A 13-year-old is facing a second-degree murder charge after allegedly fatally shooting a 21-year-old family member in Leesville. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the shooting happened overnight (Friday morning) in the midst of a verbal argument…

Cut 09 (11) “..21-year-old”

The victim has been identified as Kavin Simmons Junior. The juvenile was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Netflix has announced that it has purchased Warner Brothers. Haggai Davis, the host of the radio show TechGumbo, says with that purchase, Netflix is also acquiring HBO and the streaming service HBO Max.

Cut 6 (09) “…’Stranger Things’ shows.”

Davis says Netflix subscribers can expect a price hike after the acquisition is completed in the second half of next year.

Four months after being blind-sided by the resignation of its athletic director, ULM has its new man. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU could lose defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Baker is reportedly poised to be the next head coach at Tulane. Former LSU and La Tech assistant Joe Sloan will reportedly be the new offensive coordinator at Kentucky.

The massive Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish is finished. Michael Hare, the executive director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, says the five-year construction project restored 31-hundred acres of marsh along the lake’s south shore.

Cut 3 (11) “…New Orleans area.”

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System has named a new president. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson will take the helm at the beginning of the year. He says with all the economic development projects happening in the state, it’s now more important than ever to have people trained to do the jobs associated with them. That’s where the LCTC schools come in.

Cut 8 (11) “…to do that.”

Two huge matchups in New Orleans highlight tonight’s semifinal action on the select side of the high school football playoffs. Catholic is at Edna Karr and John Curtis faces St. Augustine. The LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says the Patriots are playing their best football of the season right now…

Cut 14 (11) “…fun to watch.”

There are big games in Monroe tonight on the non-select side as Ruston hosts Zachary, Ouachita Parish is at Neville and St. James visits Sterlington.

Speaking of Monroe, SJ Touhy is the new athletics director at ULM. This is Touhy’s first A-D job. He comes to Monroe after serving as Deputy Athletic Director of Development at Oral Roberts. Touhy says he chose ULM because it has a strong foundation to build on….

Cut 12 (07) :,,,build and grow”

Touhy says the key to winning in Monroe is winning the margins, He says they have to be better at small decisions about how the state is stewarding its money.

Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson will soon have a new job. When the calendar flips to 2026, he will become the new president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. Nelson says his experience as revenue secretary and his prior experience as a member of the Louisiana legislature makes him the right man to take over leading the 12-campus LCTC system.

Cut 7 (08) “…the biggest problems.”

Nelson’s deputy, Jarrod Conniglio, will take over as revenue secretary.

Four months after losing their athletic director, ULM has named 32-year-old S.J. Tuohy as their new man in charge. Though he grew up in Memphis, Tuohy says he has a strong connection to Louisiana.

Cut 11 (09) “…in Louisiana somewhere.”

Tuohy says he chose to go to ULM because it has a strong foundation to build on.

It’s the biggest Christmas celebration in Louisiana. The 99^th Annual Christmas Festival in Natchitoches takes place tomorrow. The Festival of Lights Parade is one of the many things happening at the festival. Ariana Rachal (ruh-SHALL) with the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau says the parade will feature riders and bands from all over the country.

Cut 6 (11) “…Mardi Gras krewes.”

The parade runs from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

High school football semifinals are this weekend in New Orleans and one of the hottest teams in the state is Calvary Baptist. Spencer Verrett with LHSAA Network likes the Cavaliers’ chances to knock off second-seeded Notre Dame tonight in Division Three select.

Cut 15 (09) “…lost all year.”

A 21-year-old man is dead in an overnight shooting in Leesville and a 13-year-old is accused. The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office says it happened around midnight. Deputies responded to a 911 call and found Kavin Simmons Jr. with a gunshot wound to the chest. Emergency personnel provided aid but Simmons died at the scene. Detectives say the 13-year-old family member got a pistal and shot Simmons while the two were having an argument. The boy has been taken to a juvenile facility and faces a charge of second-degree murder.

Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson has been named the new president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. Nelson says training people in the essential skills needed in the market is a major component in keeping home-grown talent in the state.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it’s all about.”

Nelson’s deputy in the Department of Revenue, Jarrod Conniglio, will take over as revenue secretary on New Year’s Day when Nelson begins his new job.

A couple of top seeds are on upset alert in the select semifinals of the high school football playoffs. Jeff Palermo has a preview.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In college, number-21 Tulane hosts number-24 North Texas tonight in the American Conference Championship, with the winner likely gaining an invitation to the College Football Playoff. The Mean Green come into the matchup with the top offense in the nation, averaging over 46 points a game. Head coach Jon Sumrall says the Green Wave’s defense has to do a good job of shutting down the pass game.

Cut 16 (06) “…end for sure.”

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System has named a new president. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson will take the helm at the beginning of the year. He says with all the economic development projects happening in the state, it’s now more important than ever to have people trained to do the jobs associated with them. That’s where the LCTC schools come in.

Cut 8 (11) “…to do that.”

The 99^th Annual Christmas Festival in Natchitoches is taking place tomorrow. Ariana Rachal (ruh-SHALL) with the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau says it’s the biggest Christmas celebration in Louisiana, and their small city looks like it comes straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Cut 4 (09) “…our center circle.”

The Festival of Lights Parade begins at 1 p.m.

Four months after losing their athletic director, ULM has its new man. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

This weekend in New Orleans in the select side of the semifinal high school football playoffs, top seeded Edna Karr takes on Catholic and John Curtis battles St. Augustine. Spencer Verrett of the LHSAA Network says the Patriots are playing their best football of the season right now.

Cut 14 (11) “…fun to watch.”

Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson will soon have a new job. When the calendar flips to 2026, he will become the new president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. Nelson says his experience as revenue secretary and his prior experience as a member of the Louisiana legislature makes him the right man to take over leading the 12-campus LCTC system.

Cut 7 (08) “…the biggest problems.”

Four months after being blind-sided by the resignation of John Hartwell, ULM introduces its new athletic director. The university introduced S.J. Tuohy as its new man to lead the Warhawks athletic department. During his introduction, Tuohy said his goal is to send the entire athletics program soaring to new heights.

Cut 10 (09) “…eligibility rules anymore.”

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend and you’re in the holiday mood, the 99th Annual Christmas Festival in Natchitoches takes place tomorrow. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Two huge matchups in New Orleans highlight tonight’s semifinal action on the select side of the high school football playoffs. Top-seeded Edna Karr, ranked eighth in the country by MaxPreps, will host fourth-seeded Catholic. The Cougars beat the Bears in the semis by two points last year, and the LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett expects another close game.

Cut 13 (08)  “…the answer”

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend and you’re in the holiday mood, the 99th Annual Christmas Festival in Natchitoches takes place tomorrow. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

Four months after being blind-sided by the resignation of its athletic director, ULM has its new man. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

A couple of top seeds are on upset alert in the select semifinals of the high school football playoffs. Jeff Palermo has a preview.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_________________________________________________

It’s the biggest Christmas celebration in Louisiana. The 99^th Annual Christmas Festival in Natchitoches takes place tomorrow. Ariana Rachal (ruh-SHALL) with the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau says the small North Louisiana city looks like it comes straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Cut 4 (09) “…our center circle.”

The festival features the “Mistletoe Market,” which takes place on Front Street from seven a-m to seven p-m. Rachal says festivalgoers can find all sorts of unique items from the market.

Cut 5 (12) “…gifts and toys.”

The Festival of Lights Parade is one of the many things happening at the festival. Rachal says the parade will feature riders and bands from all over the country.

Cut 6 (11) “…Mardi Gras krewes.”

The parade runs from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

_________________________________________________

Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson will soon have a new job. When the calendar flips to 2026, he will become the new president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. Nelson says his experience as revenue secretary and his prior experience as a member of the Louisiana legislature makes him the right man to take over leading the 12-campus LCTC system.

Cut 7 (08) “…the biggest problems.”

Nelson says with all the economic development projects happening in the state, it’s now more important than ever to have people trained to do the jobs associated with them, and that’s where the LCTC schools come in.

Cut 8 (11) “…to do that.”

Nelson says training people in those essential skills is a major component in keeping home-grown talent in the state.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it’s all about.”

Nelson’s deputy in the Department of Revenue, Jarrod Conniglio, will take over as revenue secretary on New Year’s Day when Nelson begins his new job.

_____________________________________________

Four months after being blind-sided by the resignation of John Hartwell, ULM introduces its new athletic director. The university introduced S.J. Tuohy as its new man to lead the Warhawks athletic department. During his introduction, Tuohy said his goal is to send the entire athletics program soaring to new heights.

Cut 10 (09) “…eligibility rules anymore.”

The 32-year-old Tuohy says even though he grew up in Memphis, he does have a strong connection to Louisiana – although he did seem a little confused as to some of the specifics.

Cut 11 (09) “…in Louisiana somewhere.”

Tuohy says he chose to go to ULM because it has a strong foundation to build on.

Cut 12 (07) “…build and grow.”

Head football coach Bryant Vincent had been serving as interim athletic director during the last four months following Hartwell’s resignation.

____________________________________________________________

Two huge matchups in New Orleans highlight tonight’s semifinal action on the select side of the high school football playoffs. Top-seeded Edna Karr, ranked eighth in the country by MaxPreps, will host fourth-seeded Catholic. The Cougars beat the Bears in the semis by two points last year, and the LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett expects another close game.

Cut 13 (10)  “…in this one”

The other Division One select matchup is John Curtis versus St. Augustine. Verrett says the Patriots are playing their best football of the season right now.

Cut 14 (11) “…fun to watch.”

One of the hottest teams in the state is Calvary Baptist. Verrett likes the Cavaliers’ chances to knock off second-seeded Notre Dame tonight in Division Three select.

Cut 15 (09) “…lost all year.”

_______________________________________________________

Number-21 Tulane hosts number-24 North Texas tonight in the American Conference Championship, with the winner likely gaining an invitation to the College Football Playoff. The Mean Green come into the matchup with the top offense in the nation, averaging over 46 points a game. Head coach Jon Sumrall says the Green Wave’s defense has to do a good job of shutting down the pass game.

Cut 16 (14) “…end for sure.”

Sumrall says a huge contributor to the team’s success has been BYU junior transfer quarterback Jake Retzlaff.

Cut 17 (09)  “…a big deal.”

Retzlaff leads the Green Wave in rushing, with 561 yards and 14 touchdowns. Sumrall and North Texas head coach Eric Morris will finish out the season with their respective teams before moving on to coach Power Four programs — Sumrall to Florida and Morris to Oklahoma State. Kickoff at Yulman Stadium is seven p-m.

_____________________________________________________

Four-star offensive tackle Brysten Martinez out of East Ascension High School in Gonzales signed with LSU on Wednesday. Martinez is rated as the number-nine offensive tackle in the country and says his decision to choose the Tigers over Texas came down to the hiring of Lane Kiffin.

Cut 18 (09)  “…with LSU already.”

One of the three inmates who escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail is dead. 26-year-old Joseph Harrington shot himself to death during a standoff with Port Barre Police. The other two inmates – 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathan Joseph – are still on the run. Mark LeBlanc with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says they chiseled through degrading concrete, got onto the roof and used construction equipment to make their escape.

Cut 10 (12) “…the building completely.”

Meanwhile in Vermilion Parish, 23-year-old Gavin Garnica, who’s facing drug and firearm charges, escaped that parish’s jail by scaling the jail’s fence. Ashley Adams with the sheriff’s office says if you see him, do not approach him under any circumstances.

Cut 11 (10) “…drugs and weapons.”

CDC advisors open a two-day meeting, during which they could make changes to recommended childhood vaccinations, and Senator Bill Cassidy has something to say about that. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Lane Kiffin may not get to coach Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff, but he will be appearing at the SEC Championship Game. The new LSU coach will be a guest on ESPN’s College Gameday as it broadcasts from Atlanta, the site of the SEC title game between Georgia and Alabama.

Four-star wide receiver Brayden Allen out of Lafayette signed with LSU yesterday on day one of the early signing period. Allen was committed to Oklahoma going into last weekend, but he decommitted the night Lane Kiffin was hired. Allen says there’s a lot to like about Kiffin’s offensive system.

Cut 18 (12)  “…really great feeling.”

Allen will join the Tigers in the summer as a late enrollee.

One of LSU’s top-rated commitments and the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country, Richard Anderson, out of Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, is set to formally sign with the Tigers on Thursday after a clerical hold up kept him from signing on Wednesday. Anderson’s revised documents will be sent to LSU on Thursday.

The No. 5 LSU women’s basketball team looks to stay undefeated on the season as the Tigers travel to Durham, North Carolina to face the Duke Blue Devils tonight at 8 p.m.

Tomorrow night is the semifinals of the high school football playoffs. In Division Two non-select, Plaquemine is in the semifinals for a second straight season, but LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says the Green Devils have a touch matchup against top-seeded North DeSoto.

Cut 15 (10) “…ready to go.”

Louisiana Tech junior defensive back has been named Conference USA Co-Defensive Player of the Year after intercepting three passes, breaking up five passes and recording a team-high 92 tackles. Fields will not play his senior season for the Bulldogs as he entered the transfer portal on Wednesday.

The LSU men’s basketball team defeated Boston College in overtime last night by a score of 78-69 to remain undefeated on the season. Junior guard DJ Thomas led the Tigers in scoring with 23 points while also dishing out seven assists.

South Louisiana saw jail breaks in two parishes yesterday. In St. Landry Parish, Major Mark LeBlanc with the sheriff’s office says 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped through one of the cells in an upper corner of the building.

Cut 9 (10)  “…of a hole.”

At that point, they were able to get outside and onto the roof.

In Vermilion Parish, a 23-year-old facing drug and firearm charges escaped that parish’s jail late last night. Deputies believed they saw Gavin Garnica sleeping covered by a blanket in his bunk, but they later discovered video showing him scaling the jail’s fence. Ashley Adams with the sheriff’s office says Garnica is known to be violent, but the big question is how Garnica was able to escape the jail in the first place.

Cut 12 (07) “…have been violated.”

A tip and a traffic stop led to a major meth bust in Calcasieu Parish. State Police Trooper Roy Jones says when 48-year-old Brent Touchet of Lake Charles stopped, investigators found. Around 85 pounds of methamphetamine the vehicle, along with a weapon and other contraband. Touchet was arrested, along with the two people who were with him – 45-year-old Jessica Robinson of Lake Charles and 41-year-old Josh Reeves of Sulphur.

Cut 15 (10) “…a stolen vehicle.”

Some Louisiana royals will be aboard Louisiana’s float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, New Year’s Day. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Joining Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will be the Oyster Queen, and the Jambalaya Queen and they will be doing more than simply smiling and waving to the crowd.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the state.”