It’s expected to be difficult if even possible for incoming lawmakers meet a January 15^th deadline to redraw the state’s congressional map to include a second majority-minority district? Outgoing Senate President Page Cortez says he hasn’t discussed it with Governor Edwards if he plans to call for a special session before he leaves office. Cortez believes Edwards is waiting to see if Judge Shelly Dick grants an extension or not.

Cut 11 (08) “…additional time.”

Governor-elect Landry and new lawmakers will be sworn in office one week before the January 15^th deadline.

Louisiana Representative and Speaker of the US House Representatives Mike Johnson has endorsed Former President Donald Trump for president saying he’s all in for president trump. While the house was seeking a new speaker, Trump didn’t endorse Johnson but reportedly made a strong suggestion to go with the leading candidate and do so quickly.

The UNO Research Center has released the results of a statewide comprehensive survey. The random poll asked 429 participants to rate Governor John Bel Edwards’ job performance and the incoming Landry administration. Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says Governor Edwards received a 20 percent higher job approval rating compared to former Governor Bobby Jindal when he left office in 2016.

Cut 14 (06) “…20 percent.”

LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says with the Governor’s race, and the majority of House and Senate races decided last month, there’s already a huge jump on the next term of state government.

Cut 5 (08) “ …early start.”  

Metairie Senator Cameron Henry is expected to be the Republicans’ choice for Senate President and Eunice Representative Phillip DeVillier is the Republicans’ choice for Louisiana Speaker of the House.

Acadiana Representative Phillip DeVillier is the Republicans’ choice for the next Louisiana Speaker of the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (00)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Governor’s Office has launched “56 for 56” – a social media campaign highlighting one of the governor’s accomplishments every day for his final 56 days in office. While the series highlights the progress of Governor Edwards, Digital Creator for the Governor’s Office Tyler Walker says it also celebrates Louisianans who supported and worked with Governor Edwards since 2016.

Cut 6 (13) “…we’ve made.”

The question looms if incoming lawmakers can meet the January 15^th deadline to redraw the state’s congressional map to include a second majority-minority district.  Outgoing Senate President Page Cortez says it’s best to ask for a deadline extension because it’s not ideal for current lawmakers to meet.

Cut 9 (11) “…could pass.” 

Early voting numbers in the Bayou State show only 254,000 people voted that’s 115,000 fewer voters than the October early-voting turnout. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says this is not a good indication for Democratic candidates who are in big races like Secretary of State and Attorney General.

Cut 12 (11) “…statewide contender.” 

The question looms if incoming lawmakers can meet the January 15^th deadline to redraw the state’s congressional map.  Outgoing Senate President Page Cortez says they’ll have a better idea soon if current or incoming lawmakers will address the map.

Cut 10 (08) “…take it up.” 

Federal Judge Shelly Dick ruled the map must have two majority-black districts, not one.

It appears that Eunice Representative Phillip DeVillier is the Republicans’ choice for Louisiana Speaker of the House. LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says he’s never seen a legislature so pro-active, and they need to get a leg up because…

Cut 3 (10) “….right off the bat.”

And there’s a chance another special session could be called before the regular session begins in March.

The Governor’s Office has kicked off the “56 for 56” social media campaign for Edwards’ final days in office…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

A Natchitoches Parish Grand Jury has returned a decision of “No True Bill” on assault charges filed by Natchitoches Parish President candidate Latorria Freeman against current President John Richmond. The criminal complaint alleged Richmond had a physical altercation with Freeman.  Freeman a Democrat is in a runoff with Independent John Salter. The charges will be dismissed.

A federal Court has given the Louisiana legislature until Jan. 15 to pass a new congressional map for the state that would include a second majority-minority district.  Outgoing Senate President Page Cortez doesn’t think the deadline is ideal…

Cut 9 (12) “…could pass.” 

And if Edwards vetoed the maps, because of the limited timeline, Cortez there would be a veto override session for incoming lawmakers and Governor-elect Landry.

Governor John Bel Edwards term ends on January 8th and until then Louisianans will be able to view his top accomplishments in the “56 for 56” social media campaign. Digital Creator for the Governor’s Office Tyler Walker encourages Louisianans to comment on their favorite state improvement during Edwards tenure.

Cut 8 (11) “….this week.” 

The public can follow the Governor’s social media accounts and use the hashtag #56for56.

The 2023 school performance scores were released by the Louisiana Department of Education and there’s good news for students in the Bayou State. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

UNO surveyed 429 residents over the telephone and 17-percent of the respondents cited crime as the top priority for incoming Governor Jeff Landry. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak…
cut 15 (09) “….public safety”
15-percent said the economy needs to be Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s top priority, 12-pecent said education.

The overall performance score for Louisiana public schools is 78.5. That’s the highest score since 2018, which is encouraging to state education leaders. But Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says more work needs to take place…
cut 5 (10) “….student needs”
The number of low-performing schools that needs special attention from the state has grown from 272 in 2019 to 353.

The Secretary of State’s Office projects a voter turnout for Saturday at around 20-percent. Pollster John Couvillon says the three statewide races are not generating a lot of buzz, but there are some hotly contested local elections…
cut 13 (11) “….the primary”
Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.

Governor John Bel Edwards has less than two months to go in his second term as governor. So one of the things the governor will do during this time is highlight some of the accomplishments. He is the 56th governor so the social media campaign is called 56 for 56….
cut 7 (09) “…to highlight”
Digital creator for the Governor’s office, Tyler Walker, says they’ll also recap economic development projects, criminal justice reform and the first social media post during this campaign was dedicated to the Medicaid expansion.

23-year-old-Jacoby Johnson of Rayville faces four counts of attempted second-degree murder after four women were stabbed on LA Tech’s campus Monday morning. A student, who did not witness the incident and asked not to be identified questions why the school was never put on lockdown.

Cut 24 (06) “…going on.” 

The ages of the victims are 23, 62, 65, and 72.

JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says turnout among Louisiana’s Democratic voters for the November 18^th election may be worse than the primary. 115,000 less voters participated in early voting for the runoff….

Cut 12 (11) “…statewide contender.” 

Polls open at 7 am on Saturday and close 8 pm.

Yesterday the Governor’s Office launched “56 for 56” – a social media campaign highlighting one of Edward’s accomplishments each day of his final 56 days in office. Governor’s Office Digital Creator Tyler Walker says it also celebrates Louisianans who supported and collaborated with Edwards since 2016.

Cut 6 (13) “…we’ve made.”

According to a new poll, Edward’s job approval is 40 percent, 41 percent disapprove, and 20 percent had no opinion. UNO conducted the statewide survey and pollster Ed Chervenak says Edwards’ approval rating is 20 percent higher than when predecessor Governor Bobby Jindal left office…

Cut 14 (06) “…20 percent.”
Edwards who is Louisiana’s 56^th governor leaves office on January 8^th.

Detectives are trying to determine what sparked Monday morning’s stabbing on the Louisiana Tech campus that left four people injured. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Eunice Representative Phillip DeVillier has gained enough support from fellow legislators to be elected as the next speaker of the house for the Louisiana House of Representatives. DeVillier will begin serving his third term on January 8th and that’s when official vote is expected to be taken. Metairie Republican Cameron Henry is expected to be the next Senate President.

UNO surveyed 429 residents over the telephone and 17-percent of the respondents cited crime as the top priority for incoming Governor Jeff Landry. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak…
cut 15 (09) “….public safety”
15-percent said the economy needs to be Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s top priority, 12-pecent said education.

The overall performance score for Louisiana public schools is 78.5. That’s the highest score since 2018, which is encouraging to state education leaders. But Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says more work needs to take place…
cut 5 (10) “….student needs”
The number of low-performing schools that needs special attention from the state has grown from 272 in 2019 to 353.

Officials are calling Monday morning’s stabbing on the Louisiana Tech campus that injured four people a random attack. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker…
cut 7 (10) “….always do”
23-year-old student Jacoby Johnson of Rayville was arrested and a motive has not been established. One of the victims is in critical condition at a hospital in Shreveport.

Governor John Bel Edwards has less than two months left in office and his approval rating according to a new poll is at 40-percent, 41-percent disapprove of the job he’s done and 20-percent did not provide an opinion. UNO conducted the statewide telephone poll and pollster Ed Chervenak says Edwards’ approval rating is 20-percent higher than when former Governor Bobby Jindal left office in 2016…
cut 14 (06) “…20 percent”

2023 public school performance scores are out and they show consecutive years of growth…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Eunice Republican Phillip DeVillier has reportedly received enough support from his colleagues that he’ll be the next House Speaker for the Louisiana Legislature. An official vote will take place when a new state legislature convenes on January 8th.

Also, Governor Edwards is considering holding a special session so the outgoing legislature can redraw the Louisiana Congressional map so it contains two majority minority districts.

A stabbing on Louisiana Tech’s campus yesterday left four people injured one of them is in critical condition at a Shreveport hospital. Two others are in serious but stable condition, while the fourth victim refused treatment. Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker says the attack happened around 9 AM at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center…
cut 9 (10) “…when this happened”
A student identified as Jacoby Johnson was arrested in what authorities are calling a random act of violence.

The attack shook many of the students that attend Louisiana Tech. A student we spoke with, believes the school should have gone into lockdown when the attack occurred…
cut 10 (10) “….random attack”
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for tonight on campus.

The Louisiana Department of Education has released Student Performance Scores and in spite of the unprecedented disruptions since 2020, State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley is encouraged.
Cut 4 (07) “…2019.”
The overall state performance score for the 2022-23 school year is 78.5 out of a possible 150 points. It’s the best score the state has had since 2018.

A telephone survey of 429 Louisiana registered voters finds that 52-percent of respondents support the legalization of recreational marijuana. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak says prior to 2021, a majority of voters were firmly against legalization.
cut 16 (12) “….marijuana legalized”
He says there is a clear inverse relationship between age and support for legalization, with increasing age associated with deceased support.

The Louisiana Department of Education releases 2023 performance scores and there’s good news for Louisiana Students. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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After four females were stabbed on LA Tech’s campus a suspect is in custody and the Mayor of Ruston says it was a random attack. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The latest UNO Research Center statewide survey indicates opinions differ in several categories including Governor John Bel Edwards’ job performance and legalizing marijuana. Teiko Foxx more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education has released the 2023 Louisiana Student Performance Scores and in spite of the unprecedented disruptions of the last two years, State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley is encouraged.

Cut 4 (07) “…2019.”

Brumley says Louisiana students are gaining ground but we’re not there yet…

Cut 5 (10) “…student needs.”

Brumley says we need quality teachers in every classroom, parental choice, and a return to the basics.

Improvements in scores surpassed the pre-pandemic numbers and Brumley recognized the highest performing districts in Louisiana…

Cut 6 (12) “…and Vernon.”

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After four females were stabbed on Louisiana Tech’s campus Monday morning, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says 23-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville was taken into custody. And while a motive has not been released Walker asked members of the public to reach out for help when they have mental health issues.

Cut 7 (10) “…always do.”

The names of the victims were not released but two are in critical but stable condition and another in stable condition. Walker says the fourth victim did not seek medical care.

Walker said the ages of the victims were 62, 65, 72, and 23. He says three were students taking a class at the Lambright Center and one was an instructor.

A LA Tech student spoke to us about the incident and while she did not witness it the Junior says there was a lack of communication and she questioned why the school was never put on lockdown.

Cut 8 (06) “…going on.” 

Walker says while there’s plenty of speculation as to what happened…

Cut 9 (10)  “…this happened.”

And while the student we spoke to, who asked not to be identified, says before Monday’s incident she wasn’t signed up with the school’s emergency response system, she believes students and faculty should have been emailed updates also.

Cut 10 (09) “…random attack.”

The school is holding a candlelight vigil on the school’s campus this evening and a blood drive on Thursday. LA Tech is also offering group counseling sessions for students impacted by the incident.

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JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says turnout among Louisiana’s Democratic voters for the November 18^th election may be worse than the gubernatorial primary. He says part of the GOP advantage seems to be a demotivated Democratic base.

Cut 11 (12) “…Democratic race.” 

Early voting numbers in the Bayou State show only 254,000 people voted that’s 115,000 fewer voters than the October early-voting turnout. Couvillon says this is not a good indication for Democratic candidates who are in big races like Secretary of State and Attorney General.

Cut 12 (11) “…statewide contender.” 

Couvillon says about five percent of Lafayette parish’s 158,000 registered voters cast a ballot. He expects high-profile local races may create more interest on election day.

Cut 13 (11) “…the primary.”

Polls open Saturday at 7 am and close at 8 pm. 

__________________________________________________

The UNO Research Center has released the results of a statewide comprehensive survey. The random poll asked 429 participants to rate Governor John Bel Edwards’ job performance and the incoming Landry administration. Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says Governor Edwards received a 20 percent higher job approval rating compared to former Governor Bobby Jindal when he left office in 2016.

Cut 14 (06) “…20 percent.”

Respondents age 65 and older were twice as likely to approve of Edwards’ job performance compared to the youngest age group. Chervenak says 17 percent of respondents feel crime should be the main priority for the incoming Landry administration.

Cut 15 (09) “…public safety”

The survey also shed light on respondents’ party choices and the factors influencing these preferences.

Prior to 2021, Chervenak says the majority of registered voters were firmly against the idea of legalization. He points out that now 52 percent favor legalizing the recreational use of marijuana.

Cut 16 (12) “…marijuana legalized.”

The survey was conducted from October 25 to November 2.

___________________________________________________

The Saints are currently coming off of a loss to the Vikings 29 to 17, but that’s not the only loss New Orleans suffered on Sunday as star cornerback Marshon Lattimore and receiver Michael Thomas both went down with significant injuries during the game. Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen views the injuries as a setback . . .

Cut 17 (14) “…things like that.”

Saints Quarterback Derek Carr is now in concussion protocol after taking a hard hit in the Vikings game, but his shoulder was not affected.

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LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly and his staff found Jayden Daniels at Arizona State during his first year at LSU and the two have worked together to create one of the greatest college football offenses of all time this season. When reflecting on recruiting Daniels to LSU, Coach Kelly remembers that…

Cut 18 (18) “…fun to watch.”

Not only is Coach Kelly happy with Daniels’ improvements on the field, but he is proud of all the different little things that Daniels has accomplished, outside of his gridiron statistics, that have transformed him into an elite quarterback. Little things like strength training, agility, and other categories have seen major improvement while Daniels has been at LSU and Coach Kelly admires the hard work and effort Daniels put in to get there.

Cut 19 (21) “…he works out.” 

A very important part of LSU’s historic offense and what could be Jayden Daniels’ Heisman season has been the elite play of Malik Nabers who has 1,284 yards on 72 receptions and 10 touchdown receptions on the season. Nabers’ numbers may be even more video game-like if Junior receiver Brian Thomas Jr. wasn’t performing at an elite level as well with 13 touchdown receptions and 918 yards. The only other challenger to him winning the Biletnikoff trophy would be Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Head Coach Brian Kelly has this to say about his odds…

Cut 20 (20) “..award winner.”