Flu activity in Louisiana is twice the national average. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the flu vaccine takes effect relatively quickly and urges people to get vaccinated, especially with the holidays approaching.

Cut 11 (11)  “…very strong flu season.”

School performance scores indicate Louisiana K-12 schools are back at pre-pandemic levels Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says the scores this year are the same as 2019 at 77-point-one a jump from last year’s 75-point-three. He credits a collective focus on attendance, well-being, and professional learning for teachers for the increase in scores. Brumley says the boost in performance scores should be celebrated.

Cut 4 (09)  “…in Louisiana.” 

Donald Trump says he will run for president again in 2024, and one Louisiana senator has some thoughts on that. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 24 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

School and district performance scores indicate Louisiana schools are back at pre-pandemic levels Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley made the announcement this morning and says the statewide performance score in 2019 was 77-point-1 and for 2022 the state has bounced back.
Cut 3 (11) “…77.1”
He credits a collective focus on attendance and well-being and professional learning for teachers for the increase in scores.

Former President Donald Trump announced he will run for president again in 2024. Senator Bill Cassidy stopped short of saying he doesn’t approve, yet indicated the concerns of Americans is what’s most important…:
CUT 29 (12) “we’re gonna lose”
Some political pundits speculate Trump’s message may be wearing thin with some GOP voters.

Flu season is hitting Louisiana early, and hard. State health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says flu activity is twice the national average.
Cut 10 (10) “…of slowing yet.”
Kanter says get your flu shot.

The first-of-its-kind collaboration, of Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin and the Golden Band from Tigerland, earns a Grammy nomination. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

First District Congressman Steve Scalise from Jefferson Parish has been elected as Majority Leader in the 118th Congress, which will be controlled by Republicans starting in 2023. Scalise says they will fight for hardworking Americans…

Cut 6 (11)  “…communities safe.”

Andrew Lincoln of Webster Parish received a Life-Saving Award from Sheriff Jason Parker for his heroic actions that saved a woman’s life last month. Lincoln was responding to a towing call and came upon a crashed vehicle in flames with a woman inside. Despite the smoke and heat, he used the shirt off his back to pull her to safety…

Cut 14 (11)  “…under the car there.”

Lincoln said he was simply “glad to be at the right place at the right time.

Southern University will host a commemoration ceremony to recognize the on-campus shooting that killed two students during a protest 50 years ago today.  Advocate Columnist Ed Pratt was an 18-year-old freshman at the time and says the late Governor Edwin Edwards abandoned students when they needed him.

Cut 8 (14)  “…on your campus.”

Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin is now a four-time Grammy nominee thanks to his latest collaboration with the Golden Band from Tigerland. Ardoin’s album Full Circle received a nomination for Best Regional Roots Music Album on Tuesday. Ardoin says he pitched the idea to LSU band director Dr. Kelvin Jones at the Auburn game last year in Death Valley.

Cut 12 (11) “…let’s do it.”

The Grammys will air on February 5^th.

Former President Donald Trump says he will run for president again in 2024, and Louisiana Congressional delegates are beginning to react. Many Trump-backed candidates fared poorly in the November 8th elections. Republicans took the simple majority in the House, but the Senate remains under Democratic leadership. Cassidy says his party should see the election results as a “teachable moment”…:
Cut 6 (09) “any given individual”

In a historic move, the LSU Band has been nominated for a Grammy thanks to their collaboration with Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin. Ardoin’s album Full Circle, which features the Golden Band from Tigerland on every track received the nod for Best Regional Roots Music Album on Tuesday. He is elated…:
Cut 10 (11) “right now”
The awards take place in February.

A New Orleans Police officer who shot a man who pulled a knife outside the Superdome has been placed on administrative leave. The NOPD says officers were called to help the security team with a man who was occupying space in front of a ticket booth when the man pulled a knife and was then shot by the cop. The man shot was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The matter is under investigation.

Today Southern University will host a remembrance ceremony for the on-campus shooting 50 years ago. Whitney Thomas has that story…:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Whitney Thomas”

US Senator Bill Cassidy comments on Donald Trump running for president again in 2024. Many Trump-backed candidates fared poorly in the November 8th elections. Cassidy says most voters who were concerned with inflation, crime, and the border all voted Republican, but many seem to have had misgivings about their candidates:
Cut 5 (11) “about the future”
Cassidy avoided saying he doesn’t approve of Trump running again but indicated the party’s focus should be more on moving forward.

A Webster Parish tow truck driver receives a special award for saving a woman from a burning vehicle in an October 9th crash. Andrew Lincoln says the driver’s door was jammed when he raced in to help..:
CUT 13 (10) “few minutes”
Lincoln was honored with a lifesaving award by Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker.

The House Republican Caucus on Tuesday elected Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise for Majority Leader. Scalise says he’s humbled to be selected for the position.

A man from Clinton was killed in an ATV accident Tuesday. State Police say 45-year-old Gregory Kent went off the road and kit a culvert before being thrown into a utility pole. Kent died at the scene.

The first-of-its-kind collaboration of Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin and the Golden Band from Tigerland, earns a Grammy nomination. Brooke Thorington has more:
Cut 3 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Donald Trump says he will run for president again in 2024, and one Louisiana senator has some thoughts on that. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

A school bus driver in Hammond was arrested Tuesday on charges of pornography involving juveniles, indecent behavior and computer aided solicitation of a juvenile amid allegations he was having inappropriate communication with a student. 62-year-old Rufus Addison of Loranger was fired yesterday.

Today, Southern University is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the shooting death of 2 students during a protest that happened November 16th, 1972. Advocate Columnist Ed Pratt was just an 18-year-old freshman during the tragedy and says Denver Smith and Leonard Brown were in the wrong place at the wrong time…:
CUT 9 (06) “the killing”
The university named the Smith-Brown Memorial Union building in honor of both students.

A tow truck driver in Webster Parish received a special award from the sheriff for saving a woman’s life. Andrew Lincoln pulled the crash victim from a burning vehicle on October 9th, and says he’s thrilled to hear she’s recovering…:
Cut 15 (10) “back to work”
Lincoln and was honored with a lifesaving award by Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker.

Former President Donald Trump announced he will run for president again in 2024, and Louisiana delegates are sharing their thoughts on the matter. Senator Bill Cassidy stopped short of saying he doesn’t approve, yet indicated the concerns of Americans is what’s most important…:
CUT 4 (12) “we’re gonna lose”
Some political pundits speculate Trump’s message may be wearing thin with voters.

Louisiana Republican Congressman Steve Scalise has been elected to House majority leader. Scalise, who served as Republican Whip for the past 8 years, issued a statement in response to the election saying his focus will be on the struggles of hardworking families and reducing inflation and energy costs. The last Majority Leader from Louisiana was Hale Boggs from 1971-1973.

LSU’s Golden Band from Tigerland has received a Grammy Award nomination. The band’s collaboration with Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin is in the running for best regional roots album for the 2023 ceremony. Ardoin says the album is historic because it’s the first time a college marching band has ever collaborated with an artist for an entire LP…:
Cut 11 (08) “as well”
The ceremony takes place February 5th.

2 students were killed during a protest on the campus of Southern University 50 years ago today, and a commemoration ceremony is taking place on campus to recognize the day. Advocate Columnist Ed Pratt was an 18-year-old freshman when it happened…:
Cut 7 (11) “me forever”
The incident that claimed the lives of Denver Smith and Leonard Brown happened November 16th, 1972.

Senator Bill Cassidy hinted he too might put his name in the hat for the 2023 gubernatorial race. Cassidy told reporters he’s decided and will announce it later in the week. And after the state party doubled down on backing Attorney General Jeff Landry in the governor’s race Cassidy had this to say.

Cut 14 (10)  “…to say.” 

On Monday Senator John Kennedy issued a statement he was seriously considering running himself.

State Police say it’s likely charges will be upgraded against the driver in a Friday night Vermilion Parish crash that killed a 14-month-old baby. Trooper Tom Gossen says the baby was riding in the lap of a front seat passenger, and he encourages parents to visit the Buckle Up Louisiana Facebook page.

Cut 8 (10)  “…kept safe.“

Investigators are looking into an officer-involved shooting in front of the Caesar’s Superdome this morning. Deputy NOPD Superintendent Chris Goodly says around 7 am three officers were called to assist a Superdome security team. Officers say the man pulled a knife and Goodly says NOPD was only there because they were asked to help…:

Cut 5 (14) “…from time to time” 

The suspect is in stable condition. A new report says Louisiana ranks among the worst states in the nation for catching lung cancer early. The findings are in the State of Lung Cancer Report. Ashley Lyerly (LIE ER LEE) is the director of advocacy for the American Lung Association.

Cut 9 (06)  “…falling behind.

The report found Louisiana ranked 45th in the nation for early diagnosis and 41st for surviving lung cancer.

A day after Senator John Kennedy issued a statement that he’s strongly thinking of running for governor, Senator Bill Cassidy says he plans to announce his intentions this week…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Recently re-elected to another term in the U.S. House, District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise has been also elected to be the House Majority Leader in the 118^th Congress, come January. Scalise says he will get to work on crime, inflation and uncontrolled immigration next year. Governor John Bel Edwards says Scalise will be in a good spot to deliver for his home state.

Charges may be upgraded for the driver of a vehicle in which a baby died, when it crashed last Friday in Vermilion Parish. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says the 14-month-old was riding in the lap of a front seat passenger…:

CUT 06(07)      “…definitely preventable.”

The driver, 27-year-old Jhori Peters of Abbeville is right now cited for no license, careless operation and two child seat violations, but that could change.

Louisiana ranks 45^th among 50 states for rates at which lung cancer is detected early. The American Lung Association’s Ashley Lyerly says FREE lung cancer screening are available if you’re between 50 and 80 or if you’re a heavy smoker…:

CUT 11(09)      “…for lung cancer.”

Just one day after Senator John Kennedy issuing a statement saying he was seriously thinking of running governor next year, Senator Bill Cassidy says he too is thinking about it and will announce his decision by week’s end. When asked this morning about Kennedy, here was his reply…:

CUT 13(08)      “…say that about John.”

The state Republican Party has thrown its weight behind A.G. Jeff Landry to be the next governor, and Cassidy says that will not change his decision one way or the other. This will likely force more candidates to get off the fence and make an announcement.

State Police say it’s likely charges will be upgraded against the driver in a Friday night Vermilion Parish crash that killed a 14-month old baby. Trooper Tom Gossen says the baby was riding in the lap of a front seat passenger, and there’s no excuse for that. Especially when help with child safety seats is available on their Facebook page..:

CUT 08(10)      “…kept safe.”

A New Orleans cop shot and wounded a suspect early today outside the Caesar’s Superdome. NOPD Deputy Chief Chris Goodly says Dome security officers called for assistance with a man and three officers responded…:

CUT 03(10)      “…his body.”

The suspect is in stable condition. An investigation is underway, as in all cases of officer-involved shootings.

A new report says Louisiana ranks among the worst states in the nation for early detection of lung cancer. Ashley Lyerly, with the American Lung Association, says we’re 45^th of 50 states. Not good. She says smoking is still the Number One cause, but there is a stigma now attached to lighting up…:

CUT 10(08)      “…lung cancer.”

Free lung cancer screenings are available. Find out more at “SavedByTheScan.org.”