Starting on December 20th, graduating high school seniors who do not score well enough on LEAP tests to graduate, will have an avenue to appeal in order to graduate. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Holly Boffy is a big supporter of the policy…
cut 11 (12) “…..at students”
Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry oppose this new appeals process over concerns it waters down the value of a high school diploma.

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is one of four finalists up for the Heisman Trophy. Daniels leads college football in most offensive categories including yards per rush at 8.4 yards a carry. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says that sets Daniels apart from the other two quarterbacks up for the award….
Cut 14 (11) “…at quarterback.”
The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation has started preliminary site work for the new $361 million dollar Jimmie Davis Bridge connecting Bossier and Caddo Parishes. Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says drivers may notice workers clearing debris and vegetation near the foot of the bridge.
Cut 6 (08) “…extensive.”
Buchanan says major construction on the four-lane bridge is still about a year away.

LSU Pennington Biomedical has received a 13-million dollar grant that will look to see what programs would be effective in fighting childhood obesity among minorities and rural residents. Associate Professor Amando Staiaino says participants will be under the guidance of their physician and have access to a nutritionist and a social worker…
cut 4 (11) “…they need”
The outreach study among minority children and those in rural backgrounds is in conjunction with Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Concordia Parish Deputies have arrested seven people in a home invasion, for false imprisonment, and second-degree battery of a female in Vidalia last week. One more person is still wanted for their alleged participation. Brandy Spears with Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the victim was inside a residence when eight individuals assaulted the victim.

Cut 8 (08) “…pepper spray.” 

The woman escaped the next day and was able to identify the suspects ranging in ages from 23 to 43.

The list of Heisman finalists is out, and Jayden Daniels is one of four players’ up for the award. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the oddsmakers believe Daniels will be LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner…

Cut 13 (09) “…overwhelming favorite.”
The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night.

Starting on December 20th, high school seniors who do not pass the LEAP exam will have an option to appeal and possibly receive their diploma. The policy could be changed when new BESE members are sworn in next year. Current BESE president Holly Boffy says if that does happen…

Cut 12 (08) “…state law.” 
Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry oppose the appeals process, they believe it devalues a high school diploma.

LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center has received a $13 million grant to help fight childhood obesity among minorities and those in rural communities. Associate Professor Amanda Staiano says the grant will allow them to find the best approach to deliver their 26-hour evidence-based obesity program.

Cut 3 (09) “….time period.”

The outreach study is in conjunction with Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Louisiana high school seniors will have the option to appeal their scores on the state’s standardized graduation exam starting December 20th. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Department of Transportation announced preliminary site work has started on the Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River connecting Bossier and Caddo Parishes. Officials say the process of removing types of vegetation is underway near the foot of the existing bridge.

Jayden Daniels is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, one of the highest awards in college football. Some have mentioned LSU’s 9-3 record and its potential to hurt Daniels’ chances of winning the Heisman. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne…

Cut 15 (09) “…out there.”

The ceremony will air on ESPN at 8 pm on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns will play the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the 23^rd annual R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on December 16. Bowl director Billy Ferrante…

Cut 4 (12) “…Rich Rodriguez.”

The Ragin Cajuns who are six-and-six overall, will make their seventh appearance in the bowl game.

Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Holly Boffy defends her efforts to give students who are unable to pass the LEAP test to file an appeal. Boffy filed an emergency rule for the process to be implemented sooner but after political pushback, it will go into effect on December 20^th.

Cut 10 (11) “…a distraction.”

Boffy says it was never her intent for the issue to become a political distraction, but the December 20^th date still allows for December graduates. Louisiana is one of eight states that require passage of the graduation

Concordia Parish Deputies have arrested seven people in a home invasion, false imprisonment, and second-degree battery of a female in Vidalia last week. One more person is still wanted for their allegedly participating. Brandy Spears with Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the female was inside a residence when eight individuals entered without permission and assaulted the victim.

Cut 8 (08) “…pepper spray.” 

The woman escaped the next day and was able to identify eight people ranging in age from 23 to 43 involved in the home invasion.

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is one of four finalists up for the Heisman Trophy. Daniels leads college football in most offensive categories including yards per rush at 8.4 yards a carry. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says that sets Daniels apart from the other two quarterbacks up for the award….

Cut 14 (11) “…at quarterback.”

The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night.

The Ragin Cajuns will once again compete in the R and L Carriers New Orleans Bowl as they face Jacksonville State on December 16. Bowl director Billy Ferrante says this is the 23rd annual R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and every time, U-L Lafayette is in the game, there’s more interest locally…

Cut 5 (12) “…0f market.”

The 23rd annual bowl game will air on ESPN at 1:15 pm.

Outgoing BESE President Holly Boffy (bow-fee) defends her initiative to allow high school seniors to appeal their scores on the state’s standardized graduation exam…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

According to the Louisiana Illuminator, 197-thousand Louisiana residents lost their Medicaid career during a five-month-period this year. It’s part of a nationwide Medicaid disenrollment process. For three years, the federal government did not allow states to remove individuals from Medicaid, even if they did not meet income requirements.

The list of Heisman finalists is out and Jayden Daniels is one of four players’ up for the award. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the oddsmakers believe Daniels will be LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner…
Cut 13 (09) “…overwhelming favorite.”
The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night.

High school football fans will be in New Orleans this weekend for the Prep Classic, the following weekend it’s the New Orleans Bowl between the Ragin Cajuns and Jacksonville State. Bowl Director Billy Ferrante knows the Cajuns will have a lot of fans at the game and they expect the same from Jacksonville State…
cut 6 (11) “…makes a difference’
The game will be on December 16th at 1:15 PM.

Starting on December 20th, high school seniors who do not score well enough on the LEAP test to graduate, will have an option to appeal that could result in the student receiving their diploma. The policy could be changed when new BESE members are sworn in next year. Current BESE president Holly Boffy says if that does happen…
cut 12 (08) “….state law”
But Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry oppose the appeals process, because they believe it devalues a high school diploma.

Seven people have been arrested in a home invasion, false imprisonment, and second-degree battery of a woman in Vidalia last week. Brandy Spears with the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the victim found help at a pharmacy in Vidalia.
Cut 7 (08) “…night before..”
Deputies are still looking for one more person who allegedly participated, 23-year-old Dustin Wright of Vidalia.

It’s official as LSU’s Jayden Daniels was named a Heisman Finalist last night. The biggest argument against Daniels receiving the award is the three losses suffered by the Tigers this season. But Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says….
cut 15 (09) “…out there”
The other finalists are Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Junior and Ohio State’ s Marvin Harrison Junior. The award will be handed out on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns will once again make a short drive to compete in a bowl game as they’ll face Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl. Teiko Foxx has more from the bowl director…
Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Starting on December 20th, graduating high school seniors who do not score well enough on LEAP tests to graduate, will have an avenue to appeal in order to graduate. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Holly Boffy is a big supporter of the policy…
cut 11 (12) “…..at students”
Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry oppose this new appeals process over concerns it waters down the value of a high school diploma.

Concordia Parish Sheriff deputies have arrested seven people involved in the beating of a woman who was held against her will for a night inside a residence. Authorities say the victim escaped and got help at a pharmacy in Vidalia. Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Brandy Spears, says authorities are still searching for one person, 23-year-old Dustin Wright of Vidalia…
cut 9 (03) “….white male”

It’s official! Jayden Daniels is a Heisman finalist….
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
The Heisman will be awarded on Saturday night.

On Saturday December 16th, the Ragin Cajuns will play Jacksonville State in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Bowl Director Billy Ferrante…
cut 4 (12) “…Rich Rodriguez”
The game will kick off at 1:15 on December 16th.

One of the largest private owners of timberland in the world, Weyerhaeuser will invest 96 million dollars in its Winn Parish lumber mill in Winn Parish to reduce carbon emissions. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

If you want your packages and holiday cards to reacher their destination by December 25^th you need to put them in the mail by December 16^th. You get an extra four days if you send them priority but if you send them by priority mail express you have to mail them by December 21^st.

California will face off against Texas Tech in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport on December 16^th.  Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson says it’s their first power-five match-up since 2016. With two high-profile teams, Evenson says it’s a three-hour commercial for Shreveport-Bossier City.

Cut 6 (12) “…the game.”

Sixteen teams are getting ready to play in the state high school football championships. Among them, Union Parish will make their fourth straight state championship game appearance when they face St. James Friday afternoon. Farmers Head Coach Joe Spatafora says they want to win it all this year after finishing as a runner-up the last three seasons…

Cut 11 (11) “…last three.”

Governor John Bel Edwards set a goal to reduce GHG emissions to net zero by 2050. And Weyerhaeuser, one of the largest private owners of timberland is investing millions in Louisiana to modernize and decarbonize their facilities. Spokesperson Deano Orr says the Dodson facility will add a new trimmer, sorter, and stacker to improve mill efficiencies and help reach production targets. He says the technology will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and waste, in addition to…

Cut 4 (11) “…as well.”

Weyerhaeuser has eight locations in Louisiana including Hammond, Ruston, and Winnfield.Orr says the company is committed to the rural communities in the Bayou State. The first two CDKs are expected to be installed by the end of next year.

16 high school football teams will play in the Prep Classic that begins Thursday in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Shreveport is hosting the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in primetime on Saturday December 16^th. Bowl Spokesperson, Erik Evenson says it’s a win-win for visiting fans and locals to enjoy the festivities leading up to kickoff.

Cut 8 (10) “…on Monday.” 

Weyerhaeuser, one of the largest private owners of timberland, is spending millions to modernize and decarbonize their Louisiana facilities. 96 million is going to a Winn parish lumber mill and Spokesperson Deano Orr says the company is committed to rural communities in the Bayou State. He says earlier this month the company announced the Thrive project…

Cut 5 (13) “ …first beneficiary.”  

The first two CDKs are expected to be installed by the end of next year.

Sixteen teams are getting ready to play in the state high school football championships. Opelousas will play Cecilia in the Division two non-select state title game on Friday at noon in the Caesars Superdome. Cecilia Coach Dennis Skains has the Bulldogs playing for its first state title game since 1995…

Cut 10 (10) “…with that”  

The Prep Classic gets underway Thursday in the Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans.

Time is getting short for sending holiday mail and packages and you want it to reach its destination by Dec 25th. If you’re sending by US mail the USPS website says, you have until December 16 to mail. You get an extra 4 days if you send priority but even the fastest method, priority mail express has to be sent by December 21^st. UPS and FedEx have similar deadlines.