Just two days until Louisiana shows itself off to the world on the streets of Pasadena, California. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Former state lawmaker and BESE member Paul Hollis now has his dream job, as he’s been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the director of the U.S. Mint. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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Louisiana Tech is set to play in its second straight and seventh total Independence Bowl today. Andre Champagne has more.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
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In just two days, Louisiana will show itself off to the world when it glides its float along the streets of Pasadena, California, for the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says they’ve been working hard getting the float, titled “Gulf to Gumbo,” ready for Thursday morning’s big show.
Cut 4 (08) “…on this float.”
The float features a giant pelican chef stirring a big pot of gumbo. Representatives from several tourism bureaus from around the state will be riding the float – as will Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, who says the process of making the float is impressive in itself.
Cut 5 (07) “…100-thousand.”
Strain says this year’s float is intended to promote Louisiana’s rich agriculture and seafood industries.
Cut 6 (11) “…all coming together.”
This year’s musical guest aboard Louisiana’s float is American Idol runner-up John Foster.
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It’s a special holiday season for Mandeville resident, former state lawmaker and BESE member Paul Hollis, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 41st director of the U.S. Mint. Hollis, who has been involved in million-dollar sales of rare coins, has been an avid coin collector since he was a child when he was gifted a Peace Dollar.
Cut 7 (11) “…coins ever since.”
Hollis will oversee the production of nickels, dimes and quarters at facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco and West Point, New York. He says special coins will be produced to commemorate America’s 250th birthday.
Cut 8 (08) “…mint products”
The 53-year-old LSU graduate and coin expert is the first U.S. Mint director from Louisiana. He calls this a dream job and plans to represent the state well.
Cut 9 (10) “…afforded to me.”
Hollis expects to be sworn in next month, possibly during Washington, DC, Mardi Gras. His favorite coin is a 1925 U.S. Indian Head Quarter Eagle. He has it in his pocket for every special occasion in his life.
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LSU won its eighth national championship in baseball in June, but the biggest story in LSU sports this year was the firing of head football coach Brian Kelly and the hiring of Lane Kiffin. LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott Ballard was a guest on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge and said Kiffin emerged quickly as their top choice to replace Kelly.
Cut 10 (08) “…in the world.”
Kiffin has a big task in front of him as he must rebuild a roster that went 7-and-6 this past season. Kiffin says signing high-caliber players out of the transfer portal will be critical to their success in 2026, and Ballard says LSU officials have all the confidence in Kiffin to get the job done.
Cut 11 (06) “…we hired him.”
When Kiffin was hired, “The Advocate” reported LSU was prepared to spend up to 30-million dollars annually on Kiffin’s roster. LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says now that the coach is in place, a big part of his job in 2026 is fundraising.
Cut 12 (13) “…in different areas.”
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Louisiana Tech is playing in its second straight Independence Bowl today, as the Bulldogs take on Coastal Carolina at one p.m. in Shreveport. Head coach Sonny Cumbie will face off against Chanticleers’ interim head coach Jeremiah Johnson, who served as Tech’s defensive coordinator in 2024. Cumbie says this year’s defense is a little bit different than Johnson’s from last year.
Cut 13 (12) “…they create takeaways.”
Senior defensive back Cedrick Woods wraps up his six-year college career with the Bulldogs today. It will be Woods’ 58th game with the Bulldogs, which is the most played by a single player in program history. Woods says he is blessed to have been able to play for so many years.
Cut 14 (13) “…got this opportunity.”
Senior offensive lineman Landon Nelson is another senior playing his last game for the Bulldogs today. Nelson says this year has been rewarding, and he wants to close his career off on a high note.
Cut 15 (12) “…get eight wins.”
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The Saints started off the season with a 2-and-10 record, but they have completely turned the season around after beating the Titans Sunday for their fourth win in a row. Head coach Kellen Moore says the Saints have been successful lately because of the players’ positive attitudes.
Cut 16 (19) “…following their lead.”
The Saints’ defense allowed the Titans to score 20 points in the first half, but they limited Tennessee to just two field goals in the second half. Moore says New Orleans did a much better job of executing in the second half.
Cut 17 (15) “…much higher level.”
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is now one of the favorites to win the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Shough is now 5-and-3 as a starter, and Moore says Shough has earned the recent national attention.
Cut 18 (17) “…leading the way.”