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. 

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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.

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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.” 

After four females were stabbed on LA 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 24 always do. :10

The names of the victims were not released but two are in critical but stable condition and another in stable condition.

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 25 going on. :07

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.

Rain is falling in the southern half of the state and State Climatologist Barry Keim says any rain is welcome considering 99 percent of the Bayou State is in drought and 88 percent of is in either extreme or exceptional drought. Since October 1^st there’s only been an average of one-point-nine inches of rain in the state.

Cut 7 (09) “…since October 1st.” 

Rain totals could reach up to three to four inches over the next few days for south Louisiana.

Repairs have been completed and I-55 Northbound in St. John the Baptist Parish has reopened since last month’s fatal 168-car pile-up. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett reminds motorists to always buckle up, pay attention to the road, never drive impaired, avoid tailgating other vehicles, and when weather conditions change slow down…

Cut 11 (11) “…we had.”

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 by the hit.

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The Pelicans will take on the Mavericks tonight in the Smoothie King Center. After losing the first game 136 to 124, New Orleans is looking to get some revenge. A big part of the Pelicans offense will be small forward Brandon Ingram who recorded 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the Pelicans latest game. Tomorrow’s match up between Dallas and New Orleans will tip off at 7 pm.

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LSU Quarterback and Heisman hopeful Jayden Daniels had a record breaking game against the Florida Gators on Saturday. LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly believes that the Bayou Bengals quarterback had his Heisman moment on Saturday and is deserving of the honor.

Cut 19 (25) “ …most popular player.”

Daniels’ historic night included 372 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 234 rushing yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns as he became the first player to ever have at least 350 passing yards and 200 rushing yards in a game.

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In other LSU news, the LSU Lady Tigers are ranked 7th in the nation in this week’s AP Women’s Basketball Poll and their next game will be in the PMAC tomorrow against Kent State and it will be on SEC Network + at 7 pm.

A Louisiana Tech Student is in custody following a stabbing on the Ruston Campus this morning. A graduate student and 3 others were attacked this morning outside the Lambright Intramural Sports and Wellness Center. At least one of the victims were airlifted to a Shreveport hospital. The Louisiana Tech Police Department says 23 year old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville has been arrested and it appears the attacks were random Johnson had reportedly been inside the building and ran out, stabbing the victims in his path. The Mayor of Ruston is holding a press conference this afternoon.

The inmate convicted of 1993 killing BRP Corporal  Betty Smothers, the mother of former NFL player Warrick Dunn Will remain on death row.

The Louisiana Board of Pardons refused Henri Broadway’s request for clemency Monday. Broadway was one of several inmates who sent letters to Governor John Bel Edwards earlier this year in hopes of escaping the death penalty.

Rain, something we haven’t seen much of for quite some time, is falling in south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a storm system in the Gulf, off the Texas coast, is expected to track eastward along Louisiana’s coastline today, tomorrow, and part of Wednesday.

Cut 6 (12) “…about that.”

Keim says any rain is welcome considering 99 percent of the state is in a drought and 88 percent is either extreme or exceptional drought.

I-55 Northbound in between Ponchatoula and LaPlace reopened today after being closed for four weeks. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett urges motorists to always pay attention to changing weather conditions and react accordingly.

Cut 9 (11) “…the crash.” 

23-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville is in custody after stabbing four people on the campus of Louisiana Tech this morning. The incident happened at the Lambright Intramural Sports and Wellness Center on the school’s campus. Louisiana Tech Police Chief told Ruston Daily Leader the attack was random. One of the four victims is in critical condition. One victim is a graduate student and the other three are non-students. Johnson is a student and is being treated at a hospital for injuries received during the incident. The public is urged to avoid the area. No fatalities have been confirmed.

According to State Police, a nine-year-old was killed in a two-vehicle crash on LA 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish Saturday evening. Braelynn Washington of Port Allen was not properly restrained and was a front passenger in a Chevrolet Blazer when it was struck by a Jeep Cherokee. Trooper Christian Reed says state law requires all occupants in a vehicle to be restrained including children.

Cut 5 (12) “ …car seat.”  

The driver and rear passenger in the Chevrolet were not wearing seatbelts and sustained moderate injuries.

Repairs have been completed and I-55 Northbound in St. John the Baptist Parish has reopened since last month’s fatal 168 car pile-up. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett reminds motorists to always buckle up, pay attention to the road, never drive impaired, avoid tailgating other vehicles, and when weather conditions change slow down…

Cut 11 (11) “…we had.”

Southbound lanes are also open to the public.

A storm system in the Gulf has brought much-needed rain to the Bayou State today and will continue to track eastward tomorrow, and part of Wednesday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Bayou State is far behind the normal average for rainfall…

Cut 8 (11) “….this week.” 

A Louisiana Tech Student is in custody following a stabbing on the Ruston Campus this morning. A graduate student and 3 others were attacked this morning outside the Lambright Intramural Sports and Wellness Center. At least one of the victims were airlifted to a Shreveport hospital. The Louisiana Tech Police Department says 23 year old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville has been arrested and it appears the attacks were random Johnson had reportedly been inside the building and ran out, stabbing the victims in his path. Tech Police are not granting interviews at this time and no press conference has yet been scheduled.

I-55 Northbound in St. John the Baptist Parish reopened today after being closed for four weeks. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett urges motorists to always pay attention to changing weather conditions and react accordingly.

Cut 9 (11) “…the crash.” 

Yes, that’s rain falling from the sky in south Louisiana, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

State Police say a two-vehicle crash on LA 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish claimed the life of a nine-year-old Braelynn Washington of Port Allen a front passenger in a Chevrolet Blazer, Saturday evening. The Chevrolet headed south on LA 415 attempted to make a left turn at LA 986 when the Jeep headed south hit the vehicle. The occupants in the Jeep were wearing seatbelts and were not injured. Trooper Christian Reed says says the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation

Cut 4 (09) “..to this.”