim Henderson will leave as U-L System President to lead the Ruston-based school…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

And Grambling President Rick Gallot has been appointed to replace Henderson as UL-system president.

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.”

The southbound side of Interstate 55 in Saint John the Baptist Parish has reopened following the massive pileup involving 168 vehicles that killed at least eight people and injured 63 people. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says inspectors determined the majority of the southbound portion of the roadway is safe for travel.

Cut 6 (09) “…that area.”

The northbound portion of I-55 remains closed during inspection.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors names Doctor Jim Henderson as the new president of Louisiana Tech. Henderson will leave his job as U-L System president and says he looks to build on what he calls the best undergraduate scholarship program in the state.

Cut 9 (10) “…the institution” 

The Shreveport native previously served as president of Northwestern State and Bossier Parish Community College.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal housefire in Oakdale that claimed two lives. Tuesday night the Oakdale Fire Department was able to pull a 61-year-old man through the window who later died, and a 35-year-old disabled woman was found in the bedroom of the home she was renting. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

The House Education Committee meets to hear the pros and cons today about a new BESE policy to allow students to appeal if they fail the graduation exit exam. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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.”

For the first time ever, the Speaker of the House is from Louisiana. Benton Republican Mike Johnson was elected yesterday after a three week search for a new leader. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says Louisiana will see more federal dollars with Johnson sitting in the speaker’s chair…
cut 14 (06) “….an the like”

Johnson’s hometown of Benton is thrilled over his sudden rise to power in the House. Colleen Crain has more…
cut 3 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crane”

BESE President Holly Boffy will go before the House Education Committee today to discuss a new proposal that would allow seniors who fail the LEAP graduation exit exam to still receive a diploma, by going through an appeals process…
cut 9 (12) “…..high school”
House Education Chairman Lance Harris and Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley say this policy diminishes the value of a diploma.

Earlier this week, the House Transportation Committee rejected a financing proposal for a new two-point-one billion dollar I-10 Calcasieu River bridge. DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda says the plan is to still build a new bridge in Lake Charles, but it will take decades instead of years…
cut 5 (10) “…..you go plan”

Mike Johnson has spent just six years in the U-S House but now finds himself in possession of the gavel as he was elected as the House Speaker yesterday. The 51-year-old is from Benton in Bossier Parish and the mayor of Benton, Shelly Horton, believes Johnson’s temperament and people’s skills will make him an excellent speaker…
cut 12 (10) “….skills”

At the state capitol today, the House Education Committee will meet this morning to discuss a proposal approved by BESE that will give seniors an appeals process that would still allow them to graduate, despite not passing the LEAP exit exam. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley opposes the policy…
cut 7 (12) “….they need”
If the House Education Committee does not approve, Governor Edwards can still act and allow the policy to go into effect.

The House Transportation Committee rejected the use of tolls to partially fund a new $2.1 billion I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Brooke Thorington reports DOTD has other options.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

I-55 in St. John the Baptist Parish remains closed following Monday’s deadly pile-up crash that killed eight people and involved 168 vehicles. No timeline on when the bridge will open. Inspectors have identified several areas that need repairs.